August 25, 2024
Sharing one’s kindness: Tumana typhoon relief distribution
By Dorothy Castro
Sharing the kindness received to help one another was one of the lessons imparted during the recently held relief operations at Concepcion Integrated School, Tumana, Marikina City.
On August 23, a total of 154 volunteers, scholars, staff, and local government members worked together to ensure the success of the relief operation, where they were able to help 2,863 families with senior citizens, whom they prioritized in this initiative.
Aiming to lessen the financial burden that recipients carry in their recovery, Tzu Chi gave beneficiaries food items, clothing, mats and blankets, and sacks of rice. “These goods that we are giving are basic items. Goods that they surely would need and not just want... These are things that would comfort them, so that they would gain confidence and hope to move forward,” says Tzu Chi volunteer Paquito Ngo, who handled the crowd control and orderliness of the relief distribution.
Grateful for the blessings she received, 62-year-old Engresia Dagaas felt the need to share this kindness with others. “I thought to myself, if I were to receive any form of blessing, whatever I receive today, I would share it with my neighbors who need help,” she said in tears, knowing that many of them in the community needed help in recovering from the effects of southwest monsoon-enhanced Typhoon Carina.
Having received blessings from Tzu Chi in 2009 when Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) hit, she knew how the foundation’s support could change lives. “I used the cash assistance from Tzu Chi to build the third floor of our house. That was my wish—that we would have a third floor, so that we would be safe if another flood happened,” Dagaas shared.
Dagaas promised to help her fellow citizens when she could. She felt grateful knowing that her home was built with the support she received from Tzu Chi. Hence, she shared her blessings by donating what she could during the relief.
“My message to the Tzu Chi Foundation is that I hope they continue to have the strength to help others in need,” Dagaas said.
This same spirit of helping one another in times of need is what Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro observed during the relief operations. He noted how families receiving help from these initiatives also learned to share these blessings with others and saw the beauty in these acts of kindness.
“More than the material things we received, we are happy with the spiritual blessings we received today. The hope provided that we are experiencing is great,” Mayor Teodoro added.
Another recipient who knew of Tzu Chi’s mission was Emilio Ornopia, who now works as a tricycle driver for a living. A former jeepney driver, he was one of the beneficiaries who received relief goods from Tzu Chi during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, many jeepney drivers struggled with their livelihoods as lockdowns were imposed. With this, the foundation provided essential goods to help their families.
“Tzu Chi never forgot about us, and they always helped us. That is why I am so grateful to Tzu Chi,” Ornopia expressed.
This relief operation was also a way for former beneficiaries to help their community. As a community volunteer, Veronica Soriano helped in carrying relief goods and distributing them to fellow community members. “I am glad to volunteer; it is fulfilling to help others. It doesn't matter what kind of task, as long as we get to help,” she explained.
Soriano recovered with the help of Tzu Chi in the past, during Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco), and when a fire destroyed their home just this February. For her, Tzu Chi’s support is a “big help for people like me to get back on my feet.”
Vice Mayor Marion Andres shared words of gratitude for the help that Tzu Chi gave to Marikina, even during past calamities. “From Marikina City, we give our heartfelt thanks to Tzu Chi Foundation. Tzu Chi Foundation, with founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen, is here again with us in overcoming this trial,” he shared.
Beneficiaries line up as early as 7AM at the Concepcion Integrated School grounds in Tumana, Marikina.
Tzu Chi conducts the relief operation in three batches to accommodate 2,863 beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries happily pose with their relief stubs.
Beneficiaries raise their hands as stamp numbers of their relief stubs are announced.
Tzu Chi volunteers and scholars lead the prayer.
A beneficiary prays with a sincere heart.
Tzu Chi volunteers lead the prayer.
A beneficiary happily smiles while waiting for the distribution.
A Tzu Chi volunteer gratefully collects the cash donations of beneficiaries. These funds collected are used to help more people in need of support.
The beneficiaries start with receiving their Puregold gift checks from Tzu Chi, and are given the option to get a coin bank so that they can share what they can give to others in need.
Veronica Soriano (right) helps in distributing relief items.
A beneficiary gets a coin bank from Tzu Chi.
Beneficiaries line up in an orderly manner, ensuring a smooth distribution.
Recipients of the relief packages happily smile as they wait for their turn.
Mayor Marcy Teodoro (right) helps in distributing relief goods.
Engresia Dagaas (left) happily receives cooking essentials from a Tzu Chi volunteer.
Tzu Chi volunteer Luis Diamante (left) helps a beneficiary in carrying her relief goods.
Tricycle driver Emilio Ornopia (in blue) smiles as he carries his relief goods.
Senior citizens were grateful to receive many blessings during the relief operation.
A beneficiary happily receives kitchen essentials for her home.
Vice Mayor Marion Andres recalls how Tzu Chi was with Marikina in recovering from calamities in the past. “Thank you so much from the heart of the people of Marikina,” he says.
“The wisdom and compassion that the Tzu Chi Foundation spreads really touches the souls and hearts of people,” says former Barangay Secretary Jimmy Ceguerra.
Relatives of the senior citizens receiving relief goods wait for their relatives to help in carrying the relief items home.
Tzu Chi volunteer Manny Go carries sacks of rice for the beneficiaries.
Local government members of Tumana, Marikina gladly help beneficiaries in carrying their relief goods home.
“I am very happy because I was able to be of help, especially in crowd control,” says Tzu Chi volunteer Paquito Ngo.
Members of the local government of Tumana, Marikina happily pose for a photo.
Tzu Chi volunteers, staff, and scholars pose for a photo after the successful relief distribution.