Parish youth groups reflect on donation drive: “We were flooded with help”

By Myrna Bermudo

Reflecting on the personal experience of seeking charity and begging for the kindness of parishioners and church supporters, a parish youth coordinator was touched by an outpour of donations. The funds raised were allotted for the 135 families or 687 individuals affected by Typhoon Pepito who sought shelter inside the parish as the typhoon intensified and ravaged the town.

“We were flooded with help,” George Relloso, parish youth ministry (PYM) coordinator of Sts. Philip and James Parish in Lagonoy shared.

On November 15, 2024, two days prior Typhoon Pepito, the parish announced and encouraged families to evacuate early and offered the church to be their safe dwelling. With PAGASA’s forecast, Typhoon Pepito was identified as a super typhoon – the Lagonoy town together with eastern sections of Camarines Sur were included in the areas where the violent and damaging conditions will be experienced.

“Evacuate as early as you can!” was the loud and emergency call of the parish for all. Family-evacuees started to arrive in the parish church which was designated as an evacuation center. As PYM coordinator, Relloso took it upon himself to seek help in various forms. “We immediately called for volunteers and donors to properly assist these evacuees,” he explained.

Thus, PYM Lagonoy immediately launched TABANG KATOOD, a donation drive for the affected families and individuals due to Typhoon Pepito.

With limited manpower and resources, it was not easy for the 23 PYM members and volunteers to accommodate the 600+ evacuees inside the parish church. Despite the challenging situation and the crowded vicinity, they were thankful for the experience of being of service to others in need.

“I was touched by the generosity of the donors and most especially to our youth volunteers. They were willing to take risks and care for the evacuees who are not even their relatives,” ponders Relloso.

For PYM Magarao, Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon pastoral directive entitled, “Silyab nin Paglaom, Gibong Pagkamoot” (Sparks of Hope, Acts of Love), inspired their motivation to extend hands to those in need, especially those who were affected by Typhoons Kristine and Pepito. “It made us realize that even the smallest thing or action can really make a difference,” Qisha Arroyo and Jeraldine Payen said as they reflect on the volunteer experience.

A total of 99 individuals sought shelter in the parish of St. Anne in Magarao. This was composed of 44 individuals during Typhoon Pepito and 55 individuals from Typhoon Kristine, respectively.

Conscious of the needs of neighboring flooded barangays and parishes, PYM Magarao delivered help to two evacuation centers and five barangays, namely: Magarao Central School Evacuation Center, Sta. Lucia Elementary School Evacuation Center, Brgy. Bell, Brgy. Casuray, Sitio Lateral, Sitio Tabog and Brgy. Sta. Rosa, Magarao Camarines Sur. “We have also extended our help to Our Lady of The Assumption Parish - Canaman, St Anthony of Padua Parish - Camaligan, and Our Lady of Annunciation Parish – Casuray,” detailed Arroyo.

“The total of volunteers and members that helped and contributed to make this donation drive successful reached 50 individuals and with our partner, Tarabangan - Bicol Disaster Volunteer Network through the effort of Ms. Reycel Hyacenth N. Bendaña, everything became manageable and fulfilling.”

“Engaging in acts of service, giving time and energy without expecting anything in return, ignited in me the experienced of happiness that arose from selfless actions. It made me realize that even smallest thing or action can really make a difference,” concludes Payen.

Both PYM Lagonoy and PYM Magarao’s financial report were disclosed in their social media accounts for transparency purposes.