Ondoy Tragedy hits JOHIA churches and members in Rizal and Metro-Manila
Last Saturday’s record breaking rainfall from Typhoon ONDOY affected Metro-Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon regions. It was reported to have caused an estimate of P4.8 billion cost of damage and 277 fatalities. A number of those who were hit were workers and members in Project 2 and 3, New Manila, and Roxas District in Q.C., Mandaluyong, Fairview, Novaliches, Antipolo, Marikina, and Cainta, hardest of which were the latter two. It was so evident in the church attendance that Sunday that the main service and the other 2 services were only half full.
Victims reported that the flood waters were up to their waist after only half an hour of rainfall and by more than an hour, the whole 1st floor was submerged. Some who lived in bungalow houses sought refuge on the roof or in the 2nd floor of their neighbor’s houses. In Provident Village, the highest flood level sunk two story units. The flood current is another issue. Furniture, appliances, and even vehicles were destroyed and carried by the strong current, not to mention the lives it took from residents trying to flee to safety. Marikina had a total death toll of 46. Those who survived had nothing left but literally the clothes on their back. Electronics and appliances were destroyed. Clothes stored in flood damaged closets were wet, muddy, and irreparable. Food supplies were spoiled and water contaminated. The rich were not exempted. Town and country subdivision streets were riddled with high-end cars washed up and damaged by the flood.
The JOHIA church in San Mateo was also severely hit. The new 2 story building was submerged in muddy waters completely covering the 1st floor, including their new library. The main sanctuary was in the second floor and became refuge to their neighbors for the next 2 to 3 days until the flood waters subsided. A number of the church members also lived near the vicinity and have their own tales of horror. One of the hardest places to be hit was Barangay Silangan near Tumana Bridge. Ptr. Tony Obnilla of JOHIA Bankers was residing there until the flood hit and destroyed their home, literally.
In response, JOHIA initiated a relief effort to help victims of the flood. Members gave rice, canned goods, instant noodles, cooked food, clothes, toiletries, beddings, and money. The Real Help pledge also gave P5, 000 from its fund. Volunteers helped pack the items into individual bags for distribution. Last Sunday, a team was formed and attempted to start giving aid. But due to the flood waters, they were only able to assist some members near Marcos Highway. Some team members even had to wade through waist deep flood to deliver relief.By Monday and Tuesday, the flood waters had mostly subsided and 2 teams were formed to go towards separate directions. By then, the vehicles only had to drive though muddy and littered streets. One difficulty the teams encountered was locating JOHIA members. Communication was down due to power failure and flood waters. Cell phones of victims either had no load or empty batteries. Thanks to contacts in PLDT that the JOHIA office was able to get addresses through registered phone lines. Some members were located through on site inquiries. The teams thank God’s guidance for the successful location of all members they intended to reach. One of the teams was able to give medical attention to some of the victims since one of them was a physician.
The following are the list of churches and families that the JOHIA relief effort was able to assist: JOHIA San Mateo members, JOHIA Bankers members, Ptr. Tony Obnilla and family, Ptr. Willie Calvez and family, Ptr. Mark Felias and family, Ptr. Marvin and family, Cesar Laroco and family, Lissa del Mundo and family, Joshua Paz and family, Roger and Adora Gordo, Clare Corimao, Jermie and family, Estella and family, Totsie de Guzman and family, Catugal family, Lisa Cocueco and family, Ana Canlas and family, Allan Estillo and family, Cristy Satuna and family, Ptra. Lorie Cruz and family, Connie Nalaluan and family, Rogie Cabreza,
Bobby and Ging of Town and Country, Mary-Anne and Kurt de la Cruz, and Blu Bayang and family. Some of their neighbors were also given assistance.
Besides the relief assistance, the teams prayed for the victims who were not only hungry, but were also in emotional trauma. The song that was resounding in the visits was “Still” by Hillsongs where a line in the song says, “…Father, you are King over the flood, and I will be still and know you are God.”
Plans are underway to do medical outreaches next week in two strategic locations were victims will be given treatment and relief goods. The JOHIA Office will continue to accept cash and relief donations. Most needed items are medicines, clothes, beddings, and food. Cash donations can be deposited through the Banco Filipino Cubao branch account # 11009700001-2 or UCPB Cubao Branch foreign currency savings account # 011403016740. Please call JOHIA at 9123031 or send email to johia_phil15@yahoo.com to confirm deposits made.
Continue to pray for the victims of the flood. They are only beginning to recover and rebuild their lives. Please pray for the Philippines. Presently, a new typhoon is in progress. Signal number one is already over the Ondoy stricken areas. Reports are saying this typhoon is stronger than Ondoy. Let all believers worldwide pray against it!
