Simple thoughts I gained... My visit to my home province, Capiz, drowned me not only with so many thoughts in mind, but with despair. In fact, it suffocated me and my team emotionally. Life there is no longer as comfortable as it was before, and I felt pity for the people I left there. They are surrounded with leafless trees that probably contributed to a very hot weather condition during daytime. The grassy and green landscape turned into soiled and dusty scenery. Houses and mountains that were hidden before are now visible along the highway. Its so stressful and painful to see not only the ruined roofs and houses, but the suffering particularly of the people who lost almost everything they have founded for their living. Though the time I spent there was too short to visit and see, observe, and or survey both the physical and emotional damages brought about by Typhoon Yolanda to my family, relatives, friends and generally to the people there, I can feel how difficult life had become for them. The relief operation initiated by my sister, and with our friends support: high school and college classmates, schoolmates, students before, and loyal friends in UP, Manila, and CapSU is but a little yet we can consider at some point helpful for some who needed initial help. The start of the operation was not that easy as everyone would think it was. Here are some notes of the difficulties encountered as well as the learning that I gained from my short-time encounter with this operation: 1) Since this relief operation is just an initiative from private individuals who are looking forward to extending direct help particularly to the people of nearby Municipalities and Barangays of Capiz State University-Pontevedra Campus, transporting the relief goods from Manila to Capiz was not that easy, particularly if these are specifically addressed to a person or place that the team had chosen to take care of. The team has to look for those courier or forwarder that offer free transport or shipment. Good enough that we found one. However, we still failed to consider that delays in the transport would be possible. 2) The people are very aggressive to get any relief that they could get from the government or private sectors. As volunteer, someone has to be well-mannered and prepared of polite things to say, and be ready to deal with the stressful situation to avoid conflict. 3) The team has to think of the efficient method on how these goods should be distributed without creating conflict from the people there in the community. The trial and error method is normal in times like this, but an error committed has to be recorded too in order to learn from it. 4) Transparency has to be considered always. Proper documentation has to be made to update and let the donors know about the development of the relief operation. 5) You cannot please everybody. Despite this effort, there will be some who cannot appreciate the voluntary and good things you are extending to your community. Your only consolation are those loyal friends who have known you personally and have given you their trust and support. Be thankful of having them. 6) LABELS are not important. You need not to let everyone know about the good deeds that you are doing. Help in as much as you can and never expect for returns. When you say HELP its something you are sincerely and wholeheartedly willing to offer, extend and give without thinking of the hassle and losses it will cause you. 7) A persons true character comes out when times are tough. 8) Never forget to pray and ask for His guidance in all these undertakings.
Posted on: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 07:03:08 +0000