6 DEC 2004

Typhoons: Multiplication and More
by: Jo Maribojoc

Dear JVP Community and our family and friends,

Five loaves of barley bread and two fish… Miracles still do happen.

Thank you so much for responding to the call to donate goods and funds to the victims of the recent calamities; to volunteer at the relief centers of the Loyola House of Studies, ABS-CBN or GMA, and NDCC, and bringing with you your family, friends, students, co-workers and organization members to volunteer; to spread the call and mobilize others to do the same; and for all your other efforts to help our fellow Filipinos in need.

The DSWD and NDCC, which echoed the call to us, were overwhelmed by the response to volunteer; it was a new and inspiring experience for them. DSWD Director Gudmalin, Maj. Gen. Vargas and Maj. Villadulid of "Operation Sagip Buhay" - a joint committee of the DSWD, AFP and NDCC - would like to express their sincerest gratitude for each pair of hands that helped them and for the pledges and commitments to volunteer in the coming days. Not only did your efforts help the victims of the calamities, you have also championed the spirit of volunteerism.

I have coordinated with, among others, Fr. Anton Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas, to mobilize the various dioceses to send volunteers; with Dr. Amelita Go, President of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines to mobilize the scouts; and with Mrs. Virginia Davide, President of the Philippine Association for Volunteer Efforts, to spread the need for more volunteers. There are thus other volunteers helping the NDCC, registered as individuals or members of various organizations, but still, more volunteers to repack relief goods are needed. "Operation Sagip Buhay" will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until December 15 at Warehouse 9 in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. You may contact Maj. Villadulid at 0917-8924740 or 913-4896/911-6001 local 6224 for queries. After December 15, DSWD will move from relief operations to rehabilitation and implementation of their programs to help the victims rebuild their lives and communities. Should there be opportunities to help in
that second stage through DSWD, I will communicate them to you.

Again, thank you very much. Working together, we have fed much more than five thousand with our hands and with our five loaves of barley bread and two fish. May we continue to do and give more as responsible Filipinos and Christians and feed more brothers and sisters in need.

In Christ,

Jo