Images still haunt
By:
Ramon Dacawi
Posted: 04-Nov-2011 / 27 weeks 6 days ago
It’s been 20 years since, yet the image still haunts. The picture never blurred. It’s still all too clear and real, enough to still blur the eyes.
We were then weeks into “Operation Sayote”, the Baguio media-initiated relief operation launched on Independence Day with the pony boys at the Wright Park bridle path, three days after Mount Pinatubo blew its top in June, 1991. Volunteers were at the regional office of the Philippine Information Agencyt, sorting donations for the for the next relief goods shipment to lahar-devastated areas of Central Luzon.
I opened a small carton, Inside were small, see-through plastic packets containing legumes – black and white beans. Each aggregate was about the size of a child’s fist, as if scooped and placed into the plastic by a kid’s palm, Each packet was tied near the mouth with a string. Each string end held a rectangular tag cut or torn out of a notebook or a pupil’s writing pad.
Each tag bore the name, the grade and the class or section of a child, in his or her own handwriting.
The names now skip memory. What I remember was that the box came from Mountain Province, I guess from an elementary school in Bontoc, the capital town.
The donors are now in their middle or late 20s. Some are now professionals. Others must now be farmers, carpenters, masons. Or overseas workers somewhere out there. Some must be raising their own kids.
Whatever, whoever and wherever they are today, they were and are not what they had or now have – or didn’t and don’t have. They were and are, as far as I’m concerned, measured by how they shared whatever they could then. And because they grew up as such, I’m sure they’ll continue to share whatever bounty will come their way, this time with bigger, and therefore, more generous hands.
One is certain that that kid in Sablan, Benguet had outgrown his or her innocence that made him or her wrap at the height of the relief operations a perishable pineapple head he or she sent to “Operation Sayote” 20 years ago. Still, the image of that over-ripe fruit continues to inspire. As do the image of the packets of beans.
“Operation Sayote”, which delivered some 250 tons of relief goods to Central Luzon, was dubbed as such for several reasons. The cucurbit, native to South America and which grows only in temperate climate like ours up here, continuously bears fruit that can be stored for days. The vine respects no boundaries, man-made or natural. Its tendrils and shoots climb over cement walls and barbed-wire or steel fences, to share its bounty with neighbors, even without the knowledge or consent of whoever planted it.
To many up here, sayote proves to be a blessing, a life-saver, be it stewed or sautéed with or without canned sardines, or blanched and dipped in “bagoong” (anchovy paste). It’s the old reliable for farmers without land who will tell you readily their produce helps them raise and support their children through college.
Used to surviving on sayote during lean months like this, pony boys at the Wright Park 18 years ago hauled in sacks of sayote for the relief mission launching on Jun 12. It was there way of observing Independence Day, three days after the volcano started erupting.
Others who didn’t have sayote poured in perishables that spurred the frequency of the relief missions 18 years ago. The problem then was not the lack of vegetables but the lack of trucks to deliver Benguet beans, carrots, cabbage, wombok, succhini or whatever our upland farmers and vendors could give. Hours after our radio stations aired the call, the garage of DZWT-WR was overflowing.
After all, it was barely a year after the July 16, 1990 earthquake. Baguio, Benguet and the rest of Northern Luzon were then recovering fast from the devastation, propped up by the outpouring of support from all over. It was then time to return kindness.
Even our kin in the hills momentarily took respite from their mission for revolution for the relief mission. A team knocked one morning at the door of Bombo Radyo, with seven sacks in tow. “Mapulang umaga sa inyo, mga kapatid,” one of them greeted the outfit staff. “Ito lang po ang kaya naming maitulong.” Requesting anonymity and no interview, they left.
Later, men of an Aeta village in Zambales helped unload the sacks, unaware what the brown-looking sticks inside were for. Photo-journalist Toots Soberano took out a stick, broke it in half and then lit the ends with a lighter. Instantly, they were burning like torches. Faces glowed over the practical use of pine peat or “saleng” to ignite cooking hearths or to light one’s way at night.
The volunteers developed a bias for the “kulot” communities for their discipline, something wanting in some of the “unat” or non-indigenous communities they ventured into. At an Aeta relocation site in Planas, Porac town, villagers waited for instructions from their headman before unloading two truckloads.
“Kayo na po ang bahalang mag-distribute,” mission leader Swanny Dicang advised the headman.
Through those months and years of “Operation Sayote”, Bernard Dicang, Swanny’s elder brother, opened his home in Dinalupihan, Bataan as the volunteers’ midway recharging center. He had them turn his goats into “pinulpugan” and his fowls (chicken, duck and geese) into “pinikpikan”. Now and then, he would order milkfish from Orani town and contact the town butcher to prepare for the arrival of the next relief convoy.
