新媒网 · 跨境数据社区

This was in 2021. Typhoon Odette struck Siargao. I and a few volunteers from Iligan-Lanao-Marawi-CDO started the "Heal Siargao" movement. We were called the strikers. ✨ Strikers are otherwise known as the #SuicideSquad, simply 'cause we are one (if not the first) team to brave a disaster -- at a time when some roads are still inaccesible, when electricity is scheduled in segments per day, and when communication is done via radio devices. On this movement, we travelled from Dapa to General Luna, set-up our mini clinic, did free consult everyday, gave free medicines, and catered everyone we could. In turn, other locales volunteered and joined our mission --either by bringing a patient in, or spreading the word out -- every soul was set to help just because. We coordinated with the military (AFP) and Bravo Beach Resort for our safety and accomm. As the resident doctor at the time, I could remember that I was never hungry -- maraming libre na food gina dropby ng kahit na sino. 🥹🙏🏻 The team served Siargao for a week, until Davao Regional Medical Center (Tagum City) was able to put up a makeshift-hospital capable of minor operations, childbirth, specialist checkup, and more. We then travelled back to plan our second visit. Today, I scrolled my photocircle and saw these photos. Waahh, we were the strikers. ✨ And not everyone knew we existed. I have personally been a volunteer during other #DisasterRisk movements, including Typhoon Yolanda (2013), Typhoon Sendong (2012), and Typoon Pablo (2012). In all these missions, I knew that strikers don't get the same credit as government organizations, politicians, and public figures; well, we just do what we ought to do without claiming the spotlight. We'd scout, put up our base, assess, engage, and then endorse critical data. And then we let others resupply, regroup, and sustain the mission. The goal is the same after all -- help the survivors get back on track. Looking back at these photos is so humbling, especially now that these disaster-struck islands and cities have finally recovered. Oh I'm praying supertyphoons don't hit our country anymore (but I guess I don't get to decide that). What I do have control over is when and where to put my time, skill, and effort when the need calls for it. I just hope it's not anytime soon. Salamat sa tanan volunteers and strikers! 🫡