Showing posts with label #Moments of Bayanihan. Show all posts

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SMILE and Philippine Army; aid to fisherman's children

The havoc of the Typhoon Glenda is not as tragic compared to the previous flooding here in Manila but still caused inconvenience to our fellowmen residing in the coastal area. 

Reports were made prompt that some floating houses detached itself from the coast and  then submerged into the open water, thus increasing the number of homeless families in the area; living alongside the survived shelter of their neighbors' house, they live with scarce food and clothes. Little by little they are putting things back together, recovering to put their normal lives back into the tracks. Thankfully and with such an honor to serve, we've heard of their need and the Search and Rescue Unit, 15ID Ready Reserve, ARESCOM along with SMILE for the Youth responded to the heed of call last 26th of July, 2014. 

Beautiful smiles greeted the group to deliver help and assistance they longed for. They handed out relief aid such as food, clothing and other necessities. 

It didn't take too long that the kids were also eager to return back the happiness they have in their hearts. As a matter of fact, we were entertained by their talent of playing a air-operated organ with some great singing and dancing. 

 It was such a short time but what matters most is that we delivered the important needs. The Philippine Army and SMILE is always ready to serve. 

© iamreservist

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Moments of Bayanihan: SARU & SMILE joins DSWD relief packing drive



It was a heartbreaking moment to hear thousands of people who suffered when Typhoon Yolanda crossed Central Visayas last November 8, 2013. 

Yet distressing as this may be, thousands' had responded the call to help at mobilizing relief centers around the country. The heart of Bayanihan authored by the Chief of Staff GEN EMMANUEL T. BAUTISTA, AFP continues to shine on.


In order to convey Bayanihan, Smile for the Youth and the Search and Rescue Unit, 15 Infantry Division Ready Reserve, NCRRCDG, ARESCOM under the command of CPT ROCKY H MARQUEZ (INF) PA (Res) is one of the many reserve units of the Philippine Army who responded the call for service in their own little way last November 14, 2013. They found in great need for volunteers at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) located at Chapel Road, NAIA, Pasay City.





Altogether, the team participated by volunteers from SARU, SMILE for the Youth, SWAG (Soldiers, Wives, and Girlfriends) group, Proud to be Soldiers, and Laang Kawal Pilipino packed and lifted no less than two hundred relief packs in less than two hours while showing the might of volunteerism and selfless service even outside the lens of a camera.

This was just the start of their ongoing aid for our countrymen in the Visayas region. 

Hooyah for the team!

 © iamreservist

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Moments of Bayanihan: Helping Hands for Tacloban

I read that it was a long dawn for the whole Visayas last November 9, 2013 as people felt the gust of wind coming towards each home. People feeling a bit nervous, the region is known to experience a lot of storms annually, but this time Typhoon Haiyan (Local name Yolanda) impressed fear as waves came toward coastal homes as high as 20 feet pummelled through with anger. 

There was a presence of swirling clouds in the area, as light broke through from the skies, every eye caught witness of devastation; they saw how the wind was tearing away iron roofs and waves swallow every single infrastructure around their beloved city. This must have been the strongest of storms ever recorded by history.

When people went down from roofs and posts the next day, they saw was a show of mother nature turning man-made structures into scrap, even finding their main evacuation centres as mere death trap.
In Bogo, northern Cebu, thousands of residents had taken refuge in the blue-roofed sports complex, where they set themselves up a few days before the storm’s planned arrival with catering and card games.

“But the wind started howling and the rain started coming, and soon the babies and the children were screaming that the roof was going to blow off,” said the mayor, Celestino Martinez. “I was trying to tell people to be calm. I had to shout over the noise, saying: ‘No don’t worry, the roof won’t blow off, the panels are too big.’ But they did blow off, piece by piece. (Source: The Guardian)

 Those unfortunate ones were swept away by the tidal wave, displaced far away from their original place, lying as if they were oversized dolls. Some even had arms that positioned as shields for protection. It was an ugly scene.

 To make things worse, communications and electricity was down; posts bowed down, powerless to withstand. Airports especially in Tacloban was swept flat and clear while harbours were filled with rubble. Many people unaffected by the storm had no reliable source of how bad the damage was yet everyone was still hoping for the best. If the need arise, many are here to help including the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Force just waiting for that snap of order for deployment.

