Philippines
Pakistan Floods 9 – Meet our Local Collaborators – The Franciscans (OFM)
Pakistan Floods 8 – Meet Mushtaq
On November 16, already in Pakistan for a bit and after the visit of Fr. Aris, Mushtaq writes about the Franciscans that he has met in Hyderabad. They have become important local collaborators. Here is a look at this early part of the mission in Pakistan as the relationship with the Franciscans develops
Dear Scott,
Greetings from the Diocese of Hyderabad.
I am in Hyerdrabad. I am staying in the Cathedral parish house with OFM fathers. This afternoon, I had meeting with the team of volunteers of OFM parishes. Fr. David OFM and catechist were there.
I talked about our congregation, charism and ministry, and our present purpose of the CTF.
On Nov 16 at 8AM we went to small Hindu and Christian communities in Kotri, Disst Jamshoro which we already together with Fr. Aris visited.
We will specify deserving families and give them tokens and organize them before giving the construction material for roofing. We will measure the houses so that the material will be proper in size.
On Nov 17, we will conduct a seminar on PASTORAL CARE which will serve as a capacity building, improving sympathy and empathy and listening skills in the light of the gospel values, that in serving them, we serve Jesus the Christ. these volunteers and medical professionals will attend this seminar in which a Camillian spirituality will be inculcated as well. I called and updated Fr. Samson Shukardin, OFM about the seminar; he was very appreciative of this; he said that we really need this in our undertakings. Fr. Samson and David, both OFM, are very excited about it. Fr. David will also be a resource person together with me.
The seminar will tackle on the following topics
1) Orientation of the volunteers for Disaster Mental Health and Psycho-social Assistance
2) “A thoughtful Word, A healing Touch”
3) Fr. David will also be a speaker.
We are a little slowed down because of the muslim feast. These are holidays so we will make the most of it in our preparation.
Bro. Mushtaq Anjum, MI
Ministers of the Infirm (CAMILLIANS)
Philippine Province
www.camilliansphil.org
20 million people were displaced by the floods in Pakistan. CTF-SOS DRS is providing many of them with medical care, shelter, pastoral care and humanitarian support. Please help us help those affected by the floods in Pakistan
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Ketsana 9 – The Rehabilitation Work Continues
Here is a bit of news from Fr. Sam Cuarto, MI -a member of CTF Philippines. He is responsble for the Marikina Project that is supported by CTF Central and SOS DRS. Fr. Sam is also implementing much of the CTF rehabiliatation project supported by the Italian Episcopal Conference. Both of these CTF projects began in the wake of the September 2009 typhoon that struck Manila. Fr. Sam writes:
“Dear Fr. Scott, our rehabilitation activities are still ongoing. We had to slow down for more than one week as the Philippines held its election of national and local officials. Philippine elections are a big thing here. Five houses are part of our ongoing rehabilitation project in Laguna courtesy of the funds sourced by Fr. Aris in Canada. We are procuring school supplies for school children of affected families in Barangay Nangka who until now could not recover financially from the flood. We have to remember most of the belongings of these affected families were washed out and it is like they have to build from scratch. We are using the CEI funds for this. This is still part of relief and soft rehabilitation work. Pray we are doing fine with our ongoing activities. Salud!”
Donate to the Typhoon Ketsana Relief Effort in the Phillipines (Asia)
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Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Ketsana 8 .. CTF Philippines – Marikina Project Update
Fr. Scott
The work of CTF Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Ketsana that struck in September 2009 continues. Much has taken place since our last update – Ketsana 7. I witnessed that firsthand during my recent visit to metropolitan Manila (December 15-20). At that time I went to all 3 sites where CTF Philippines is working: Marikina, Cainta, and Boso-Boso.
Similarly, I had an opportunity to participate in a joint CTF-RMMF medical mission in Marikina and to meet with the members of CTF Philippines to discuss their implementation of the CEI and Marikina Projects in the wake of Ketsana.
Fr. Sam Cuarto, who is coordinating the Marikina Project, wrote in February: “We organized relief activities for families which are members of our Camillus MedHaven Community Based Rehabilitation Program. Instead of bringing the relief goods to the community, we organized the distributions at the compound of Camillus MedHaven so that those who wanted to be seen by a medical team could avail themselves of the medical services we made available. We have done three distributions so far and we still have around 40 packs to distribute. We intend to carry out our 4th distribution within the week, during my birthday, February 16.
A total of 18 families are being assisted in the rehabilitation of their homes devastated by the typhoon. We bought the construction materials at a maximum of Php12,000.00 per beneficiary. Then we hired 4 skilled workers (carpenters and masons) to assist the families in fixing their homes. Labor requirement is the counterpart of the recipient family. Construction is still going on. We intend to cover more recipients when the next funds are sent to us here in Marikina City through Father Ivo Anselmi.
Marikina City has been hit very hard. And urban families who are doubly burdened by the care of a handicapped member take too long to recover from the devastation. And we happen to have a long-term relationship with these urban poor families that have handicapped children through our Community Based Rehabilitation Program at Camillus MedHaven.
