Typhoon Haiyan’s devastating short but chaotic stay in Tacloban City and its environs caused immense destruction in lives and property. Residents had to scramble to higher grounds and even then several thousands have died and more are still missing. The once thriving city is a wasteland, hopelessness in the heart of its residents.
Loss of family members in the typhoon left a feeling that seeps into the bones and makes a permanent home in its hollows. As if an invisible hand squeezes the heart, hyperventilation becomes the default for everyone.
Twenty-two families and its 60 members slowly began normal breathing again on finding safe haven in Imus, Cavite in early December.
With financial assistance from religious groups, 14 families of 38 adults and 20+ children led by Pastor Rico Mantilla were bussed out of Tacloban City to Manila. They first stayed in Taguig in Rizal, then Caloocan City and, finally, came to Imus in Cavite in early December because some of them had relatives in the area.
They found refuge in a three-bedroom house. The limited spaces made bonding a daily task for them and with the assistance of Brother Rafael Jose Alarcon of Taga Imus Ka Kung, two associations – a professional medical assistance group and The Help – were connected to the families.
On December 14, eleven days before Christmas, 14 families and its 60+ members had an early celebration. The visit by The Help team and its family members began with an offering of prayers followed by dinner consisting of spaghetti, fried chicken, and fruits. Stories of the typhoon’s wailing wind and relentless rain that swept away roofs, beds, entire homes, and bodies were shared in conversations. The sadness in the stories gave way to sharing, as well, of plans to find jobs like daily labor in building construction, to register children in local schools to prevent interruption, and to support one another in various ways such as playing with the young children. Canned goods, blankets, toiletries, cookware, school supplies, and clothing were provided to the families.
Albeit temporary, the sadness lifted when games were played after dinner – toothpick race for the children and Pinoy Henyo for the adults. Cash prizes were awarded to the delight of everyone. Laughter, joy rang throughout the house; appreciation lightened everyone’s heart.
By evening’s end, a profusion of thank you from both the visitors and the survivors – an evening spent in finding hope, in learning and supporting one another.