Metro Infanta Foundation, Inc.

Infanta, Real and Nakar tragedy

Post date: 12/31/04

Sincere Thanks

Editor's Note: We just received the message below which signed by Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona, Father Israel Gabriel and Deacon Mario Van Loon and published in the Philippine dailies before Christmas and therefore the spirit of the message.

To all donors, benefactors and partners,

In a few days, we shall be celebrating the Solemn Feast of the Lord's Nativity. it's Christmas once again.

for us int he prelature of Infanta, which was hardest hit by the recent flash flood tragedy, Christmas must go on. It must be solemnly celebrated.

As we carry the heavy load of pain and suffering at this time, we are consoled and strengthened by the generous hearts and hands ready to help us during our immediate and urgent needs. During those moments of urgency, YOU WERE THERE TO HELP US!

In behalf of the Prelature of Infanta/Aurora, I convey my sincerest gratitude for your kindness, assistance both material and for our funds, concern and prayers.

We are strengthened that you are still with us as we continue to help rehabilitate and rebuild people's lives and families. We think of how the Holy Family experienced suffering and uncertainty as well. Like Mother Mary and St. Joseph, we hold on to our faith that God is with us.

Emmanuel is the cry of our hearts; the song o our lips. God is with us in the Child Jesus!

thank you again, and may God bless you and your loved ones in the way He alone knows best!

Merry Christmas!

Sincerely in Jesus,

Their presence on this planet

ChristmasReflection

Christmas Evening Reflection:

by Deacon Mario van Loon, act

In the relative silence of the Christmas evening I looked back at the past 25 days since Fr. Cha died. The news of his death reached me at 10 AM, when I was giving classes on the Social Teachings of the Church. It was Tuesday morning, November 30. With one single blow it made me clear that something extreme, unimaginable had happened, that would change the history of the Prelature and its people.

During the rest of that day news came in bits and pieces convincing us, who were outside the area, that a tragedy without precedence had happened in Infanta, Real, Nakar and Dingalan. How extensive the damage and how costly in lives the disaster was, would only become clear after several more days. Communication was extremely difficult because telephone lines had been cut off and cellphones networks severely damaged. Some text messages came through, but there was not enough information to give us a comprehensive view. The news about the death of Fr. Cha was denied, affirmed, denied again and then finally became certain when Fr. Boy informed us that he had recovered the body. Fr. Mario's where-about was uncertain, so rumors were spreading that he had also died. Even Fr. Boy was thought to have died, as texts from the USA indicated. In those early hours the most important thing to do seemed to be to get reality established in order to be able to act on it with determination. Starting November 30, the ACT community in Manila has been the center of communication. National and international inquiries came in and were answered as best as we could. Our phone would ring even at midnight and in the wee hours of the morning.

On the same day we started the organization of the Relief Center in Mount Carmel Parish Shrine in Broadway New Manila. Without any reservations Fr. Arnold gave us access to all facilities. We totally disrupted the normal flow of their parish offices, but he and his community never complained. Dedicated volunteers organized themselves to form the backbone of the Prelature's Social Action Center for relief operations called DUGSONG-BUHAY (an expression in Quezon Province which means CONTINUING / SUSTAINING LIFE). Sisters from the Apostles in Contemporary Times (ACT) and the Augustinian Missionaries of the Philippines (AMP), seminarians from ICTC, volunteers from the Socio-Pastoral Institute (SPI), NDP, Kaalagad, concerned people of General Nakar, friends of the Prelature residing in Manila tirelessly worked everyday in organizing the collection and distribution of goods in the quickest possible way. Truckloads were brought to the victims of the typhoons in Dingalan, Real, Infanta, and Nakar.

It is with great gratitude that I think of the past days in Dugsong-Buhay Center. We often were there from 6 AM till 10 PM. The ACT community and the AMP community provided the backbone throughout this period. A group of five / six women from the squatter are in the neighborhood cooked for us three times a day, never asking anything more in return than a remark about how delicious the simple food was and how important their work was to give us the strength to keep going. The hundreds of volunteers from everywhere, but especially from different religious congregations, worked in making the food-packages and sorting out the used clothes. Whole classes of students from schools came to help!

We all can be proud of our work: As of today we have passed the 100,000 mark of food packages prepared. Most of them have been already delivered ALL OVER THE PRELATURE, FROM REAL, INFANTA AND NAKAR, TO DINGALAN, TO SAN LUIS, BALER, DIPACULAO AND MARIA AURORA AND ALSO TO CASIGURAN. Our efforts have served the whole Prelature, as we were obliged to do. We have organized over 30 medical teams to go to the area accompanied by many boxes of medicines, some donated, others bought with the money that was given to us by the many, many donors.

We have sent many different batches of volunteers to the area starting on the second day of the disaster. The first group was composed from staff members of SPI and seminarians from the ICTC, religious sisters and students from IFRS. Their courageous efforts gave hope to the people in Real, when they were at the height of their traumatic experience. Mountains of mud, boulders and logs could not stop their effort, even when they had to go through waste-high debris.

In this whole process we felt the strong leadership of Bishop Tria Tirona. He was with us in Dugsong-Buhay Center, encouraging, advising, deciding. He was the first to go by helicopter to Nakar where he spent three days living under the worst of circumstances, because he wanted to be with his people. He would not give up till he could bring the body of Fr. Cha to Manila and eventually to Cotabato, where Cha was given a hero's welcome and funeral. Bishop's determination and spirit, expressed in action and contemplative texts messages gave us strength and courage.

Almost everyday Bishop Labayen would come to the relief center giving encouragement and spiritual strength to all. He also was able to fly to the Prelature to be with the people he loves so much. He quietly suffered with us, the pain too much to put into words.

I have to mention all those courageous people especially in Infanta, Real, Nakar and Dingalan, who showed their faith in God and love for God's people in the dark hours during and after the flash floods: The parish priests, the religious sisters and especially our dedicated lay people, striving in impossible conditions, showing their spiritual strength, believing in God's Incarnation.

On December 23 we downsized the Dugsong-Buhay Center. Donations in money and kind will still be accepted, but we will be more a channel to Infanta, Real, Nakar and Dingalan, where the main work will be done. We are entering a new phase, the rebuilding. Government and private sector count on the churches in order to help in the processing of the difficult steps that have to be made (like relocations) and ensure the support goes where it should go: to the most needy, the most vulnerable, the weakest. The SAC office has been designated as coordination center and data center for the concerted tasks of rebuilding and rehabilitating.

May God bless us and strengthen us for the task ahead.

We thank you, Lord, for everything we were able to do. Without your Spirit, No way!

ni Obispo Rolando Tria Tirona, OCD

Editor's Note: Bishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD, has requested that as we read his very touching poem on the cry of our people, we may continue to reach out to our kababayans. Please support our Disaster Relief Fund Drive to send to the needy of our hometown. If your name does not appear on the list of supporters, please consider joining those who have not hesistated to offer their help. Even a small amount will show you everyone a sense of solidarity with those in dire need of our help. Your support is very important to us and those we help. Thank you.

My name is Ike Mapa residing in SA Tx. I am from Infanta myself. I have been following the news and updates about the disaster that struck our town and the surrounding towns and barrios through your site and some thru TFC. Thanks to my high school friend and classmate Sandra Recio who forwarded me your website. First, my hats off to all of you in your collective efforts ensuring donations from various organizations and individuals get directly to the flood victims. Secondly, for getting the words out about the latest conditions in those towns affected by the flood. Keep up the good work! I now have a better grasp of the extent of what's happened - looking at the posted photos and individual accounts. I cried upon seeing the devastation and even more so when I think of those who survived - they will bear the pain of this devastating loss the rest of their life.

This is probably the toughest challenge our people will ever face. I have witnessed a few floods myself as I was growing up in Infanta but nothing of this magnitude. I hope and pray that in the coming days, weeks, months and years ahead that our beloved kababayans would see a renewed town, life and hope. I have confidence in their strength, courage and faith in God that someday we would again see these towns get rebuilt, refaced and renewed.

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit guide them and give them strength as they piece together their broken lives, hopes and dreams. May God's peace, love and unity reign among everyone as they work together in the rebuilding process. Opening the book of Proverbs in chap 21, vs 21 "He who pursues righteousness and love will find prosperity, life and honor."

Our church (Lord of the Harvest) in San Antonio is raising funds and donations for the flood victims. We can collect canned goods, medicines, old clothes and put them in balikbayan boxes. This may be a small effort to begin with but I hope and pray for a greater response from the congregation later on. I am going to present some photos (from your site) to the congregation this coming Sunday.

Please send me some details; address, point of contact etc, etc. Is there a way we can get in touch with Gene Pallugan in Houston TX - may be you have his phone # handy.

We have hardly dried our tears for the typhoon / flood victims in the provinces of Quezon, Maria Aurora and Central plain of Luzon and here comes another sad tragic news.

According to The Manila Bulletin of 27 December 2004, TIDAL WAVES KILLS OVER 4,OOO IN 5 ASIAN COUNTRIES.

The report stated that 2,134 were reported dead in Sri Lanka; 721 in Indonesia; 1,100 in Southern India; 168 in Southern Thailand: and 17 in Malaysia.

The cause of the tidal waves was a strong earthquake, the strongest in 40 years. The center of the earthquake was reported in Indonesia.

We sympathize and deeply condole with the victims of the tidal waves and express our solidarity with the countries affected by said natural calamity.

Perhaps a token donation or assistance from RP although still suffering from destructions caused by typhoons and floods would help ameliorate the sufferings of people affected by the earthquake and tidal waves in our neighboring countries..

Let us pray for the victims of such natural calamities whereever they may be.

Comments: A humanitarian gesture although we ourselves are still reeling from the devastations, deaths and destructions caused by recent typhoons and floods

Occurrence of typhoons, floods, earthquakes and tsunamis causing thousands of death and untold destructions remind us how ephemeral our presence is on this planet.

New Jersey Archbishop, John Myers Father Armando Crisostomo, Jr., recently announced the appointment of the Rev. Armando Crisostomo, Jr., as parochial vicar for St. Joseph of the Palisades Parish in West New York, New Jersey.

Father Crisostomo, 44, is one of four children of the late Dr. Armando Crisostomo and Justina Sanchez, a retired school teacher.

A graduate of Mt. Carmel High School, Father Crisostomo studied philosophy at St. Francis de Sales Major Seminary in Lipa City, and theology at the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City. In 1988 he went to Rome to join the congregation of the Missionaries of Faith. He earned his licentiate in canon law from the St. John Lateran University in Rome and was ordained a priest June 19, 1993.

Father Crisostomo came to the United States in 2003 and was assigned to the Holy Rosary Parish in Jersey City, New Jersey. In September 2004, before receiving his new assignment and while in residence at St. Mary of the Assumption, he was appointed temporary chaplain of Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth, NJ.

Post Date: 12/27/04

Christmas lantern without light

By Rudy A. Arizala
Santiago, Chile

Last night "Noche Buena 2004", after my wife and I participated in the midnight mass (Simbang Gabi) at a church near our place, we had the traditional "Noche Buena" meal. Compared to last year, this time we had a frugal "Noche Buena" meal. My wife prepared "pansit", some sandwiches and a Christmas cake. Our daughter came with a friend to join us. My wife noted that the old "Filipino parol" or lantern which we brought from the Philippines and used to hang on our window for many years every Christmas with glittering lights, this time has no light. But we have some multi-colored lights on our small Christmas tree at a corner of our living room and the usual "Belen" consisting of the images of the Holy Family, shepherds and the Three Wise Men from the East. After the midnight meal and distribution or exchange of simple gifts, we bade good night to each other and greeted each other "A Merry Christmas!" as expression of hope and faith in the Lord.

Our "Filipino parol" or lantern in the shape of a star is dim or has no light this Christmas as expression of sympathy and solidarity with our family, relatives, friends and kababayans in Infanta, Real and Gen. Nakar towns who are celebrating a bleak, dark and without "Noche Buena" meal Christmas because of the devastations caused by the recent floods in said three towns in Quezon province. We are aware that they are subsisting on donated food rations these days and their homes destroyed or swepty away by the floodwaters. The mud and slime are still knee deep on the streets of Infanta and surroundings.