 It was initially estimated that about 10,000 lives were lost. Families were looking for their love ones. Thousands hurt and wounded. Many grieved while aide came with a critic. When I was tucked in Manila; me and my fellow reserves participated in relief packing and loading and transferring goods. Volunteers worked round the clock. The 'Bayanihan' spirit was born again yet we were never deployed given that the government already spent money to train us for emergency response. While waiting we packed, carried relief goods in our backs, and gave out instructions as to how other people could help. 

 A week passed after Yolanda tore Visayas into devastation and tears. A group of five Philippine Air Force reserves with Nurse and EMT certification decided to fly out to Tacloban for three days leaving our snappiest BDA's behind. Staying home was never our call after hearing out that nurses and doctors were already aplenty in those stricken areas. We never agreed. We still hear people calling for help. 

 On November 16, 2013 the group started a humanitarian mission entitled 'Helping Hands for Tacloban'. Initially planning to leave Manila via PAF C-130 Hercules, it never materialised. Thankful with Air Asia Zest who gave out free seats a day after. The twenty of us arrived safely but in teary-awe at Tacloban Airport last November 17, 2013.

The HHCL (Helping Hand Central Luzon) group headed by President Ivy Tejada. A Philippine Air Force reserve assigned at 2nd ARCEN, Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

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PHOTO/FILES: Preparation Freedom

Preparation Freedom

Civil Military Operations Group, Philippine Army showed their dedicated team in the preparation of this years' independence day that will take place on June 12, 2013 at Luneta Park. Regardless of the sun's passing, they used their own truck to light up areas where tents need to be properly set. And with the constant thunderstorms and lightnings' coming, these dedicated soldiers shows no reason to stop their days' work for the freedom day. 

#preparationfreedom #kalayaan 2013

© iamreservist

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On May 26, say I was there for PEACE!

Filipinos always want to promote peace within the community. It has always been our desire not just among ourselves, but also to proclaim peace among our neighbors in the east. Nothing can ever blur out our intentions as we've always been known as a helping people, kind towards others, and very welcoming.  

Yet we need to be more vocal about it. Our brothers and sisters of all tribe and religion needs to be more vocal about it. For what? To hold a consistent consciousness among ourselves that peace should be in one of our highest objective towards others as well as to be vocal into saying Bayanihan is in the works, and that is a big deal!  

Having this heart, our organizers have brought up an idea to paint the color of peace in the walls of Camp Aguinaldo at the length of 3.7 kilometers, aiming to make the longest in the world! 



If you are without information as to who holds the record of the longest Peace Mural. Well, Chile has done a kilometer of walled graffiti proclaiming the consciousness of peace last 2009. That's right Filo's (slang for Filipino)!, this attempt is something to be really proud of and should be supported by all Juan's in the world.

It is not just happy-achievers who will be attempting to paint Camp Aguinaldo's wall known for it's the past history of war. We also have our very own Muslim Princess, Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, who is also the only Filipino nominee for the N-Peace Awards and the lead organizer of the peace mural project dubbed as the "Lakbay para sa KapaYapaAn sa Edsa”.  Photo on left from ipsdi.org.
The event will also be supported by the beautiful candidates of the Miss Tourism 2013 who made press about the advocacy earlier this month.  


More than that, our ever supportive-talented soldiers who I see as 'soldiers of peace' and the true soldier of the Filipino people are also there for the making of a future tourist spot. 

If you are already feeling itchy about the sketches, then do check out Kawal Pinoy's post about the planned peace mural for some teaser sketches inspired by peace.

Currently, those who have signed up for the event may subscribe for the latest feed of updates from Project EDSA Facebook Page. 


To those who wanted to witness the turn out of this peace-making history may share it on your social network, I highly encourage you to bring out your cameras and post, tweet, ping, instagram this great news. Hashtags: #longestpeacemural #EDSApeacemural

Excited to be there? So am I. Let's act on this success and say I WAS THERE!
Again, please don't forget to tweet about peace on May 26. 

