High Emergency Response:
Super Typhoon

By: Cesar C. San Pedro, HI - Isabela Project Manager

For two weeks, frenzied activities were on-going: securing of offices, warehouses, staff houses and vehicles, staffing and finally, sourcing of essential communication and office equipment. The office was mobile, consisting of rooms and lounging areas of the local hotel wherein the team was initially residing. Job opportunities for professionals and skilled workers were advertised on the local radio station, in LGUs and on school premises.

The birth of HI – Isabela team encompassed the training and orientation of personnel and support from experts in the HI – Antipolo team. The team is composed of field engineers, community workers, assessors, master carpenters, database officers, project side physical and occupational therapists, logistic officers and support side assistants and drivers. Additionally, there is also an administrative and management complement.

Detailed assessments of affected families were made. The assessment team was comprised of PT/OT, assessors and master carpenters, who had to cross rivers and rugged terrain to reach the affected population. The team was at times required to walk 1 km (0.6 mi) to commute from one house to the next. Community workers strived to cement the gap between the beneficiaries and HI, while the shelter field coordinator provided the technical aspect of materials, design and construction or repair, which had to adhere to the shelter cluster standard.

The resilience of the “Ilaguenos” surfaced during the assessment. Anything that was unaffected by the storm was re-used for temporary repairs. Those who were financially capable started re-building, while others resorted to coping mechanisms such as borrowing money from informal sources with exorbitant interests or using materials like tarpaulin and plastic sheets as makeshift roofs and walls.

Sourcing of wood proved to be a challenge due to a logging ban. The logistics manager had to search the province and its environs for wood, ensuring that its source was legal, environment-friendly, while being mindful of financial concerns.

Repair kits were then distributed to the beneficiaries in the barangay grounds. All modes of transport were used by the beneficiaries to relocate the kits to the sites of their soon-to-rise homes. Happiness pervaded the air. Smiles were everywhere, both among beneficiaries as well as donors.

The community was alive. Repair and construction had begun. The “bayanihan” (helping one another without monetary consideration) spirit was sparked in more ways than one and the beneficiaries took turns helping one another.

The beneficiaries were ecstatic. A new shelter emerged… a new home was built. It was a blessing, and they said, “Maraming Salamat Po! “

On the specific needs component of the Isabela project, HI staff met Jerome and his family in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Quirino, Isabela last January. Jerome Dalit, a 7y/o boy, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy  (Spastic Quadriplegia), a case wherein his four limbs and torso are affected with increase muscle tone or activity, that results to his inability to do a lot of things, including independently eating and bathing, which a kid his age should be able to do.  Inspite of this, Jerome remained to be a jolly kid, who often smiles whenever his name is called.

Jerome’s mother, Raisy, had specified that her son needed a new wheelchair. A physical examination revealed that Jerome needed a thumb splint for both hands and a pair of ankle foot orthosis so as to prevent further deformity. After demonstrating and providing home therapy services, the occupational therapist and the master carpenter advised that the main entrance of the house be modified for easy access of the  wheelchair. After gaining the consent of the family, the much welcomed modification was realized. Jerome’s mother was very thankful for the efforts of Handicap International, as she delightedly remarked, “Now I can easily bring Jerome to the community center or to the neighbors for a stroll with much ease”. The whole family was more than willing to participate in the project, especially Jerome, who leaned in to witness the ramp’s construction.

It is always a joy to see persons with disabilities and their families empowered, helping ease the burden and effects of  “Disability" by giving them an equal opportunity to be part of their community and their voices be heard.