Davao architects aid flood victims
THE period from the last week of January to the first few days of February 2023 was a harsh time for the people of Mindanao, particularly in the Davao Region. The shear line, the subsequent northeast monsoon, and the trough of the low-pressure area brought continuous heavy rains for several days.
This prolonged period of rainfall caused severe consequences, resulting in flooding, landslides, and other related incidents across various regions of Mindanao. In the Davao Region alone, it affected approximately 45,000 families. Aside from the adverse impact on the daily activities and livelihoods of residents, the heavy rain also damaged roads, bridges, buildings and houses.
Moved by their sense of urgency upon seeing the plight of their fellow Davaoeños, members of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Davao Chapter responded swiftly. The group, led by Chapter President Sheanna Bacus, organized relief campaigns to aid affected families in two flood-prone areas located in the cities of Davao and Tagum.
The first operation was undertaken on Feb. 2, 2024, during the height of the flooding incidents. In collaboration with Qualitest Solutions & Technologies Inc. and other volunteers, UAP Davao Chapter members braved the flooded streets of Jade Valley Homes in Barangay Tigatto, Davao City. Jade Valley Homes is a subdivision highly vulnerable to floods being located beside the Davao River, which easily overflows when torrential rains pour, inundating the communities along its banks.
Despite the challenging conditions in the area, the architects were able to distribute rice, coffee, water, and food items to affected families. Many residents were trapped in their homes without electricity and with dwindling supplies of food, water, and other necessities. Nine days later, on Feb. 11, 2024, the UAP Davao Chapter again embarked on another relief activity, this time to the people of Barangay Busaon in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. With urgency and compassion, the chapter initiated a second donation drive by rallying support from its members, members’ families, friends, and the wider community. Immediately, contributions poured in. UAP Davao collected essential goods, such as bottled water, canned goods, and packs of noodles. Chapter members and other volunteers meticulously packed these items and distributed the packs to affected families, offering much-needed relief to those hard hit by the calamity.
This prompt and concerted effort is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of the UAP Davao Chapter and its extended network. Through its members’ immediate action and collective kindness, the organization demonstrated its steadfast community spirit and sympathy during disasters.
Architect Bacus reflected on her experience: “The residents appreciated the water, rice, coffee, and soap which we distributed to them. We did not feel exhausted because of the happiness that the people felt when they received the bottled water, which was very essential to them at that time. Even the elderlies who were trapped in their houses were asking for water.”
Because of these modest acts of generosity, the joyous smiles and palpable excitement among the recipients were very evident. The act of assisting those in need brings a profound sense of fulfillment to the architects.
The writer is the editor in chief of The UAP Post, the Official News Publication of the United Architects of the Philippines. He finished his BS Architecture degree at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He is a past district director of UAP Regional District D1 and a past chapter president of UAP Davao and UAP North Davao Chapters.