Last December 26, 2021, JCI Surigao Nickel and JCI Surigao Wensie, together with Northern Mindanao Local Organizations namely – JCI Cagayan de Oro, Inc.., JCI Kagayhaan Gold, JCI Bai Lawanen, and JCI Macajalar 24K – plus JCI Mandaue delivered relief goods to Brgy. Aurora in Surigao City for families affected by Super Typhoon Odette (Rai). Brgy. Aurora is an island barangay of Surigao City, it is remote and not easily accessible. It is much nearer to the Island Province of Dinagat than Surigao City proper.
At the time of our visit, there was yet any relief operations and goods received by the residents and the LGU. We were one of the first to be on the scene to give them aid. This is already more than a week from Day Zero. You can imagine the spark and tears in their eyes when they saw us. How many days did they endure the elements without shelter? Without a secured and safe source of water and food?
We cannot describe what we saw – the disaster, the relief, and joy – into words. We were swept by emotion in empathy with the plight of our brothers and sisters. We thought we were the worst hit in the mainland and the city proper, but we were wrong. We bring the plight of our brethren to your attention.
JCI gave out 280 packs of relief goods for the families of Barangay Aurora. This included 10L of bottled water, rice, noodles, biscuits, coffee, milk, and canned goods for each family. These packs came from generous donors. Medicines were also handed out to the barangay, courtesy of JCI Ralph Reyes of JCI Mandaue.
It is with gratitude that the solidarity of Northern Mindanao Chapters is materialized and reinforced with their visit. OneNorthMin is in full force with 2022 Area Vice-President for Area V Jason Mediante Alcudia , 2022 Regional Vice-President for Northern Mindanao Jett Yaranon, 2021 Regional Vice-President for Northern Mindanao Deo Anthony Mediante Alcudia, and 2020 Regional Vice-President for Northern Mindanao Chestine Chua sparing their time and joining us for the visit.
