Buhay na buhay ang “bayanihan spirit” sa mga Pinoy at Filipino-Americans sa pagtulong sa mga naapektuhan ng nagpapatuloy na wildfires sa Los Angeles, California.
Sa Glendale, California, sama-sama ang mga Filipino volunteer sa pagbibigay ng pagkain at iba pang kailangan ng mga biktima ng sunog.
Si Madeline Arenas ng Filipino NGO organization na JollyBox Global, hindi napigilan na maging emosyonal nang ikuwento ang mga pinagdadaanan ng ilang kababayan dahil sa nangyaring wildfires.
Sa unang araw pa lang nang itayo ang evacuation center para sa mga biktima, nandoon na si Madeline upang tumulong.
Malaki umano ang naitulong ng social media para makapangalap sila kaagad ng mga pagkain at supplies na ipinamahagi sa mga biktima.
“Because of their stories—imagine losing your home with all your belongings in it. Of course, there’s an emotional attachment. They didn’t even have a toothbrush or anything with them. We’re working on finding any Filipinos who need our help from there,” sabi ni Madeline.
“We found 8 caregivers at the evacuation center in Pasadena, and we’re helping them by providing Filipino hot meals because they’ve only been eating burgers and pizza there. They said they need rice, so every day, Filipinos are assigned to bring hot meals,” dagdag niya.
Bukod sa pagbibigay ng pagkain at mga gamit, sinabi ni Madeline na tinutulungan din nila ang mga biktima na makahanap ng pansamantalang matutuluyan kung kailangan.
“We’re looking for a room for rent or any place they can stay… Some of our fellow Filipinos were able to help them temporarily, but that’s just for the short term. This is going to be a long-term bayanihan effort because we still need to find them an apartment,” paliwanag niya.
Si Primo Guerrero ng SoCal Pinoy, muntikan na ring masunugan ng bahay noong nakaraang linggo. Matapos matiyak na ligtas na ang kaniyang tahanan, kaagad din siyang tumulong sa mga biktima.
Nagdala siya ng dalawang truck na puno nang blankets, pillows, at bed sheets sa isang drop-off point sa Glendale, na nagsisilbing one-stop shop para sa fire victims.
“We know that many people have been affected, and we’re trying to assess the situation. A lot of donations have already come in, and some donation centers are already closed because many people have helped. So somehow, we will try to see who else still needs assistance,” sabini Guerrero.
Ang Sante Health Practice, isang kompanya na pag-aari ng Filipina-American na si Catherine Lapidario, nakipag-ugnayan at nagpadala ng team of volunteers ng chiropractors at physical therapists. Sa pakikipagtulungan sa Shiftwave, nagkakaloob sila ng libreng treatment at suporta sa mga first responders na lumalaban sa wildfire, kabilang ang mga bumberong Filipino-American.
“Everyone is eager to help in any way possible, and having these incredible volunteer chiropractors and physical therapists join us in serving those we care for has been an overwhelming experience. Their selfless acts of service, carried out with such bravery, are truly inspiring,” ayon kay Lapidario.
Si Moses Jose na may moving company, tumulong para madala sa mga evacuation center ang mga kailangang gamit at tulong sa mga biktima.
“You know, us Filipinos, we always, it’s instilled to us to always help each other. You know, when we were kids, we were raised to always help each other, you know?… So that’s why it’s in our blood, Filipino blood, hardworking and always caring for each other,” pahayag niya.
“What I like to say is always pray. God always has a purpose on fixing things, even the most saddest moment he’ll turn into something beautiful. So mga kababayan, don’t lose faith, you know? It’s tough, but hold on to each other. Family, that’s why we’re here we’re helping,” dagdag ni Jose.
Nitong Martes, sinabi ni Consul General Adelito Angelito Cruz na mahigit 150 Filipino ang humingi ng tulong matapos masunog ang kanilang mga bahay.
Mahigit 12,000 estruktura na ang natupok sa wildfires, kabilang mga bahay ng ilang sikat na personalidad sa Amerika.
Walang pang inilalabas na opisyal na listahan ang Philippine Consulate sa Los Angeles kung ilan ang Filipino nationals na naapektuhan ng wildfires na hindi pa rin lubos na naapula. — mula sa ulat ni Dave Llavanes Jr./FRJ, GMA Integrated News
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