Capturing learning from a Typhoon Odette Community-led Humanitarian Action
Busao, Maribojoc, Bohol
We know them by their first names: JV, Letecia, Marian Rose, Melanie, and Jubillyn. All five of them are college students. All five of them are members of Parish Youth Ministry. We also know how hardworking and dedicated they were in implementing the Community Led Response in Busao – a riverside community that was flooded up to twenty feet as an aftermath of the torrential downpour dumped by Typhoon Odette/Raid.
The five of them visited each damaged house and talked with affected families – doing profiling, needs, assessment, and psychosocial support at the same time. What we didn’t know is how emotionally affected they were and how they were shaped and formed by their CLR experience.
It as only during the processing that their stories came out.
During the 3rd Weekly Meeting of SCLR Volunteers Busao, we were processing their experience in doing Manumbalay, a culture based psychosocial support and needs assessment.
The common thread was the difficulty in dealing with families who didn’t qualify for the shelter repair kit that the CLR Project provides for most vulnerable families.
The main criteria, as decided by volunteers, was “pobre nga way lain masandigan.” (Poor with no one else to lean on.)
These families who complained have children who are professionals and are working. But they said, “tanan man ta gibagjo.” All of us are victims.
True. They agreed. “And perhaps it is not material support that they need. Maybe they just need to be counted. Not to be overlooked. Not to be ignored. Just because they are rich or they have capabilities.
“Rich people are pained too, and perhaps were traumatized by the supertyphoon.” Letecia said fighting back the tears of remembering the pain she went through after the visitation.
They should be listed. Even they will not receive anything material but they should also be allowed to tell their experience.
These and more made these young volunteers grow as persons. “Our experience as CLR volunteers did not just give us skills, it made us become more compassionate persons.”
Note: Images are used with permission. Waivers have been signed.