The night might be dark in Infanta, but the faithful, guided by their faith and love, still managed to attend the midnight mass and gave thanksgiving to the Lord. They are thankful for still being blessed with precious life and survived the deluge.

More than two thousand years ago today, a Savior was born, the Light of the world, Who, inspite of darkness, continue to guide and protect us. Our "parol" might have no light but we have forever shining light &endash;Lord Jesus Christ.

Congratulations and Thank You! Because of your efforts, big or small, our Disaster Relief Fund Campaign is on its way to reaching the $25,000 mark. At $24,692.50 (including some $3,000 in restricted or donor-advised fund), we need only $307.50 to reach our first goal. This means that because of your efforts we were able to match the $10,000 donation of St. Thomas More, and we are on our way to matching the $2,500 donation of Our Sunday Visitor.

As reported earlier, we sent to the Prelature of Infanta and its "Dugsong Buhay" Relief Fund our first contribution of $17,500. I hope to send our next wire transfer, before I leave for the Philippines January 11 (for a seminar on stewardship for the Catholic Bishops conference of the Philippines). So please continue to send your donations, so we can show our kababayans how much we care about them.

FYI, the above figures are only those that we deposited to our bank account. We cannot account for those reported by groups raising funds but sending their donations directly to Infanta, Real and Gen. Nakar. Only those that go through our bank account will get acknowledgment and tax-documentation (especially those that gave $250 or more, which is required by IRS) from Metro Infanta Foundation.

Quezonians abroad raise funds for their townmates

by JEREMAIAH M. OPINIANO
OFW Journalism Consortium Inc.

MANILA -- THE news of the calamity spread quickly. Four consecutive typhoons in two and a half weeks - Unding, Violeta, Winnie and Yoyong &endash; from the third week of November to the first week of December, killed 1,000 nationwide and 500 in Quezon province.

Through its website, the Metro Infanta Foundation (www.infanta.org) sent out the call for donations for the unfortunate victims of the storms and the landslide victims in Infanta, Real and Nakar towns in Quezon province.

Stories of transnational civic action by overseas Filipinos to assist needy countrymen at home are a staple during calamities. While US$3.5 million in donations have poured in from the United Nations, governments of developed countries, and international nonprofit organizations, Filipinos abroad are not far behind with their smaller but nonetheless significant contributions.

Almost immediately after the call for help was sounded by Catholic bishop Rolando Tria Tirona of the Prelature of Infanta, the St. Thomas More Parish in Colorado gave US$10,000 to the Metro Infanta Foundation for the relief effort. That was on December 9.

On the 12th, Mila Glodava, founder and president of Metro Infanta Foundation, told the OFW Journalism Consortium that MIF was able to send by wire transfer a total of US$17,500 (which includes the $10,000 from St. Thomas More) to Infanta bishop Rolando Tirona. "In addition, the Filipino-American associations in Houston, beaumont and Texas have collected more than US$15,000 which Dr. Arsenio Martin will be handing over to Tirona himself when he comes back home to the Philippines.

Gene Pallugna, who resides in Texas, has been receiving faxes and email pledges of donations. "Thank you," reads the website to those who sent the faxes and emails.

Letter to GMA
Glodava wrote to President Macapagal-Arroyo December 9, assuring her that US$17,500 in relief funds collected was on its way. In addition various Filipino-American organizations in Houston, Beaumont and Fort Arthur collected $15,000, which Dr. Arsenio Martin will personally deliver to Bishop Tirona.

And the commitment to raise funds for the victims, Glodava wrote the President, will be sustained: "We shall continue to raise funds as possible, as well as collecting in-kind donations of clothing, canned goods, blankets and other assistance for the people of the region. Along with this practical support, we send our spiritual support; rest assured that many, many people are holding you and your people in prayer as you face this hardship."

Messages of hope and persistence continue to pour into the website of the Metro Infanta Foundation, a US-registered nonprofit foundation that has been serving Infanta and its neighboring towns since 1996.

From Santiago, Chile, Rudy Arizala prodded Foundation members for more medicines, food and potable water. Aside from saying "do not delay (sending) these donations," Arizala said, "Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo (Of what use is the grass if the horse is already dead)."

There is also cross-country, cross-continental solidarity. "We are from the Arabian Consulting Engineering Center (ACEC) Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia," wrote Venchi Gucon, who said they are raising money (Saudi Rials 600 thus far) which they will remit via bank draft to Metro Infanta Foundation.

Quezonians in Canada
Quezonians in Canada responded quickly. The Quezon Province Association of Canada (QPAC), led by long-time president and migrant advocate Rosalinda Javier, has pledged US$4,000 to buy more food, medicines and clothing.

Levy Arevalo, who posted the web message on behalf of the Quezonians in Canada, said she will go home on January 25 next year to coordinate the shipment and will distribute these to needy Quezonians hit by the disaster.

Aside from having secured pledges from the hometown associations in Canada from the towns of Tayabas, Calauag, Candelaria, Lorez, and Dolores in Quezon, Arevalo reported that the QPAC will hold a fundraiser on December 19 at the Filipino Community Center.

"From Canada, we are praying and hoping that all our relatives, friends and kababayans will be able to cope and pass through these hurdles with our Lord's help and also from everyone who open their hearts to help them every step of the way," Arevalo added.

There were also messages expressing worry over what has happened to their relatives. Mrs. Pratt of Aberdeen, Scotland, said a Filipino community there had a Christmas Party and was able to raise about 50 pounds for her neighbors in Bantillan village in Infanta, since "there are no relief goods reaching our area".

Sleepless over the fate of kababayans in Bantillan, Pratt wrote: "Thank God I managed to contact my daughter in Bantilan and she told me the story of our town. Magdamag daw sila sa bubong ng bahay (Thank God everybody is ok). Paano po ang iba na walang kamaganak na tutulong? Magugutom. (They were on the roof of their house all night. But how about those who have no relatives who can help them? They will go hungry.)"

Efforts to raise more funds are still ongoing online, and the Metro Infanta Foundation is the acknowledged conduit to receive and distribute money for the relief efforts.

According to Central Bank figures, in 2003, overseas Filipinos sent US$218 million in remittances as donations and gifts -- a five-year high. This is on top of the regular remittances amounting to US$7.6 billion sent by migrants to their families.

Development work
Even before the tragedy, the Metro Infanta Foundation has been involved in development work in Infanta and neighboring towns in Quezon. Apart from having a disaster relief fund, the MIF has been able to raise $18,194.65 for pro-active development projects in education, health and livelihood at home this year.

Since 1996, Glodava said MIF has distributed more than US$150,000 in grants for education, religious, civic and humanitarian outreach to benefit towns in Quezon. She added MIF also facilitated another US$150,000 in indirect grants from various funding agencies.

There were more. She wrote: "This January, we will be distributing at least US$10,000 for our programs (this is excluding the funds for relief operations). The US$10,000 is in addition to the US$12,500 that we distributed last July and August."

But in situations such as natural calamities where urgency is a necessity, the donations flood the homeland.

Some OFWs get their horror stories first hand. Cristina Plaza of California wrote: "The same night of the flood (November 30), my aunt Baby Calleja called up aunt Chit who is in Kansas. She said: "Tulungan mo kami, lulubog na kami, lulubog na kami (Please help us. We're sinking. We're sinking)."

Then, the phone call got disconnected. This was such a dramatic call and when the whole family found out we were deeply saddened and constantly crying." Plaza added.

The Quezonians online also honored the dead, among them Infanta parish priest Fr. Charlito Colendres, in the Metro Infanta Foundation website. And below that link is the list of donors, coming from the US states of California, Washington, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Colorado.

The online appeal has spread like wildfire, and the response has been just as quick. Arriana Serafico, a high school student, wrote: "Best regards to the people of Infanta, Quezon. Our donations are on their way, along with our prayers." OFW Journalism Consortium, Inc.

Thanks for the donations of the DFA Office of Protocol personnel for the Infanta victims of the recent flood as well as for the rice rations and used clothes donations. How true, indeed, is the statement that we are a people who could manage to smile despite tragic events because we are a "people of profound faith, unflagging hope, and amazing love."

My niece wrote me after bringing their Mommy to Manila from Infanta due to the fact that our house in Infanta has been damaged by the flood: and she (my sister) almost drown due to the onrushing flood waters: Luckily she managed to swim to safety: "Malungkot ang Pasko pero marami rin dapat ipagpasalamat kaya tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko!" ( "It would be a sad Christmas but there are still many things to thank the Lord for. So, Christmas will surely still come to us!"). Yes, the commemoration of Christmas must continue as expression of faith, love and hope. I was informed that Bishop Tirona of the Prelatura of Infanta, Quezon, go ahead celebrating the traditional "simbang gabi" and the church is full of people, barefoot and almost nothing on their back to protect them from the cold to participate in the "simbang gabi."

Thanks again ka Toto for your expression and manifestation of solidarity and sympathy to the flood victims of my hometown.

By the way, I look forward reading your magnum opus "Bababa, ba?"

Have a Blessed Christmas and New Year!!!

P.S. Thanks also to Congen Weng Mendoza Sanchez of San Francisco, CA for suggesting to the Phil Medical Society of Northern California, U.S.A. to include in their medical mission this coming January 2005, the towns of Infanta, Real and Gen. Nakar in Quezon province. Am still waiting words or comments from Gov. Willie L. Enverga on such proposed medical mission. RAA

From Amb. Jose Lino

We smile despite tragedy because we are a people of profound faith, unflagging hope, and amazing love.

Congratulations for your raffle on behalf of our needy brethren. "Beato te", as the Romans say.

From José Abeto Zaide

Somehow, the Filipino is still able to smile between man-made and natural disasters. And we continue to say thanks for what's there. A priest's homily this 7th dawn of missa de gallo reminded us. Protocol had its usual deluge of gifts. And every year I have been expected to raffle off my loot to the staff. This time I asked those who wanted to improve their chances to buy lottery shares. We raised P3,200 for the Infanta victims. Small change. But the staff felt better about donating their old clothes and rice ration after that.

From Boy Montelibano

It had been a hectic week. . . . Hectic-ness has become part and parcel of an ever-expanding Gawad Kalinga. . . . We spent most of last week moving around disaster-stricken areas and planning what to do to help hem. I found myself in Mindoro Oriental which had three towns badly hit by a tornado (more than 8,000 homes destroyed), in Quezon which also had three towns really badly damaged from floods that carried not only mud and water but logs and trees as well.

Then, I was in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, but did not proceed with the team who went to Dingalan, Aurora, just an hour away. I went back to Manila for an important meeting with Smart Communications which decided to take the lead in rehabilitating Gen. Nakar, Quezon, by donating 200 houses through Gawad Kalinga.

The devastation was horrible. I have oodles of pictures which depict the physical damage but chose not to unduly influence the celebratory nature of Christmas. Suffice it to say that the pictures told a thousand stories, almost all of them about tragedy and pain.

Many Filipinos, most of them very ordinary ones, have been responding with atypical heroism. The mission of total human liberation and nation-building asks for sacrifice and heroism from all Filipinos, and the first few ones who respond give us glimpses about how powerful Filipinos can be if only they work together towards a common goal. Gawad Kalinga offers itself to be a vehicle for convergence, and it must be an attractive vehicle because national government agencies, LGUs, and private organizations and corporations are finding their way to GK.

It is Christmas. This special season brings joy and celebration to the hearts of millions of Filipinos. There are many, though, thousands and thousands of our brothers and sisters, who will not be able to enjoy Christmas as the rest of us. They have to bury their dead, search for their missing kin, and scramble for food, medicine and shelter. While we are filled with cheer, they are filled with fear and great uncertainty.

We must reach out to them. We must let them know they are not alone. We must show them that we are their brothers and sisters, created by the same one God, born of the same motherland.

