The ReportThere is no Stronger Storm than LoveLast December 1, 2013 Sunday at about 4PM, we gathered at the Tinago Gym where 45 families and about 195 individuals were temporarily housed after they got struck by Typhoon Yolanda at various parts of the Visayas. Based from our assessment, most of the things they needed included blankets, mosquito nets, under wears, hygiene commodities, and others. Prior to the activity, each of the students in M7 gave out their monetary contributions, and we wasted no time in buying some of the things they needed. With the limited budget we had, we had to make sure to give as much as we can, so we proceeded to Carbon Market to look for affordable yet quality stuffs for the victims. After securing the items we would give out, we proceeded to the location at our agreed date and time. And we all thought that we were done after handing out our donations. We were wrong. Visiting the evacuation site and seeing for ourselves the situation of the victims there and hearing their stories left us haunted. And it is but fair to share their stories, and the realizations we had. Aside from being left homeless, and displaced with no guarantee of the days ahead, they suffered from so much pain that not even delicious food and warm shelter could ever provide. Aside from handing out blankets, mosquito nets, under wears, chocolates, and hygiene commodities, we took some time to hear them out, listened to their stories; stories of sorrow, suffering, as well as courage, love and hope. These people either lost a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, a son, a daughter, a wife, a husband, a lover or a friend. Going through what they have experienced giving out some of the things we could afford to share is not even enough. Our hearts broke hearing the story of a father who had with him two little boys. The other about 3 years old and the younger was 15 months old. He innocently asked us as to what milk should he give to his younger son, as he had no idea for he was afraid that the latter might not be used to it and suffer. We asked him where the mother was, and he fell silent for a while before he silently answered that shes gone, she was carried away by Yolanda just like 5,000 other people. Despite of despair, it is also uplifting to hear stories of courage, such as the old lady who survived the storm surge who held so tight to a banana tree in order to save her life; a person who took the time to save others along the way instead of focusing on his own survival. These stories, and many others yet untold makes us realize that despite the fierce of Yolanda, the spirit of the people and their love for one another is fiercer and stronger.We know that the blankets we gave could never replace the warmth of a hug from a loved one, who could never be there again. Nor, the mosquito nets could suffice to protect them not just from flies but from the reality that is swarming them. Nor do the soap and other toiletries could wash away the pain and suffering they are going through. Nor does the chocolate could ever substitute the pleasure of living in ones home and enjoying the company of people dear to us. What we gave were merely material things, and its not enough for these people, who went through so much, but we gave them out of love and selflessness and the smiles on their faces assured us that they got the message. As future lawyers, it is but our duty not just to protect the rights of these people but to show them, that there are people out there who truly care. These observations and realizations led us to the next question these people would eventually have to face; and that is whats next? Some of the victims had already made plans, others never want to go back, others will find another place to live in, others to live with relatives and friends, others to go back and rebuild their home and return to their normal lives as much as possible. The above mentioned options seem to be so hard if not impossible for others as of the moment. We all hope that we have the answers to their questions, and could do a little bit more for them. Whats next for these victims is not the bigger question, but what we could do for them. As Law students, we believe that we are in a better position than these victims, and aside from giving out donations, and material things, we could do more. We could help by watching over the donations, and making sure that it reaches the victims, and not merely left to enrich the pockets of the powerful few. We could assist in educating them of their legal rights and claims. We could teach them on disaster preparedness, by rendering counseling services and so on and so forth. We could also help in reaching out to other people by inspiring them to help as well, to be of service to our fellow brethren. But most of all, we could help by assuring these individuals, that they are not alone in this fight, that together we could overcome this great tragedy that have ravished us. For although we were distraught, and destroyed; our hearts and spirits are left unshattered and strong. Together, we can bring back the smile and the warm to these people with the help of Almighty God. Just like what Mother Theresa said, It is not how much we give that matters, but how much love we put into giving.

Pictures:

Preparing the stuffs we were about to give (blankets, mosquito nets, under wears, biscuits, chocolates, used clothing, hygiene commodities).

Some girl talk with our displaced brothers and sisters.

Blankets to warm you when the night is cold, and the ground is rough.

Kamustahan with our elderly friends at the evacuation site

Chocolates and biscuits for the little kids

Handing out some toiletries to keep them fresh and fragrant wholeday

The M7 Legal Ethics Class after a hard days work

M7 Legal Ethics Class