New Registered Nurses from USLS BSN 4H Class 2012

The Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) of the Philippines announced today the results of the June 30-July 1, 2012 Nurse Licensure Examination held in different areas all over the country. Out of the 60,895 examinees, 27,823 (45.69 %) passed.

Among these passers are my students, from BSN 4H Class 2012 of the University of St. La Salle. They are:

1131 ALIMBO, JESSICA SARAJENA
1135 ALIMON, JASON KEITH SUISON
2042 ARANGOTE, VALERIE ANN ORGE
3208 BANTANG, LORIMER JR SABO
3221 BANTOLO, CAMILLE GRACE GONZAGA
4485 BORCILLO, RACHEL ANN MILLARES
6880 CHUA, MA RACHELLE DELIGERO
9708 DUA, DANISE ROSE ORQUIA
10026 EJERCITO, LLEANA LORELIE CABRERA
10059 ELGARIO, NAILEN DALE TUANTE
10238 ENTRATA, ERICK JOHN VILLARETE
12066 GARDE, RONA MAE FERNANDEZ
12257 GENODIFA, MARIEL SARROSA
12444 GO, PHILIPPE STEVEN CABUGUAS
12615 GONZALES, LORAE ANJANNETTE LO
12987 GUSTILO, JOHN PAUL CUEVA
15467 LO, ROY ROMAN LUMAWAG
16495 MALLORCA, LOUIE LO
17086 MARGEN, MARY ANGELA LERION
17729 MENDOZA, TRIXIE REI BRITANIA
21186 PROVENCION, VARLET I LAO-AS
21210 PUGALES, MARIA VICTORIA PONIADO
21904 REBADOMIA, WANDALEIN SURESCA
22251 REYES, MARHO JOY SASOTA
22407 RIVERA, ANGEL SANDOVAL
23243 SALINAS, RALPH REY JAPITANA
24888 SUMUGAT, RICA MARIE BRIGATAY
27091 VILLACIN, BEA NEMENZO

Congratulations once again to the 28 new Registered Nurses of the class. You make me proud. :-))

10 Herbal Plants Advocated by the Philippine DOH Part 4 (Last Part)

Here's the final installment to the 10 Herbal Plants Advocated by the Philippine Department of Health



8. Niyug-Niyogan

Scientific Name: Quisqualis Indica
Other Names: Balitadham, Pnones, Pinio, Bonor (Bis.), Bawe-bawe (Pamp.), Kasumbal, Talolong (Bik.), Tagrau, Tagulo Totoraok (Tag.), Tartarau (Ilk.), Burma creeper, Chinese honeysuckle (Eng.), Shih-chun-tzu (Chin.)

A vine that bears tiny fruits and grows wild in backyards. The seeds must come from mature, dried but newly opened fruits. Propagated through stem cuttings about 20 cm. in height.

Uses/Preparation:

Anti-helminthic:

Dried seeds are taken orally two (2) hours after supper. If no worms are expelled, the dose may be repeated after one week.

Adults 8-10 seeds
8-12 years 6-7 seeds
6-7 years 5-6 seeds
4-5 years 4-5 seeds

Caution!!!

Not to be given to children below four (4) years old.

Adverse Reactions: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, distention and hiccups more likely if nuts are eaten in consecutive days or when fresh nuts are eaten.


9. Tsaang Gubat

Scientific Name: Carmona retusa
Other Names: Alibungog (Vis.), Kalabonog, Maragued (Ilk.), Kalimunog, Taglokot, Talibunog, Tsa (Tag.), Malatadian(Gad.),  Alangit (Bis.), Balingsaa (C. Bis.), Buntatai (P.Bis.), Buyo-buyo (Sul.), Mara-mara (Bis., S.L. Bis.), Maratia (Ibn.), Chaang-bundok (Tag.), Palupo (Iv.), Putputai (Bik.), Gari (Bag.), Icha-nga-atap, Icha-ti-bakir (Ilk.), Fukien Tea Tree, Scorpion Bush, Wild Tea (Eng.)

A shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate of Philippines. It is an erect, shrub with green compound leaves. The Tsaang Gubat shrub grows to about 1 to 4 meters high and can be found in secondary forest in low and medium altitude. Tsaang Gubat leaves grows in clusters on short branches, 3-6 cm long, somewhat toothed or lobed near the apex and pointed at the base, short-stalked and rough on the upper surface. Tsaang Gubat bears small white flowers, axillary, solitary, 2 or 4 on a common stalk. It bears yellow fruits when ripe about 4-5 mm inb diameter, fleshy, with a 4-seeded stone. The Tsaang Gubat leaves showed a mixture of triterpenes-α-amyrin, ß-amyrin, and baurenol and a wide range of bioactivity. The Tsaang Gubat showed analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal and antibacterial activities.

Uses/Preparation:

For Diarrhea:

Boil the following amount of chopped leaves in two (2) glasses of water for fifteen (15) minutes or until amount of water goes down to 1 glass. Cool and strain.

                     Dried Leaves Fresh Leaves
   Adult              10  tbsp               12  tbsp
   7-12 yrs         5 tbsp                   6 tbsp
  2-6 yrs            2 ½ tbsp                3 tbsp

Divide decoction into 4 parts. Let the patient drink 1 part every 3 hours.

For Stomach Ache:

Wash leaves and chop. Boil chopped leaves in 1 glass of water for fifteen (15) minutes. Cool and filter/strain and drink.

Dried Leaves Fresh Leaves
   Adult                          2 tbsp                  3  tbsp
   7-12 yrs                       1 tbsp                ½ tbsp


10. Ampalaya 

Scientific Name: Mamordica Charantia
Other Names: Margoso, Ampalaya (Tag.), Apalia (Pamp.), Apape (Ibn.), Apapet (Itn.), Palia (Bis., Ban., If., Ilk.), Pubia (Sub.), Suligum (Sul.), Balsam Aple, Balsam Pear, Bitter Gourd (Eng.)

Also known as Bitter Melon is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in the Amazon, Carribean, Southeast Asia such as Philippines for its edible fruit. Ampalaya or bitter melon also known as bitter gourd as the name implies has a bitter taste due to the presence of momordicin, and is believed to be among the most bitter of all vegetables. It is a climbing vine that grows up to 5m, with tendrils up to 20 cm long. Ampalaya eaves are heart-shaped, 5-10 cm across, cut into 5-7 lobes. Each Ampalaya plant bears separate yellow male and female flowers. Ampalaya bears fleshy green fruit, oblong shaped with pointy ends, ribbed and wrinkled, bursting when mature to release seeds. Ampalaya seeds are flat with ruminated margins. Clinical studies have found Amplaya demonstrate hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) properties or other actions of potential benefit against diabetes mellitus. The hypoglycemic compounds found in Ampalaya include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantins, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids.

Uses/Preparation:

Lower Blood Sugar Levels (Mild Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus):

Gather and wash young leaves very well. Chop. Boil 6 tablespoons in two glassfuls of water for fifteen (15) minutes under low fire. Do not cover pot. Cool and strain. Take one third cup three (3) times a day after meals.

Note: Young leaves may be blanched/steamed and eaten ½ glassful two (2) times a day.

Reminders on the Use of Herbal Medicine

1. Avoid the use of insecticides as these may leave poison on plants.
2. In the preparation of herbal medicine, use a clay pot and remove cover while boiling at low heat.
3. Use only the part of the plant being advocated.
4. Follow accurate dose of suggested preparation.
5. Use only one kind of herbal plant for each type of symptoms or sickness.
6. Stop giving the herbal medicine in case of untoward reaction such as allergy.
7. If signs and symptoms are not relieved after 2 or 3 doses of herbal medication, consult a doctor.






