By: Crislyn Felisilda, Field Communications Specialist in Mindanao, WV Philippines
As World Vision is steadily reeling its relief efforts to the affected families in Cagayan de Oro after Typhoon Washi (local name Sendong) brought major destruction and loss, Manong Jerry was patiently queuing in line with his claim stubs from World Vision.
“We’re grateful that a lot of people have moved their hearts to extend their resources to the grieving and homeless,” says Manong Jerry, 32, a father of two kids: John Paul, 6 and Cherry, 4. “We never felt that we’re alone,” he added.
When the rampaging waters came to Sitio Ilaya, Puntod last Friday, Jerry, and his wife, Maria and two kids climbed up the roof of their house where they thought— like many of their neighbors— they would be safe. Their house, made of light materials, put up no resistance to the swirling tide and the walls quickly got washed away by raging waters. “Thank God there are a number of mango trees in our village. The families climbed up on the tree for refuge,” Manong Jerry recounts.
Manong Jerry is grateful for the relief goods that he received from World Vision. He is thankful that there are people who remembered his family during this time of great need. Send help now!
Manong Jerry almost felt hopeless seeing the aftermath of the storm. The flood receded after five hours but they were rescued after 10 hours on the top of mango tree. Houses were washed away and they had nothing. No food, clean water and no roof on their heads. “I didn’t know what to do. I even questioned God why it happened to us even with the fact that Christmas is nearing,” Manong Jerry adds.
More than 1,000 people have died from the storm and countless more are feared dead according to the local National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.
Jerry’s family joins more than 200 families at Upper Balulang covered courts. “We’re living here at the moment because there is no other place for us,” Manong Jerry says.
Manong Jerry worried about food and water but when World Vision came to their village he felt happy and rejuvenated. “I had no food to feed my children. I’m grateful I’ve got these supplies from World Vision,” Manong Jerry adds.
Manong Jerry along with his kids are grateful for the much needed relief goods that came at the most opportune time. Send help now!
“It’s so close to Christmas and yet many almost feel hopeless,” Manong Jerry says. “I have so many mixed emotions that I can’t describe how I feel. But I am grateful World Vision is one of the many groups that gave us hope to move on.”
Manong Jerry’s family and their neighbors want to start picking up the pieces again. “We may have lost everything this Christmas but He won’t take Christmas from us,” Manong Jerry says.
Bring hope to families such as Manong Jerry’s this Christmas season! Send help now!