Children's love to a mother

By Rudy A. Arizala
Santiago, Chile

I received a post-flood report from my niece after her elder sister was able to go to Infanta, Quezon in a hired vehicle and brought their mother to Manila to spend Christmas holdiays with them and make their mother forget her traumatic experience during the flash flood which occured on the night of 29 November 2004. My sister was sleeping inside her bedroom on the ground floor of our house in Infaanta. She was awaken by the noise of falling objects, and when she got up, the flood water was rising rapidly up to her neck. It was pitch dark and she shouted for help. But nobody heard her. So, she prayed and then the cellphone she was holding in her left hand suddenly lighted up. She was able to find her way toward the bedroom door. But she could not open the door. Instinctively, she struck with her right hand the door and it opened. She was able to swim toward the stairway leading to the second floor of our house. Upstairs, soaking wet, she passed the night until morning came.

The moment the mountain road from Infanta to Manila became passable, her daughters in Manila hired a vehicle; went to Infanta; and brought their mother to Manila.

Hereunder is an account of my niece two days after her mother arrived in Manila:

"Naipasyal na po namin si Mommy sa mall at ikinain sa Shakey´s dahil sa gusto po daw niya ng pizza. Dinala rin po namin sa beauty parlor dahil biglang tumanda ang mukha ni Mommy. Madami din po siyang sugat at pilat sa binti. Madami din ang kagat ng lamok buti na lang at nakapunta na siya dito sa Maynila. . . ." ( "We already took mother to the Mall and went to Shakey´s because she said she would like to eat a piece of pizza. We also brought her to a beauty parlor because mother suddenly look old. She has also superficial wounds and scars on her legs as well as mosquito bites. Thank God, we were able to bring her to Manila. . . ")

A heartrending sad account of what happened to my sister but gratifying as well to know that she has loving daughters who have deep concern and abiding love for their mother. When I spoke over the phone to my sister upon her arrival in Manila, she recounted to me in detail as to what happened to her and to our house in Infanta. Quezon. It was, indeed, a harrowing experience. All what I could tell her was we should thank the Lord that she was saved and still alive and should not think of the material things lost in the flood waters.

Instead of saying to all of you a "MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR", which we all know do not apply to the victims of flash floods in Infanta, Real and General Nakar, allow me to quote the words of my niece at the end of her message to me about their Mommy: "Malungkot ang Pasko pero marami rin dapat ipagpasalamat kaya tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko!" ( "It would be a sad Christmas but there are still many things to thank the Lord for. So, Christmas will surely still come to us!")

Trying to Salvage Christmas from Floods

By John O'Callaghan

Gregorio Evardome knows exactly what he wants for Christmas dessert: a Philippine favorite of young coconut brimming with fruit cocktail, jelly and cream.

This year, that sweet treat is just a dream.

Like many of the 60,000 people in the farming town of Infanta, the retired postal worker and his family are surviving on emergency rations of rice, noodles and tinned sardines after four fierce storms slammed into the northeastern Philippines.

With three of his 12 children still at home and some of the others coming back for Christmas, Evardome isremarkably quick to grin and laugh for someone with so little to celebrate.

"I hope everything will still be merry," he said by the light of a homemade kerosene lamp on his half-buried front porch. "I just have to hide my tears behind a smile."

Beyond its spiritual significance in this largely Roman Catholic country, Christmas is a time for feasts and parties.

Infanta, named for the baby Jesus, should be ablaze with festive lights and revelry at this time of year. Instead, it is dark and deserted after dusk.

"We don't have Christmas here," said Nards Pontillo, vice chairman of the local water authority, as his rubber boots slopped through the brown muck that blankets the streets.

Small shops are selling some fresh produce as earth movers clear the roads into the town and more trucks get through.

But nearly three weeks after the rains and floods stopped, many bridges are still out, buildings are full of mud and the once emerald-green rice fields are sun-baked flatlands.

Infanta's water pumping stations were wiped out or damaged when the Agos River, swollen by rain and clogged with illegally cut logs, burst its banks on Nov. 29. A few neighborhoods have electricity but the rest must wait until the new year.

The devastation is similar in the nearby towns of Real and General Nakar, which also took heavy blows from the storms that left nearly 1,800 people dead or missing in several provinces.

Barefoot children line the road to Infanta, shouting "Merry Christmas" to passing vehicles as they hold out their hands in the hopes of some charity.

Still, there is a glimmer of cheer at St Mark's Cathedral, one of several impromptu distribution centers where residents line up for bags of food and clothing.

Near the altar, lights flash above a traditional nativity scene. Green and red stars hang from the pillars and jaunty music blares from a tinny speaker as a generator hums outside.

Father Francisco Macabenta, the parish priest, is up early after a long day and late night of sermons, visits to remote areas, a funeral wake and meetings about relief efforts.

The pews are packed for the pre-dawn Mass. Before going inside, some of the faithful respectfully wash their filthy feet with precious bottles of drinking water.

"I tell them to celebrate Christmas in a more

meaningful way -- by the way of the heart and not so much of externals in terms of grand and expensive things," Macabenta said. "I guess we're forced into it now and Christmas becomes more meaningful."

Aid organizations will help the three worst-hit towns make it as special a time as possible for thousands of children by putting on shows and handing out toys and clothing on Wednesday.

"What matters is there is still hope for them," saidRosario Bandelakla, a nurse running a Red Cross relief post at a school.

Life was never easy for many in Infanta but recovering from the storms will take months, if not years. It willalso cost money the local and national governments do not have.

Faith, hope and humor have helped Filipinos weather many crises. That stoicism is extra strong in Infanta this Christmas.

"It will be an ordinary day like any other day," saidJessica Garcia, who took her two young daughters to live at her father-in-law's store after hip-deep water swept into her house.

"As for the children, I just wish for their good health -- nothing more."

Editor's Note: Thanks to Gene Pallugna for sending us this article from ebalita.net

Musings on Christmas 2004

By Rudy A. Arizala
Santiago, Chile December 2004

The immense outpouring of love, solidarity and assistance to victims of the recent flash floods in Infanta, Real and General Nakar, Quezon province (29 November 2004), is heart-consoling despite the cold, hunger, thirst, pain and sufferings of the survivors. They are suffering because of man´s perfidy and greed &endash; the wanton rape of our forests and natural resources.

It will be a dark and sad Christmas for the people of Infanta and its neighboring towns of Real and Gen. Nakar who have barely trekked back silently to their respective homes or whatever remains of their belongings after mourning and burying their dead. They would pick up the pieces or whatever remain of their shelter and rebuild a place where they could continue go on living.

No glittering multicolored lanterns in the shape of a star would hang from their window sills. No Christmas tree laden with gifts, decorations and glittering lights would stand at a corner of their home as it used to be No table laden with Christmas foods and native delicacies for the traditional "Noche Buena." It would be a dark, bleak, quiet Christmas.

Nevertheless, the town church still with telltale marks of the flood &endash; dried mud and slime at the walls with damp and wet atmosphere, would be packed with people. The faithful will give thanks and sing praises to the Lord and recall that more than 2,000 years ago, a host of angels sung also one dark, cold night to shepherds silently watching their flocks: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will." (Luke 2:14).

They will observe and commemorate the birth of the "Prince of Peace" who later in life suffered "His Passion and Death on the Cross" at Mt. Calvary to redeem mankind from sin and evil.

And the faithful will be reminded also of the Lord´s Covenant" with Noah and future generations after the "Great Deluge" : "When I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember the covenant between me and you and every kind of living creatures so that never will flood waters destroy all flesh." (Genesis 9:14-15).

The Lord keeps His Covenant. It is mankind who forgets and fails. But there is always hope. For the angels said: "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be to all the people; for today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, who is Christ the Lord."(Luke 2:10-11)-

Savior, peace, hope and men of goodwill is the eternal message of Christmas whether dark or with glittering lights.

On the night Jesus was born, it was said a bright star shone which guided the three Wise Men from the East and enabled them to pay homage and respect to the newborn King.

Due to the recent flash floods, the people of Infanta and surrounding areas have no bright star to guide them. It would be a dark Christmas for them. But guided by their faith, they will pay homage and respect to the "infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger" as the shepherds did more than two thousand years ago.

A Blissful Christmas to everybody!!!

Congratulations!

Kelly Clayton for will be receiving a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in education, major in Science and minor in mathematics from Wayne State University!

Kelly is the husband of Annabelle Icasiano.

From Joe and Malou Marquez, St. Louis, MO

I am sending you today, Tuesday, 12/21/04 the financial assistance from St. Louis, Missouri. I would like to thank the Liturgical group, Phil Nurses Association, Phil Arts Foundation, Filipino Association and the Fil-Am Community of St. Louis, MO in supporting me with my appeal for financial assistance during the 'Simbang Gabi' that ended last Saturday, 12/18/04.

Mila, I salute and applaud you for your love and dedication to our hometown of Infant, Real and Nakar. I wish we have more like you.

From Michaela Royce, Maryland

I am collecting used clothes for Real. I live in Bowie MD. Do you know anyone or any groups in MD doing the same thing?

Yes, I am still going to the Philippines. I have been following your web site and have printed all the pictures and shared them with the people at Holy Cross.

As I told Fr. Von the last time Vince and I went there, I am going to experience the lives of our Sister Parishioners. What better time than now? As I told him before, he is not to try to feed me like he knows we eat here. I want to eat what they eat on a daily basis. I have sent him money to cover any extra expenses that he may have as a result of my being there.

I have gotten all my shots and will be taking medicine with me recommended by the Global Travel Service.

We sent Fr. Davu and Fr. Von seven more boxes this week making a total of 87 boxes that we have shipped to our Sister Parish and Fr. Von's new parish. I am taking some money from the church to assess the needs of our Sister Parish and will help out where needed. We have so many programs going on for the homeless and the underprivileged during the month of December that it was not a good time to try to do a fund raiser but after my visit we will know more about their current needs and it will be easier to do a fund raiser.

I was really worried during and after the typhoons because I was not able to contact Fr. Von. He finally called me a few days ago and let me know that he is OK. However, 30 of his parishioners died and many homes were destroyed.

From Mario C. Leodones, Michigan

Please confirm, is it 37,000 homes destroyed from the three towns of Infanta, Real and Gen. Nakar or 3,700 homes. Just want to make sure I am quoting it right when I am appealing for donations or being requested to make an appeal. Also last Sunday, this is what Deacon Mario Van Loon reported:

1000 died and Missing

3964 Total destroyed Homes

150 Boat destroyed

1000 Families Traumatized

2 years rice field can not be planted

Bishop Tirona residence (Bahay Kubo) unlivable

Add more Statistics like how many bridges were damaged; number of landslides between Siniloan & Infanta; # 's of school & college buildings destroyed.

Post Date: 12/21/04

Infanta: "beautiful amidst devastation"

I was just checking on websites on Infanta and I happen to find yours. Just to let you know that I was in Infanta for 10 days till Thursday last week to assist in coordinating relief efforts under the umbrella network we formed in Manila called Sagip Buhay Infanta composed of various corporate foundations, media (Inquirer), and NGOs in coordination with government. Fr Francis Lucas and the local NGO, ICDAI, is our implementing partner. ICDAI assists in the distribution of relief assistance in Infanta including the relief goods donated by the public at Mt Carmel for the Prelature. I am going to write about my insights on relief coordination and emergency response as soon as I have the time.

Let me say though that I found Infanta beautiful amidst its devastation. It will be a long, long while before it gets rehabilitated. Infanta has touched me deeply and I know my life has changed after my brief stay there. I will return after Christmas to check things out and see how I can assist further in the consolidation of reports and updates.

From Bart and Marlene Perez
Couples for Christ, Denver, CO

We hope you don't mind if we got hold of your email address. We promise we will not be sending you matters not relating to Infanta. We just want to let you know that CFC is really focused in helping the province of Quezon, especially Infanta. We thought you'd like to know. Don't hesitate to call us if you need help.

Below are email messages from various leadesof Couples for Christ which should be of interest to our kababayans because of recent updates on the Infanta, Real and Nakar disaster.

