“Typhoon Yolanda was the worst and strongest typhoon I had ever experienced in my entire life!” said Buenvinido Pantaleon, 67 years old of Lamintak Sur, Medellin, Cebu.
Ben, as what he is known for, works as a Secretary in their barangay for six years. He would often be seen gardening – one of his recreational activities, if not around the vicinity of Lamintak Sur barangay hall.
“Before Yolanda strikes, the barangay informed the community of the upcoming hazard, but they took it for granted.” In his opinion the barangay did their best in disseminating the information to the whole community but because people were used to weak and non-destructive typhoons in the past, information was taken for granted.
“I saw all the Coconut trees uprooted; my sister’s house was covered with bamboo and almost moved from its place.” During typhoon Yolanda Ben stays in his sister’s semi-concrete house together with his cousin who has been living with him to keep protected from the disaster they would be experiencing.
After the devastation, relief goods were distributed, clearing operations and rapid assessment in the area were conducted. However, relief goods and medicine distribution cut short due to lack of budget to supply the whole community.
“We were prepared but the only problem is that the limited budget could not sustain every family.”
“Before Yolanda arrived, 90 percent of our residents had evacuated. We made sure that persons with disability, older persons and other vulnerable sectors in the community were evacuated. That was also the case in our relief distribution; we prioritize those in the vulnerable sectors.”
Lamintak Sur, is one of the recipient barangays of DRR equipment and trainings of COSE. Other trainings conducted were: RA 10121, Early Warning System, RA 9994 – the rights and privileges of the senior citizen. “I like RA 9994 the most because I could relate to that being as a senior citizen; I have known my rights and benefits.”
“I am thankful to COSE because you did not just give us materials but also learnings that we can use in the coming future whether another calamity comes or not.” For Buenvinido, the trainings that he received from COSE makes him more knowledgeable of what to do in the future.
Currently, he, together with barangay officials and COSE, is helping the community leaders in gaining knowledge and capacity that makes them ready for any upcoming hazard events. These are done by conducting Typhoon Evacuation Drill.”
“Mahigmata na kita alang sa kaayuhan nato tanan, nga sa panahon sa kalamidad o unsa man nga katalagman nga modangat ka nato andam kita kanunay.” – Let us be vigilant for our own sake so when another calamity hits our land we are prepared!
By Mark John Velacio, Community Development Officer