Among the congregations in the Philippines, three areas—Buguey, Baggao and
Tumauini—have been identified as immediate recipients of relief goods. A relief
team including assistant to the Southeast Asia Mission Center president,
Jennifer DeGuzman, was sent to Baggoa. This is her account of their experience.
"We
are exhausted yet overjoyed after our relief operation. Our team of 5 people
headed for Baggao at 7 a.m. and we saw some houses almost totally blown
away. We felt we had to stop and handed some relief goods to 5 families. We
observed that the effect of typhoon Parma for these families is not only
material loss (shattered homes, belongings, crops/livelihood) but emotional
trauma.
We arrived in Baggao at 2 p.m. The travel approaching the place was so
difficult and dangerous. On one side of the road was the river and
parts of the main highway eroded and were very slippery. The bridge that was
not passable the day before was repaired temporarily and we were so glad we
were able to get across the river.
Our arrival surprised the congregation because all communication lines
were down. There was no electricity and crops were still flooded several
days after the typhoon.
We went straight to Pastor Venus’ house where we learned that most, if
not all, of the residents in the village had evacuated to the Elementary
School for higher ground and better shelter.
Since all the residents were affected equally we decided to gather all
the church members and neighbors around the Chapel.
There
were 39 families represented and to these we rendered the relief goods. The
distribution was very emotional to everyone. They were so overwhelmed with
the touch of concern they received—not only because of the food given but
also the care expressed by our desire to help such a remote area. Many
expressed thanks after the distribution of goods."