References:

Akapulko Herbal Medicine. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://medicalhealthguide.com/articles/akapulko1.htm
Ampalaya. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/ampalaya.htm
Bayabas. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/bayabas.htm
Cuevas, Frances Prescilla L., et.al. (2007). Public Health Nursing in the Philippines. Philippines: National League of Philippine Government Nurses, Incorporated.
Department of Health (1994).  Health Work is Team Work: an Operations Manual for Community Volunteers Health Workers (CVHW). Philippines: Department of Health
GHW Basic Training Guide (2009). Philippines: Gawad Kalinga Kalusugan.
Niyog-Niyogan Herbal Medicine. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/niyog-niyogan.htm
Sambong-Herbal Medicine. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/sambong.htm
Tsaang Gubat Herbal Medicine. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/tsaanggubat.htm
Yerba Buena. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/yerbabuena.htm

10 Herbal Plants Advocated by the Philippine DOH Part 3

Part 3

5. Yerba (Hierba) Buena

Scientific name: Mentha cordifelia
Other Names: Herba Buena (most dialects), Opiz Ablebana (If.), Malipuen (Als.), Hilbas (Dav., Ley.), Peppermint (Eng.), Po-ho (Chin.)

A small multi-branching aromatic herb of the mint family that is known and used as herbal medicine worldwide. . A perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter in height with oblong shaped leaves with toothed margins. Yerba Buena is grown worldwide from North America to Asia. The stem creeps to the ground, and develops roots to form a sprawling, mat-forming perennial. May also be propagated through cuttings. Studies have shown that Yerba Buena contains pulegone, menthol, menthene, menthenone and limonene.

Uses/Preparation:

For Pain in Different Parts of the Body such as Headache, Stomach Ache and Tooth Ache:

Boil chopped leaves in two (2) glasses of water for fifteen (15) minutes. Cool and strain.

   Dried Leaves    Fresh Leaves
   Adult       6 tbsp       4 tbsp
   7-12 yrs  ½ of Adult Dose

Divide decoction into two parts and drink one part (as tea) every three hours.

For Rheumatism, Arthritis and Headache:

Crush fresh leaves and squeeze sap. Massage sap on painful parts with eucalyptus.
For Cough and Cold:

Get about ten (10) fresh leaves and soak in a glass of hot water. Drink as tea. Acts as an expectorant.

For Swollen Gums and Tooth Ache:

Steep six (6) grams of of fresh plant in boiling water for 30 minutes. Use solution as gargle.

For Menstrual and Gas Pain:

Soak a handful of leaves in a glass of boiling water. Drink infusion. It induces menstrual flow and sweating.

For Nausea and Fainting:

Crush leaves and apply at nostrils of patients.

For Insect Bites:

Crush leaves and apply juice on affected part or pound leaves until paste-like, and rub this on affected part.

For Pruritus:

Boil plant alone or with eucalyptus in water. Use decoction as a wash on affected area.

6. Sambong

Scientific Name: Blumea balsamifera
Other Names: Alibhon, Alimon (p. Vis), Kambihon, Lakdanbulan (Vis.), Ayohan, Bulaklak Ga Buen, Kaliban (Tag.), Gintin-gintin, Alibum, Lalakdan, Dalapot, Sob-sob, Subusub, Kambibon, Camphor (Eng.)

A shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate countries such as Philippines, India, Africa and found even in eastern Himalayas. Sambong is widely used as herbal medicine in the Philippines. It is an aromatic shrub, that grows from 1 to 4 meters in height. It is considered  as a weed in some countries and is difficult to eradicate. Sambong  has yellow flowering heads that is 6 mm long. Sambong leaves are green obloid that spreads in a pyramidal pattern. Sambong bears fruits that are ribbed and hairy on top. Sambong fruit has 1 seed. Mature stems are used for planting.

Uses/Preparation:

Anti-edema, Diuretic, Anti-urolithiasis:

Boil chopped leaves in water for fifteen (15) minutes until one glassful remains. Cool and strain.

