Typhoon Mangkhut Emergency Response in Cagayan

After the distribution of disaster preparedness kit last February 10, the Global Peace Foundation and the Municipal Government of Sanchez Mira collaborated in organizing a disaster response and preparedness training for 150 families in two communities in Cagayan Province. During the seminar, the Honorable Mayor Asela Sacramed delivered her inspirational message encouraging everyone to always be grateful and to take responsible ownership of the kits donated by Global Giving and Global Peace Foundation.

Her message was followed by a “first-aid training” facilitated by the Municipal Nurse, Mrs Bambie Fuertes. She shared practical and basic first aid techniques that can help them cope with an emergency using indigenous materials and the disaster preparedness kit which was provided to each family. She emphasized that first aid is the first and immediate assistance given to any person suffering from either a minor or serious illness or injury with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery. 

In addition, the Municipal Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Council (MRRDMC) of Sanchez Mira, through RESCUE 18 Assistant Mr. Ridel Cabulisan, conducted a training on disaster preparedness and management to increase the participants’ capacity to analyze different crises and risks that can be prevalent in their everyday environment. He also introduced the detailed procedures of maintaining and using the portable water purifier included in their kits. At the end of the training, the families from two local communities in Sanchez Mira were grateful to learn basic and important techniques on safety and security in their daily lives and during times of disaster.

On February 10, 150 families in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan Valley Province received their disaster preparedness kits, solar lighting system, and water purifiers thanks to donations received by Global Peace Foundation Philippines from concerned individuals and GlobalGiving. Last month, Global Peace Foundation Philippines received a $15,000 donation from GlobalGiving which helped achieve the goal of providing assistance to 150 families affected by Typhoon Mangkhut.

When Typhoon Mangkhut hit the Philippines last year, Sanchez Mira was one of the devastated municipalities. Families in Brgy. Kittag and Brgy. Callungan were left without access to electricity and clean water at the aftermath of the typhoon. In Brgy. Kittag, the bridge which connects the communities to town proper was destroyed which made it challenging for response teams to provide their assistance.

Local government officials of Sanchez Mira, headed by Mayor Asela Sacramed, were present at the turnover to provide logistic assistance and to personally express their thanks to Global Peace Foundation and the donors who made the activity possible for the benefit of dozens of marginalized families affected by the disaster. Ninety two families in Brgy. Kittag and 58 families in Brgy. Callungan who received the kits are from the indigenous people’s community of Aeta and Isnag tribes in Sanchez Mira.

“On behalf of our tribe, we would like to thank Global Peace Foundation and GlobalGiving for choosing our community and for showing your care and concern,” tribal leader Andrea Antonio shared in her message. She added: “Since we live in a remote mountain area, i never thought of this experience. God is so good and GPF and GlobalGiving are great blessings to us. We also appreciate our local government’s support. It is not easy to come to our place but only those with good heart and dedication to serve can do this. We cannot repay you but we will be responsible in taking care of these disaster preparedness kits. We will also cooperate so we can be equipped and prepared in times of disaster. We hope that God will bless you more.”

Following the turnover, GPF community development director Joy Remigio will return to Sanchez Mira next month to host a disaster preparedness training with the local disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) officers.