From Rose:

"Once again, thanks for all the emails I've been getting with the activities that you're all carrying out over the next few weeks to help. I am especially grateful welcome since I know you're all busy with the festive season and a multitude of other things that were arranged weeks or months ago. Hay naku! When the Lord throws us a loaf of bread, it has a habit of looking a bit like a stone at first sight eh? We shouldn't miss the significance of what is happening now for GK though - it's not simply another disaster like all the others for us; this is GK's first time in the center of the public spotlight in the Philippines. "

Acco to Dylan, the DSWD official figures are that more than 37,000 homes were completely destroyed! Of those, we reckon something around 10,000-15,000 can afford to rebuild again so our focus is on the 20-25,000 who can't...

Australia has already committed to build 2500 houses by December next year... ANCOP-GK in Texas already has pledges for 7 houses and is committed to build at least a village in Infanta, Quezon province and is working on more villages...

Below is the latest update from Issa Cuevas Santos...

God bless you all and merry Christmas

From Issa Cuevas-Santos

We had a meeting yesterday regarding our Kalinga Luzon Project with DSWD and the Regional teams ;) DSWD reported that the three provinces (Aurora, Quezon and

Nueva Ecija) have some concerns (e.g. Quezon areas are a municipal delta, Nueva Ecija areas aren't just prone to flooding and typhoons but are also within a fault line and one of the provinces (can't remember right now which one po!) have a 30% slope making it unfit for human settlement). Sec. Dinky has given them until friday to identify areas where we can start our rehabilitation.

Priority will be given to Mindoro and Nueva Ecija since these are ready for rehab, others are still in relief phase.

The 12 priority areas are : (1) Baler, Aurora (2) Dingalan, Aurora (3) Real, Quezon (4) Infanta, Quezon (5) Gen. Nakar, Quezon (6) Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija (7) Gen. Tinio, Nueva Ecija (8) Mansalay, Mindoro (10) Roxas, Mindoro and two areas from Camarines Sur (to be confirmed).

Robert Ardiente will take care of Nueva Ecija/Aurora, Oca Oblefias will take care of Quezon areas and Joey Arguelles for Camarines Sur.

New partners : Cito Lorenzo (personal money) - 100 homes, Union Bank - 100 homes; Red Ribbon (10 homes); HUDCC and key shelter agencies (P3.25M - their Christmas party budgets combined to be given to GK upon order of VP Noli de Castro)

In behalf of all the hardworking, committed and passionate (Naks!) GK workers, we'd like to send our warmest Christmas greetings and prayers for a prosperous New Year for our country, especially the poor.

Thank God, there are so many efforts here in the United States, particularly California - to assist our kababayans in the Philippines ? the Consulate was able to get FOREX to deliver donations in kind for the Philippines -- clothes, food, medicines, etc -- for more information regarding this, please contact:

Leannie Navalta (DL) 213 - 637- 3011 or 639 0987

Edward Yulo (DL) 213 - 637 - 3003

From Emiliana Tena Close, Sydney, Asutralia

I posted my donation to the MIF last Friday, 17 Dec. '04 in the form of a bank cheque in your address at 7350 Braun Way, Arvada, Co. 80005, USA. It is not much but its something that will help our kababayan sa Infanta/Real,GNakar. I am going to fax a photocopy of the cheque to Gene Pallugna (husband siya ni Delia Ofreneo if I'm not mistaken).

I'm Romy Tena's sister and we just finished organising/collecting goods donation last week and I believe, they should be in Manila by now. It was requested to deliver them at Bishop Tirona in Manila (Q.C.). I hopethis will really reach our poor towns. Nais ko lang magpasalamat sa helipcopter crew that ferries reilef goods to Infanta, his name specifically is MELVYN TENA and his wife (all coincedence we got the same surname). They were able to locate my sisters (from Bantilan) who evacuated at Mt. Carmel School. MARAMING SALAMAT PO !!! at MIF, Fr.Francis, Bishop Tirona, the Sagip Bayan staff, Melvyn and his wife (Romy will see you in Infanta by Feb) who did the big effort of locating my family.

Your website is godsend finding information to what's happening in our old town. Here in Sydney will try to spread your web among kababayans here e.g. the Fortunados, Orantias and those na hindi ko ma-ala-ala their surnames. Cheers and all the best to you, Mila (I remember your tindahan ng damit sa palengke noon araw, you used to bring lunch (in a basket) at your store sa mga Batangenyo!!!) Hi, Mario (Leodones), in case you read this, got your e-mail today, will send your requested info soon.

BIG hether our two sisters in Bantilan survive or what??? Luckily in my numerous phone calls thru Father Francis I was referred to Sagip Bayan then to Melvyn Tena.

When I saw the pictures of Infanta, Real and Nakar through your website which we didn't know existed, I was so sad and beyond disbelief. I can't believe that this is happening to my hometown.

Last March I just visited Infanta, I met the Mayor who, according to my sister, is a distant relative of ours. We enjoyed our vacation with my two sisters, and by February of next year we are going back again. I think it's not the same anymore -- my sisters income and properties are gone, but Thank God they are all alive. My son who is in the airforce stationed in Okinawa took a voluntary leave to help out our families and give his financial and morale support. I'm trying to collect (used) clothing from my friends and relatives to send it to the Philippines.

My family is sending also our condolenses to the family of Anching and Suzette Aumentado, who perished in this disaster. They are my relatives from my father's side. I hope the government of the Philippines will take action as soon as possible to give justice to the people of Infanta, Real and Nakar who suffered enough from this loss other than mother nature.

If anyone could give us information on where exactly we could send boxes of clothes. email us at theflgcollection@aol.com

Editor's Note: We recommend that in-kind donations be sent to:

New Manila, QC

Post Date: 12/20/04

What happened to funds the Foundation sent to the Prelature of Infanta?

A number of you have asked what happened to the funds that the Foundation has collected. I'm happy to respond. On December 9, just 10 days after Typhoon Winnie hit, I wired transferred $17,500 from our Wells Fargo account to the bank account of the Prelature of Infanta. As of Dec.15, they have not received the funds. Checking with the bank, I was told that the transfer will happen within five business days. I'm counting that to mean that by Dec. 16, our funds should be in Manila. They were right! Deacon Mario Van Loon, Relief Center coordinator,just informed me that the funds finally made it to the prelature account to be used immediately to give relief to our kababayans who are in dire need of help.

I have asked Bishop Tirona and Deacon Mario to inform us of how our funds are used for the victims in Infanta, Real and General Nakar. In fact, even before the funds arrived the bishop and Deacon had already advanced from available funds to them some financial aids. I will post the report to you as soon as I receive it.

Meanwhile, I want to thank all of you who have shown how much you care about our hometown. I'm sure everyone who will benefit from our collective outreach appreciates our efforts. Please continue your fundraising. There's much work to be done. While relief assistance from various entities -- church, government, international and national organizations -- address basic survival needs, we know that sooner or later the quality of life also must be addressed.

Right now, I'm hearing that there's a need for counseling for the victims suffering from this trauma. We have heard accounts of depression and even suicide tendencies. We can help lift up the spirit of our suffering kababayans. Even our smallest effort can have a ripple effect of goodwill. Let us continue what we have begun.

Images of Quezon

A moving PowerPoint presentation created by students of De la Salle college. Please go down towards the middle of the bulletin and click on Images of Quezon to download to your computer for viewing.

De la Salle students also announced: "OUR TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DRIVE WILL BE CHANNELED TO THE TYPHOON AND LANDSLIDE VICTIMS OF QUEZON PROVINCE."

Thank you Lasallians for yor concern for our people.

The Order of Carmelites (O.Carm.) in the Philippines is one with you in mourning for the loss of hundreds of lives. We are very sad also for the demise of a very dear friend, Fr. Cha Collendres.

We denounce the wanton destruction of the forests by the logging companies around the Quezon area and of the whole Philippines.

We will continue to send our support to you in whatever form we can give.

You are all part in our prayers and in our efforts.

On Behalf of Carmel Philippines,

During the annual Christmas Party of the MIRC on Dec 11, 2004 more than 20 families attended and exchange stories they received from their families back home, trying to make it to a one big picture.

Quin and Carol Merana as well as Nitoy Villeno attended. They were in Infanta vacationing when the disaster happened. If you could only could hear their stories first hand, there are no appropriate words to describe their encounters. Thanks God for their safe return.

We immediately started our plan as soon as the news reached us. Donations were brought to the party , Diego, my husband, Loy Ofreneo and I picked up more items the following day, donated by some employees from Panorama Kaiser Hospital. All together, volunteer members packed 40 balikbayan boxes(Villenos residence) that were delivered Dec 20th for shipping.

Zorina Poblete Reyes (MIRC Pres) and Roland Protesta arranged the shipping. So far we have collected close $ 2,300+.

More to follow.

Happy Holidays to all!

From Rudy Arizala, former ambassador to Chile, on receiving support from colleagues in DFA

Thanks for informing the MIF website readers or visitors about the suggestion that the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California go also on medical mission to the three towns (REINA) in Quezon Province.

For the record, may I inform you that Ms. Rowena (Weng) Sanchez is at present the Philippine Consul General in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. She was formerly DFA Chief Coordinator. And when I was DFA Chief Coordinator, she was the Director General, Office of Administration, DFA, Manila.

There are many readers of MIF who are concern about the clearing of the mud and debris in the town of Infanta. Just imagine. To get a ride to go to Real, people have to walk thru mud and slime up to Brgy. Common according to one reader of MIF Website.

Also, the local authorities concern should take immediate steps in unclogging the Sabangan or outlets to the sea of the Bantilan and Agus rivers.

The strewn logs - I think the local government should ask the national government that the people be authorized to use them in rebuilding or reconstructing their destroyed homes or houses. That´s one way of helping the victims of the floods.

First thing to be done, if not yet being done is to clear the town of mud and debris. Adequate food and potable water supply. Prevent outbreak of infectious diseases; maintenance of peace and order. Help the people rebuild their homes.

Give counseling to people suffering from traumatic experience.

If plans do not miscarry, the Phil. Medical Society of Northern California would like to do medical mission work in Infanta, Real, General Nakar area from 23-24 January 2005. If by that time you would also be in Infanta or happen to see them, kindly extend my regards and thanks to them.

As you will note it was Philippine Consul General Rowena (Weng) Sanchez of San Francisco, California who requested them to include in their medical mission the three towns affected by the typhoons in Quezon province. Congen Weng Sanchez formerly worked with me when I was DFA Chief Coordinator during Secretary Raul S. Manglapus time in 1989-91.

I am a bit worried if the Medical mission will arrive in Infanta and nobody would at least tell them where they could camp themselves and do their humanitarian work.

As I mentioned to you earlier, the Famy -Real-Infanta Road is now passable. I obtained said info from my sister Merle of NDV Angat, Bulacan.

from Yahoo News:Science - AFP

General Nakar, a town of about 23,000 people, suffered about 500 casualties, including 262 dead, said its police chief Miguel Anajao.

"We need to feed these people for at least one more month," said Noel Fortunato, a member of the municipal council.

"It would probably take our town five years to recover," he added.

The civil defense office in Manila said the four storms and typhoons that hit Luzon in a month had displaced more than three million people.

The floods wiped out about 206,000 tonnes of rice and 350,000 tonnes of corn, or 1.38 percent and 5.9 percent respectively of the country's projected 2005 output for the cereals.

more ...

This is the reply I received from Direct Relief International. They are under the impression that as far as urgent medical needs are concerned, the disaster areas are getting enough help so they are not doing anything for now. However, I do know that they constantly receive medical equipment from donors and they distribute them to deserving organizations. If the hospital in Infanta lost some equipment, they might consider asking Direct Relief.

As to your web site's problem of pictures not showing up, a quick look showed that while you have separate names of picture senders which looks like separate links, the links actually point to the same html file (photos.html) where Ms. Icasiano's pictures are located. If you made separate documents for the other pictures, you'll need to open a link to that file. I assume you have created a document where you pasted Ms. Recio's pictures. If you called that document 'reciophotos.html', just edit the link to "photos sent by Sandra Recio' to 'reciophotos.html'.

