by Zaid Diaz Phi 2010
As another flooding catastrophe struck the nation, the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity, together with the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority, wasted no time in conducting relief operations for the countless victims of the flood brought about by the heavy week-long monsoon rains. Exceeding the accumulated rainfall even that of Typhoon Ondoy, large parts of Metro Manila and some nearby provinces were again literally submerged underwater, forcing thousands of families from their homes and flock into overcrowded evacuation centers.
Though the sun had now started to come out by Friday, the future of the evacuees remained as gloomy as the rainy day. Still no amount of rain can stop the Phi Brods and Sisses in extending their helping hands to our unfortunate fellow countrymen affected by the flooding. As the UP Manila University Student Council called for volunteers for medical missions, the Phi Kappa Mu and Phi Lambda Delta immediately heeded the call and went to a community in Tondo, Manila to serve the medical needs of its evacuees.
Just as how the rains fell down heavily, donations from Phi Alumni and Donors poured in immediately and relief operations were instantly conducted during the height of the calamity. Packing and distribution of relief goods were initiated straightaway.
Three communities in Quezon City also received 800 relief packs from Phi through the initiative of Brod Andro Fernandez Φ91. During the incessant rainfall, Brod Andro’s family were cooking and serving lugaw and hard-boiled eggs to the victims of flood in their neighborhood. “We were also doing this during Ondoy flooding. Balewala din kung bibigyan sila ng bigas at pagkaing lulutuin pa nila. Everything around them is wet”, says Brod Andro who opted to give cooked meals rather than relief goods during the worst days of flooding.
The Phi Brods and Sisses also went to the evacuation center of Brgy. Bagong Silangan, Quezon City and gave relief packs to the 350 displaced families due to the high floodwaters. The next stop was a Gawad Kalinga village also in Brgy. Bagaong Silanagan which was given around 200 relief packs. In this village, the floodwater had almost reached the rooftops of their one-storey houses. They were in the middle of clearing up destroyed property and debris when Phi arrived to give away relief packs. The last community visited by Phi was Brgy. Sta Lucia in Novaliches, Quezon City which was among the first reported and hardest hit communities by the flood. Over 300 relief goods were given to the residents. In this community, the creek along the riverbank was destroyed by the rampaging waters which made the situation in this community worse as it swallowed whole houses.
Though much is still needed to help our countrymen get back to their feet, the Phi Kappa Mu and Phi Lambda Delta are always willing to give out a helping hand to those who are in need.
