Magkasama Tayo Sa Kwento Ng Pasko (Pagbangon Version, We are together in the Christmas Story)

I just saw this video during a tv commercial and began to tear. It's one thing to see it on t.v., but it's another to be there and see the people, the damage and their determination to rebuild. When I was in school a couple of years ago, I decided to take interest in disaster management because of Typhoon Ondoy which hit Philippines. How I wished I could help. Months ago, instead of looking for a job, I followed my inner urge, read the Bible & prayed. And then I took a step of faith and signed up for a medical missions to the Philippines.

Six months later, here I am - in the middle of a disaster area ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda, a storm that made front page headlines. I found myself with a group of 25-30 people flying to Cebu and taking a 3-hour boat ride to Sogud, Leyte all in one accord. I remember a scene where the entire row of me & my teammates were covered with hats, scarves. Our team leader took a photo & commented how we look like refugees.

We went to the province of Mayorga, 2 hours south of the infamous Tacloban City. The villages were also hit, yet because of lack of public awareness, the towns received little aid. Our group was the first one to provide medical and dental care since the typhoon. One day later, I was taking vital signs in the blustering heat. People surrounded me, calling me, "docpau".

We situated ourselved in the municipal city of Mayorga. Although there are modes of transportation, such as the tricycle, one can see roofs have been torn and coconut trees stripped off their leaves.








For the 2-day clinic, we saw over 1,000 individuals with their children. Many suffered colds, coughing, headache, upset stomachs for many haven't eaten for days. People were waiting in line under the burning hot sun to receive bags of rice and canned goods. Some are traumatized by the storm, and at the sight of wind and rain, fear creeps in. How I'd love to go back and help if I could. Who knows what God has in store. All I know, my heart and God's are for my people.

For more day to day stories, visit: http://www.tscnyc.org/missions/countries/philippines/