We intend to continue with the relief operations and most of all in our reconstruction activities. We are looking forward to getting the remaining resources soon. I have volunteered to help in putting together the final narrative and the financial reports for the project on behalf of the Philippine Province.”
I am confident Fr. Sam will continue to keep us updated on developments concerning the Marikina Project that is scheduled to continue through the month of April.
Fr. Scott
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Ketsana 7 – CTF Filipiny
Wysłane Grudzien 24, 2009
Służba CTF Filipiny idzie naprzód w ślad za Tajfunem Ketsana który zniszczył Miasto Manila w końcu Września 2009. Ostatnio, Kamilianie i ich współpracownicy dostarczali pomoc żywnościową i inną oraz pośrednietwo. Dzielnica Filipiny oraz Kamilianie utrzymują 2 szpitale (Calbayog i Matte) oraz szereg klinik. Również utrzymują bliską współpracę z wieloma organizacjami w dziedzinie zdrowia.
Listopad 22, CTF Filipiny usługiwały w sitio San Josep , Baso Baso, dając pomoc medyczną 1543 pacjentom i pomoc dentystyczną, 163. Dwadzieścia-osiem osób zostałoz skierowanych do polyklinik lub szpilali, 79 pracowników medycznych i ochotników było obecnych w tej misji. Niektóre dzieci opartrzone będę skierowane do dalszej pomocy w Poliklinice Sw. Kamil, Cogeo. Koszła medyczne tych dzieci będą pokrtyte przez CTF Filipiny.
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- 1. Grudzien 13-Odprawiając Mszę
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- 2. Grudzien 13-Reackcja CTF
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- 3. Listopad 22 Misja Medyczna 1
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- 4. Otwóż Szeroko!
Grudzien 13 i 14, CTF Filipiny przeprowadzały program medyczny w Centrum Zdrowia Sw. Kamiliana w Sto. Domingo, Cainta. Zespół 47 pracowników medycznych i ochotników zoopieował się 1,146 medycznymi i 210 denstysticznymi pacjentami. Dwadzieścia-jeden operacji zostało wykonanych i 45 pacjentów zostało skierowanich do polyklinik lub szpitali.
Serdeczne dzięki dla Ks. Meng Barawid za informacje w tym artykule i za pracę którą on i jego
CTF wspólpracownicy prowadzą śladami Tajfunu Ketsana.
Tajfun Ketsana 4C (Filipiny)
Ks. Sam daje nam “widok z lotu ptaka” na katastrofę.
Jest to sprawozdanie z miejca wydarzeń i obraz dokładnej pracy wykonywanej przez CTF Filipiny.
The Philippines
Drogie Ks. Łukaszu i współbracia,
Bardzo diękuje za waszą odpowiedź przerz e-mail. My właśnie przybyliśmy tu z naszej akcji wspomagającej. Jutro jest nowym dniem. Mamy jeszcze dosyć produktów do rozdziału aż do Niedzieli. Dziękujemy stowarzyszęniu scholastycznemu (Ks. Evan i Ks. Dan) za dobrze wykopaną prace w zapoczątkowaniu dóbr wspierajacych. Cześć dla nich!
Dziękujemy także za calą waszą pomoc szybką orientację i silne przewodnictwo które okazujecie nam w wykonaniu zadań. Prace ratunkowe muszą być szybkie, bystre I odpowiednie. Dzielę ostrożność Ks. Scotta zarówno dla nas aby przestrzegać minimalne wymaganie wzasadnienia źródeł i użycia funduszów. Wzór który nam przysłał jest dobrym początkiem; możemy ograniczyć tekst do jednej lub dwóch stron. To co staje się bardzo ważne dla wszystkich jest zdolność uzasadnienia wydatków w sposób przejrzysty I odpowiedzialny. Myslę że nasza moc spoczywa w tej dziedzinie. My nie ustajemy tutaj. Baczymy do tego żeby logistika, dostawy i produkty wspierające doszły do przeznaczonych podopiecznych. Jest bardzo ważne przeprowadzić śilne rozpoznanie i oznaczenie rodzin powarznie dotkniętych przez katastrophy. Nasze pierwsze dwa dni rozdziału pomocy były przydziałem dóbr na oślep. Obecnie ustanowiliśmy “skoncentrowane celowanie” aby zwiększyć nacisk i sprawiedliwość. Lista Rozdziału potężnieje używając przewodniczących środowisk jako informatów zbierających dane co do wielkości zniszczeń domostw i wyróżnienia rodzin które potrzebują nagłej pomocy. Lista Rozdziału jest przezroczystym sposobem także do zdania relacji do naszych sponsorów i fundatorów których donacje otrzymujemy. Jesteśmy w ciągłym procesie uczenia się wtej branży. Gdy odpowiadamy coraz więcej na katakliżmy jesteśmy w stanie działać i tworzyć użyteczne metody oparte na solidnym doświadczeniu na tym polu, i skutkujacych, systemacznych odpowiedziach takich jakie obecnie dajemy.
Rozmawialam z Ks. Aris przez “Posłaniec Yahoo” z ostatniego wieczoru. On jest w Toronto zagłębiony w zbiókę funduszów dla CTF I dla Zakonu. Cześć dla niego także! Niech cię Bóg błogosławi, Ks. Aris!