Dried Leaves Fresh Leaves
   Adult       4  tbsp       6  tbsp
   7-12 yrs      ½ of Adult Dose

Divide decoction into three (3) parts. Drink one part three (3) times a day.

7. Akapulko

Scientific Name: Cassia alata
Other Names: Bayabas-bayabasan, Kapurko, Kantada, Katandang Aso, Pakagonkon, Sonting (Tag.), Andadasi, Andadasi-a dakdako, Andadasi-bugbugtong (Ilk.), Adadasi (Ting.), Ancharasi (Ig.), Andalan (Sul.), Bayabasin, Bibs-bibs (Bik., Tag., Bis.), Kasitas (Bik., Bis.), Sunting, Palo China (Bis.), Pakayomkom Kastila (Pamp.), Ringworm Bush (Eng.)

Akapulko is a shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate of Philippines. It is an erect, shrubby legume with dark green compound leaves. Akapulko leaves have orange rachis that has 16-28 leaflets. Akapulko produces an axis of golden yellow flowers that has 4-winged pods containing 50-60 flattened, triangular seeds. Akapulko flowers are enclosed by yellow-orange bracts that are later shed in time. The Akapulko leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies and eczema.

Uses/Preparation:

Anti-fungal (Tinea Flava, Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot and Scabies):

Fresh, matured leaves are pounded. Apply as soap to the affected part 1-2 times a day until cured. If symptoms persist or irritation occurs, stop the use and consult your doctor.

To prepare an Akapulko Herbal Ointment, wash fresh leaves and cut in small pieces. Add one glass of cooking oil or coconut oil to one glass of cut fresh leaves. Fry until crispy. Remove from the heat; srain. Cut 2 white candles (Esperma No. 5) into small pieces. In a cooking pot, pour the strained oil together with the candle pieces; stir until the candle has melted. Pour the mixture into a clean container; cover when cool. Apply the Akapulko herbal ointment to affected areas twice daily.

10 Herbal Plants Advocated by the Philippine DOH Part 2

Here's the continuation of the 10 Herbal Plants advocated by the Philippine Department of Health.



2. Ulasimang Bato

Scientific Name: Peperonia pellucida
Other Names: Pansit-pansitan (Tag), Sinaw-sinaw (Bis)

A weed, with heart-shaped leaves that grow in shady parts of the garden and yard.

Use/Preparation:

Lowers Uric Acid (Rheumatism and Gout):

Wash the leaves well. One and a half cup leaves are boiled in two glassfuls of water over low fire. Do not cover pot. Cool and strain. Divide into three (3) parts and drink each part three times a day after meals.

May also be eaten as salad. Wash the leaves well. Prepare one and a half cups of leaves (not closely packed). Divide into three parts and take as salad three times a day.

3. Bawang

Scientific Name: Allium Sativum
Other Names: Ajos (Span., Bis.); Garlic (Eng.)

This is a low herb, which only grows up to sixty centimetres high. Its leaves are flat and linear, with bulbs that consist of several tubers.

Uses/Preparation:

For Hypertension, to Lower Cholesterol Levels in the Blood:

May be fried, roasted, soaked in vinegar for 30 minutes, or blanched in boiled water for 5 minutes. Take two pieces three times a day after meals.

Caution: Take on a full stomach to prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers.

For Tooth Ache:

Pound a small piece and apply to affected part.

4. Bayabas

Scientific Name: Psidium guajava L.
Other Names: Kalimbahin, Tayabas (Tag.), Bagabas (Ig.), Bayabo (Ibm.), Bayawas (Bik., Pang.), Biabas (Sul.), Guyabas (Ilk.), Gaiyabat (If.), Guava (Eng.)

