I was there l Reaching out to Yolanda victims

Attending trainings and seminars have always been so thrilling to me, not only because of the new learning and the new friends I gain but because of the experience, the souvenir items and what have you. Over the years, I have collected numerous tees, mugs, bags and other items all tagged with “I was there” with the seminars and activities I have been to and the respective venues, so to speak.

Just recently, Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC), through the Offices of the Community Relations and Development (CRD) and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), once again ascertained its sincere heart to extend its voluntary initiative to the people and places way far from its host and neighboring communities. The company represented by yours truly, with the direct involvement of the Local Government Units (LGU) of the Municipality of Claver and the Province of Surigao del Norte, pushed through the mission to extend help to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda in the province of Leyte.

On November 26, the Provincial Team headed by the Vice Governor, Atty. Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. together with the PGMC Team, left Surigao City Port at exactly seven o’clock in the morning on board PGMC LCT 2, in a mission to help our brothers and sisters in the greatly affected areas in the province of Leyte. I was in all mixed emotions. I didn’t have the knack to contain the happiness inside me because I knew I would be making a difference, however, I was terrified to see how devastating the place had become after the super typhoon ruthlessly whipped the province. Finally setting foot on PGMC LCT 2 after the sleepless nights and tiring days of preparation, I felt the urge to recuperate and prepare myself for whatever is coming. I told myself, or should I say motivated, that I was ready.

And I didn’t see the sting coming. After an hour of voyage, a twinge in my heart was undeniable as I saw San Ricardo, Leyte. I didn’t see anything wrong with the side of the island, but deep down me, I was already expecting the other side of it. This part of Leyte may have seemed so calm and at peace but the news told it all. The other side of the province is in unfathomable anguish, dreading the remnants of strongest typhoon ever recorded in the Philippine history.

The team arrived in Liloan Port on the same day at two o’clock in the afternoon. Everyone was already tired but the glow of camaraderie and sincerity never left everyone’s face, eager to reach the mission’s target area, fervent to extend help to the people who are in need. I was ecstatic and at the same time anxious to see for myself how some of my ancestors’ homeland had become.

On the initial hour of the travel, Leyte seemed okay and undisturbed. But as the convoy pushed through, escorted by men from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Surigao del Norte, the places we passed by slowly killed the smallest hope inside me. I knew what to expect from the very start and the news had it all broadcasted, but seeing it in my own bare eyes was different. I wasn’t able to hold back my tears. Yes, I wanted to sob my heart out, but I didn’t, because I knew it wouldn’t help. But I wasn’t able to contain my tears. I cried in silence, not knowing if it was for the people but for me. There I was, in the middle of a totally wrecked place, where people didn’t just lose their homes, loved ones and sources of income, but hope. And there I was, realizing how irresponsible I was, complaining how tiring my life is, not appreciating all the small and big blessings I have. Guilt ate me, the whole of me. And from then on, I knew I was there to help, selflessly and genuinely. I told myself that while I was there, I will forget about my own problems, which seemed so insignificant compared to theirs, and just lend a helping hand on whatever and whichever way I can.

We arrived in Palo still on the same day past seven o’clock in the evening. I was already worn out but still burning with the passion to extend help. However, the LGU of Palo decided that the team turnover the relief goods on the next day since the place was already dead dark. After a humble dinner at our hosts, the team proceeded to call it a day. I was in the passenger side of the PGMC service bus and preparing myself to sleep when another realization hit me. What would have happened to me if I was on their shoe? What would have happened to Surigao del Norte if Yolanda hit the province? I wondered, certainly knowing the answers.

November 27 was one busy day. All the relief goods were unloaded and officially turned over to the Regional Director of the Department of Education in Palo, Leyte. After the short ceremony, the team still headed by the Vice Governor left for Tacloban City. The City Mayor personally received the check handed by Atty. Egay as financial assistance to the affected communities. After the turnover at Tacloban City Hall, the team proceeded to the Leyte Provincial Hall and Palo Municipal Hall and turned over another two checks respectively. I have been to these places before and seeing how it turned out after the super typhoon made my heart bleed. The place which was once a picture of progress was turned into a chaos.

After the long day, the team went back to the headquarters to get some rest and eat. Our hosts prepared rice and canned goods. On other occasions, especially when I am dead tired and starving, I would frown on it. I would consider having a king’s meal. But surprisingly, I smiled, grabbed myself a plate, put food on it and enjoyed the meal. It touched my heart seeing the people around me. Everyone was tired, but enjoying the meal like a feast and really contented.

After the humble feast, the team started the convoy back to Liloan Port. While on the road, people were at the streets waving their hands and asking for food and water. The scenario struck me. Those people were sure hungry because if they weren’t, they wouldn’t beg for food under the direct sunlight. It hurt really bad to see them. We immediately decided to give those people the food that we still have inside our vehicles. Biscuits, canned goods, cup noodles, bottled water and all that we had left. I felt pity and at the same time respect for them. The situation made me realize that parents would do anything just to provide food for their children. And knowing what they have gone through, it touched my heart seeing their genuine smiles and hearing their sincere gratitude.

I saw Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative (SURNECO) and other electric cooperatives inside and outside Mindanao working on the rehabilitation to give the province their electricity back. It gave me goose bumps. It made me proud to be a Filipino. Yes, I am proud to be one. It was a confirmation that on times like these, our nation becomes one and united that no matter how small or big a problem can be, we will stand still and prove to the world that we are one family, one country.

PGMC entrusted me the task to go see for myself how Yolanda changed the once astounding place in a snap and represent the company as it has extended an unpretentious support to all the victims. It must have been the most devastating feeling I have had in the last year, however, it was the most rewarding feeling in my whole existence and the most priceless souvenir I would ever have. I know for a fact that I haven’t extended a big time help, but it was sincere and I can only wish everyone lends a helping hand to make the people of Leyte realize that they were never alone. And for the record, they aren’t and never will be.

I was there. And on a humble note, I know I have helped in my own, simple way.