The last “Operation Sayote” shipment to Central Luzon was in 1995, loaded on Dan David’s beer delivery truck for Bacolor, the last town to be affected by the volcanic eruptions. We reached the town as it was being submerged by rain and lahar, with residents on their rooftops being airlifted by helicopters to a gym in San Fernando City.
“Buhay ang nawala sa inyo noong isang taon,” one victim told us, referring to those who perished in the July 16, 1990 earthquake here. “Kabuhayan naman ang nawala sa amin ngayon,” he added, pointing to nearby fields of green slowly being enveloped by floodwaters mixed with volcanic ash.
Inside the gym in San Fernando, we saw hundreds of evacuees, some staring blankly with glassy eyes.
The image of tiny beans scooped and shared by tiny hands 20 years ago still serves as a counterpoint to that haunting image in San Fernando.
P.S. As I was about to send this to fill this weekly space, a fellow worker dropped by with two P500 bills. She asked that the amount be used for a medical patient of my choice, on condition the donor would not be identified by name. (e-mail: mondaxbench@yahoo.comfor comments.)
OPINIONS
March Fianza
I met Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong last week who bewailed the apparent inaction on the part of the prosecution office in Abra to...
|
Ramon Dacawi
To some, reviving the push for autonomy in the Cordillera is like trying to whip a dead horse back to life. Over the past 25 years, the region rejected two charters for self-rule it had earlier...
|
Mike Guimbatan Jr.
NONE
|
Glo Abaeo Tuazon
Once upon a time, before dancing was considered public entertainment, it
was mostly done once in a blue moon when people can spare a few precious minutes
from the usual...
|
HILARION “Abe” PAWID
I guess economists and sociologists would find it too early to make judgment on the success or failure of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program of the government...
|
In the high-end imitation
In the high-end imitation watches recommended every two to three years the corresponding maintenance, replacement of water element, detection time performance and movement power, cleaning machine, as well as maintenance appearance, such as maintenance service. Service will effectively extend your watch time.(1) wear a watch, hand sweat on the imitation is corrosive, the steel case because of Ni-Cr alloy, corrosion resistance is better, half steel case is copper, long-term and sweat. Touch, easy corrosion, often with a soft cloth wipe sweat or pad on plastic holder, to prevent it sweat corrosion penetration.(2) don't open the rear cover sheet, to prevent dust entering into the core. Influence the normal work of watch.(3) don't watch put mothballs in the closet, so as not to watch the deterioration of the oil (4) not to watch on TV, audio, power amplifier, so as to avoid magnetization.(5) the long-term storage does not wear a watch, should be on a monthly basis clockwork time, automatic movement replica watches should be gently swing. A few minutes or worn on the wrist for a period of time for its automatic wind.The parts are not induced by prolonged in a quiescent state, in order to ensure the running performance of the machine table.
By using Office 2010, you can
By using Office 2010, you can just produce powerful visuals and use professional-looking designs to images and text Office Professional Plus 2010 offers you user-driven updates and with Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010, you get hundreds of powerful completely new ways to do best work. By using it, you are in control, getting things done and producing amazing outcomes nevertheless and wherever you work best. Right now let's discuss the remarkable features of Microsoft Office 2010 Professional Plus Serial Key.
With SharePoint Workspace 2010, you can keep all your SharePoint documents and lists available offline. When you connect, only the changes are synchronized, getting you the updates speedier even when you have a low-bandwidth connection. Windows windows 7 key of windows 7 ultimate key, windows vista key, microsoft office product key, microsoft office product key 2010, microsoft office activation key2010, microsoft office key make it possible for accessing these software.
Microsoft Office Web Apps, Microsoft Office Mobile, and Microsoft SharePoint Workspace 2010, etc. are some of the notable features in this regard.
With the stylish design, you
With the stylish design, you will be proud of wearing them in public or street. Recently, Apple published a new generation MP3, the iPod Nano 6th, which has surprising music enjoyment. Even your headphones or earphones are the best, it is of no vail if you have a low-grade MP3. So the iPod Nano 5th may lower the price later on. Unquestionably, it is good news for someone who have no enough money. I believe the iPod Nano 5th is compatible with the headphones.
I think the headphones are great for hip-hop or rap since that's all I used them for. Initially, the packaging of those the monster beats headphones including beats by dre studio, beats by dre solo and beats by dr dre pro is amazing.