LaangKawalPilipino
© iamreservist.blogspot.com

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Soldiers participate in Brigada Eskwela 2013, kicks off May 20

In the spirit of 'Bayanihan sa Paaralan', units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be joining in for the annual activity called Brigada Eskwela in the preparation for the schools' opening on June 3.

 Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide, long running, voluntary campaign held by the Department of Education since 2003. The activity aims to enjoin the entire community into the spirit of Bayanihan by bringing teachers, parents, soldiers, police officers, and other concerned sector together in doing clean up and repairs within the school setting.

 "Ngayon po ay simula ng Brigada Eskwela, nagpapasalamat po kami at naimbitahan muli upang makatulong sa kapwa naming Pilipino," [Today is the start of our Brigada Eskwela, I thank the organizers for inviting us so we could help again] says a reservist belonging to the Army Reserve Command.

 During the activity, our soldiers from both regular and reserve forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will help not only in cleaning and fixing school facilities. The versatility of our skill set can also offer in maintaining computer and electrical aspects of the school as well as the infrastructural repairs needed in order to promote safety among the students who will be using it in the next school opening.

 The Brigada Eskwela 2013 will kick off starting on May 20 and will end on the 25. 

© iamreservist

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Soldier's serving peace with a smile

Mother Theresa reminds us that "Peace begins with a smile." 

 This is a photo of a Philippine Army soldier working his way to serve the children by supervising them to line up for the gift giving activity. The children received new clothes, shoes, books, and even toys in a far-flung area in Mindanao, thanks to the support of our generous stakeholders. 

 The children had suffered and was deprived to live normally because of an armed struggle in Mindanao caused by NPA bandits who constantly try to deceive and exploit them for their selfish cause. 

 Children who experienced being in the middle of the armed conflict experienced traumatic events which made them feel uneasy with strangers, especially our soldiers. However, when our soldier initiated a smile which portrays good intention of peace, nothing can be more welcoming than receiving a warm smile in return!

 Our soldier's all over the country work their way to promote a smile of peace through Bayanihan efforts. Our soldiers [The Philippine Army] and fellow people [Stakeholders] continue to pursue a growing culture of sharing peace together. 

I am a soldier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I am a catalyst for peace!

 Support our people's cause, be a stakeholder. 

To learn more, join 'I am for Peace, No to Armed Struggle Campaign' on Facebook.

 © iamreservist

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Photo Stories: Arroz Caldo at Regalo para sa Pasko 2012

Our regular soldiers in Bukidnon were on a task to bring the spirit of Christmas in a far-flung area somewhere in the western part of the province. With more than a hundred beneficiaries, our soldiers' are set to make them feel belonged, cared, and shared with the blessings given by our fellow citizens residing overseas. 

The season had provided me the opportunity to take a moment of forward step into experiencing Bayanihan. This is not just my story, it is also shared by the troops who took heart into showing an action of giving.

 Our story starts here.
The sun was setting early that afternoon. The KM military truck we rode sped about 100k's, it was a rough-wild ride where a cloud of dust flew behind us. It felt like Dakar. Our destination had some distance from the city, as time passed by, the troops were becoming more observant and alert as the area we have been entering becomes critical.
It was a relief upon arriving to a safe place of spending the night. The view gets spectacular as the sun sets, the air gets colder by the minute and silence means hearing yourself breath. 

In the morning after mess, it seems like an ordinary day for our troops. But before anything else, they need to spend a moment of briefing and thanksgiving.
Psalm 91 reminded us of a good promise, while hearing these soldiers' utter their own personal words is a heart-warming experience on a civilian's point-of-view. 
From the area where we spent the night, another hour was spent on the road. This time, we crossed rivers and other critically-technical terrain imaginable. Our journey of getting there proves to be quite a moment before handing these gifts we offer to our beneficiaries.

Somewhere in the middle of our journey, we stopped for some courtesy call. It took us quite a short talk until we were able to see the children who will be receiving a gift for Christmas. 

