Bringing hope to the hopeless

Hopeless they may be because of the recent calamity that hit the province of North Cotabato by a 6.6 magnitude earthquake which destroyed their homes in just a second, they are very thankful that the church never forgets in this time of the disastrous event in their life.

The St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute (SATMI) in Davao City together with the Assumption College of Davao, some religious women and other non-government agencies extended their help to the people of New Israel, Makilala, North Cotabato last November 13, 2019.

The group brought hope to the people of New Israel by conducting Medical assistance, Psychological First Aid and Relief Operation. According to Fr. Carlos G. Ronquillo, C.Ss.R. the director of SATMI, this endeavor is called Misyon: Duyog-ambit Padulong sa Paglaum (Mission as Pilgrimage toward a Shared Hope). “This marks the standing commitment of SATMI to be an Institute in service of the needs of the Church of Mindanao,” he said.

Early in the morning on November 13, 2019, with almost two hundred volunteers, the activity began with a send-off prayer at Assumption College and convoyed going to the area bringing the truckload of relief goods. A day before, the volunteers prepared themselves in a psycho-social intervention (PSI) briefing and training.

‘God is with us’

In spite of the tragic event, the residents believe and are very positive that God never abandoned them during this time. Valeriana Añana, 76 years old, shared her experience during the earthquake. She is grieving because of what happened. Their house was torn down by the earthquake. “Guol kaayo ko kay nahugno among panimalay. Wala ko kabalo unsaon nako pagpatukod pag-usab sa among balay. Maningkamot ko kay ang akong bana dili na man kapangita kay masakiton na man siya. Mapasalamaton ko nga ania mo kay pinaagi kaninyo gipadagayday sa Ginoo ang iyang grasya kanamo” (I am devastated to see our home collapsed. I do not know where and how to start the rebuilding of our abode. I have to strive harder because my husband is sick, thus, no longer able to look for a living. I am very thankful that all of you are here), she said. “Sa among kalisod, wala mi niya pasagdi” (You are instruments of God’s blessings for us. In our agony, we are reminded that God is with us), she added.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Barangay Eduardo C. Delfin Sr. expressed his gratitude to the group for such a big help to them. “Nagpasalamat gyud mi sa inyo, dako kini nga tabang diri sa among komunidad; wala mi nagdahom nga ing-ani mo kadaghan moari; nalipay ko ug ang community sa inyong gipakita nga suporta ug tabang” (we are very thankful, this is a big help to our community, we did not expect a big group to come here. I am very happy, the community is very happy with the support that you have shown to us and help assistance), he said.

The Chairman also assured the safety of his constituents and will provide the necessary needs of the residents through the help coming from the different organizations. As of now, he is gathering the data of all the damages so he can submit it to the government for rehabilitation. (Mark Joy Guantero Basallajes, OFM)