If this doesn't work, you'll have to give me information on how your system is set up and how much of the site maintenance you do. I can see you are using Claris Home Page. I think they have a demo program that I can look at in the meantime. If you are desperate, you can call me at 805-967-4392. If you are not so desperate, my family will be celebrating Christmas at my oldest son's house in Louisville. He is a physicist at NIST in Boulder.

Post Date: 12/18/04

Due to the confusion and dis-array everyone has undergone after the flood, it may have been neglected to check on the status of the 'sabangan' - the confluence between the Bantilan River and the open sea. Same needs to be done with that river's sabangan in Tongohin. I think the sabangan of Agos river is open because I got word from one of my friends last week that they went to Mauban via Pinaglapatan. Most probably they were able to get into the pondohan of Pinaglapatan along Agos River.

These confluences when barred by logs, silt and debris, i bet were the main culprits (aside from the back to back typhoons the region had) as to why the floodwaters took considerable time before it receded.

We must ensure these sabangan are opened up while the US and Philippine military are STILL THERE to help with their explosives and heavy equipment. All that is needed for confirmation is a 10 minute aerial survey of the areas. If this 10 minute cannot be spared, any old timer in Bantilan would know if the sabangan is open by observing the tide movement.

Last time Bantilan's sabangan was closed by flood, it took years for the municipal government to open it up. Am calling on Francisco Romantico to check on the status of Bantilan's sabangan and pass the info on to Deacon Mario or to Bishop Tirona for immediate action.

I just got a text from Nonoy Sarona of Infanta. Around 10:30pm Philippine time, nag panik daw mga tao at iyakan, after hearing false alarm na me pumutok daw na dam kaya malaki na ang tubig sa agos river. People were running to Tongohin. It was chaos.

Luckily, it was just rumor, water level in Agos river was fine.

Kuya Mario Leodones was right when he said that something needs to be implemented for someone (official)to check and monitor the river to give people enough notice to evacuate. This will also eliminate false alarm or tsismis. Baka ma heart attack pang ibang tao sa nerbyos ay tsismis lang pala.

From Venchi Gucon, Saudi Arabia

Up-date lang...

Bago ang lahat e ang aming condolences sa pamilya Portales sa pagyao ng kanilang kapatid na-stress out sa pangyayari sa nagdaang bagyo. Kuya Otchi ang aming dasal at pagdamay sa inyo. From Miras-Gucon family.

Balitang Infanta..sa usap namin ngayon ng misis ko (Juliet Miras-Gucon), it seems ang bagal ng dating ng mga relief goods sa atin hanggang ngayon at para ngang sa newspaper lang ang lahat ng tulong na dumarating. Sabi ko kay Misis kung anu bang ginagawa ng mayor sa atin...e ayon kausap daw ng mga Amerikano.

Ang mga tao ay exhausted na talaga at nawawalan na ng pag-asa. Have you ever heard the comment of Ms Susan Roces on national TV para sa madaliang pagkilos, tiyak namang merong pundo para mapadali ang pag-aayos ng mga tulay. So, sa ganitong situation mo malalaman kung ang namumuno sa atin is a man of action at marunong umagapay at pinapaabot kung anung mga plano..iyong madaliang disposisyon baga?

Ang banlik e abot binti sa amin sa bayan (Arellano St.) and it takes 1-hour to reach Comon where doon ka lang makakasakay papuntang Real then Manila. Kailangang maayos kaagad ang tulay para makapasok ang malalaking equipment para sa pag-aalis ng banlik at syimpre malaki ring usap iyan kung saan ilalagay at sana may mga nakalapat na sulusyon na para diyan.

Ang isa pang balita pinagbabawal daw ni Mayor manguha ng nagkalat na troso. Sana may programa din sila para diyan at magamit ng mga nawalan ng bahay at hindi kung saan. Nagbibiro nga ang mga kasamahan ko dito sa opisina na kung iyong mga donations and pledges e mukhang sobra-sobra pa kung bibigyan daw ng tig-i-isang milyon ang bawat pamilya sa atin sa nakikita nilang suporta pero hindi kaya sa newspaper lang din iyon. Sabi ko kung makakatanggap kami ng ganoon e hindi na ako mag-sa-Saudi at pagyayamanin ko na laang iyon sa atin to be with my family.

Sana nga unahin na ang dapat unahin sa atin at magkaroon ng kooperasyon ang bawat isa at hindi ang nababalita ay iyong nakawan doon sa mga bahay na nilubog ng baha...Sana bumili ng maraming pala si Mayor at bigyan ng matatrabaho ang mga tao doon by swiveling those banlik sa isang lugar muna...na i-imagine na lang nila na snow iyong pinapala nila this Christmas, kung hindi sisimulan ng namumuno e sino pa...like doon sa simbahan sana wala ng banlik sa loob at naitulak na palabas at naidaos ang unang araw ng simbang gabi kahit papaano. Just for now and your up-date please.

I am sure Governor Willie L. Enverga still remembers you for as you well know, he was also a member of the Philippine foreign service and he himself when still a congressman was a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Gov. Willie L. Enverga´s address is:

Governor Wilfrido L. Enverga
Office of the Governor
Kapitolyo
Lucena City, Philippines
Email address: governor@quezon.net

On behalf of the people of the devastated towns of Infanta, (my hometown), Real and General Nakar in Quezon province, allow me to extend to you and to the officers and members of the Philikppine Medical Society of Northern California, heartfelt appreciation and congratulations for their humanitarian mission.

I understand that many of my kababayans need medical counselling for they still suffer from traumatic experience. Even my own sister, who managed to swim to reach the second floor of our house in Infanta, still dream at night or has nightmares of her traumatic experience.

P.S. I copy furnished Gov.Willi Enverga with this message so that he would know in advance that you will write him a letter re medical mission of the Phil. Medical Society of Northern California. RAA

From: Weng Mendoza Sanchez

To: Amb. Rodolfo Arizala

I requested the Phil. Medical Society of Northern California, which is going on a medical mission to Batangas, to also go to Quezon and they have agreed. May I ask for the address of Gov. Willie Enverga. I'm not sure if he remembers me, but I will contact him to see how the mission can get to the most in need. The group is shipping 2 40ft. containers, so it would be good to know what the towns need. They would like to go to Quezon from 23-24 January.

From Deacon Mario

12/17/04: Relief on big scale shifting to rehabilitation i.e., making temporary shelters.

Three agencies -- Christian Aid, World Vision and Oxfam leading the rehab program, food and cash for work.

20 organizations bringing relief where we direct them.

Confirmed 3,964 total destroyed homes.

Re: Direct cell connection to Infanta: Most of the time the network is down. Moreover, they have to preserve the battery of their cell (for emergencies).

Some families have left for good. For two years, no rice can be planted. 150 bangkas destroyed. People are deeply traumatized.

Will send complete assessment later.

From Bishop Tirona

12/16/04: Describing the Bahay Kubo, he said: "Still messy. Mud everywhere. Bahay Kubo needs much rehab. We're picking up what we can. Nakakapanlambot.

12/17/04 Just left Infanta after an emotional simbang gabi and on his way to Baler, with his reliable F150 2x2. He says the roads are passable but messy.

What's the real situation in Infanta, Real and Gen. Nakar?

by Rudy Arizala, Santiago, Chile

I know like me and other expatriates, you would like also to know the actual or real situation in Infanta in the light of the following news which appeared in the MIF Website: "For the moment you do not have to send more food. We have been able to feed the hungry and have food enough for the coming week."

In the Philippine Star newspaper of 17 December 2004, the following news item appeared reported by Jaime Laude:

"INFANTA FOLK SUBSIST ON FOOD RATIONS."

The news report went on to say that the people have to endure long queues to get their daily rations of two or three kilos of rice and a can of sardines or a pack of noodles from the government distribution centers.

Other residents have packed up their things and silently left for Metro Manila or elsewhere where they have relatives.

For those left behind here, they have simply nowhere to go. Aside from lining up for the food rations, the sick also have to fall in line for their medical checkup at the dispensary which the Department of Health has put up at the Infanta Elementary School.

All the town´s road networks are still in knee-deep mud.

Would it not be better if somebody please from Infanta could give us updates on the actual situation in our hometown? We thank those kababayans who hiked through the mountain roads and reported their experience and what they saw. They even sent colored photos.

We would appreciate if we could also receive from people, especially those engaged in relief work or mission, to kindly give us updates on the situation in our hometown. We would like to know:

1. If food rations should continue beyond 16 December 2004.

2. How many people or families have been fed or given food rations.

3. Whether local authorities have started cleaning the streets of mud and debris.

4. Where the people get their water for cooking and drinking.

5. Whether the road from Real to Infanta is already passable.

6. Whether the road from Real to Siniloan is already passable.

7. Whether the lines of communications have already been restored or are the people still using their cellphones to communicate with outside world.

8. What kind of lighting do they have at night. Oil, kerosene, candles?

9. What measures have been taken to prevent the break out of communicable diseases.

10. What assistance, if any, is contemplated by the authorities to help the flood victims rebuild their homes or at least be able to have temporary shelter.

The last itme I visited this site was Nov. 13 ,2004. Today is more than a month now...December 17, 2004 at around 2:10 a.m. There is always a feeling of joy and eagerness as I tried visiting this web.

More than a month now, I shared the news that we have a new breed of MCSI leaders elected last 31 October 2004. I didn't know that the Lord is preparing each and every one of us ( new batches of young CARMELIANS ) to face the new gigantic challenge of our times -- how to share and get involved in rebuilding Infanta and its neighboring towns.

Huwag sana tayong bibitaw. Let us always work together with the mighty hands of God.Thank you for this web, we can share and express ourselves. our views and opinions and suggestions as to how we make this world in which a better place to live.

Paala-ala lang siguro sa atin: Mahalin nating ang ating kalikasan. let us be concerned this time. let us not wait for another tragedy to happen before we lift our concerted efforts. Tulungang nating bumangon muli ang mga kababayan natin.

You can count me in as one of those active supporters of this call. Mahalin natin ang ating sariling bayan. Dito tayo nag-umpisa. Whatever status of life you may now have is rooted in our dearly loved Infanta.

Give my regards to everyone -- to Annabelle and Family, lalo na sa maganda kong Ninang Flor. We really miss you po. Pagbati ng isang payak subalit punung-puno ng pagmamahal na Pasko sa inyong makakabasa nito.

I still have a lot of things to share with you. I hope to hear from you also. Batch '74 of former MCHS, please stand up to be recognized.

God bless you Mila and to wonderful kababayan behind the MIFoundation. The Franciscan Lady of the Poor here in San Leandro wish to inform you of their ongoing support to our kababayan. They have just sent around $3000.00 through Mother Superior Mother Espie, and shipped fifteen balikbayan cargo boxes of relief.

We give thanks to our Pastor and the community of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church here in San Leandro, California for his support to storm victims in Quezon, Nueva Ecija as well as in Bicol Region.

By the way I wish I could know you more. I'm just wondering if your are related to Buenaventura Garcia and his wife Ate Mely of Tonggohin (Response: I don't know. But to me,anyone who is a Garcia is my relative, especially if they are from Infanta and Batangas). They are close relative of mine. I'm the youngest son of the first marriage of Cayetano Poblete, who hailed from Alitas and spend most of his life in Real as LTB Conductor with Kuya Tura his Driver.

Just a thought, but "The Labong ng Kawayan" is really growing.. robustly. Keep it up.... the world you knew is behind you.. count me on. Pax et Bonum !

This is in line with Joe Marquez inquiry regarding the progress of Metro Infanta Foundation and friends with respect to donations and relief aids sent by our kababayan through MIF to Bishop Tirona.

I also have received many inquiries from folks affected by the disaster in Infanta especially in Bgy. Ilog, Comon and Bantilan, who said they heard of relief aids coming from MIF but they have not seen anything yet other than those that came from ABS-CBN, Philippine and US troops who drop off goods.