 Along with this gift-giving, the troops also decided to prepare a sumptuous arroz caldo  (a Filipino-style congee) for the kids to enjoy.
PORTRAITS OF CHILDREN

When we reached our destination, I saw beautiful and innocent faces of  very young children. One soldier shouted from the truck, "Hali mo!" (Come here!), "Naa mi ihatag, pagdala ug baso!" (We have something to give, bring your cups with you).
I can't express it in my words. I just knew it from the moment I laid upon their eyes while seeing the gifts being unloaded from the truck. This is not the first time they saw soldiers in their place, but it is probably the first time they see soldiers carrying gifts wrapped in boxes.
In the field, I also had the chance know our troops better. Those who were with me obviously love to be around with children. One soldier played with a toddler while his mother was watching. It was undeniably a classic moment. While another soldier was caring for another toddler who held his hand towards the lens of my camera.
"A toddler grabbed the lens of my camera while I was taking a photo of her beside a soldier."
"A soldier's love is beyond comprehension."
Crowd control was almost north to impossible. But our soldiers are still positive in creating a friendly atmosphere. I see them smiling while assisting the children to stop pushing against each other.
In return, this kid calmed the chaos with his voice. He sang songs in his local dialect, gospel songs in bisaya, and even the famous "Sa Langit Wala ang Beer." 


While crowd control was being managed by the rest of the troops, the only lady soldier in the scene was also busy checking the Arroz Caldo. 

"Can't wait no more..."

The kids with their cups on their hand lined up to grab a taste of a deliciously prepared arroz caldo. 

 It was still steaming hot despite the fact that our soldiers cooked this food as early as 3AM. 

The kids were purely in a surprise to see a young lady wearing a battle dress uniform. It is quite uncommon to see them working in the field. 
"Because the Arroz Caldo was steaming hot, responsible mothers were also there to assist their children receive a portion of their share... 
We are also blessed for their assistance"

It was wonderful to see this children smile over a cup of a local congee. My experience draws me back to the beauty of living a simple life.
"Serving with a smile draws this kids to smile back."

"This kid is patiently waiting for his share of arroz caldo."

"In the spirit of giving, our troops have only one desire, this is to see the children wearing their smiles. No amount can replace or repay this moment of being able to give them a bag of happiness."

"A young boy just had his big share of arroz caldo. He's sharing it to the rest of his siblings."


After being able to make the insides of our beneficiaries happy, we moved on to make their spirits lift with the blessings of Christmas. It's gift-giving time!

"Mother's who witnessed the giving stand in amazement as she sees a soldier handing out  toys this Christmas season."  

"An old woman probably receives the most magical looking head band of her life. Our soldiers helped her go back to being a child once again."

Along with the local leaders in the area, our soldiers exchanged hands in serving the people.   


"These are just a few children who benefited from the gift-giving. The others were still on their way from the mountain."

A kid and a soldier poses for his gift. Despite having a pink-colored shoe, he didn't bother for anything else. He's too excited wearing it when the class' resumes.

"This young miss received a pair of fancy shoes for Christmas. She poses with gladness beside a soldier."

The CAFGU and their families also received something for the season. They were given clothes, school supplies for their children, and home necessities such as bed sheets, warmers, etc. 
 
These parents who are part of the CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit) received a gift for his young boy this Christmas season. His heart shrunk into gladness because his child was asking him a pair sneakers to be used for school... This time, he has one for the next year as classes will resume on January. 

"While infants and/or toddler's also received baby caps for Christmas."

 "These young family waiting to line up also shows how curious they are of what gifts are in store for them."

"Family - A CAFGU soldier is feeding his child"

 "Soldier Santa threw sweets for the kids to grab on the air."

 "The children now enjoying a piece of their Christmas presents with our troops..."

 "... And so they jumped for joy!"
Being able to share a moment with our Philippine Army soldiers serving in Bukidnon, I was able to know how they work and serve for the betterment of the province. It's not fair to judge them by the cover of their book, rather, you should try to read them in the pages of their service. 

I realized that they love to serve more than I was able to grasp. They see that children are also real investors of peace in generations to come. In the spirit of Christmas, our soldiers were there to bring happiness to places people cannot agree on going. They have shared a sacrifice to be with children they do not know while he is far from his family during the season. For a small price to give, the know that there are big gains.
"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." - Lao Tzu
Happy Holidays everyone! Most especially to our Filipino soldiers.

Photos are copyright. 

© iamreservist