As this editorial was written Friday night, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake rocked Surigao City. Initial reports gathered throughout the night indicated that at least four persons were killed, and over a hundred were injured. The number could still rise. Damage to property is still being determined, and could run up to several millions.
The Surigao earthquake of Feb. 10 happened almost to the day five years ago when on Feb. 7, 2012, Negros Oriental experienced a magnitude 6.9 earthquake, hitting Guihulngan City and the neighboring towns.
We had 57 recorded deaths in that 2012 earthquake. Seventy-one were listed as missing, especially when landslides took down some hillside communities. Highways cracked wide open, bridges and buildings collapsed. The total cost of damage to bridges and roads was placed at around P315 million.
Guihulngan became a ghost town for about two weeks as people were worried about returning to their homes for fear of aftershocks.
We now feel the plight of our brothers and sisters in Surigao because we have been through a similar experience.
That was the worst of times. And it was also the best of times.
We remember the outpouring of love through the generosity of individuals and organizations who came to our aid and gave us hope, food, housing, and other forms of assistance. Some came from our home province, some from Manila, from Cebu, they came from all over.
Now is the time to pay it forward. We call on our fellow Negrenses to actively take part in efforts to help the earthquake victims of Surigao. The first few days are the most critical, as stores are closed. There’s no electricity. Water supply may be cut. Food will be in short supply.
By Monday, the Philippine Red Cross, churches, and other groups may start accepting donations for victims in Surigao. If you don’t know how to course your donations, you may give us a call at MetroPost tel. (35) 422-8368 or text us 0918-9400-730, and we will course your donations to the group which will be in the best position to get them to Surigao.
Spread hope. Spread love. Be a blessing today.
