The year 2012 is  A year of Firsts of All Sorts.

I started the year with a very exciting heart.

It was only last February when I was busy preparing for the first trip with the Happy Freaks to Intramuros and Subic. 

It was my first to travel abroad, explore and make new friends.  

I will always be thankful for the great opportunity to meet Nur, Maarten and discover more the world and trust in humanity through Couchsurfing (CS).  I also met an interesting couple, Inna and Jeroen in an equally interesting circumstance. It just showed that  we can conquer distance and technology can be used to make the world smaller. We can make it a borderless world.  

I learned a lot from the experiences of my classmates from different parts of the world for the Competing Claims on Natural Resources Management Class.

Competing Claims on NRM Class 2012. :)

My happy feet took a life of its own. I explored more with my CS Davao family. I am grateful for knowing the passionate fellow travelers Mommie Gracie, Manoy Czaldy and Kuya Marcial, Mok-mok, Allyn and Eiki. Meeting and talking to Journeying James is also a bonus. 

Adventure is a part of my body. Work could not stop me from exploring the place I visit. While waiting for our annual meeting for the energy advocacy, I stopped by Manolo Fortich and tried the Anicycle offered by Kampo Juan. 80 feet,  250 meters long! Fear of heights? Nah!

Last May, it’s my first ascent to the Grandfather of all mountains to say thanks on my birthday. Apo Sandawa, I will always be grateful for the gift of life and friendships.

Midyear, BIG CHANGE career-wise opened up. I have to jump over the fence and expand my work with new organization on disaster. I  tried my hands on technical reports and feature writing more. It gave me the opportunity to work with advocates and be more aware of Davao City's (my second home) issues. 

Then I was offered a job that no one can say no. I was asked to be the research assistant of the senior anthropologist, Pons Bennagen on one legal land rights study in Butuan City. I’m back on the field and it’s my first try to work with the academe. Sir Pons never stop being a fieldworker. His quotable quotes, intellectual jokes will make you say, uuhhmm..”Anyare?” and he always remind us to ask ourselves, what comes after your work? The lingering question is, “So what?”. As researchers we have moral and social responsibility and we owe to the community the knowledge we gain from them.

Adding to my Firsts is my First Asian Trip to the Land of the Elephants- Bangkok, Thailand. Same same but different., as their tagline says. We are quite the same with Thais in terms of facial features, weather-wise but we have too much differences in terms of governance and language.  

And of course, the year ended with the most BLISSFUL email I got. I might be giving up some things I've gained this year but opportunities like these are hard to come. There is still a loooong process to undertake but it can't stop me from dreaming. 

I know  more intense disasters are coming but our faith must be stronger. Typhoon Pablo might have devastated homes, but never our Spirit. We need to prepare and we can do this if we brave storms together. 

As we end this year, I humbly bow my head for all of the grace and test, to strengthen my heart. 

To all of the people who remained- I THANK YOU! I love you.
To my new acquaintances- I look forward on forging new memories.
To all new adventures and travels- I am ready. :)
To God- I remain faithful.

I am starting the year with an excited and hopeful heart again. Giiidddy giddy yap. 

I am closing this year with the loudest cheer. And I am claiming 2013. Yahoooooo!!! J

Thy Womb (Sa Aking Sinapupunan) as we all know is internationally acclaimed but sadly, the director Brillante Mendoza who get accolades from Australia and Cannes is texting, begging people to watch his movie so that cinemas will not pull it out. L

Last November 23, 2012 at SM Lanang Premier, Thy Womb premiered in Davao. My classmate Ate Sheila Labos, the ever talented Nightingale was able to get VIP tickets for all of us! We were too happy to meet and congratulate the cast. 

I may have not been born during the Vilma-Nora rivalry but I knew how it was- I witnessed my grandmothers and aunts coming from two different camps argue over these stars. And boy, our house has a  full collection of MOD Magazine, La Aunor posters and pictures even with Maria Leonora (the doll) and Tirso Cruz III's pin-ups. And Noranians proved they are very loyal. They swarmed in throngs at SM.  :) 

The movie is about the Badjao midwife who could not bear a child. Beautifully shot in Sitangkay and Bongao, Tawi-tawi, this movie had a daunting task to show the complicated human emotion without being melodramatic. No need for cheesy lines or overacting cast. Nora Aunor is Nora Aunor. And together with Bembol Roco on the lead, they nailed it. Adding to the helm is Mercedes Cabral. Ghad, this woman oozing with talent and sex appeal, is amazing on the wedding scene. The movie showed how the people of Tawi-tawi cope with conflict, that life goes on despite discrimination and suspicion. Two great performers don't need long dialogues to show their acting nor the conflict. It is in their eyes. 

