Onsite and online, the Filipinos’ predisposition to help or that sense of communal spirit—also known as ‘bayanihan’—were on display once again amid scenes of destruction caused by severe tropical storm ‘Kristine’ in different parts of the country.
In Naga City, residents gathered their strength to move trees uprooted by the bad weather that blocked Maharlika Highway. Stranded tourists also reportedly helped pack relief items bound for Camarines Sur.
“We were stranded in Naga City together with fellow Geodetic Engineers during the onslaught of Typhoon Kristine. We had an opportunity to help in repacking relief goods for the people of CamSur,” said John Rojan Allorde on Facebook.
“Good thing is we’ve been safe here and will finally go home. Thank you, Cosa Family, for accommodating us,” he added in his post.
Simon Blenda also tried to help by giving free load for those affected by the storm, who could not get out to reload their mobile phones. “If you have a friend or family member (most esp. around Bicol) who needs help, please reach out. Will be needing the phone number and carrier network,” he said.
Schools such as the University of the Philippines and De La Salle University also initiated donation drives to support the victims of storm ‘Kristine.’
Former Vice President Leni Robredo with her non-government organization ‘Angat Buhay’ likewise gathered food and non-food items to be distributed to calamity-hit communities. The NGO thus far received a total of P7-million in cash donations for the victims.
“On our first day of Relief Operations for the victims of #KristinePH, we are able to assist 8,875 families and individuals,” Angat Buhay reported. It said 45 rescue boats were likewise deployed to reinforce ongoing rescue operations.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Thursday reported that the government also provided relief assistance to affected families worth P46,940,142.26 courtesy of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, local government units, and other partners.
