The strength and solidarity of Filipinos were once again tested when another tropical storm named “Paeng” has struck different parts of Mindanao on the disastrous day of October 28, 2022. One city and fourteen towns in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur were heavily flooded due to the non-stop overnight rains causing serious damage on the residents’ lives and properties – people were stranded and killed; animals were drowned; land and crops were swept away by floodwaters; houses were ripped apart; bridges were damaged and impassable; and villages were submerged.
Because of this, the promptness and readiness of the nation was heavily challenged. Local Government Units, non-government organizations, private sectors and concerned citizens showed their strong Filipino traits by handing out help and giving donations in the form of money, clothes, medicines, food packs, water and others. The humanitarian of each citizen were greatly displayed especially the immediate response of our government security forces.
All Disaster Response and Recovery Operations units under the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) were quickly deployed in their respective area of operations to conduct search and rescue operations and assist the flood victims; and as a unit in support to the JTFC, the Tactical Operations Group 12 (TOG12) of the Philippine Air Force took the initiative to help out as well wherein they have conducted thousands of relief goods distribution to Barangays Badak, Matuber, Tapian, Kusiong, Broce; Sitio Quary, Awang, Brgy Nuro, Upi and North Upi, all of Maguindanao; and municipalities of Lebak, Palimbang, and Kalamansig. The group which was composed of 2 team leaders under Master Sergeant Oscar Alvarez and Technical Sergeant Michael Francis Morales with the 7th ARCEN of the Air Force Reserve Command, 73rd Air Force Group Reserve and TOS RB personnel also facilitated flight activities that ferried and transported DSWD 12 relief goods containing food packs, clothes, hygiene kits, blankets, malong, cadaver bags and family kits; conducted relief good distributions as well as food feeding for the calamity victims of the aforementioned municipalities.
Continuous help and distribution of relief goods are still being conducted as the residents are now trying to cope up with their lives after the typhoon “Paeng” had drastically changed it but looking on the brighter side, the strength, gallantry, unity and solidarity of each Filipino were greatly displayed. Even with different cultures, traditions, religions and beliefs, as Filipinos, we are known for being welcoming and friendly, and we tend to lend a helping hand even in great danger because that is part of our Filipino traits – to be giving and to help those who are in need.