Bayabas or Guava is a fruit bearing shrub or small tree, about 4-5 meters high, that grows in the tropical climate like Mexico, Peru and the Philippines. Bayabas is widely used as herbal medicine in the Philippines and recognized by the Philippine Department of Health for its antiseptic property. Bayabas has white tiny flowers with round or oval fruits that are eaten raw. It is propagated through seeds. Bayabas leaves and fruits contain eugenol, tannin, saponins, amydalin, phenolic acids, malic acid, ash, aldehydes, catequinic components and flavonoids.

Uses/ Preparation:

For Washing Wounds/Antiseptic/Astringent:

Gather fresh leaves and wash with water. Boil one cup of leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes. Strain and let cool.
To use as mouthwash, warm decoction is used for gargle.
To clean/wash wounds, wash affected areas twice a day.
May also be used as vaginal wash especially after child birth.
Fresh leaves can also be chewed for the treatment of tootache and gum swelling.
To hasten wound healing, fresh leaf poultice may be applied to the wound.

For Diarrhea:

Gather fresh leaves. Wash well and chop. Boil chopped leaves of about 4 to 6 tablespoon for every 18 ounces of water. Strain and let cool. Drink ¼ cup of decoction every 3-4 hours until symptoms improve.

Side Effects!!!

Eating too much of Bayabas fruit can cause constipation.

If there is no improvement of diarrhea symptoms in two days, consult your doctor.

10 Herbal Plants Advocated by the Philippine DOH Part 1

Herbal Medicine 

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) advocated the use of locally available medicinal plants because of the increasing cost of drugs and as part of primary health care. Studies conducted found out that many local plants and herbs in the Philippines are effective in the treatment of common ailments. (Cuevas, et.al., 2007)

The Philippine DOH is advocating the use of ten (10) herbal plants, namely:

1. Lagundi
2. Ulasimang Bato
3. Bawang
4. Bayabas
5. Yerba (Hierba) Buena
6. Sambong
7. Akapulko
8. Niyug-niyogan
9. Tsaang Gubat
10. Ampalaya

For the benefit of everyone, I will discuss all the herbal plants advocated by the Philippine DOH, I will discuss each herbal plants and its uses in different instalments. To start with:

1. Lagundi

Scientific Name: Vitex Negundo
Other Names: Kamalan (Tag.), Dabtan (If.), Limo-limo (Ilk.), Molave aso (Sul),
    Tugas (Ceb),  5 leaves chaste tree (Eng)

A shrub growing wild in vacant lots and waste land. The Lagundi plant can be described as a cross between a shrub and a tree with single woody stem (trunk) and can grow up to five meters tall. Mature branches are planted. The flowers are blue and bell-shaped. The small fruits turn black when ripe. Its pointed leaves with five leaflets set like a hand.

Uses:

Asthma, Cough and Fever:

Boil chopped raw fruits or leaves in 2 glasses of water left for 15 minutes or until the water left is only 1 glass (decoction). Cool and strain. The following dosages of decoction are given according to age group:


               Dried leaves Fresh Leaves
Adult          4 tbsp                    6 tbsp
7-12 yrs       2 tbsp                   3 tbsp
2-6 yrs      1 tbsp                  1 ½ tbsp.

Dysentery, Colds and Pain in any part of the body (as in influenza):

Boil a handful of leaves and flowers in water to produce a glassful decoction three times a day.

Skin Diseases (dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, eczema) and Wounds:

Prepare a decoction of the leaves. Wash and clean the skin/wound with the decoction.

Headache:

Crushed leaves may be applied on the forehead.

Rheumatism, Sprain, Contusions, Insect Bites:

Pound the leaves and apply to affected part.

Aromatic Bath for Sick Patients:

Prepare leaf decoction for use in sick and newly delivered patients.

SUNBURNT

Red, Warm, Painful skin...

A very common side effect of long hours of exposure to the sun, which is known as sunburn.

The symptoms of sunburn is usually temporary which includes redness of the skin which is painful to touch and sometimes warm to touch as well. By the time the skin starts to become painful and red, the damage has been done. The pain is worst between 6 and 48 hours after sun exposure. In severe sunburns, blistering of the skin may occur.

