#CAGAYANNEEDSHELP is a hashtag that dominated the worldwide web as Filipinos across the globe called for immediate help for Cagayan. There was a massive flooding in various towns in the region due to heavy rains brought by Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco) on November 11. In response, ten Rotary Clubs of District 3820 had joint forces to send immediate help and care to Cagayan residents.
A day after the Typhoon Ulysses, Transforming President (TP) Guia Lopez de Leon of the Rotary Club (RC) of San Pedro South (SPS) presented a call for action to TP Joseph Cardinez of RC Santa Rosa South. After a thorough brainstorming on November 13, they ended up contacting the Regional 4A Mobile Battalion (RMB) for the logistics
After the RMB accepted the challenge, they posted the plan in their group chat. Eight other clubs in the district signified their interest to join. They were TP Zaldy Reyes of RCSPS – New Generations, TP Roelito Cao Garcia of RC Metro Batangas, TP Amy Lea of RC Lucena University District, TP Loveday Alyssa of RC Tayabas Central, TP Arman Santos of RC San Pedro Magic and TP Hermie Malabanan of RC Los Banos.
Furthermore, TP Bornok Concepcion, a lawyer, even suggested a future program to “lawfully heal the environment.” Her club, RC San Pascual, will be the lead host for this project.
Finally, TP Alexander Vergara of RC Metro Santa Rosa suggested that TP Cloyd Velasco of RC Tuguegarao Citadel of District 3770 be the direct recipient of all the help from these nine clubs based in Laguna, Batangas and Quezon.
The project entitled “Laban, Cagayan!” (Fight, Cagayan!) was not only able to send an augmentation support, but also served as a strong moral booster for Cagayan thru united groups. Together with Alagang Kalusugan Inc., Serbisyong Maypuso, and Mater Ecclesiae School (care of Director Joy Lagrimas of RCSPS), the team has shown their utmost care by sending truckloads of water, clothes, blankets, shoes, noodles, food, cash donation, etc.
Based on the data provided by the Cagayan Provincial Information Office as of November 14, a total of 11,392 families in Cagayan have been displaced by the typhoon. Cagayan Province is now declared under state of calamity.
Mayor Cristina Antonio of Alcala, Cagayan publicly expressed her sentiments in a Facebook post, “My insight is that the problem of flood in Alcala and Cagayan Valley cannot be attributed to just one cause outside of us, but to a complex, interrelated web with us right at the center. It’s not just about Magat Dam protocols, although in our state of despair Magat Dam is the most visible target. It’s about us, it’s the way we live — as if we are apart from nature, as if what we do does not come back to us. It’s us — how we have cut our trees and destroyed our forests, our soil and groundwater, how we have eaten up the land with farms and buildings.”
Statistics show that 336 barangays with 294,987 individuals were affected. Unfortunately, at least 22 died in Cagayan due to electrocution, drowning, and landslide. Many people, including elderly and children, were stranded.
And these Rotary Clubs of District 3820 under District Governor Renato Sarmiento Atienza had responded swiftly. This “Laban, Cagayan!” project showed how united efforts can do great wonders.
Yes, this displayed that Rotary Clubs are not only more effective, but they are also more efficient when together. In fact, these clubs are already set to conduct another environmental webinar on December 2020.
After all, every moment counts… and yes, all lives matter.
Note: This is a developing story. More photos and videos will be posted soon. The flood photos, by the way, was collated by RC Tuguegarao Citadel.
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