Sharing Without Borders

This is the name we chose for our charity. We are a group of private individuals who decided to step up and partake in the distribution of God’s graces through us and the friends who are willing to join us for this cause.

The initial step we took is to visit the site where a 7.2 magnitude quake collapsed the whole village, took the life of a 5 year old girl and displaced 187 families. This is in Brgy. Asinan located in Bangkal, Matanao Davao del Sur.

Some of these photos will explain how bad the situation was after the quake jolted the area. After seeing the aftermath of these 4 quakes which began in October when the Makilala-Malungon fault moved, the most recent, which was the Tulunan fault movement caused more destruction in their properties, their livestock and their lives in general. They were just emptied of everything and did not know how to start all over.

We found them in an open lot which is a few kilometers away. A good Samaritan offered for them to use the space for their temporary shelter. DSWD provided them tents, the Diocese of Digos provided more “trapal” that they can use to support the tents and create more tents for the big families who preferred a separate shelter, the diocese, parish, local, provincial government and some private individuals came to help in many forms. They were sufficient for days and weeks.

Now that it has been a month since then. Our group decided to go and make assessments as to how we can offer a long term help. we found the place to be lacking of water. As a result, they have no proper sanitation in the bathrooms and their kitchens. Something which will lead them to health problems soon. So we decided to tackle this particular need. We came to see them, talked with them and listened to them. We gave away some mosquito nets, water containers with faucets and underwear for the parents and the children. We promised ourselves we will be back.

Two weeks later, we were back, this time with rolls of hose and PVC’s to run water from the source to the evacuation site which is one kilometer and 100 meters to be exact. Through the help of the parents, we saw the “spirit of bayanihan” right before our eyes. It was the most rewarding sight.

Today, they have their own water system free of bills, thanks God for the spring that provides potable water. Perhaps the next project is to provide them better bathrooms/comfort rooms further, perhaps a huge water reservoir will do a better job and perhaps YOU can be one of us in this endeavor.

Our spiritual adviser and primary enabler is Rev. Fr. Isabelo “Beloy” Medina. We have books with accounted donations and expenditures which is open for viewing once you join in this crusade. Names of the donors are undisclosed in public because we believe it is not necessary for now but we thank God for sending His stewards to distribute God’s blessings. After all, these riches belong to HIM. (Blaze Q. Cantaros | Sta. Cruz SUGID)