17/01/2021
GOING AGAINST TIDES':
HNHS' The Gleam, other associations launch donation drive for flood victims in Negros Occidental
Just on January 15, 2021, Handumanan National High School's (HNHS) official school publication, The Gleam, alongside other associations, launched a donation drive for Negros Occidental's flash flood victims which sought to cater to about 50 families that were affected by the said calamity.
Causing these associations to take action, however, was the harsh rainfall that betrayed the Negrense holding them the victim of its flood's tides, giving them no other choice but to endure these onslaughts. Houses were submerged midway underwater whilst smiles turned into fear.
Undeniably, the flood's aftermath was proof of the tremendous damage it had caused—however, despite the Coronavirus-Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the spirits of those people who are firm to give their charity did not falter but gushed against the water's tides to lend a helping hand.
'SUBMERGED BELOW THE WATERS'
The rainfall which caused flash floods was brought by a frontal system—the clashing of cold and hot air, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration's (PAG-ASA) weather forecast on January 9, 2021, that submerged divisions of Negros Occidental below its waters. Localities that were flooded include Talisay, Silay, E.B. Magalona, Victorias, Bacolod, and Manapla.
In addition, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported 7,640 families composing of 37,830 individuals were affected, so it is with no doubt that this calamity caused large wounds, both for these families and their homes.
Hence, it is by this cause that led Mrs. Ninfa Toquillo, President of OFW Association-Handumanan, and Mrs. Maria Sol Jolito, President of Movement of Mothers-Handumanan (MoMs-Handumanan), to initiate the donation drive with a theme of "Tulong sa Kapwa" (Helping the People) that took place at Zone 11, Talisay City.
"Dako gid nga pasalamat kay, siyempre, na-agyan kami sang baha. Madamo gid nga salamat sa mga organisasyon nga naghatag," calamity victim, Razel Buna thanked the donors.
'RISING ABOVE THE WATERS'
In an attempt to contribute to their fellow Negrenses' welfare, HNHS's school publication took it upon themselves to participate in the charity campaign, and striving for advocacy, they reached out their hands to rise the victims up above the waters.
"I wanted The Gleam to be a publication that is not exclusive to writing alone. I want it to be exposed to humanitarian service. We should be advocates of human welfare. After all, that is one of our objectives as servants of society," Mr. Marjoe Toquillo, ambassador for the donation campaign to The Gleam, claimed.
Along with MoMs-Handumanan, Federation of OFW-Bacolod, OFW Association-Handumanan
Federation of OFW Negros Occidental Inc., and Federation of OFW Family Circle-Talisay City, altogether contributed in aiding those who fell prey to these drastic flash floods.
"Let us both be the voices of our people and the shoulders of society." Mr. Toquillo added.
'END OF THE FLOODED TUNNEL'
As the old saying goes, "there is light at the end of the tunnel"; however, the people need to keep their guard up; for the worst is yet to come—that is why local donation campaigns like these exist. No matter how small-scale they seem, regardless of the quantities donated, their determination to catalyze change is the true light at the end of this flooded tunnel.
Furthermore, helping humanity regain its stance by lending donations not only caters to the victims, for it could also drive populations to realize the importance of togetherness. One kind of act can spark another, and the publication's partnership is a prime example of that.
Undoubtedly, this donation drive serves as a cultivation for civic engagement awareness and will greatly influence the next generations' ethical behavior. It plays a critical role in honing the youth that will one day be in charge of keeping this country in check.
With enough advocacy, a charity-driven Philippines might just be a future that the Filipino people would look forward to one day; and when calamity once again breaches the people, helping hands are sure to be lent that will pull each other through till the end of the flooded tunnel. Torches will be lifted as the flames of passion of service will forever ignite.
-Brenn Cabanayan