Raz jeszcze dzięki Ks. Lukaszu i niech Bóg błogosławi. Naprzód Kamilianie!
Ks. Sam A. Cuarto MI
Camillus MedHaven
29 Apitong St., Marikina Heights
1800 Marikina City, Philippines
Tel. No. 63 2 9484456; 09186434247
Propozycja Ks. Sama o specialną pomoc dla “Marikina-Wsparcie odbudowy” jest w stanie początkowym, jak nastęmpuje: Pomoc dla 60 rodzin członków Kamil Medhaven środowiska programu odbudowy dla upośledzonych dzieci ubagich miejskich rodzin w mieście Marikina.
Dla naszych czytelników, Ks. Sam ofiaruje interesującą i głęboką analisę zarządu katastrofy.
“Kierownictwo odbudowy kataklizmu na trzy ważne fazy: 1) Ocalenie i odzyskanie 2) Pomoc – wsparcie. 3) Odbudowa. Czerwony Krzyż i wojsko, i naturalnie rządowe agencje, przeważnie są najlepiej wyposażone do przeprowadzania akcji ratunkowych i ocaleniowych. Oni także mają systemy logistyczne, środki i umiejętnosci do zorganizowania szybkich evakluacji które są częscią działalnosci w ratowaniu i odzyskaniu ofiar katastrof. Większość organizacji, “grup pomocy,” grup pośredniczących, organizacji religijnych, i osobników uczestniczą przez dostarczanie usług wsparcia które są drugą ważną fazą kierownictwa i zarządu katastrof. Uczucia takie jak sympatia, miłosierdzie i poczucie wspólnej odpowiedzialnosci popędzają służby pomocy i gdy telewizja i prasa zaprzestają koncentrowanie się na dotkniętych dzielnicach i gdy sytuacje zaprzestają w zbudzanie pozytywnych uczuciawych reakcji, akcje ratunkowe spadają nadół. Zazwyczaj trwają one tylko około miesąca. Trudniejszą częscią jest faza trzecia, która jest odbudową i rehabilitacją. Klęski, katastrofy naturalne włączając wojny i konflikty niszczą budowe, włączając domy, środki egzystencji i wpędzają wielu w przygrębienie i rozpacz.
Jest naszym celem przywrócenie strat tego co zostało uszkodzone lub zniszczone — w sposób przemyślamy i planowany. Lecz większość organizacji. szczególnie tych które są kierowane przez uczucia pozytywne wzbodzone przez katastrofy i klęski nie wstępują w podobny rodzaj interwenci. Wymaga to dłuższego zaangażowania, większych wkładów, celów kierujących, planów operacyjnych i czasowych, sprawdzania i oceny, oszacewania kosztorysów od deski do deski. Niektórzy przeprowadzili by sprawdzenie i ocenę skutków i resultatów na konću programu. To jest dlaczego interwencje w odbudowie są przewazne wykonywane jako osobne projekty lub projekty częściowe (części projektów). To jest co j robię aby podzielić z wami moje doświadczenia w Capas i Tarlac z Aeta krajowymi dzielnicami, które były poważnie dotknięte przez wybuch na Gorże Pinatubo.
Gdy uczucia pozytywne takie jak wśpółczucie i listość przeminęły kompletnie; plemienni ludzie z Aeta (którzy byli zawsze odsuwani od centrum ludności), odpadli ze świadamości narodowej i zostali pozostawieni sami sobie, jeżli nie kompletnie zapomnieni. Odbudowa tego co zostało zniszczone zajmuje lata, a dla wielu nawet całe życie, aż do czasu gdy nowa klęska nadejdzie. Klęski i nieszczęścia są wstrząsami zewnętrznyni, one wtrącają dzielnice w nędzę. Aby wydzwignąc się z nich zajmuje dziesięć lat dla zniszczonego domostwa lub dzielnicy. Jest to opinia Arsenio Balisacan, PhD, czołowego specialisty w studiach nad nędzą na Filipinach.
Odbodowa muśi być widziana przez prizm długoterminowego rozwoju dzielnicy. Projekty odbudowy lub programy nowmalnie obejmują przygotowanie dzielnicowe, aby umożliwic dobre borykanie się z przyszłym nadejściem nieszczęścia. . . . Ja czuję że CTF jest motywowany przez wewnętrzną chęć do przemyślenia, nowego zdefiniowania i uczynienia natchnienia Kamilianów bardziej znaczącym w spotkanie się z klęskami i katastrofami.
Ks. Sam A. Cuarto MI
Trwajmy w modlitwach za ofiary Tajfunu Ketsana i wszystkich obecnych kataklizmów w Azji–i za tych którzy im pomagają.
