With so many kababayans (fellowmen) in need of help, Pusong Pinoy and the DZWT Binnadang Charity Foundation organized another relief operation. This time to Atok, one of the isolated municipalities of Benguet, and Tadian, one of the worst-hit areas in the Mountain Province. Overwhelmed by the response for aid from kind-hearted donors both local and overseas, the organizers were determined to reach both areas. Transportation for volunteers and delivery of goods were provided by local entrepreneur, JACK DULNUAN.
Pusong Pinoy Baguio-Benguet Team Leader BYD BAWAYAN reports:
"Despite being tired the previous day from purchasing, sorting, repacking of goods, and donation pick-ups, the volunteers were all ready and excited for the long trip. They left Baguio in the wee hours of the morning of October 17th. However, getting to Sayangan, Atok was a struggle as the volunteers would later find out. The once-Grand Halsema Highway was reduced to rubble by Typhoon Pepeng. There were several "freshly cleared" slide areas which the party's vehicles had trouble getting through. What would usually be a 1 hour and 30-minute drive to Atok took them 5 hours. To reach their destination, the volunteers often had to push the vehicles throughout the trip.
After leaving half of the relief goods at Sayangan, the municipal capital of Atok, the volunteers headed for Tadian, Mt. Province where goods were distributed to 70 affected families. The volunteers were inspired by the community spirit as they observed the locals involved in rebuilding their community in every way. The men were doing road work, clearing, and in retrieval operations, while the youth sorted the relief goods, women cooked food for volunteers, and senior citizens helped in every way they can.
As the volunteers headed back to Baguio, they were met by another obstacle - Halsema highway was temporarily closed due to rains brought about by the low pressure area and incoming typhoon. The volunteers decided to take a different route which posed a risk due to warnings of hold-ups on that new route and landslides. During their journey via the new route, one van got stuck in knee-deep muddy water and volunteers had to wade in knee-deep mud to push the van. After a quick rest stop at a gas station, the volunteers arrived back to Baguio City the following day, October 18, 2009.
We thank all the volunteers who helped out in this event. The team from the DZWT / MPBC BINNADANG Charity Foundation led by Field Reporters ROSE MALEKCHAN and MINDA LICAWEN, volunteers from the Indigenous Youth Network (IYN), Luzon 14 Interactive Community, and Ayala Young Leaders Alliance. We also thank all the generous donors who contributed. Without you, our operation would never have pushed through!
Special thanks to Pusong Pinoy Team Dubai led by CHERY ROSE TANEDO! May your tribe increase!"
Pusong Pinoy Baguio-Benguet Team Leader BYD BAWAYAN reports:
"Despite being tired the previous day from purchasing, sorting, repacking of goods, and donation pick-ups, the volunteers were all ready and excited for the long trip. They left Baguio in the wee hours of the morning of October 17th. However, getting to Sayangan, Atok was a struggle as the volunteers would later find out. The once-Grand Halsema Highway was reduced to rubble by Typhoon Pepeng. There were several "freshly cleared" slide areas which the party's vehicles had trouble getting through. What would usually be a 1 hour and 30-minute drive to Atok took them 5 hours. To reach their destination, the volunteers often had to push the vehicles throughout the trip.
After leaving half of the relief goods at Sayangan, the municipal capital of Atok, the volunteers headed for Tadian, Mt. Province where goods were distributed to 70 affected families. The volunteers were inspired by the community spirit as they observed the locals involved in rebuilding their community in every way. The men were doing road work, clearing, and in retrieval operations, while the youth sorted the relief goods, women cooked food for volunteers, and senior citizens helped in every way they can.
As the volunteers headed back to Baguio, they were met by another obstacle - Halsema highway was temporarily closed due to rains brought about by the low pressure area and incoming typhoon. The volunteers decided to take a different route which posed a risk due to warnings of hold-ups on that new route and landslides. During their journey via the new route, one van got stuck in knee-deep muddy water and volunteers had to wade in knee-deep mud to push the van. After a quick rest stop at a gas station, the volunteers arrived back to Baguio City the following day, October 18, 2009.
We thank all the volunteers who helped out in this event. The team from the DZWT / MPBC BINNADANG Charity Foundation led by Field Reporters ROSE MALEKCHAN and MINDA LICAWEN, volunteers from the Indigenous Youth Network (IYN), Luzon 14 Interactive Community, and Ayala Young Leaders Alliance. We also thank all the generous donors who contributed. Without you, our operation would never have pushed through!
Special thanks to Pusong Pinoy Team Dubai led by CHERY ROSE TANEDO! May your tribe increase!"
Kudos to Pusong Pinoy Baguio-Benguet especially to Team Leader Byd for this relief operation! We encourage our kababayans to continue supporting our cause so we can, in turn, help others! God bless you all!
