“If doing a good act in public will excite others to do more good, then ‘Let your light shine to all.’ Miss no opportunity to do good.” John Wesley
8 Oct 2024, Tacloban City — DEA DMO held its multi-stakeholder project orientation for a mitigation intervention project today. In her short meditation, Rev. Iris Terana, LLCUMC Admin Pastor, reminded the small but high-impact group gathered of the value of impartiality while extending help to those in need. For his part, Ptr Dan Reuben Sison, Disaster Management Program Assistant, extolled the importance of commitment to the Core Humanitarian Standard (a set of 9 commitments on quality and accountability) in providing assistance to vulnerable communities and families, especially on enabling those affected to be consulted, give feedback, and make decisions about their entitlements. DM Coordinator Dan Ela thanked the representatives of the barangay and LGU Tacloban, and the owners of service providers during the mitigation works: Evic Jaya of Jaya Auto Glass and Aluminum Trading, and Jordan Tuscano of J5 Metal Works Steel Fabrication, for giving their valuable time and presence. He then shared about DEA DMO’s previous engagement with Brgy 59A, UMCOR’s work in Tacloban post-Yolanda, and highlighted the participation of private service providers not only on the economic value of their services but moreso its significance for those who will eventually benefit from it, e.g., those who may take shelter in LLCUMC during extreme weather.
Kgd. Cresnar Ramirez, BDRRM Chair of Brgy 59A, extended the community’s gratitude for LLCUMC’s open doors, especially since the barangay has limited capacity during nature-induced events. And on behalf of LGU Tacloban, Frank Anthony Calupdia, CDRRMO staff and trainer, welcomed the active engagement of the faith community in humanitarian works noting that all have roles to perform in helping one another. He also confirmed UMCOR’s post-Yolanda assistance in parts of Tacloban, with the caveat of encouraging LLCUMC and Brgy 59A to formalize their partnership thru an MOU to avoid misinterpretations and misunderstandings moving forward. Another CDRRMO staff, Allan Arcallana, also suggested that both parties conduct conversations on processes and mechanisms (before, during, and post event) of managing the use of LLCUMC as a temporary shelter. And with anticipation of future ‘serving engagements’ for the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community, Rev Maximino Maregmen, District Superintendent of Eastern Visayas District, also expressed appreciation for the barangay and LGU’s willingness to work with faith-based groups like the UMC, and sent off the group with a prayer and benediction.
Prior to the Covid19 Pandemic, Light & Life Community UMC has been opening its doors to vulnerable families within its vicinity during major typhoons and serious flooding. It was eventuaally identified by the barangay as a temporary shelter. A few years back, this ministry stopped due to hazards posed by their building’s design amid stronger extreme weather occurrences. With the help of the small mitigation project supported by UMCOR, LLCUMC can once again serve their community in times of great need and distress.
DEA DMO