Monster Beats dr dre headphones near the net could possibly be a great outstanding headset that is usually revealed by Monster.
Overall, dr dre beats headphones including beats by dr dre solo, dr dre beats pro, monster beats studio can utilize the facility and electricity in a very much better way and make more improvement on reduced rate of recurrence power.
The distinct shapes worth
The distinct shapes worth mentioning eyewear followed by a budget Ray Ban sunglasses logo to the temples will definitely make heads turn wherever have a trip.
One of the best things about the Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses is you can discover them with polarized lenses. If you are looking for a fashionable pair of sunglasses that will protect your eyes, try the Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses. These days (and probably forevermore), it is very trendy to wear polarized sports ray ban australia with ray ban sunglasses aviator, ray ban wayfarer, ray ban clubmaster. Polarized shades can remove glare from non metal areas like water, which makes them excellent for water sports, and in particular for fishing.
With Ray-Ban eyeglass, you will be able to get stylish eyewear that will make you stand a class apart. The lenses not only provide complete protection from deadly UV rays but help you make your own sound fashion statement too. ray ban avitor of ray ban australia store are characterized by dark, reflective lenses and metal frames which hook at the rear of the ears. The ray ban sunglasses Aviator style is synonymous with its brand name ray ban because the sunglasses were previously being made for the pilots.
Wear such high heels,
Wear such high heels, 'laoye162' cheap christian louboutin the body weight lines of force significantly alter the pelvis forward and back waist. christian louboutin shoes Stretched so that the back muscle contraction tension over the waist after the lumbar facet joints and the joint capsule in a state of tension, the long-term effect, the joint capsule and back muscles occurred strain, louboutin flat for women caused by low back pain. louboutin flat for men Waist and hip pain often towards the evening light weight, louboutin platform shoes fatigue, overcast symptoms became worse, sitting for a long time, the waist seems to be broken by hand thump better. louboutin wedding shoes The symptoms continue for some time can be reduced and even disappear, but often another attack, it is irreversible. Louboutin Flat Men All these are the performance of lumbar muscle strain.
The consequences of lumbar muscle strain, so load up to the maximum bit lumbar activity will suffer the most, Louboutin Flat Women can accelerate bone proliferation ligament elasticity and other degenerative changes in the early appearance of, or the aggravation of a lumbar disc herniation, Louboutin Peep Toe lumbar spinal stenosis prelude to lumbar spondylolisthesis.
Louboutin Platform
Of course, high heels, Louboutin Pumps lower extremity are not effective, standing, walking can not be arbitrary, the reaction of the whole body, interoperability decline, but also prone lumbar sprain. Muscle, ligament sprains occur to varying degrees of tearing and micro-bleeding, Louboutin Sandals swelling, resulting in congestion bruising can be manifested as acute low back pain may also add to the existing low back pain symptoms. Louboutin Wedges
In addition, wearing high heels, the body center of gravity forward, christian louboutin flat shoes toe weight increases will be hard roughly full square foot front squeezed into the narrow toe of the cone, louboutin flat men so that both feet tortured, easy to induced hallux valgus, hallux bursitis, hammer toes, louboutin flat for women metatarsal head ischemic necrosis and other diseases, these lesions in addition to causing foot pain, cheap louboutin flats sale numbness and discomfort, but also by the reflection mechanism involved in the waist, causing
From both feet solid, louboutin flat sale uk comfortable and maintain the arch of the physiological needs, we want, Louboutin Ankle Boots high heels, low back pain patients do not wear high heels. Louboutin Flat Men The average person in addition to wearing high heels in the social, ceremonial and other special occasions, usually still wearing general shoes or shoes, the heel no higher than 3 cm, the soles were sloping appropriate.