Ks. Scott Binet MD MI
Translacja: Andrzej Stefanski
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Ketsana 5 – Philippines – Marikina Disaster Relief Project
by Fr. Scott Binet
The effects of Typhoon Ketsana are still very evident in Metropolitan Manila. The World Health Organization indicates that as of October 22 – some 885,039 families (4, 342,997 individuals) have been affected in 1,915 barangays [neighborhoods]. And 40,287 families (190, 027 individuals) remain in 401 evacuation centers. Casualties (directly attributable to the disaster) are 464 dead and 531 injured. As of Oct. 22, 2009 – some 238, 390 families [1, 430,124 individuals] reside in still-flooded areas in 30 municipalities. Reports from Department of Health Hospitals and some private hospitals show 1, 963 cumulative admissions for Leptospirosis since the disaster with 148 deaths. This information was excerpted from WHO Health Cluster Report (17)
The people are still suffering – from disease; from the effects of the flooding on their homes and their livelihoods – and because of the death of their loved ones. The suffering cannot be put into words – images accompanied by music sung by Andrea Bocelli (por ti sere = I will raise you up) do it some justice:
CTF Philippines with the support of CTF Central and SOS DRS has been responding to the devastation caused by the storm since it hit on September 27: See Typhoon Ketsana 1-4 in various languages.
CTF Philippines has been providing food, clothing, hygiene products, pastoral support and medical care for victims in primarily 3 areas – Buso Buso, Cainta and Marikina (all in Metropolitan Manila). And their help continues as does the suffering of the people they are serving. CTF Central and SOS DRS have collaborated in a special way with CTF Philippines to help in Marikina via the capable hands of Fr. Sam Cuarto. Many thanks go to the Filippino community in Wisconsin (USA) as well for their support of the Marikina Project.
Here is Fr. Sam’s description of the joint effort -
The Relief and Rehabilitation Assistance to Member-Families of Camillus MedHaven Community Based Rehabilitation Program
Location: Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Starting Date: October 15, 2009
Termination Date: April 2010
Coordinator: Fr. Samuel A. Cuarto, MI
Mailing Address: Camillus MedHaven – 29 Apitong St., Marikina Heights,1800 Marikina City, Philippines – Email: frsam@hotmail.com, Phone No. (632) 9484456
Date: October 5, 2009
1. Description of Situation
On September 26, 2009 Typhoon “Ondoy” (known internationally Typhoon Ketsana) hit the Philippines, wrecking havoc and wide swath of destruction in Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces. Massive torrents of rain water poured down for 9 hours, flooding 80% of Metro Manila, submerging communities, washing out homes, killed more than 300 people, seriously affecting half a million families and causing enormous damages estimated at 4 billion pesos. Marikina City, a low-lying valley sandwiched between the high level Quezon City and the province of Rizal with Marikina River traversing across its belly, is one of the hardest hit areas in the National Capital Region.
Marikina City is home to Camillus MedHaven, a 110 bed capacity long-term care facility for the elderly and handicapped operated and managed by the Philippine Province of the Order of St. Camillus. Camillus MedHaven has conceptualized and is now carrying out a Community Based Rehabilitation Program for handicapped children of urban poor families in Marikina City. While the elderly and handicapped residents of Camillus MedHaven (CM) were not affected by the flooding, some of the homes of its staff members were submerged in flood, losing most of their belongings and severely affected members of its Community Based Rehabilitation Program (CM-CBR) for handicapped children of urban poor families. Of the 190 member families of CM-CBR Program, approximately 60 families have their homes devastated. Most are residents of Balubad in Barangay Nangka. Located next to Marikina River, Balubad is an urban poor resettlement community in Marikina City holding hundreds of low-income families mostly belonging to the informal sector. Most families survive on a daily basis by collecting garbage and scraps for sale, contracted labor services in the construction sector and by itinerant vending. In the onslaught of Typhoon “Ondoy” Marikina River rose to critical levels and swept away the makeshift settlements. Made of light materials, their makeshift homes tumbled like card boards with onrushing waters. Several hundred families were gravely affected, including the approximately 60 member-families of Camillus MedHaven Community Based Rehabilitation Program.
This disaster has effectively crippled the urban poor settlement of Balubad and rendered the affected families that are already poor into a deeper state of impoverishment. There is dire need for immediate relief services. In particular, there is urgent need for food, water, basic medicines, clothing, blankets and towels. Toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary napkins and diapers for children are also needed. The local government of Marikina is undertaking relief services, clean up operations of streets and removal of stalled vehicles and other debris throughout the city. Major media networks in the Philippines, the Philippine military, civic groups, non-government organizations and private individuals are responding but the focus of efforts have been in areas highlighted by media coverage. The urban poor settlement of Balubad in Barangay Nangka have not been penetrated by relief efforts to a level that will provide immediate supplies to affected families. At this stage of disaster response, activities are still in relief mode.
2. Relief and Rehabilitation
Camillus MedHaven Community Based Rehabilitation Program is currently undertaking continuous relief operations for the next weeks. While primary target families are those members of the CM-CBR Program, neighbouring households and extended families are assisted. These operations has the primary objective of relieving the immediate and urgent needs of affected households namely food, potable water, dry clothing, blankets, mats and towels, basic medicines, toiletries and related sanitary supplies. These continuous operations will last for the next four weeks with food, water and basic medicines procured by funds from CTF Central and SOS DRS. The rest of the other supplies shall be sourced from other organizations, groups and individual donors responding to appeals from the Philippine Province of the Order of St. Camillus. The St. Camillus Scholasticate Community in Loyola Heights, Quezon City has been continuously providing packed relief goods sourced from donor groups and individuals.
