IN THE AFTERMATH of Typhoon Carina, the San Beda University (SBU) Student Council (SC), in partnership with the Community Engagement Center (CEC), took charge in offering their free lugaw and water initiative to Bedan students and staff, along with the residents of Barangay 412 last July 27.
Following the Southwest Monsoon along with the landfall and intensification of Typhoon Carina into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) last July 22 to 24, the entirety of the Philippines, particularly Luzon, was at a standstill as the intense rainfall led to serious flooding incidents inflicting collateral damage to a number of individuals.
The SC, who were in Baguio during the height of the typhoon, had trouble travelling back to Manila due to the incident. “The roads weren’t safe. And during that time, nakikibalita na lang kami through photos,” said SC President, Mari Okol.
Upon arrival, Okol shared how, in response to the catastrophe, the SC’s initial responses were setting up emergency hotlines, organizing a donation drive, load and internet assistance, and conducting a welfare check for all students and staff—all using social media as a platform for disseminating information.
Yet even amid said efforts, Okol told The Bedan how the staff, including security and maintenance personnel, were directly affected by the flooding. Upon conversing with Ms. Norielyn C. Tabag, RSW, the Director of the Community Engagement Center (CEC), this realization prompted them to extend their relief efforts through the provision of free lugaw not just in San Beda University (SBU), but also to its neighboring barangay, Barangay 412.
“We noticed that there are affected areas in Metro Manila, talagang ang sentro is Metro Manila. We know for a fact na ang mga Bedans are located or situated in Metro Manila or nearby Metro Manila,” Ms. Tabag explained.
Hence, the CEC Director has reached out to many offices such as the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), Dean of the Student Affairs, and the SC as well in soliciting and securing their support in helping the affected Bedans. With their joint incentive to help, a letter was forwarded to Rev. Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB, which was signed immediately.
Moreover, The CEC received two boxes of relief goods from the College of Nursing (CON), consisting of food and clothing.
However, despite the CEC’s best effort, Ms. Tabag admitted “there was no target beneficiaries yet” for the relief donations, and that they have yet to reach out to the Bedan victims of the flooding. Through this, the CEC sought the help of the HRMO, responsible for providing data on the identities and locations of the affected Bedan students and employees ravaged by the disaster.
More behind-the-scenes, Okol discussed how the free lugaw initiative would not have transpired without the support of the CEC, saying “if it weren’t for the CEC, hindi namin mapapamobilize ‘yung canteen, kasi sa canteen nakukuha ‘yung lugaw,” while adding that the CEC’s funds played a huge portion in allocating the funding to create the lugaw.
Besides the CEC, Okol also commended the Bedan community, especially the 20 volunteers from the executive committee. Even despite “being a last-minute initiative,” students were prompt in responding to the call. “Kahit wala naman silang pasok, they’re showing up early in order to help the student council, in order to help rin ‘yung initiative na ito. So, doon palang makikita mo that Bedans are aware on the circumstances that is happening and they’re willing to take action towards it,” the SC President added.
Hon. Raymond P. Ramillano, the Chairman of Barangay 412, expressed his gratitude to SBU over the initiative.
Looking back at the height of the typhoon, Hon. Ramillano told The Bedan how the barangay was severely affected, most especially his constituents who were Informal Settler Families (ISF) living near the inlet. As such, the chairman extended his gratitude to the University, especially to the CEC, imploring them “[na] ‘wag po sana kayo magsasawang tumulong sa Barangay 412.” It is to take note that, in the past, Barangay 412 has had many connections with the University through the CEC, providing them with many training courses and seminars.
Moving forward, the council emphasized the importance of preparedness for such emergencies. They noted that while immediate responses were crucial, there’s a need for “long-term improvements in disaster response systems.” Addressing issues like flood management and enhancing welfare systems should be a priority to better handle future calamities.
(with Prince Tagarino)