Typhoon aftermath: A story of resilience

A week ago same day as today - Saturday - we have come to realize how worst the typhoon Ulysses hit Metro Manila and Rizal. Metro Manila is part of the National Capital Region and Rizal of Region 4-A. Nevertheless, as our schools - located in Metro Manila (NCR - Marikina City) and Rizal (Cainta and Rodriguez, Rizal) --- students, employees and their families are on these areas and mostly affected by the typhoon or flooding as well. As there was a power outage for hours or days on areas greatly affected by the typhoon, not everyone was accounted for quickly (not as quickly as we hoped) as some lost their phones, have drained the batteries of their phone and no way to charge, their cellphone got wet or simply - destroyed by the typhoon. On 11th to 12th November, strong winds detached some roofs and the flood went either outside their houses, up to their ankle inside their houses, up to their knee, lower legs, upper legs, waist, chest or up to over 5 feet, up to their staircase (if they have any), up to 2nd floor and even 3rd floor for some. After a day or two, people do not even know how to start cleaning up their homes. Mind you, the flooding has accompanying soil and mud which is very hard to clean as it seeps through everything and not smell good either. Last weekend too, some members of our team already are packing relief goods for our employees.

By Monday 16th November, my team and I started distributing these relief packs to the homes of our employees. The first person I was asking to receive the relief goods was one of our 7 janitors, he lives near the river. He was teary eyed at first as he told me how their belongings washed out and they just let it. He said they have children with them and they just have to go up the roof. I believe he even has one granddaughter just recently gave birth and was with them that time. He cried and was apologizing to me and I said (Kuya - older brother) there is no need to apologize to me, it must be difficult what you went through, we are just glad you are safe now... Some of the others have similar stories who - saved and secured their family though it was hard. As they begun to clean up their homes, organize what is remaining of their stuff, you can see the sadness and tiredness on their eyes. One even was so surprised to see us, he said he did not imagine we would go to his mud filled home just to give some help and he appreciates it so much. One teacher was so worried he lost everything on the flood even his expensive laptop and cellphone but his worry was because might not be able to attend to his classes. I assured him there was a declaration of no class and if it resumes and he is still not ready, he is still excused. A day or two after, a bus filled with aid also arrived from our mother school @FEU, we advised some of those who already received their relief goods that we will deliver again to them while those who live near the school may get it any time. They are very thankful. (To @FEU Thank you!!!) The students were also delivered the goods while some whos houses are walking distance to the school had their parents get them as it is still pandemic and the community quarantine does not allow minors to loiter.

Our schools especially the one in Marikina also got devastated by the typhoon. Some areas were submerged by flood. Now as the schools, its students and employees start to rebuild, it is very clear how the FEUR community came out of the typhoon aftermath ~ through the help of many people and because of everyone's: RESILIENCE.

To all those who packed relief, helped us distribute, to those who helped us account for all our employees and students (still ongoing). to all those who donated, Thank you!

For those who are willing to help, I have posted in the comments section the details how. God bless everyone.