27/10/2024
A Glimpse of Hope and Humanity: The Tireless Efforts of Bicol University Students After Typhoon Kristine
In the wake of Typhoon Kristine’s devastation, my heart aches for those still stranded on rooftops, streets flooded beyond recognition, roads rendered impassable. I woke up in tears yesterday, thinking of the unimaginable struggles—the hunger, thirst, the absence of power and communication—and the painful story of a passenger driven to despair. This disaster has tested the spirit of the Bicol region like never before.
Yet, amid the despair, the youth of today are proving to be a beacon of hope. The students of Bicol University have moved me deeply with their incredible response. Through the leadership of the University Student Council, led by Ms. Stacy Alamares, and various student organizations like BU Isarog, BU MSC, and NGOs like Gawad Kalinga and Righters.ph, I have witnessed the power of unity and action.
They have turned the BUCM building into a safe haven for those displaced by the floods, and it has become a hub for gathering and distributing relief goods.
From the first day of the storm, they have worked tirelessly to provide food, shelter, and support to the countless families in need.
The BUCM, with its solar-powered electricity and strategic location near the Bicol Regional Hospital, has been a lifeline for many. Relief packs, care packages, and meals have been organized by these selfless students and volunteers, who continue to deliver aid to the hardest-hit areas.
Yesterday, when our medical students instantly showed up to help in packing, just like the Gawad Kalinga group's relief ops during the day and the Righters.ph group last night, what would have lasted the whole day and night was finished in record time.
Thanks to their energy and dedication, everyone was able to rest and sleep soundly after the work was done.
Last night, after another long day, I had the privilege of learning about one particularly inspiring project—the BUCM TeleMedAccess. This initiative has provided crucial medical advice and guidance to those in desperate need, proving that even in the darkest of times, the light of compassion shines through.
This remarkable effort is solid proof that Bicol University students are walking the talk of BU’s vision for humanity. Through service, empathy, and tireless action, they are embodying the very principles that the university holds dear.
Here’s a random glimpse—this video was taken at 10 PM last night, offering a peep into the busyness at BUCM as students and volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare aid. To all the students, volunteers, and organizations stepping up—thank you. You have shown us that hope remains, and together, we will rise from this tragedy stronger than ever.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZxPOH6UsXlOEbnV6IaJOCfr3YGk8Ropv/view?usp=drivesdk
Thank you John Carlo Castil Villanueva
and Aiken Nikko Panis Labnao for the video edits and the photos
Thank you Howard Tuanqui Stacy Daniel Alamares Lou Guzman Jonathan Pelon and all student leaders and all.