I am not a pro movie reviewer/critic. But read Jessica Zafra's thoughts and/or Prof. Arthur Pizarro of PASADO (teacher's association) endorsement of the film here )

I was even brooding after the premiere night. When the credits of Thy Womb started to roll, the Davao crowd just gave a polite applause while I was thinking of the standing ovation  Cannes and Brisbane audience gave to Brillantes. I don’t want to be defensive but Davao crowd is just like that, kinda aloof sometimes but there is much appreciation for taking it to Davao. Premiere nights though are just for a small crowd.

Now is the time through MMFF to take it to the larger crowd. But sadly, I was told it was only shown at 3D and much higher priced cinemas in Davao. And while Sisterakas are raking 45 Million on the first day, Thy Womb only got 2.5M. Tsk. 

Majority of the moviegoers' eyes have been trained to watch teleseryes, melodramatic fast-paced and rehashed storylines of mistresses, quotable quotes and slapstick humor. Escapist films continue because these are the blockbusters. The much hype movies with huge marketing arm are really a Force to reckon with. 

As they say, we get the movies we deserve. Do we? Then are we going just to tolerate it, and let the profit-seeking producers, distributors to shape our cinematic consciousness? 

I beg you then. Please watch Thy Womb. And even El Presidente for a bit of our controversial history  

It is high time we spend on worthy movies. 

It took me a long time to write about the devastation of Typhoon Pablo because like some of my friends who saw the damage first hand, I (we) are still in denial. I have been telling myself, “This is not Mindanao. This is not happening to our place. We only see it on TV. This could not happen to us."

Last December 8, 2012 we went to Butuan for our class excursion to the national historical archaeological site and we passed by Monkayo. When we were about to enter Compostela Valley, we were warned by Ate Carol Arguillas that the impact of the storm can be seen starting at Mawab. We have to brace ourselves. We have to prepare our eyes and heart, she warned.

I have heard from my former boss that our partner cooperative in Brgy. Baylo, Monkayo called up and told her that they lost all of their agricultural produce especially mangosteen. Other partners in Nabunturan also called telling her, “Among mga tanom ma’am murag gihagpatan nga malunggay (Our plants have been treshed out that of malunggay leaves).”  Those tales of unprecedented destruction is beyond our eyes. Nothing can still prepare us for the scene at the highway, from Mawab to Monkayo- coconut trees toppled like matchsticks, banana plants collapsed, houses crumbling.

My heart broke when I saw HARBEMCO (Highlander’s Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Multipurpose Cooperative)  office and consumer store: roofs flown to nowhere. Nang Nora’s house where I usually stay during fieldwork crushed to the ground. I just can imagine how they felt when they saw all of these. Thoughts of how they’ll be able to stand up after losing 80-90% of their livelihood.  This is a community that depends on agriculture; now all wiped out.

Collective Consciousness and Disaster Preparedness

Ate Carol of Mindanews have interviewed people if they have prior knowledge of the upcoming storm and if they were able to prepare. Residents from Cateel said there was a mobile car calling out  everyone to prepare for an upcoming storm. There’s even a seminar on disaster preparedness BUT, “Wala man praktis!” (There is no practice).” Or even yet, they don’t have any idea what it meant to have Typhoon signal Number 2 or 3. There is even one who thought Typhoon Signal #1 is the strongest! “Naa man gud dati ma’am na bagyo pero dili man ing-ana kakusog.” (There was a storm before but never with that intensity).

In short, the people have no idea what a super typhoon really looks like since there is no prior experience in that magnitude. Baganga elders said the last recorded super typhoon they experienced is on 1912! Or for instance, in Davao City, it was only last December (on the onset of Typhoon Sendong) that the city experienced to be warned of Typhoon Signal 2 leading to stoppage of barge trips going to the neighboring island of Samal.

Reconfiguring Mindanao

The sad thing is, Mindanao has long been marketed as “typhoon-free” island compared to Luzon and Visayas for the agribusinesses to invest here.  But is Mindanao really typhoon-free like what it claimed?

The Manila Observatory has records saying this is a BIG NO! Based on historical records of typhoons which they presented in one of the conferences (as recounted also by Ate Carol), there are around 7 typhoons that passed Mindanao for the past 10-15 years. In Cagayan de Oro for instance, they even recorded a storm that passed the area every December since late 1920s!

According to Department of Agricutlure (DA) the losses incurred are almost  P26.8 Billion (as of Dec. 18). 

With the vast impact on agriculture-dependent populace, there is a lot of need for rehabilitation. There is probably a lot of reconfiguring for the MIndana 20/20 development plan that Mindanao development Authority (MinDA) made. Mindanao probably will no longer the “Promised Land” or the “Food Basket” and “Typhoon-Free” as its advertising tagline for the island.

