Ormoc is one of the cities in Leyte that was stricken by a typhoon. Eight weeks later after the papal visit of Pope Francis in Tacloban and Palo on January 17, 2015, I personally visited one of the churches in Leyte in order to see the actual devastation of the calamity. Saint Peter's Parish was the church that I have visited on March 14. It is near the city's seaport.
According to Pope Francis, 2015 is the "Year of the Poor." Therefore, this year should be focused on serving the poor by helping them. "Make Me a Servant" was the theme song of the entire event because our activity was all about serving the poor.
At 8 in the morning of March 3, I attended a holy mass for children at Lourdes Parish in Punta Princesa. Coincidentally, there was also a celebration of the 200th birthday of John Bosco. The kindergarten pupils dressed up like servants. They sang and danced Salve Regina.
Two hours later, we rode a 6-wheel drive bus going to Naga from Cebu City. We had a comfortable ride in a way that sudden movements are suppressed. We thanked the sponsor for allowing the use of this government vehicle in a community outreach as part of their mission.
March is Fire Prevention Month. Fires are just 1 of the possible disasters that could happen. As a group of college students from Engineering Management, we were able to educate the poor on how to survive in a calamity through a seminar. The theme was "Disaster Risk Reduction." Calamities could happen anytime. There could be earthquakes, typhoons, or tsunamis.
Instructed by Philippines Red Cross: Cebu Chapter, we demonstrated the Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation to the tribe to teach them on how to save someone in an emergency. Only the hands can be used in CPR operation. The feet cannot be used in this operation because they might just end the life of someone instead of saving someone. "Cares Chorus" was the theme song of this specific activity because at first, beginners have no idea on how to save someone in an emergency.
As a 'missionary', I showed the children of the tribe a 1-hour, 2-episode T.V. show called "Hide Them In Your Heart." While they listened to the gospel of Steve Green, this show made them think that Steve Green is Pope Francis due to his White race. It's like Pope Francis preaching directly to the children!
As we gave survival kits to the adults of the tribes, we helped them survive especially in times of disaster. During the closing remarks, we gave the speakers in the seminar certificates about disaster preparedness.
