AROUND 3 p.m. the rain poured quite heavily, the water level started to rise ankle-deep. We thought, it would be another flooding incident but might subside in an hour.
Since you know, to be working in an institution near Bitan-ag Creek, flooding has become a norm. But last Monday's flooding that was brought by a low pressure area in the region was a feat.
The fact that the City Council declared a State of Calamity the first hour of Tuesday, January 17, should be a tell-tale sign that the rainfall and floodwater are not merely a force of nature - it meant to teach us a memorable lesson.
In about an hour and a half, the floodwater has reached at the breast-level, and at some point, to the neck. As soon my class ended, it prompted me to leave by all means - even wading through the flood and make myself wet.
I was able to pass through, but it took some time to reach to the overpass, since the water's current was strong. Perhaps it's a stronger flood since 2012.
CM Recto Avenue was no better; it turned again to a menacing river. Reports said that rescue teams were on their way, but because of impassable accessibility it took a long time to arrive.
Night falls, and there's no power. In times of natural calamities or disasters, not only one's management skills are tested - but also common sense and delicadeza.
I could have left and went home, but one thing that prompted my senses - I was hungry. The longing for food and the thirst that yearns for water somehow opened my senses. The people back at the campus of University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines were definitely hungrier than me, not to mention some are already cold and wet.
At this point, sharing status updates, albeit relatively important, is becoming irrelevant. People were stranded. They were hungry. They were thirsty. They were emotionally challenged.
I can't simply watch, and my students including some colleagues were also there practically starving. And what I thought of around 300 to 500 people trapped, it turned out be in thousands.
And a flashback - it's like Sendong again. But at least friendlier than Sendong, it has lesser deaths and casualties.
I have to do something. I need to be brave. I can't just watch and wait for them to go out. After all, as a faculty you are partly accountable to your students.
So that is why I reached out to social media and solicit donations for food. Not much, but enough to fill an empty stomach. It started with the students who first thought of sending food items to fellow students they know, but I asked them if only we could collect for everyone instead. So they did.
There were other student and alumni volunteers who showed up, who also braved the cold murky water at midnight inside the campus.
But inasmuch as we can ration all, however, it is not enough to fill everyone. If only we could be Jesus and make a miracle in feeding around thousands of people with only two loaves of bread and fish, but we're not.
Why I'm doing this? I work in a State-run university, it is my duty. During my darkest point in life where disaster struck (Sendong), I was helped by people and I am paying it forward. Always. Adrenalin rush and adventurous too.
Thank you to those who helped and volunteered. I'm also sorry if I can't accommodate all of your messages and concerns. But big thanks to those who supported. Again, thank you very much.
(Nefluczon@gmail.com)