Sunburn is better prevented than treated. Sunscreen and sunblock products are available in the market. Experts advise the use of at least SPF 30 for sunblock and sunscreen products. However, if you do get a sunburn:


• Try taking a cool shower or bath or placing wet, cold wash rags on the burn.
• Avoid products that contain benzocaine, lidocaine, or petroleum (like Vaseline).
• If blisters are present, dry bandages may help prevent infection.
• If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort.
• Over the counter medications, like ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain from sunburn. DO NOT give aspirin to children.
• Cortisone creams may help reduce the inflammation.
• Loose cotton clothing should be worn.

The following are tips to prevent sunburn:

• Avoid sun exposure during hours of peak sun ray intensity.

• Apply generous amounts of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Pay special attention to your face, nose, ears, and shoulders. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection.

• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow penetration. Re-apply after swimming and every 2 hours while you are outdoors.

• Wear sun hats. There is also SPF clothing and swimwear available.

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection.

• Use a lip balm with sunscreen.

Summer Facts: Prickly Heat

Miliaria also called "sweat rash" or "prickly heat" or "heat rash" is a skin disease marked by small and itchy rashes (Wikipedia). This skin problem is prevalent in the summer months especially in those with humid climate. Although it affects people of all ages, people who are overweight or sweat easily are more likely to get prickly heat. Babies and children are also more prone to prickly heat as their sweat glands are not fully developed. The condition usually is self-limited and resolves in hours to a few days without treatment.

Medical News Today defines prickly heat as a condition in which obstruction causes leakage of sweat into the deeper layers of the epidermis, provoking a local inflammatory reaction giving rise to the typical appearance of redness and large blister-like lesions.

There are four types of miliaria:

1. clear (miliaria crystalline)
2. white/yellow (miliaria pustulosa)
3. red (miliaria rubra)
4. deep (miliaria profunda)

Signs and Symptoms: 

Signs and symptoms of miliaria includes small red  rashes, which may itch or more often cause an intense 'pins-and-needles' prickling sensation. These may simultaneously occur at a number of area on a sufferer's body, the most common including the face, neck, under the breasts and under the scrotum. Other areas include skin folds, areas of the body taht may rub against clothing, such as the back, chest, abdomen, etc.

How can you prevent Prickly Heat?

Prickly heat can be prevented by avoiding activities that induce sweating, wearing light clothing, using air conditioning to cool the environment and in general, avoiding hot and humid weather. Frequent cool showers or cool baths with mild soap can help to prevent heat rash.

Treatment:


General measures should be recommended for all sufferers of prickly heat, including moving to an air-conditioned environment if possible, avoiding sweat-provoking activities and occlusive clothing, and taking frequent cool showers.

One can also use Prickly Heat Powders that are sold in most drug stores, pharmacy and department stores.

You can also apply frozen packs of peas or cool packs over affected areas. Don't leave pack over 20 minutes per hour.

Drinking Water is overall important in hydrating the body and keeping the body cool.

Halo-Halo

Halo-halo is one of the best summer treat for me. From a tagalog word "halo" or mix, this Filipino refreshment is a mixture of crushed ice, evaporated milk, fruits, gelatin, leche flan, beans and ice cream. For me, this is one of the most popular dessert and refreshment during summer and even the whole year round.

This is one way of serving this amazing Filipino Dessert

As I have said, this dessert or refreshment is just a mixture of the ingredients above let me share this recipe:

Ingredients:

- Sweetened red beans
- Sweetened garbanzos
- Sweetened saba banana
- Sweetened kamote
- Sweetened jackfruit
- Sweetened kaong
- Cooked sago
- Pinipig
- Macapuno
- Shaved/Crushed ice
- Ice cream
- Ube haleya
- Leche flan
- Milk
- White sugar

How To Make Halo-halo:
- Half-fill a tall glass with your choice of sweets. Fill with shaved/crushed ice. Top with ice cream, ube haleya or leche flan. Serve with milk and sugar.

