A relief of relieve

September 25, 2018 Ikit ng Bayan Opinion

Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) caused so much damage in the province of Benguet particularly in the municipality of Itogon where 49 was recorded dead as of Sept. 20, 2018. Estimated production loses and damages on agriculture as per the record from Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council last Sept. 17, 2018, 5pm, total value is P181,758,960.10. The Benguet province now is mourning for their love ones who will never be with them anymore this coming Christmas.

To those who are still willing to help by heart this coming week. Things to do while giving relief goods is to know the needs of the constituents on the affected area either caused by different calamities like landslide, flood, earthquake, fire, avalanche or etc. To fully coordinate with the following: Mayor, DSWD, Councilors, Barangay Captain, COP of the particular municipality and any of their Kagawads to lead you specifically to the place. Do not forget to get their number.

Things to consider are the following as well: relief goods should not be with evacuees alone but also to the rescuers, isolated families in different affected area, and the family of the casualties, “bawal maarte & nagmamagaling.”

Things to bring are the following when this kind of calamity arises are the following: water, ready to eat food, hygiene kit, gas, kitchen utensils, gas stove, vitamin c, milk, school supplies and diaper. Attitude is not a thing but to bring the essence of PHLEM: Patience on different kind of situation; Humbleness is the willingness to serve the people of God through Mission and your chosen Ministry; Love is the compassion in every endeavor; Endurance is the eagerness to help by thinking of our health also (safety first); and the last one of course is Meekness where we keep quiet by letting the Lord as our witness and not our mouth and facebook.

For in the Bible (KJV) Ephesians 6:6 “Not with eye service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart”. Remember iKit, the Lord looks on the heart and not on the outward appearance. This is yours truly, Tita Ara Katter of iKit ng Bayan who always reminds you “Ti panagkaykaysa, mangiwanwan iti naranyag nga pagsayaatan.” Pray for Cordillera.