When war ends
TWO days have passed since President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi City free from any terrorist presence. That means, we can no longer hear a series of gunshots, there might be ricochets but they are fading; bombs are out of the land but their marks are everywhere; wounds no longer bleed but the scars remain.
And as the leader says it’s over, then we would have to follow. We have to move on and we do it by standing up, braving the ruins. We’re done counting the dead, now it’s time to take care of the living.
Now the city has been turned to ground zero. The residents will need everything anyone can offer. And there are countless of ways to help the community build again.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been facilitating donations in cash and in kind.
The public can send in-kind donations directly to the evacuation centers and DSWD field offices. Remember that, of priority are halal food (beef, chicken, or fish) such as instant noodles in chicken or beef flavors, as well as corned beef and sardines.
Those interested to help are also encouraged to donate hijab, taqiyah, and other Muslim clothing, toiletries, and bottled water.
Donors should notify the DSWD Finance Management Service (FMS) or Cash Division (CD) of their donation through phone or email. Kindly send the validated deposit slip together with your information (name, nationality, and address) to finance@dswd.gov. ph and cash@dswd.gov.ph or fax to 9318127.
Various organizations have also called for donations, either in cash or in kind, to help thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who evacuated from the war-torn city.
These include the Philippine Red Cross, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Caritas Manila, NVC Foundation, Inc., Save the Children, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM), and World Vision. Their online platforms are also widely accessible, so you can search ways on how to reach the victims.
We may be divided by religion but we can always be unified with our hopes to help our countrymen.