Now, may you find this Filipino dessert refreshing for this Hot Summer season. :-))

Summer Heat!!!

Whaaaaah....

It's so freaking' HOT!!! It is really summer.

I always need to have a fan facing me steady with this heat.

Oh well, I'd rather have this summer feeling over rainy days. 

hahaha. Another random thought.

Gawad Kalinga Negros Occidental Operation Buligay Negros (Relief Operation for the Earthquake Victims)

Almost 2 weeks after the strongest quake(so far) that hit Negros, Gawad Kalinga Negros Occidental responded for the pleas of our brothers and sisters in the Oriental for food and water with Operation Walang Iwanan:Buligay Negros. With volunteers from GK1MB, sfC-gk, cfC-gk, Rotary, BCBP, LCC and the Philippine Army, relief goods were given to the quake-hit areas in Negros Oriental.

GK Negros Occidental Convoy on our way to Brgy. Solonggon, La Libertad, Negros Oriental

On our way to Guihulngan City, the scenery becomes heart breaking as we pass by homes with signboards saying: “SOS, walay tubig, walay bugas, looy mo” translated as, SOS, no rice, no water, have mercy. And also, I finally see with my very own eyes the damage that the quake brought to the place: cracked roads, damaged homes and establishments. And also, most of the residents are no longer staying inside their homes, even for those whose homes are not damaged at all; it is a common sight to see makeshift tents or canopy tents outside the residents home which serves as their sleeping quarters. I have even seen a family convert their pigpen as their makeshift tent.

Cracked roads in Guihulngan

Damaged business establishments

Homes that were damaged by the quake

the blue tents serves as temporary homes for the people in Brgy. Solonggon, La Libertad

And on the site of the relief operation, you would really see how thirsty for the water and hungry for the food the people are. Some of them need to walk from afar just to be where the giving of relief goods is. Also, it is heart-warming how thankful they are upon receiving the goods we give them. They keep on saying thank you to all of us.

On our way home, I still pray for the people there, especially to the three areas we’ve been, that they may be able to move on fast with their lives and start again. 

6.9 magnitude quake hit Visayas, Philippines

Around 11:49 am today, I experienced the strongest quake so far in my life. I got up of my chair to get my netbook's charger from my other table when one of my colleagues shouted "GALINOG!" ("There's a quake!") . And i stood still and felt my body swaying. And that was when another colleague shouted we get down and out the building (our faculty room was on the second floor of the school). And everyone else ran outside into the parking lot, teachers and students alike. Although there are really some who panicked and shouted, but still I commend everyone earlier for having the right judgment of running out to an open area during time like this. Minutes later, we got news that it was a magnitude 6.9 quake that hit us and soon there was a Tsunami Alert Level 2 placed. 

Eventually, classes in all schools here in Negros was cancelled. But still many are terrified over the aftershocks that will come. As of 2:06pm the  Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismoligy (PHIVOLCS) relaesed there have been 42 aftershocks recorded. And at 2:30 pm they have lifted the tsunami alert. At present, we are still on alert over what may happen next and everyone is still praying for protection and safety. 

Let me share some pictures I got over the net that people took after the quake. 

Gaisano San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

People in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental rushing and panicking to evacuate

People in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental panicking to go to higher grounds with the scare of a possible tsunami.

As of 4:38 pm, the NDRRMC reported a total of 7 deaths after the quake. All from Negros Oriental: 4 from Guihulngan, 2 from Tayasan and 1 from Jimalalud. 

Please include us in your prayers that we may be spared from more damages and aftershocks.

You can also join us who have started this prayer brigade:

We praise You, O Father, for holding us always in Your hands. Spare us, O God, from strong earthquakes and tsunami. Keep us safe in Your loving arms, shield us from evil and destruction. In Your hands, we surrender our all. Through Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, with Mama Mary's intercession. Amen. (Let us start a prayer brigade)...