The Climate Change Act of 2009 and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 mandated local government units to incorporate on its Local Development Plan its climate change and disaster risk reduction management plans. However, instead of taking it seriously, it is just a stamp, a prerequisite to get the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of local government units (LGUs). Or most cases, a copy and paste (hey you’ll make Sotto proud!) risk management plans. Plans are tested when disaster comes. Look at Davao Oriental. A consistent awardee for "Gawad Kalasag" of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and MAnagement Council for several years now but the loophole is just too much that plans without prior practice and community-based planning is just well.....a piece of paper.  (Please read here this eye-opening opinion piece by Ate Nikki dela Rosa published by Philippine Daily Inquirer).

  

I remember our Crisis Communication class. It is hard to prepare because we don’t have the consciousness of preparation when majority of the population are still at finding food to serve on the table. And it is harder to advocate for disaster preparation when there is no ‘collective experience’ of a disaster. It is excruciatingly hard especially to keep the communication line intact, during disaster. The first 48 hours is very crucial when there is mayhem, a need for a central coordination center is needed.

As what happened to Typhoon Pablo. It was already 4-5 days after the disaster when a coordinating team was set up in DPWH-Panacan. Relief ops went to areas more accessible but what about areas where bridges collapsed and inaccessible even with trucks?

DPWH-Panacan needed a lot volunteers to repack relief goods. Some relief goods coming from the poblacion is brought to their office. Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) through its University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council (UCEAC) is also undergoing relief operations. There are lots of students and staff available but it is exam week. There are instructors who suspended classes but still majority has to go with their exams and only have an hour or 3 hours to spare. DPWH you see is almost an hour ride from the Davao City Poblacion. Someone from UCEAC suggested that maybe DPWH can put the relief goods especially those coming still from poblacion for repacking at ADDU Annex  but DPWH said they cannot do it because, ‘baka ma Ombudsman kami! (we will be reported to Ombudsman). Holy kamote! This is the time when creativity is needed. Yes, I undertand their apprehension BUT my thought when I heard it was, can’t they put a person to oversee the repacking? Or maybe they can ask Ombudsman to do the repacking instead? (Yes, I am too sarcastic on this). This is the time when bureaucratic rules hinder instead of making it efficient especially when relief goods are needed at the most crucial moment.  Or maybe I’m just too myopic about it. But this is the time when people's trust to the government has to be rebuilt and even regained. 

Reading and hearing from the news reports of Mindanews and from people, the most common comment is, “Sa amoa na lang idiretso. Ayaw na sa munisipyo kay basig di pa na makaabot sa amoa. (Give it directly to us. Don’t give it to the municipal hall because it might not get to us).” This is serious. The City Government of Davao sent relief goods but it took another 2 days for the municipality to give it not because of lack of volunteers but they have to repack it again and wait for the "mayor's own packaging." Haay naku..Mapa-Pasko man o Bagyo, Epaliticians through and through! 

The people even hated the choppers. Because 1) it reminded them of the war and 2) it went on and on for several days moving around but it never brought food.  There was a shortage of choppers at that time because of course, it was busy bringing those higher ups.

People were mad at the “national” media and organizations getting data but never went back to bring food or any relief goods. People are at the height of getting into riot. Adding to the injury is this insensitive media people glamorizing disaster, this people like Noli de Castro making side comments like,”Mabuti naman kasi wala naming ginagawa ang mga tao diyan. Nakatunganga lang!” (It’s ‘better’ because the people there are not doing anything. Their mouths are just gaping wide).”  Great. Just great Kabayan. 

This is very disheartening when insensitive comments are uncalled for. But as one friend frustratingly said, "Kita-kita na lang magtinabangay." We are strong. We are resilient  The people from Monkayo even managed to smile and say We will get through this. We still hear stories of hope, of love and volunteerism. And that what keeps us stronger. 

Relief operations: rehabilitation and recovery is a long way to go. Rebuilding homes and most of all, psychosocial healing for children and adults alike are much needed. There are still areas underserved and even un-served.

And we need to work Together! 

 

Here are some organizations doing the relief ops and badly need volunteers:

AFRIM (Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao) Inc. 

Address: Door 7, Six Angels Building, Kamia corner Jasmin Streets, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City. From NCCC mall, take the main road of Juna, turn left and right, it's the pink house.

Please text these numbers : 0905 153 3364 (TM) or 0922 469 0223 (SUN) or call (082) 285 4592 and look for Liezl Bugtay, for more details.

FB Page:  https://www.facebook.com/BakudDavcom?fref=ts

ADDU- UCEAC and COPERS (Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services) 

DSWD Central Operations Center

at DPWH- Depot Panacan

website: http://www.fo11.dswd.gov.ph/

Or call Landline (082) 306- 5624

Peacebuilders’ Community

Website: http://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2012/12/how-to-donate-typhoon-pablos-victims/