I don't know how to answer their questions; I simply mentioned MIF is not as mechanized as ABS-CBN and other government agencies with all full logistic resources. MIF and friends, however, continue gathering support for them.

I'm trying to reach out also to Forex here in the Bay Area; maybe they can do the same as Forex Australia in helping out by giving discounts to boxes destined for flood and landslide victims. Do you know where we can send boxes of clothes and other aids so they can reach the people faster? Do we have volunteers on foot?

Thank you so much for continued effort to help those who really need it. Also, the e-mail address of the people who sent me letters through you specifically, Ms. Conching Fornilda Jaug, and Ms. Pratt are invalid. I tried several times to respond to them but my messages keep bouncing back.

If they want they can just e-mail me directly at joel.ruidera@flysfo.com.

I was just wondering if the mayors of Infanta, Real, and Nakar have access to a computer or are they aware of this website. Do they know what we are doing here for our town of Infanta / Real/ Nakar? May be someone in Infanta can ask them to give us some update and progress. It would be nice to hear from them from time to time. How do other people from Infanta/Real/Nakar able to give us an update. Just a thought.

Editor's Note: We are hoping Bishop Tirona can give more info on the situation and how relief efforts are going on in Infanta. He was supposed to have gone to Infanta yesterday. Meanwhile, we have been receiving eyewitness accounts from our kababayans who have braved the landslides and broken roads to go to Infanta.

In addition, Deacon Mario gave us a sigh of relief when he said, Deacon Mario has informed us earlier that ""For the moment you do not have to send more food. We have been able to feed the hungry and have food enough for the coming week." Of course this is only temporary. So we need to continue our relief solicitations.

Meanwhile, if there's anyone who can answer Joe's questions, please let us know.

Post Date: 12/16/04

Metro Infanta Foundation collection tops $19,000

Many thanks for your support, we probably will match St. Thomas More Parish's $10,000 donation and our Sunday Visitor's $2,500 contribution in just a few days. To date, MIF has collected in pledges and actual cash and checks received from our kababayans and friends more than $6,500. With $17,500 already sent to Bishop Tirona, our donors can rest assured that their gifts go directly to those in need, and that every dollar you have given will all go towards our outreach in the towns of Infanta, Real and General Nakar -- dollar for dollar, with no administration fees taken out of your donation.

When Gene Pallugna first offered his business services to expedite the processing of donations, I happened to mention, rather wistfully, that it would be nice if we could match the lowest international contribution reported, which was $50,000. With the $32,500 the prelature will receive from various donors to Metro Infanta Foundation and from the Filipino American associations in Texas, my wistful think may not be that far off after all. Many other organizations worldwide cooperating with us, and so I am convinced we may even top that goal. However, what bothers me still is that in the "Where are they now?" listing of our expatriates there are more than 500 names. I am just curious when they will join us in our efforts to help our distressed hometown.

True, others have relatives to support directly, and I applaud them for doing so. But there are many kababayans who don't have any "rich relatives" to support them. They need our help! Jesus said, if you give to someone you know, you already have received your reward (I'm paraphrasing of course). If you have not considered giving at to this point, please prayerfully consider it now. The amount is really not that important. Remember the "widow's mite"? Even to this day, we are still talking about it, more than 2,000 years later. The fact that you give speaks volume of your concern and just lip service.

We have now more than $1,000 to start the next batch we will be sending. Please keep your donations coming. Use whatever creative ways you can imagine to raise funds. Jinggy and Malou Leynes Espinosa have given a gift in honor of some her friends; Pablito and Imelda Orantia Orozco are simplifying their Christmas celebrations and gift giving to contribute to our Disaster Relief Funds. Others have asked their parishes to help, especially during their Simbang Gabi, and many more (Just look at our list of those who are organizing and doing something. Please know that your efforts are greatly appreciated, and that God cannot be outdone in generosity.

My mother, Nelda Reyes Ollet, is from Infanta/Real Quezon. I'm collecting used clothing for the people of Real Quezon. I will be shipping three Forex balikbayan boxes this Saturday (18 Dec) to my brother, Arthimes "Boy" Ollet. . . and there will be more to follow.

From Shelley Ortiz, Texas

I tried calling Rick Reyes's number and did not get a response. I checked Internet for Filipinas Cargo Expedite listing but did not find any local number for me to call.

I want to ask Filipinas Cargo if there is a local office in Houston or close to Houston that I can contact and make some arrangements for the boxes we will ship?

FYI... Diann Williams, co-worker at HP donated 2 large shipping boxes' full of clothes.

Bert and Edith Bernabe, good friends from NW Houston gave 3 large shipping boxes' full of clothes, etc.

Employees of Klein Funeral Home in Tomball, Texas are donating goods

Ortiz and Cua homes (Carol and Sam) are drop off and sort locations

ni Obispo Rolando Tria Tirona, OCD

Sa gitna ng katahimikan

Isip ko'y gumagala

Sa gitna ng katahimikan

Hinagpis ng tao'y nadarama

Sa gitna ng katahimikan

Bulong na may bagong umaga

Simo'y nagpapaalaala

Simbang Gabi sa prelatura

Halina Hesus, halina

Flood donations outpoured to the extent that I could not box them all up. After packaging 28 huge FOREX PREMIUM boxes, to meet the Sagip Ka-Pamilya's Dec.15 deadline, I turned over to FOREX an estimated 10 boxes worth of donations for processing (packing).

Our gratitude, though inconsequential as viewed by the donors who in several instances refused to be photographed or even be named, must be expressed for these blessings to continue. Let me salute the children who boxed their own belongings and vehemently insisted to their parents that their items be given to the victims. Let me salute the donors who like our vigilant voters today have asked me to ensure the victims get at least 90% of the donations. I have responded that there is basically no difference between the people of Bishop Rolando Tirona and the people of ABS CBN. They are all volunteers and like us here in Australia or anywhere else, we all CARE and so we all must TRUST others.

I was told freight charges for the donations were halved between ABS CBN and FOREX Australia. When it comes to companies making charitable contributions, people nowadays nonchalantly regard them as plain, old marketing techniques or even as taxation scams. I say give credit where it is due. ABS CBN and FOREX Australia bridged the distance between us and the victims, full stop. FOREX AUSTRALIA, a family run business I observed, went out its way to give their help. Packing the donations, providing the packaging materials, picking up boxes very late at night IS NOT THEIR DUTY. That was just how they care.

Mr Billy Ick of ABS CBN and Mr Enrique Campos of FOREX AUSTRALIA http://www.forexworld.com.au please accept our heartfelt gratitude for all your assistance.

Australia Disaster Relief donors

SYDNEY FLOOD DONORS, Alphabetical Order

1. Alex Yolanday, PATAS
2. Benjie Nicodemus, PATAS
3. Bernie Sison, PATAS
4. Bong & Ellen Alata+, Woodcroft, NSW
5. Boy & Tess Alvaran, Fairfield, NSW
6. Cesar & Lourdes Orantia+, Glenwood, NSW
7. Connie Tena Galao+, Harris Park, NSW
8. Danilo & Estela Bartolome, Woodcroft
9. Danny Saycon, PATAS
10. Dario & Dory Tena+, Chester Hill, NSW
11. Dave & Josie Lacana, Casula, NSW
12. Dolet & Ike Enriquez, Rooty Hill
13. Doming & Lucy Adefuin, Doonside, NSW
14. Doming & Myrna Joson, Hinchinbrook, NSW
15. Paul & Emmy Tena Close+, Castle Hill, NSW
16. Francisco & Cynthia Enriquez+, Stanhope Gardens, NSW
17. Frank & Carmen Javier+, Stanhope Gardens, NSW
18. Frank Guanco, PATAS
19. Garry & Jan Simpson, Sutherland, NSW
20. Gerry & Rowena Babilonia, Rosehill, NSW
21. Grace Tan, Granville, NSW
22. Josie Tena Wyatt+, Seven Hills, NSW
23. Jun & Gina Frani, Hinchinbrook, NSW
24. Laurie Espino, Regents Park, NSW
25. Linda Swords, Sutherland, NSW
26. Lito Bengua, Baulkham Hills, NSW
27. Manny & Imee Villaver, Granville, NSW
28. Manuel & Mini Ortiz, Sutherland, NSW
29. Marilyn Diaz, Parramatta, NSW
30. Marlow Magnayon, PATAS
31. Michael & Didi Dugan, Sutherland, NSW
32. Mr & Mrs Carlos Alonso, Parramatta, NSW
33. Mr & Mrs Renato Banaag, Ermington, NSW
34. Nani & Liza Dera, Mount Druitt
35. Narding & Merle Galang, Woodcroft, NSW
36. Nestor & Susan de Guzman, Harris Park, NSW
37. Oboy & Glenda Rodil, Woodcroft
38. Omar & Lina Candelaria, Glendenning, NSW
39. Omer & Maureen Orantia+, Minchinbury, NSW
40. Oscar & Agnes Baluyot+, Stanhope Gardens, NSW
41. Pat & Mina Villanueva, Sutherland, NSW
42. Paul & Rose Keshan, Sutherland, NSW
43. Rene & Sonia Marquillero, Parramatta, NSW
44. Ricardo & Lita Cristobal, Granville, NSW
45. Rico & Nancy Zamonte, Marayong, NSW
46. Rodi & Tammy Orantia+, Glenwood, NSW
47. Roger & Marilou Marcelo, Sutherland, NSW
48. Roger Oponda, PATAS Chairman
49. Romy & Erma Tena+, Carramar, NSW
50. Ruben delos Santos, Yagoona, NSW
51. Shyrill & Adel, Glendenning
52. Steve Elizalde, Hinchinbrook, NSW
53. Suzana Andrada Easterbrook, Carramar, NSW
54. Tessie Moring, Sutherland, NSW
55. Tom Gollob, Parramatta, NSW
56. Vic & Cely Lagueva, Sutherland, NSW
57. Vic & Rhoda Castro, Doonside
58. Willy & Cora Calderon, Sutherland, NSW
59. Yolando & Christina Molo, Regents Park, NSW

+Infantahin

Patas - Philippine Australia Tennis Association of Sydney

Post Date: 12/15/04

Dear Quezonians overseas,

Congratulations for your continued heroism for the needy townmates back here. This is to inform you that my media nonprofit organization, the OFW Journalism Consortium, wrote a story about your work for the homeland.

See the website of CyberDyaryo, www.cyberdyaryo.com. The story is posted there. If you can't view them abroad, see the whole story below.

Mabuhay po kayo, and I hope to meet some of you who will come back home next year. I am honored to write the story of the wonderful work of migrants to the motherland. Cheers!

Sincerely,

JEREMAIAH M. OPINIANO

President, OFW Journalism Consortium, Inc.

Please click here or above headline for complete story.

I attached some pictures (Editor's note: we were unable to post the photos, but please check tomorrow's edition) just to elaborate further how a trip to Infanta was, as described by Jon. I only attached 6 pictures, please e-mail me back if you want the other 18 and I will send it by 6 so us not to clog-up your email.

We know that our experience is nothing compared to what our kababayans have experienced.

We started 1PM (Dec. 3) just after Yoyong and after clearing some landslides at Maragondon (they said it is part of Tanauan already). We could not count the landslides until Kinanliman (before Real town). There are more landslides than clear road. We walked barefoot; boots, shoes, sandals are no good, only combat shoes will stay on your feet when you step on a hip deep mud. We crossed all sorts of terrain, mud, rocks, logs, branches, corals. We walked down the ravine and along the rocky beach to avoid landslide. There were people from Tignoan with their children and babies trying to hike back to Maragondon that are accessible to buses because they have nothing to eat in their place. We continued walking until evening, each one of us had flashlight. It was already about 10 pm when we crossed the 4 broken bridges to real town. We rode a tricycle to Infanta up to common area (about 11pm), walked again to Caderma's house, took a rest for about an hour and walked again to Libjo, we arrived 2am. It was about 18 to 20 km hiking and 12km tricycle ride.