Most importantly, Camillus MedHaven shall assist in the rehabilitation of devastated homes. The primary target of this infrastructure rehabilitation assistance are the 60 member-families of Camillus MedHaven Community Based Rehabilitation Program. The assistance will take the form of providing affected families with materials specifically GI sheets, wood and common nails for roofing and some bags of cement to repair or fortify broken house posts and beams. These will be procured using the funds of CTF Central and SOS DRS.
Camillus MedHaven Community Based Rehabilitation Program partners with the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of Mercy in providing the affected community of Balubad with pastoral care. The Sisters of Charity have a religious community embedded in Balubad and some members of the Congregation that have counseling background will provide counseling services for psychological trauma as well as spiritual care in coordination with the local parish.
Finally, Camillus MedHaven Community Based Rehabilitation Program partners with the Rotary Club of Timog, Quezon City through Dr. Benjamin Alonzo, MD for the medical component of this relief and rehabilitation project. Dr. Alonzo and his fellow Rotarians provide the medical supplies and conduct medical assistance especially in treating waterborne diseases and providing preventive measures against the onset of epidemic.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation Matrix
Hereunder is the Project Implementation Plan with the timeline. The provision of relief services shall be monitored through photo documentation and distribution lists duly signed by recipient families upon receipt of goods handed out. The distribution lists shall indicate the number of dates of distribution, names of recipient families and frequency of distributions. Other indicative activities such as medical care, repairs of devastated homes and psycho-spiritual care by the Sisters of Charity shall be photo documented.
Receipt of funds from CTF Central and SOS DRS shall be documented through bank statement indicating the remittance date and amount received. Disbursements shall be documented with expense vouchers duly supported by official receipts from suppliers. There shall be no competitive bids conducted as this is a micro-project and funds requested is small-scale.
4. Final Report
The Project Coordinator, Fr. Samuel A. Cuarto, MI who is the Religious-in-Charge of Camillus MedHaven shall provide the Narrative and Financial Reports post-project on April 10, 2010. The report shall be submitted to the Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province, Fr. Ivo Anselmi, MI, with copies furnished by e-mail to Fr. Charlie Ricafort, MI, Bro. Luca, MI and Fr. Aristelo Miranda, MI. Fr. Ivo Anselmi, MI shall formally submit this Report to CTF Central and SOS DRS.
5. Budget
The proposed total budget for this micro-project titled, “Relief and Rehabilitation Assistance to Member-Families of Camillus MedHaven Community Based Rehabilitation Program” is Php 1,836,000.00 (Euro 30,000/$US 45,000)
Fr. Sam A. Cuarto, MI
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 1 so far )Tajfun Ketsana 4A – (Filipiny)
Wysyłka: 11 Października 2009
Prawie trzy tygodnie minęło od czasu gdy Tajfun Ketsana spustoszył Manilę i okolice, posuwając się do innych krajow w Azji. Dla większości świata, ruina którą ten straszny huragan pozostawił za sobą jest odległym wspomnieniem. To jest sposób w jakim dzisiejsza prasa operóje obecnie, szczególnie jeżli katastrofy światowe nie dają widoku na polepszenie. W ostatnich trzech tygodniach, Azja była spustoszona przez 3 trzęsienia ziemi w Pedangu, 2 tajfuny nas Filipinach i tsunami na Samoa. Dla ludnośći Filipin, skutki Tajfunu Ketsana nie są tylko wspomnieniem lecz rzeczy-wistoscią z którą trzeba jeszcze obecnie współżyć. To jest situacja dla CTF Filipiny, CTF Centralna (Służba Specjalna Zakonu Kamilianóv, Centralna,) i SOS DRS.
Jak wspomnieliśmy w ostatnich informacjach (Ketsana 3), akcja ratunkowa kontinuje. Rozwinęła większe nasilenie przez pomoc Ks. Ivo Anselmi I początkowe wsparcie finansowe przez CTF Centralny. Ks. Ivo, kierownik Kamilianów na Filipinach, wydał list otfarty do swoich wspótpracowników dając im poparcie I oczekiwanie na pomoc zarządu. Według ostatnich informacji poparcie finansowe, już nadeszło od CTF Centralnego, Australia (Kamiliani), Taiwan (Kamiliani) i Niemcy (Prowincja.)
Na zebraniu grupy Kamilianów odpowiedzialnych za organizacje pomocy, który odbyło się dniu 2 października pod kierownictwem Brata Łukarza Perletti MI, powzięto decyzje poszukiwania funduszów od CTF Centralnego i SOS DRS. CTF Centralna przesłała pienądze wcześniej w tygodniu przy pomocy Ks. Paula Guarise MI. Jako członek CTF Centralnego był on ważnym pomostem w komunikacji pomiędzy Bratem Łukaszem na Filipinach i mną w stanach zjednaczonych. Mając Marka Iazzolino, który był blisko Brata Pawła w Rzymie okazało się rownicż błogosławieństwem dla nas. Znajomość Marka z metodami prac Karitasu jest z pewnośći pomocna.
