Reaching out from MHAM to Surigao
In its relentless legacy in reaching out to the less-fortunate and victims of catastrophic disasters, the MHAM CM initiated a cause in the aftermath of the 6.7 magnitude quake that rattled Surigao del Norte last February 10, 2017 in the evening.
Magnitude 6.7 earthquake from Surigao City, Surigao del Norte · 10 Feb, 10:03 PM
The unthinkable quake, which was also felt in Mindanao and Visayas, has recorded 140 aftershocks by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) as of Tuesday afternoon, causing resident-victims to seek refuge in evacuation areas.
Over humanity crisis, a donation area is placed inside MHAM CM premises for the earthquake victims in Surigao City that killed at least six people, injuring more than a hundred survivors and sending residents scampering for safety.
While some water pipes are yet to be restored into normalcy, water supply is one of the basic needs in the quake-torn area. This prompted the MHAM CM management to undertake this cause, preferably on distilled water as water is increasingly important.
Quake-torn Surigao
MHAM’s Board of Trustees and Corporate Treasurer, Dr. Carlito Astillero in an interview said that the initiative is one way of solidarity to the victims who needs relief assistance, together with other government agencies and organizations who are responding with urgency to the evacuees and affected residents.
With Dr. Carlito L. Astillero, FPSMID, FASCP, PAFP
“Water is the most important item needed by the victims in Surigao City. Initially, MHAM students and employees are encouraged to correspond with positive action”, said Dr. Astillero.
As of the moment it has started, the donation area is now filled with boxes of distilled water donated by MHAM students and employees as well.
Sophomore student Anecito A. Pobar III at the donation area
According to Anecito Pobar III, water is basically the most important need to the victims at the moment.
“Water is Life”
“I believe that what we are initiating for the victims can eventually give them comfort, not just to quench their thirst but it is more on relieving their spirit who are still in the state of shock from such unimaginable calamity. This occurrence, which is associated to climate change issues can happen any time and as a MHAM student, this water donation is one way of showing our oneness to the victims and to mend their wounded spirit”, said Pobar in a separate interview.
Following Friday’s tremor, a state of calamity was declared in Surigao City as the worst-hit area, which prompted the closure of Surigao City domestic airport due to a damaged runway, aside from damaged homes, buildings, bridges and roads.
Moreover, power and water supply have been knocked down.
Satish Kumar in action
On his part, third year Indian student, Satish Kumar said that providing ample of water to the affected areas brought about by the recent earthquake is a humanitarian act, as residents do not have normal access to water and sanitation facilities.
With junior student Satish Kumar
“Knowing that one of the basic needs of human beings is clean drinking water, this water donation can support to the quake survivors and as a foreign student, I feel the need to share even in this little way. They may be able to survive without food but without water, it is impossible. For sure, this project will be of great help considering that water facilities and distribution are scarce at the moment. Our donation, if we put them together, can definitely cope the growing demands of the local people and casualties”, said Kumar.
As public and private organizations have stepped in to assist thousands of residents, this water donation and other items initiated by MHAM CM will be brought to ABS-CBN Cebu’s Tabang Patrol for Surigao Quake Victims through the Grand Halad Kapamilya program.
From MHAM to Surigao, generosity is immeasurable…
Expected wave of distributions of food and non-food emergency relief items in Surigao City this week will be deployed to support the victims.
Refusing to go home, hundreds of residents are still staying in makeshift tents as aftershocks occurred every now and then. (Ana Liza Abao)