University Rallies to Help Disaster Survivors

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Oct. 9, 2024 | CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News)

Key Points:

  • Students and faculty at United Methodist-related Wesleyan University-Philippines held several events to raise funds for those affected by recent disasters and climate change.
  • Events included a concert, battle of the bands and Paint for a Cause fundraiser.
  • The university’s College of Allied Medical Sciences also spearheaded a Vegetable Rescue Program to aid local farmers affected by El Niño.

Methodist-related Wesleyan University-Philippines continues its commitment to walking alongside those in need.

In response to recent disasters, the university organized events to help survivors.

A concert of songs, dance, prayer and poetry, dubbed “For Life’s Sake,” was attended by almost 600 university personnel and students in July. Concert proceeds benefited survivors of Typhoon Gaemi, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Carina. The typhoon struck earlier that month.

The Manila Area disaster management office, supported by the United Methodist Committee on Relief, received $5,315 to help survivors.

Phine Cedillo, Manila Area disaster management coordinator, said the donation represented more than simple assistance.

“It’s a decisive step toward a collaborative and coordinated response,” he said. “This support is a shining example of how individual action can inspire collective impact. You turned your melodies into meaningful action, bringing hope and healing to those affected.”

Cedillo said that the contributions would help communities most impacted by Typhoon Gaemi and the Bataan oil spill.

The recent fundraiser was one of several hosted by the university this year.

Another event aided survivors of a December 2023 bombing that occurred during a Catholic mass at Mindanao State University Marawi in Marawi City. The explosion killed 11 people and  injured more than 40 others.

Following that disaster, the university’s Supreme Student Council organized a battle of the bands, along with a search for the most creative Nativity.

Wilfredo C. Ramos, vice president for academic affairs, and Henry Cocoy Nacpil, director of student affairs, went to Marawi State University earlier this year to deliver the $2,586 raised.

“One of the factors of the fast recovery and healing of the people’s trauma is the outpouring of support from faith groups,” said Bishop Israel M. Painit, Davao Episcopal Area. “Collaboration is manifested in the recovery efforts with other faith groups in responding to the situation in Marawi.

“It is essential for effectively helping the bombing victims. Our partnerships foster a sense of unity and shared purpose, transcending religious boundaries to address urgent humanitarian needs.”

Marivic V. Cometa-Decano, a private school teacher who sustained minor injury to her left arm in the bombing, expressed the challenges of recuperating and underscored the importance of resilience. “We need to be strong,” she said, noting that the explosion killed a coworker’s only child.

“He could not grasp the pain,” she added. “He is so depressed.”

A female student, Zoila Maria Lucia S. Comon, is awaiting a checkup to assess her readiness to remove a splinter in her skin. Survivors have fragments lodged in their bodies, necessitating a recovery period before surgical removal of shrapnel, as advised by medical professionals.

“Students are shocked,” Comon said. “They cannot speak and find it hard to comprehend what happened. One student dropped out because he learned from a doctor that shrapnel would not be removed from his spine.”

Comon highlighted the necessity for additional financial assistance to cover ongoing medical treatments and medications, as well as mental health and psychosocial support.

“Anxiety and panic attacks are becoming evident,” she said, “impacting sleep and requiring psychiatric intervention.”

To leverage psychotherapy and psychological first-aid expertise, she suggested collaboration with the Department of Health.

Painit said he is deeply moved by the spirit of collaboration that emerged in response to the crisis in Marawi.

“Our united efforts have demonstrated the profound impact we can achieve when we come together for a common cause,” he said. “By joining hands, we have been able to provide critical support to the victims of the bombing, offering not only immediate relief, but also hope and a pathway to rebuilding their lives. Let’s continue to support any effort to help.”

Aiding landslide survivors, local farmers

In February, devastating landslides in Maco, Davao de Oro, claimed nearly 100 lives. In response, the College of Education’s Konseho Critiko organization sponsored a Paint for a Cause event to support survivors. The initiative raised awareness and generated nearly $1,000.

Painit expressed gratitude for the painters’ talents and sacrifices.

“To the faceless and nameless painters,” he said, “your contributions through the Paint for a Cause initiative profoundly impacted lives in the Davao region and neighboring areas.

“Your generosity and compassion shine brightly through your art,” he added. “Your selfless acts have brought hope and relief to those in need, proving that even the smallest brushstrokes can create a masterpiece of kindness and solidarity. Thank you for your invaluable support in these challenging times.”

The university also is supporting farmers facing the effects of climate change.

In response to the impact of El Niño on the Philippine agriculture sector, the university’s College of Allied Medical Sciences spearheaded a Vegetable Rescue Program, which has already saved 24,250 pounds of fresh produce.

Kay J. Tongol, dean of Allied Medical Sciences, said the initiative purchases vegetables directly from local farmers.

“Through this program,” she explained, “we rescue vegetables from spoilage by buying them at fair prices. This is a step to prevent food waste and support the livelihood of our farmers.”

The university officials pooled their resources together to buy the vegetables and have them distributed to various communities and institutions, including hospitals, jails and centers for abused girls and women.

“As we celebrate this triumph,” Tongol said, “it is imperative to acknowledge the relentless efforts of farmers. Their labor feeds our nation, and their dedication deserves our utmost respect and recognition. This success is a reminder of our capacity to effect change.”

Irineo G. Alvaro Jr., president of Wesleyan University-Philippines, said United Methodists are called to help those less fortunate.

“We are not only defined by merits, wealth or accolades, but more on how these possessions are shared with those who do not have the same opportunity and access to resources.”

The measure of living, he added, “is how low one can bend to pull up those who cannot climb the pinnacle one has reached.”

Gladys P. Mangiduyos is a communicator in the Philippines.