CTF Centralna przesłała znaczną ilość pieniędzy z pomocą dla programu pomocy przedstawionem mnie/CTF Centralna przez CTF Filipiny. SOS DRS oszacowuje propozycje i również rozważa inny rozdział pieniędzy do kontinuacji obecnych programów. Serdecznie dziękujemy Ks. Sam, Meng, Ivo i Aris za ich wysiłki.
Co następuje to są sprawozdania z ostatniego zebrania CTF Filipiiny z Bratem Łukaszem, które odbyło się 6go października w Marikana. Gdy to piszę, Brat Łukasz jest z powrotem w Rzymie po opacznościowej Wstępnej Wizycje do Filipin.
Co następuje to są sprawozdania z ostatniego zebrania CTF Filipiiny z Bratem Łukaszem, które odbyło się 6go października w Marikana. Gdy to piszę, Brat Łukasz jest z powrotem w Rzymie po opacznościowej Wstępnej Wizycje do nauridzonych prez Tajfun Ketsana. On był tam a by mieć zaciszny odpoczynek i zamiast tego znalazł się w śród Tajfunu–z pewnością według planu Boskiego.
CTF Centralna będzie spotykać się 12 pażdiernika aby oszacować sytuację na Filipinach oraz te na innych rejonach dorkniętych przez katastrofy: Kenya, Myanmar, Italia i i innych odległych miejscah. My mamy wide spraw na naszym notatniku. Ja sam patrzę w przyszłość do tego zebrania. Zaiste, ja będę tam wkrótce. Gdy to piszę, jestem wysoko ponad Kanadą. Świat wydaje się stąd mały. Istotnie jest tak z nawoszesną podróżą i komunikacją. Jest to dobrze, bo to umczlivia nam częste spotkania. Miłego czytania!
Ks. Scott Binet MD, MI
Translacja: Andrzej Stefanski
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Tajfun Ketsana 4-B (Filipiny)
Wiadamości Następujące po zebraniu odbytym 6 października, 2009
Marikina, Koledgium Sw. Kamila
Ostatnie wiadamośći o pracach ratunkowych
Pasig, Polyklinika Swiętego Kamila-Ks. Rolly ofiaruje nowe wiadomości o zniszczeniu poniesionemu przerz ekwipunek. Będziemy potrzebować około 850,000 pesów do utrzymania i kupna nowego sprzętu (ekwipunku.) To będzie częsćią prropozycji, która będzie przedstawionia do Karitasu Italia.
Medhaven–Potwierdzamy raport przesłany przes Ks. Sama. On dnosi, “Program Rehabilitacyjny Kamila operujący w Medhaven jest obecnie podejmójący stałe operacje wspomogające na kilka następnych tygodni. Podczas gdy pierszeństwo mają rodziny członków nalerzących do Programu CM-CBR, również domostwa i okoliczne rodziny otrzymóją pomoc.” To znaczy że ponad 200 rodzin jest włonczonych do programu. W tej okolicy my zobowiązujemy się do kontinuacji dostarczania pomocy (podukty żywnościowe) przez jeszcze jeden miesiąc.
Zatwierdzanie propozycji projectu Ks. Sama
Propozycjia Ks. Sama będzie przedłoźona do CTF Centranlna i SOS DRS. Jest to związku z już otrzymanym zasiłkiem $15,000 euro. Ks. Ivo napisze list prosząc SOS DRS o pokrycie pozostałości w rzeczywistości calkowita należność za ten projekt jest około 30,000 euro.
Caritas Italia Apel
Ks. Łukasz przedstawi projekt propozycji do Karitasu Italia. Celem jest otzymanie pomocy finansowej na prace w związku z zapomogą. To musi być przedłożone jak najszybciej. On sam weźmie to do Rzymu. Apel jest zatwierdzony w swej zawartości z włączeniem jego operacji opisanych w paragrafie “dodatek.” Cały projekt będzie konynuować do 31 go października, 2009.
Ks. Kardem weźmie tą propozycję do Caritas Filipiny do zatwierdzienia.
Dalsze Kroki
Typhoon Ketsana (Philippines) – Fr. Sam Offers a Personal Reflection from the Field
by Fr. Scott Binet
Fr. Sam Cuarto is part of CTF Philippines. He is heading up the relief effort in Marikina after hurricane Ketsana. Here he offers a personal reflection on relief work and a brief update on his work with the Aetna Tribes in Tarlac (Luzon).
I came back yesterday from Capas Tarlac where I am doing community health and development work with the Aeta tribal people, even as our teams here in the Camillus MedHaven were doing continuous relief operations in tandem with a strong partner, the Rotary Club of Timog, Quezon City.
I went there to attend a Peace Forum organized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the military because there is an ongoing conflict that threatens to boil over regarding ancestral domain claims of the Aeta indigenous peoples. There are conflicting tenurial claims, involving even the military which has a gunnery range. When conflicts like these arise it is the innocent civilian populations, in this case the Aeta tribal people, who will bear the brunt of suffering and collateral damage, even catching them in the middle of the conflict. Leftist armed groups operate with strong visibility in Central Luzon, which covers Tarlac. See Aeta struggle for Autonomous Land. And for a somewhat humorous look at Aeta culture see some members of the tribe dance
On my way back from Turlac I was caught by Typhoon Peping who overstayed its welcome in the Philippines, inflicted heavy damage to the Northern part (specially the rice producing region of Nueva Viscaya, Tarlac and Pangasinan), causing landslides, flooding several provinces, killing around 200 people! It seems all these calamities don’t stop; they keep coming and we really wonder what is going on! There is just so much suffering around calling on the inner strength of our compassion. Today, we go back to packing relief goods again.
