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.