By Ruth M. Lao-ay and Atty. John Dwight V. Cruz
On July 21, 2024 Typhoon Carina hit the Philippines, leaving a lot of cities and municipalities especially in Luzon, Eastern and Western Visayas in ruins. Carina is one of the strongest storms that jolted our country and along with the southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclone Butchoy, it was reported to have affected 4.8M Filipinos with 39 death toll according to NDRRMC. Its destructive impact reached far in terms of flooding, landslides, and even infrastructural damage, resulting in the devastating condition of families as well as their properties. The aftermath of the said typhoon left millions of Filipinos with scarcity of food, water, clothes, medicine, shelter, and many more.
As the problems arose during these times, DSWD – Financial Management Service – Budget Division for Special Projects (FMS-BDSP) extended their helping hands to aid and support the victims of the Super Typhoon. On August 2, 2024, BDSP’s very own Mr. Zaldy Buenvenida and Mr. Maximo Baligod together with Mr. Leo Solomo of BDRP went to NFA Warehouse in Valenzuela City and volunteered to help pack goods that will be sent to the victims of the said typhoon. They expressed that it gave them a sense of satisfaction, joy and happiness as they witness the bayanihan spirit and act of giving and volunteerism of our fellow kababayans.
Living up to DSWD’s Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo, our FMS Disaster warriors came across a battalion of volunteers ensuring that Disaster Relief Goods were ready to go. Those volunteers selflessly offered their services for free and responded to the call by preparing and packing rice, canned goods, coffee, and clothes for the victims and affected Filipinos of the recent calamity. We may not ease the tragic and painful experience of our fellow Filipinos but a simple act of kindness can lessen their problems and make a difference. Kudos and our hats off to Max, Zaldy and Leo!