Fr. Charlie directed me to connect with Scholastic Dan for more relief goods. Some of the families hit hard by Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) along the rivers here in Marikina[see map] were processed for relocation to safer areas in Laguna, which is another province. This place is also submerged in flood even until now. I remember Fr. Charlie’s comments that the urban poor are pushed out into “danger zones” such as riverbanks which are in fact “death zones.” It is the poor that really take the brunt of flooding; it is them that die when floods roared down on them, vulnerable as they are to calamities in these “death zones.” We had to make strong engagement with the local authorities to ensure that those going to be relocated would be provided adequate facilities and decent dwellings. Those members of Camillus MedHaven Community Based Rehabilitation Program for handicapped children of urban poor families whom we intend to assist in rehabilitation are not included in the relocation because they reside at the other side, far from the banks of Marikina River. I am more convinced that our strong presence in areas afflicted by calamities and in their aftermath provide a horizon of meaning in who we are and what we do as Camillians. It renews us more in that we suffer as we struggle with people finding sense in their own suffering. We ask with these afflicted peoples the question about what matters most to us when all else were washed away with the flood and family members have only each other to hold on to. And as sometimes we lose hope, we struggle to make out in the gloomy situation a tiny light, a spark that would encourage hearts. Relief goods satisfy immediate human needs in times of disasters. Our being with the afflicted people, sometimes confused and dazed like them, may matter more than what we hand out.
SAM Camillus MedHaven 29 Apitong St., Marikina Heights 1800 Marikina City, Philippines Tel. No. 63 2 9484456; 09186434247
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Typhoon Ketsana – The Provincial of the Philippine Province Engages His Confreres
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )CTF Philippines – A Brief History
Table of Contents – Summer-Fall 2009 – CTF-SOS DRS Newsletter
Fr. Aristelo Miranda, MI
Fr. Aris in Sacramento, California (August 2009)
A Brief Introduction to the Camillians in the Philippines: The Founders
The Camillians landed in the “Pearl of the Orient Sea”, the Philippines, in 1974. Fr. Antonio Crotti (+), Vice-Provincial Superior of the Far East Vice Province, Taiwan, identified the need to expand the Camillian ministry in the Philippines. He appointed two Camillian scholastics, Fr. Ivo Anselmi and Fr. Pietro Ferri (+), to travel from Taiwan to Manila to study theology at the Philippine Jesuit Foundation’s Loyola House of Studies. Immediately following their ordination to the priesthood, they established the first formation house in Quezon City where they began receiving candidates into the religious life. Years later, they established Our Lady of La Paz Parish in a underpriveleged but well-populated area of Makati City. The foundation of the parish was followed by the construction of a polyclinic. From 1986 onwards, more polyclinics and hospitals were established to serve the medical needs of the indigent on the various islands.
In 2003, the Philippine delegation was raised to the status of a province with two delegations, namely Taiwan and Australia. This strategy enabled the creation of a more dynamic ministry to the sick, including the provision of health care and the empowerment of the sick through Camillian health institutions, community health initiatives and chaplaincy services. At present, there are about 40 perpetually professed Filipino religious in the Philippine province who are serving the sick in the various regions of the Philippines and Australia. It is a pleasure to see so many young and vibrant individuals so eager to serve the Lord!
Disaster-Response History in the Philippines
Natural and man-made disasters are accepted as ordinary occurences in the Philippines. The Philippines ranks number five within the hierarchy of countries that regularly experience major natural catastrophes. It is one of the world’s most hazardous landmasses where volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, typhoons and the like are frequent phenomena. The existence of such calamities made us aware of the need to reflect and organize, with logic and prayer, some methods we could utilize to provide immediate responses to these exigencies as they occur.
In August 1999, a flash flood hit Marikina City where our college seminary is located. Just a few hours after the incident occurred, the St. Camillus College Seminary community in Marikina City, led by Fr. Aristelo Miranda MI, mobilized to provide assistance to the affected families. The team coordinated with the local government to render immediate services, transporting the victims to the large gymnasium which served as the evacuation center. For several weeks the Camillians assisted with medical needs, food and supplies for the center.
The Payatas Tragedy of July 2000 fostered the need for increased environmental awareness. Triggered by heavy rains, a mountain of rubbish at the old Payatas dump in Quezon City eroded and shifted, culminating in a landslide which buried alive hundreds of families and their homes. Fr. Aristelo Miranda MI, Fr. Charly Ricafort MI, Fr. Domingo Barawid MI and some Benedictine Sisters formed an alliance with Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY), an organization that provides assistance to the urban poor. In conjunction with the KADAMAY facility located on the site, the priests and sisters transported the wounded to the hospital, facilitated the distribution of relief goods and meticulously documented the individual cases of victims and survivors of the tragedy.