December 4 and 5, we stayed and cleaned our house while our whole body are still aching. December 6, I went to town to find out how bring my mother (she cannot walk) to common where we can take a tricycle to Ungos (Real Port). Clearing of the road already started so the pictures that I took showed a little better condition than it was during the typhoon. The hardened mud was about knee deep or above the wheel of the pick-up truck at the municipal building and at the church. I do not have pictures of the ricefield but you cannot really plant rice on the hardened mud. Lucky are those who have artesian wells/pumps but most of houses relied on water system that was damaged by mudflow so most of the Infanta folks have to walk in the mud to bail water elsewhere.

December 7, I hired a hand tractor with cart to bring my mother from Libjo to Comon. The we rode a tricycle to Real Port but waited for another day until the coast guard ship came. The ship could not approach the pier because of shallow water. They used rubber boats to transfer the passengers from the pier to the ship in a rough sea. There maybe about 300 passengers but we were packed like sardines, many kids were sea sick and could not eat. It took about 6 hours to load, 4pm we started sailing to mauban. After about 1 hour of travel the ship stopped. The scuba divers have to remove the big branches of trees/logs that were stuck underneath the ship near the propeller. We arrive Mauban about 2am but waited til morning to unload the passengers via rubber boat. We were the last one to get off the ship because of my mother, we are in land by 11:30am and in Manila by 5pm. So it took 3 days from Libjo to Quezon City.

I left my father and families of my sisters still cleaning the house.

MY PERSONAL VIEW

1. Bad experience will be worst if we will not learn lesson from it.

2. First look at ourselves before others. I myself is guilty about this. Have we bought and collected Narra and hardwood furniture in our house? If yes, then we patronized those criminals of the forest. Let us introduce change to our culture, let us not appreciate hardwood in our home, they should better be in the forest. Next time, use and promote other alternatives like plastics and steel. If you look at some house models in the architectural magazines, they used steel, painted like wood and they look artistic and beautiful.

3. The tragedy should be attributed to the legal and illegal loggers alike. Legal loggers are big businessmen with political connections who do not really have a heart for the poor people although when they talk you would be convinced they are for the poor. Let us pray for them. Legal loggers will only be acceptable if there is good forest management and if the trees being cut are replenished.

3. Some areas of the mountain got loose because of heavy rain, not because of logging - but still it is not reason to continue the logging. In the future it will affect the water supply in Manila. More mudflows to come, every rain, God forbid!

4. If we destroy the environment, there is no equivalent human effort to reconstruct them. We earn million, we destroy billions.

5. As what we learned from our school, even if everybody is violating the rules, everyone is enriching themselves at the expense of others, cheating is the normal and standard practice, do not get tired of doing what is good and what is just for others. God will always be with us and we will end up to be happier and fulfilled persons despite all the odds.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Pagpalain ng Diyos ang Infanta, Real at Nakar! Walang sinuman and nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang. Samahan natin, hindi lang ngayon, kundi hanggang sa muling pagbangon!

The Metro Infanta Association Of Michigan (MIAMI) has the following fund raising events with different organizations in Michigan. Three masses are schedule for the following dates:

Dec.19, 2004 (Sunday)12:30 p.m. Guardian Angels Church 12545 Kelly Rd. Detroit, MI

*Dec.19, 2004 (Sunday)2:00 p.m. St. Sylvester Church, 11200 East 12 Mile Rd. (Between Van Dyke & Hoover) Warren, MI

*Dec.28, 2004 (Tuesday) 7:15 p.m. St. Hugo Of The Hills Church 2215 Opdyke Rd. Bloomfield Hills, Mi

*Proceeds (donations) will go to the victims of the recent typhoon & flood to the Metro Infanta area (Infanta, Real & Gen. Nakar) and to Gapan, Nueva Ecija from the last two masses.

Philippine Technological Society Of Michigan (PTSM) w/c I am a member held its Christmas party last Dec. 4 and pledge monetary donations. PTSM president Mr. Art Bada will be leaving for Manila this week to hand deliver the money to MIAMI president Greg Sollestre.

I placed collection boxes at the Philippine American Community Center located at 17356 Northland Park Court, Southfield, Michigan for perishable goods such as medicines,clothing (for men,women & children) and canned goods. We already had collected some clothing to be sorted and shipped.

Some organizations are doing fund raising thru Red Cross and want to channel their donation to the Philippine Red Cross. I will email you with any further developments. Extend our heartfelt thanks to all who are answering the call for our hapless & unfortunate Kababayan. Merry Christmas to all.

Post Date: 12/14/04

From Deacon Mario Van Loon

1. December 11, 5 AM I got a phone call from my man in Infanta. "For the moment you do not have to send more food. We have been able to feed the hungry and have food enough for the coming week." Of course I felt very happy.

2. From several doctors from medical mission we send in and from the Dokters Zonder Gernzen, I got the information that also the health situation is now more or less under control. We have established a clinic and a distribution system for medicines in the three towns. Medical teams will still go to the area the coming week in order to check on patients and be sure that no epidemic will happen. We also coordinated to have water testing teams send in in order to make sure that the ground water is not affected by the lack of sanitation. New pumps are being installed on deeper levels than before.

3. The people are presently drawing energy from stories of "miraculous" survivals. I give some examples:

- In one of the villages (Barrios) of Nakar a mother was nursing her three days old baby when the floods came. Her house started to fill with water and mud, luckily the trees around protected the house from the strong current and the logs. So she could just hold on to the beams of the roof. In order to save the baby when the flood got higher and higher she put it in a jug, a kind of plastic container used to serve drinks, that was able to float in the water. In this way she and the baby survived!

- A six year old girl was playing with the rubber tire (band) of a huge truck wheel. When the water came she climbed in the tire and floated many kilometers away with the current. When the water subsided she walked for several hours along the beach and found her village again. Her parents could not believe what they saw when she just walked quietly to the place where their house had been. She experienced everything more like a game!

- A small baby of almost one year was swept away by the current and presumed dead. Till some neighbors heard her cry. She was caught between two logs, unable to move, her head the only part of her body still sticking out of the mud, but she was saved!

PS  Bishop Tirona will probably appear on a TV show of ABS-CBN tomorrow 8:30 PM local time.

If you have access to pharmaceutical companies and are able to get the medicines listed below, it would be greatly appreciated.

1) antibiotics
2) Paracetamol
3) Mefenamic acid
4) Antihistamine Antiasthma
5) Carbocisteine
6) Phenylephrine HCI Bromphniramine Maleate
7) Anti-tetanus
8) Inhalation Aerosol/Nasal Spray
9) Carvedilol/Spironolactone Butzide (for hypertention)

Greetings and peace in the most holy name of Jesus!

We would like to thank you for posting "MISA NG BUHAY", handog para sa mga biktima ng bagyong "Winnie" and all the Filipinos in the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania area who attended the Mass celebrated by Fr. Boots Anson, Fr. Jomari Parcon, Fr. Romeo Panes, and Fr. Armando Crisostomo, Jr.. We also would like to extend our thanks to all our priests who came from different parishes in New Jersey to celebrate this mass for all who died specially for Fr. Cha Collendres and all the victims all over the Philippines.

Thank you once again and more power!

by Romeo Tena

Our flood survivors need urgent advice concerning the mud or 'banlik' dilemma. In low lying areas, the roads and fields have all been covered by banlik. Inevitably, the new mud will permanently become part of the landscape unless scraped off by the government which may be impractical, very costly and thus quite unlikely to happen.

The tendency of the survivors is to get rid of the mud inside the house. This action however should be thought of very carefully because in doing so, the dwelling floor becomes the lowest point in the area where water will collect if not barred properly or if the water is not diverted elsewhere using good drainage.

Experience in other areas like the lahar affected places needed to be sought for and disseminated to the people by the authorities. With this advice, the homeowner could make a more prudent decision on whether to ditch or accept the banlik inside the house. As the mud hardens each passing day, the urgency of this advice is too pressing

Editor's Note: Below is a response to Romy's inquiries about shipping the in-kind donations he has collected. It may not be a bad idea for all those who are collecting in-kind donations to work contact the nearest ABS-CBN Foundation and its Sagip Kapamilya Drive to see about collaborating with their program.

Likewise, ABS-CBN thanks you and your organisation for its donations. I am still waiting to hear from Manila as to the delivery of the donations to Bishop Rolando Tirona. As mentioned, goods donations thru Forex are destined for ABS-CBN Foundation in Quezon City, but we will do our best to re-route this particular donation. I hope to get an answer by tomorrow.

Regarding the pictures, kindly forward what you have taken. This will serve as material for a thanks you message to Filipino Australians who participated in Sagip - Kapamilya which will air on The Filipino Channel.

Just to let you know that through the Phil. Liturgical group of Greater St. Louis, MO I am collecting financial assistance here in St. Louis area during our Simbang Gabi which started last Dec. 10 and will end Dec. 18. I will send you the total financial assisance on Monday, Dec. 20th.

I also sent email to some of my friends in New York and New Jersey areas and some confirmed that they will send the financial assistance directly to you.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your effort heading this endeavor.

From M. Umali, Long Beach CA

I would like to ask for some information on how can I send my small donation to your organization to help our fellow kababayans. I'm not really from Infanta but I have some relatives who resides there. I hope you could find time to give me some information with regards to my inquiries.

From Fr. Reynaldo B. Treyes, Illinois

I want to know the e-mail address or tel. # of the Social Action Center Of Infanta (Prelature of Infanta).

From Sandra Recio, New Jersey

Yes, the organization is legit. I am a member of the organization and I know all the officers.

Metro Infanta Foundation Inc. sends acknowledgement letters to donors which they can use as evidence of deductible tax donation.

The Prelature of Infanta will receive and administer the donations in order to provide food and medicines to those who lost all means of support due to this calamity. WWW.INFANTA.ORG reports status of assistance provided to the flood victims.

Yes. My family resides in Infanta. I have friends and relatives affected by the destructive flash flood.

The flood water in the town proper was more or less 10 feet. When the water receded, at least two feet of mud, uprooted trees, logs and all sort of debries and personal effects washed away by flash floods from the denuded mountains were left on the streets, and mud inside the houses. Hundreds of lives were lost because dwellings made of light materials were destroyed by landslides and flood. Clean up would probably take months because the towns are isolated by land slides and damaged bridges. It is difficult to bring in equipments for clean-up and rebuilding by land transportation. Philippine navy was deployed to help in the rescue and rebuilding process by using their ship to transport people, relief goods and heavy equipments.

Thank you for your support. Your assistance is our best Christmas gift.

From Venchi Gucon, Saudi Arabia

Please find attached check (bank draft) already mailed to Metro Infanta Foundation yesterday (11-Dec-04) for your info.

May our Almighty Father bless us richly for your effort to reach out to those in dire need.

Similarly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues from ACEC-Al Khobar for their financial contributions and prayers.

Per my info, the road from Real to Infanta is already passable, but only up to NIA some two kms. away from the poblacion. From NIA up to town proper of Infanta, still muddy.

Cellphones connected with Globe Telecom already working from Infanta to outside world. From

First of all thank you for your continued support of our Prelature of Infanta. Congratulations and big thank you to everyone who has been helping out in one way or another particularly in Real, Infanta, Nakar tragedy.

I've been asking friends and coworkers of mine as well as my church St. Therese of Lisieux to help out our friends & families back home. I'm also asking the drug reps as well as other reps who I have contact with thru my work. I will send you any donations I get. Fund raising events will also be planned as I will try to gather everyone in Michigan.

Here's another good news: Since some people may wish to donate items which need to be shipped to the Philippines, I've contacted Filipinas Cargo Expedite, Inc. After talking to the owner Rick Reyes, he told me that he is willing to help out by charging only $45 a box. He will actually get paid only $40 a box because he will donate the $5 to our organization, Metro Infanta Foundation. Isn't that great! He can pick up boxes anywhere in the East coast and Midwest like Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina, North Carolina. If you have boxes to be sent to Philippines, please call Rick Reyes at 586.344.6493 and let him know it's for relief disaster. Call me in case you cannot get hold of him, Annabelle 586.247.7169

Thank you Rick of Filipinas Cargo Expedite!

