Students affected by Sendong receive school aid

It may take a long time to heal the wounds and trauma brought by typhoon Sendong but the survivors, particularly the young ones, have shown strong determination to start anew.

Despite difficulties, Jasmin Pagador, 6, and two of her elder siblings still go to school with just a few sheets of paper. The flood damaged their village and washed away their belongings which included school bags and uniforms. Fortunately, none of their family members perished during the flood as they were able to climb at the rooftop of a neighbor's house.

Like the rest of the survivors, their determination encouraged compassionate individuals and organizations to help. Humanitarian aid continues to pour for students affected by the deluge. This time, the aid came in the form of an educational assistance consisting of assorted school supplies, shirts and skirts for uniforms, footwear, and books among others.

Jasmin is one of the 471 students of Cabili Village Elementary School who benefited recently from the assistance facilitated by the Philippine Business for Social Progress ( PBSP). Her school was among those badly hit by the flashflood last December. Jasmin's damaged classroom forced her teacher to find another place to hold classes.

Rafael Lopa, PBSP executive director, visited the damaged schools in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro to see what other areas can PBSP and its corporate partners extend its help.

During the early stage of relief operations, PBSP mobilized its member companies to donate basic survival necessities for the flood-stricken families. Filipinos here and abroad generously responded. PBSP also facilitated the CDO visit of the Filipino-american hip-hop artist Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas.

Touched by the present condition, Apl extended his share by giving an upbeat performance to ease the burden of the survivors. He also sent his team to do followup visits in CDO and Iligan to know the other possible needs of survivors. Jennifer Belle, one of Apl’s managers was moved by Jasmin’s story. She doesn’t speak the dialect but she fully understood the girl’s situation.

From relief operations, PBSP is now mobilizing resources to make the challenging rehabilitation efforts happen. With local partners like Goodwill Mindanao Philippines, Inc. ( GMPI), projects will be implemented to help the affected communities.