In December 2004, a flash flood and landslide hit the Quezon province, affecting thousands of families. The Camillians, led by the Commission on Justice and Solidarity in the World of Health- (CJSWH), formerly known as the Justice, Peace and Integrated of Creation – Order of St. Camillus [JPIC-OSC] Quick Reaction Team), responded by organizing a medical and relief goods distribution mission. From that time on, responding to disasters has been the charge of the CSJWH team of the Province. The team is composed of Fr. Aristelo Miranda, Fr. Charly T. Ricafort, Fr. Domingo Barawid, Fr. Samuel Cuarto and Fr. Junrey Ente.
In March 2006, the Southern Leyte Mudslide smothered the entire barangay of Guinsaugon with 28 meters of mud, causing 1002 recorded deaths and leaving 677 survivors. Under the guidance of Fr. Aris, the CTF group of the St. Camillus Hospital Calbayog Medical Team assisted with the medical needs of the evacuation center.
In December of the same year, Typhoon Reming assailed the entire region of Bicol. The CTF of Calbayog promptly organized a medical mission in response. Meanwhile, the CJSWH, led by Fr. Charly Ricafort and Fr. Samuel Cuarto, with the financial support of CTF Central, helped inhabitants to rehabilitate the fishing industry, the primary source of livelihood for many in the region.
Last year, the powerful Typhoon Frank slammed the province of Iloilo in the western Philippines, flooding several municipalities. The CTF Calbayog and our scholastics, in cooperation with the Diocesan Social Action Office of the Diocese of Jaro and the local government of Carles, Iloilo, responded. Services addressing the immediate needs of those affected on the island of Gigantes were provided through a medical mission led by Fr. James Roa MD, MI.
The Camillians implemented other improvements as well. One major development was the creation of a system to document the cases of the victims through the recording of information acquired during personal interviews.
Many of the disasters mentioned originated in great part as a result of human environmental misuse or neglect. For instance, illegal logging, quarrying and open-pit mining left land susceptible to landslides, soil erosion and flash floods. Poor waste disposal practices in garbage dumps contributes to the leaching of toxic wastes into the soil, contributing to soil instability and tainted crops.
Environmental protection and relevant preventative ecological measures have become the “food for thought” for the future of the organization as a necessary part of the formation and advocacy of the CTF in the Philippines.
Reflection on the Rome Experience
The first international convocation of the CTF in Rome last February (2009) was indeed an elevating and unifying experience. It was inspiring to learn that there is, within each one of our fellow Camillians and our collaborators, a desire to integrate and strengthen our efforts, and to be ever-available when man-made and natural disasters occur. The awareness we acquired of the existence of other organizations willing to assist with disaster-relief efforts when catastrophe strikes inspired us with an immense sense of consolation. Some of these entities, now our collaborators, existed even prior to the birth of the CTF. Thus, they have had the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully combat the effects of natural disasters as they arise.
The conference presented an occasion to establish international collaboration and the pooling of each province’s human and material resources. We are not merely an isolated entity known as the Camillian Task Force but a dynamic, well-connected ministry formed for the benefit of the sick and the poor who constitute, in the eyes of St. Camillus, the “heart of God.”
Looking ahead: future plans for the CTF in the Philippines
In an attempt to organize and develop the Camillian Task Force ministry more fully, the provincial administration has committed itself to the creation of an administrative division of the Camillian Task Force in the Philippines.
A base for CTF operations will be established in the St. Camillus Polyclinic, Pasig City. Our regional Camillian health care institutions will cooperate in the establishment of various branches of the CTF within the region. The development, training and formation of CTF volunteers will receive immediate priority. In conjunction with the Commission on Justice and Solidarity in the World of Health (CJSWH) , the CTF will develop training modules for this purpose.
According to CJSWH Philippines team member Fr. Charly T. Ricafort, MI – a full-time social worker will be employed by the Philippine Province and assigned to oversee the project, which will be located in the St. Camillus Polyclinic-Pasig. In the event of a disaster or other CTF concerns, he or she will be instructed to prioritize response to these demands.
The social worker will receive CTF training and orientation to be funded by CTF Central. At the conclusion of the training, the social worker will design a training module for the purpose of educating personnel from our various Camillian institutions regarding appropriate disaster-response strategies in their respective areas.
The CJSWH and CTF orientation modules will be included in the new training modules to facilitate the integration of the new components and to ensure continuity of previous practices maintained within the CTF Philippines and CJSWH alliance.
More photos of CTF activities in the Philippines are available for viewing at: http://picasaweb.google.com/arismir/ISLANDMission?feat=email.
Fr. Aristela Miranda, MI
Susan M. Stefanski, Assistant Editor, CTF-SOS DRS Online Newsletter
Table of Contents – Summer-Fall 2009 – CTF-SOS DRS Newsletter
| The Catholic Catechism teaches. . . . All men are called to the same end: God himself. There is a certain resemblance between the unity of the divine persons and the fraternity that men are to establish among themselves in truth and love. |
Love of neighbor is inseparable from love of God.
(Catholic Catechism – 1878)
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