I am sure by now most of you know the super typhoons that hit and the Philippines that created havoc and devastation that claimed so many lives and destroyed so many properties. From the latest report that I received ? 170,000 people are forcibly evacuated and more than 1,000 people have been reported dead and/or missing. The most affected areas are Real, Infanta and General Nakar (Dioceses of Infanta, Quezon and Nueva Ecija) respectively.

I am also attaching an account of the martyrdom of one of our Filipino priest - Fr. Charlito Colendres ? tunay na Pilipino at Mabuting Pastol ? who gave his life to save others ? a priest patterned after the heart of the Good Shepherd Who laid down His life for His sheep!

I am sending this as an appeal for donations so we can help rehabilitate the victims of this calamity. I will be sending all our donations c/o the Good Shepherd Sisters in the Philippines who I trust will make sure that the money will go to those who really need it most. A cousin of mine will leave for the Philippines on Jan. 6th so I can send the donations through him that he personally can hand over to the Sisters ? please be generous in responding ? let the bayani in each one of us shine ? our kababayans really need our help ? kailangan tayong mag-bayanihan!

Thank you very much ? may God be your reward! See you on the 15th at the Cathedral for our first day novena of Simbang Gabi!

Yoly's response

Thanks and God bless you for you and your friends' efforts to reach out to many friends helping our flood victims in the Philippines.

My husband was born in Quezon province, his late father born in Infanta. Some of Bert's relatives were listed among those found dead. I am truly sorry for all, and grateful to God for the sacrifice of his many people, among them, Fr. Charlito, a native of Mindanao who gave his life to save lives among his parishioners in Quezon province. He was about to celebrate anniversary of his priesthood, when he passed away trying to save lives. Love is a never ending story...

A few days ago, we sent our humble monetary contributions by mail to Ms. Mila Garcia Glodava who has been helping Infanta and its neighbors for a long time, although she lives in Colorado. Three years ago, I found her website

loaded with info. >>> http://www.Infanta.org/

Bert was supposed to have been in Infanta, with his plans to assist a Fr. Lucas, in his many projects to help those areas. Bert's plans to be there went 'on hold' due to Bert's three surgeries done in 2004 [out of 8], the 8th done on November 16,

Again, thank you very much for spearheading help for those flood victims and their survivors, also those who are making efforts to clean up, and rebuild in God's name I continue to pray...

A message of thanks from Bishop Tirona

I cannot thank you enough for the overwhelming outpouring of support extended by people from all walks of life to the victims of the Typhoons Unding, Violeta, Winnie and Yoyong.

The Prelature of Infanta, where the heavily affected towns of Real, Infanta and General Nakar in Quezon province and the towns of Baler, Maria Aurora, Quirino, San Luis and Dingalan in Aurora belong, has set up the Operation Dugsong Buhay (Let's Secure the Continuation of Life) now based at Mt. Carmel Shrine, Dona Juliana Rodriguez St., New Manila, Quezon City.

The center receives various donations of relief goods, medicines and cash that are delivered to the different affected towns in Quezon and Aurora for distribution to the people. The operation is being coordinated by the Social Action Center of Infanta, headed by Deacon Mario Van Loon, ACT, and Sister Zenia Pinaga, AMP, of the Bishop's Office.

Religious congregations, various civic organizations and associations, and friends have given their full support and present on a round-the-clock basis and are continuing to do so.

The relief goods, medicines, medical missions and cash donations that are being delivered to the affected areas of Quezon and Aurora are, on the other hand, being coordinated on site by the respective parish priests.

Quezon Province:
Real - Rev. Fr. Eusebio Molde
Gen. Nakar - Rev. Fr. Mariano Establecida
Infanta - Rev. Fr. Francisco Makabenta

Aurora Province:
Baler - Rev. Fr. Rene Villaflor
San Luis - Rev. Fr. Nilvon Co Villanueva
Ma. Aurora - Rev. Fr. Israel Gabriel
Quirino- Rev. Fr. Andy Lumasac
Dingalan - Rev. Fr. Antonio Evangelio

We appeal to all those organizations, well-meaning people, government agencies like the DSWD, DOH, the military and friends who want to course their assistance to the victims and their families through the operation of the Prelature of Infanta to work directly through the Social Action Center of the Prelature of Infanta now operating through Operation Dugsong Buhay at Mt. Carmel Shrine.

We express our sincere gratitude to those who have responded to the needs of the innocent victims who suffered the wrath of nature's vengeance to the abuses and destruction of Mother Earth by some selfish and irresponsible people.

My heart bleeds for the victims and their families whose suffering will long be felt. let us join hands as we move to work towards their rehabilitation. More than ever, we would like to call upon the help and generous sharing that many well-meaning people will continue to extend to the Prelature of Infanta.

"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Cor. 9:7

Signed:
Most Rev. Rolando Tria Tirona, OCD, DD
Bishop Prelate, Prelature of Infanta

I've been in contact with Ate Marie in Cavite since nabalitaan ko ang nangyari through my friend who has FC. She said Mines and Tatay (Celoy) are fine but they have no knowledge of what happened to my Kuya Manoling and his family. I wish there is a way na mai-transport ang Tatay to Cavite dahil he's 82 and he's tired of eating sardines. Kung sino man ang may alan ng condition nila, please let me know. Ang Inay (Juana) luckily is in Cavite. By the way, AOL (Channel:NEWS) has updates and pictures from Infanta and Real.

We'll request the Fil-Am Association in this area to consider giving their donation to Metro Infanta Foundation.

Editor's Note: Malou and her hhusband, Jinggy, have sent donations to Metro Infanta Foundation in honor of her friends in North Carolina, instead of sending them a Christmas gift. What a great idea!

From Zeny Potes

I'm enclosing a check for the flood victims of Infanta. thank god by brother (Rudy) is O.K. as well as his family and other relatives.

From Rudy Arizala, Chile

My sister had to swim to our neighbor´s house (Mr. and Mrs. Anselmo Villaflor) and they lowered to her a bed sheet to hold on to it so that she would not be carried away by the current?

Also one of the Carmelite sisters upon knowing that my cousin Thelma Coralde had no more rice to cook for the next meal gave one bag of rice received by the Carmelite sister from the relief agency? That´s a clear manifestation of "Christian spirit" and "loving thy neighbor."

Sunday's Gospel Reflection

by Father Joel Borreo, OCD

Father Joel puts the tragic events of the last week into perspective, recalling Fr. Charlito Collendres' heroism.

From Nancy Escoto

Attached is the file about Fr. Cha's Life Journey, this was the handouts distributed at Mt. Carmel Church during the Dec 4 and 5 Masses. I just re-typed it and thought of sending the file to you to give tribute to the priest who sacrificed him life in helping others. I know that only a few would dare to risk their lives…and he did. To Fr. Cha, I salute you, You are truly a MAN OF GOD!

I am sending you the file because I feel that I need to forward this to all so that for those who do not know the story may have the chance to read it. Not just for this generation but for to the generations yet to come. For me, his story is worth keeping. Someday, all things will come to pass, Infanta will be re-built again, and what had happened during the night of November 29 will all be forgotten.

I am appealing to you to put Fr. Cha's story in an archive, not for us... but for the children and the next generation to come...

Please click here or above for a tribute to Fr. Cha

12/10/04: Nagkaroon ng another follow-on medical mission and relief operation ang DBD sa Bgy Tignoan, Real, Quezon matapos ang panawagan ng Brigade Commander ng area. Unbearable na rin nga kasi ang condition ng mga residents... homeless, lost loved ones, hungry, wounded, walang clothes and seemingly hopeless ang kanilang conditions. Na-trapped kasi sila ng maraming landslides at mahirap ang kanilang mobility. People have to walk several kilometers only to seek relief goods.

The medical team went to Bgy Tignoan on Thursday and we stayed there until Friday, 10 December 2004. Last Thursday pa lamang nagkaroon ng access ang Tignoan bridge kaya nakapasok kami sa mga talagang typhoon victims where we were able to see them at their very location. Sights of them and hearing their stories were unbelievable. We also went to see the site ng gumuho na Repador building (Door of Faith church) in Tignoan where at least 100 people were burried alive.

We have met Pastor Willie Rivera ng Door of faith. At least ten members ng Door of Faith ang namatay -- natabunan sa gumuho na church building. Si Elena Sor, isang kapatiran -- only survivor in the family, lost her two children, husband and parents. Si Michael Laurenceana, 11 years old, lost his pastor-father, mother and 3 year old brother. Many kapatirans are now homeless.

After 11 days in the rubble, apat ang nahukay na mga buhay at mga kapatiran silang lahat.... ang mga pangalan: Ian Carl Bungag, 15; Maria Tamares, 49 and her apo, Stella Marie Sor, 3 years old, Modesto Manugid, 10.

At least 900 people were provided with relief goods and 490 patients were treated in Tignuan. Yong mga kapitan ng karating barangays were provided for with food, clothings and medicines para i-distribute sa kanilang mga constituents.

Heavy ang damage ng storm. According to DPWH -- at least 11 kilometers ang aggregate distance ng landslides. Continuous ang clearing operation -- logs, muds, and boulders. May boulders na kailangang itulak ng dalawang bulldozer at isang backhoe. Ang Infanta ay lubog sa putik --walang pagdalhan sa mga ito.

After long search we have managed to contact a pastor sa Infanta... we are staging another come back and follow-on operation doon within the next three days -- possibly on Monday or Tuesday at the latest. We are bringing with us more doctors and medical professionals. We will also bring food, clothings and will offer counseling services as well.

In high spirit ang members ng ating medical team and relief workers. Para kaming mga sundalo sa site... kani-kaniyang galaw, self-help basis at may dala kami na aming mga kailangan for medical mission and relief operation, including generators.

Please continue to pray and feel free to send your donations para sa follow-on relief operation.

12/8/04: Armed with prayer and God's presence, the DBD Christian Ministries led by no less than Pastor Ed Lapiz himself went on a three day medical missions and relief operations (4-6 December) to the typhoon victims of the town of Real, province of Quezon.

The mission was decided in the morning of 2 December... followed by solicitations for donations of cash, medicines and goods. In no time, supports came in.... and preparation to go on mission went very quickly.

Pagpasok pa lamang ng boundary ng Fami, Laguna and Real Quezon ay makikita na ang paisa-isang landslide na dala ng baha. We learned that the DPWH and the military have relentlessly doing clearing operations ng mga roads para matanggal ang landslides. Upon entering the barangay maragundon of real quezon, marami na ang military ang naka-bantay to make sure they would only allow vehicles with real reasons to pass accross their cordon.

We parked our vehicles sa Command Center in barangay maragundon and we went to see the Brigade Commander, DSWD representatives and the barangay captain to coordinate our effort para sa medical mission. In one hour, we were able to set up our medical team and relief distribution by 1pm on Saturday, 4 December. 143 patients were treated in that afternoon and each patient were provided with relief goods to include: medicines, rice, groceries, clothings, etc.

Sunday, 5 December, we were accompanied by the Barangay Captain of Maragundon para mag-stage kami ng medical mission sa karating Barangay Tanauan. Along the way -- we could not believe our eyes ang damaged na ginawa ng bagyong Winnie... we could see tons and tons of muds slid to the roads and boulders as big as 6x6 trucks were by the roadside na. Maraming bahay ang natabunan ng lupa, bato, tinumbahan ng mga puno. There were houses na talagang totally inanod ng baha. Nakakahindik ang mga pangitain... we could see people helplessly digging away muds and debris near their houses.

At 8am, naka-set up na kami sa Tanauan Elementary School... dinagsa na ang station ng mga taong humihingi ng tulong medical at pagkain.. There have been 360 patients treated and more than 1,000 were provided with relief goods.

Ilan sa mga nakakahindik na kuwento:

1. Isang church sa barangay Tignuan of Real Quezon ang in-offer ng pastor Door of Faith na maging refuge house ng mga residents.... sa kalagitnaan na lakas ng ulan, at around 6pm of 30 November, isang malakas na ugong at biglang rumagasa ang malakas na flash flood along wit