By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Donations and volunteerism are abundant and continuously pouring in to
Zamboanga in these trying times.
City councilor Myra Paz V. Abubakar said that resources have been coming in from different organizations, whether they are government, private, local or foreign.
“As of September 14, we have already 25 evacuation centers in the city, the biggest of which is in the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex,” said Councilor Abubakar. “Relief operations done by government and non-government organizations are continuous.”
The USAID, according to Councilor Abubakar is by far the biggest outside donor. “USAID gave us 10,000 noodles, 10,000 styro cups, blankets, pails, toiletries, mats, portalets and the like,” she said. Many others have also shared their own.
“The fishing companies have provided us with fish. Local caterers like Cecille’s, Chinitos, Zamboanga Seafood and many others have been continuous in providing food,” Councilor Abubakar said.
In addition to food, supply and medicine, the organizations provide round-the-clock service for the evacuees. They cook and deliver food, provide medical services, and just about anything that may be needed. The JCI Zamboanga, Rotary Club, and the Zamboanga Archdiocese, to name a few have provided 24/7 service to the evacuees.
“Our schools and universities have put up kitchens in some evacuation centers so that food will be cooked there,” she added.
Food was not only prepared for the affected families, but for the soldiers and the policemen as well, who have been tireless defending our lives with their own.
Meanwhile, DSWD Information Officer Jayson Elias mentioned that the Tzu Chi Foundation has provided 14 metric tons of potable water which was already distributed to the service facilities in the evacuation centers. He said that the help coming from many sources are overwhelming.
But the evacuees are not simply waiting to be served. In the centers, they help cook and serve food for thousands of fellow displaced persons. Everybody is at work, helping one another. Many are deprived of sleep.
Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman earlier praised the spirit of the Zamboanguenos, citing that this same spirit will lead the city towards victory even in difficult times such as this. “Magtatagumpay ang mga Zamboangueno,” she was quoted as saying.
For her part, 4th year college student Jenny Rojas helps the DSWD repack the relief goods like used clothing, sanitary napkins, noodles, and the like at the command center established at the Women Center near the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex. She has been volunteering since Friday, she says.
“Kahapon lang po ako nagsimulang mag-volunteer, pero itutuloy ko po ito. Kung walang klase at nasa bahay lang ako, mas mabuti po kung tutulong na lang ako. Kawawa na po talaga ang mga tao,” Jenny said.
Councilor Abubakar says that the food and supplies are sufficient even as the number of affected persons have passed 62,000, according to Sec. Soliman. Councilor Abubakar is very thankful for the help, but shows concern over the reality that the donors’ resources are depleting.
Her concern is shared by the thousands of people who have lost their homes in this time of conflict.
The situation is worse with Ronnie Cario, who lost his home and property to yesterday’s fire in Sta. Catalina. “Wala na koy maulian,” (I have no home) he weeps. But in spite of this very sad experience, he firmly believes that the crisis will end very soon.
“Hapit na siguro mahuman kining gubut, daghan tag mga tangke ug perting isuga sa atong mga sundalo,” (maybe the end to this violence is near. We have many tanks, and we have many brave soldiers) he quips. In spite of what he has lost, Ronnie smiled. (PIA9)