Louboutin Flat Women
Louboutin Peep Toe
Louboutin Platform
Louboutin Pumps
Louboutin Sandals
Louboutin Tall Boots
Louboutin Wedges 
À talon haut prédécesseurs
À talon haut prédécesseurs origine de la dynastie Tang,'laoye162' avant: Li Bai de la structure et l'organisation classique mentionné dans l'ancienne chaussure de montagne d'escalade est un haut talons grande classe des chaussures qui peuvent amener les gens à Gordon louboutin chaussures
14ème siècle: les talons hauts premières peut être retracée à la Chine durant la dynastie des Ming, la dynastie des Ming, de nouvelles chaussures, les semelles de l'arrière est équipé d'un ovale 4-5 cm les femmes louboutin plats
La fin de montée enveloppée dans la soie. Pékin Ming Tomb déterré suffisamment pointu pour Crested talons hauts, la production est très prudent. Pékin l'avait déterré Dingling la pointe Alice à aigrettes haut des chaussures à semelles, chaussures, long 12 hommes Louboutin plat
Cm, l'extrémité supérieure de 7 cm de long, 5 cm de large et 4,5 cm de haut. pas cher sandales louboutin
Tendance à croire que les talons hauts de l'Ouest, de la Chine chaussures à talons hauts que dès 100 ans dans l'Ouest. louboutin pompes
15ème siècle: le costume de cour français a inventé les talons hauts. Depuis lors, la largeur hauteur du talon, mais pas changé, mais le temps de la frénésie des talons, mais la vie france christian louboutin
Pas mal. Chaussures de chaussures et les femmes à partager leurs expériences, de savoir si vous êtes dans ce stade de la vie, quel que soit le corps gras ou maigre, toujours avec vous Sur. "christian louboutin bottes
16ème siècle: En fait, la comparution initiale de l'Ouest des talons hauts, à la commodité de circonscription, les gens les pieds peut fixer l'étrier. Jusqu'à ce que le 16 siècle à talons hauts Louboutin Plat Femmes
Les chaussures est devenu la substance de la mode aristocratique. Dit le diminutif de Louis XIV, afin de se faire paraître plus grand et plus puissant, plus confiant et plus d'autorité, Louboutin Wedges
Laissez-le cordonnier pour ses chaussures munies de talon 4 cm, haut talon et peints en rouge pour montrer leur statut noble. Louboutin Plat Hommes
17 siècle: chaussures à talons hauts est devenu un élément important de la mode masculine et féminine. Lorsque les talons sont 3 pouces de hauteur et le corps tout mince des talons et semelles de chaussures, même Louboutin Pompes
Dans l'un, si vous avez la possibilité de venir dans les rues du 17ème siècle, vous trouverez tous les piétons sur la rue portant le même style de chaussures et de fabrication de chaussures de compétences, car à ce moment-là seulement Louboutin Sandales
Peut créer le style d'un chaussures à talons hauts. Louboutin Plate-forme
18ème siècle: la fin du 17ème siècle, les gens ont commencé à essayer de créer un talon mince, mais, malheureusement, le soutien suffisant, seulement de creuser le haut du talon pour relier les chaussures Louboutin Peep-toe
La fin de la hauteur de la fin du 18e siècle, les talons hauts, progressivement abandonnées, de remplacer les souliers avec des rubans et des arcs. 120mm Metallip
19e siècle: les chaussures mignonnes MaryJane la première fois ce style populaire dans le 19ème siècle jusqu'à 50 ans, alors la technologie la fabrication des chaussures a été tout à fait
D'âge mûr, populaire dans différents matériaux tels que le satin, la soie et le cuir et la fabrication des chaussures, le style est aussi plus diversifiée.
sadfasd
sadfasd
A nice pair of hues is
A nice pair of hues is actually shop cheap sunglasses only things you require to step out within design this specific bash months. The most important matter even though receiving a couple of aviator sunglasses would be to discover a design which appears to be expensive without cheap in addition to trashy. Oftentimes, that cheap sunglasses excellent in the cheap which is actually so cheap which makes that wayfarer sunglasses glimpse completely despicable. And also the continue matter you desire would be to glimpse humiliated before cheap gucci sunglasses your mates with regard to donning something like this specific.
The beats by dre studio is
The beats by dre studio is compact and very light and ready for an active life-style. Nevertheless, we apperceive that beats by dre studio may be not easy to take away--monster beats commonly back you go out, they can not back pack a bag acceptable to advance the complete beats by dre studio and Touring and added cases robust. It's hard to believe everything with no music. Headphones turn out to be an essential helper to solve this issue.
People's ears have special range of sounds that we are able to hear. To have a good quality of hearing, there is no doubt that the headphones we use will be able to supply the totally covered range. This beats by dre was created to provide the best quality like you can feel that you're standing right in front of the singers and they are singing a live show for you.
beats by dr dre pro could provide you with essentially the most special come across with Beats. The Monster Organization has the first-class research and team of developers. Those items are put on production soon after rigorous test from the function to every detail style. A growing number of people prefer to make use of the cheap monster beats, and the dr dre beats uk genuinely could be your very good choice. So if you want to buy headphones, don't forget monster beats.
Are you currently facing
Are you currently facing difficulties with your pc merelydue to the slow tempo of Windows 7? You might have been puzzled when you have a pokey Windows 7 operating in your pc. The shoppers usually give attention to the desktop navigation in their blog or forum, where a new taskbar makes it possible for someone to connect and find a lot of tabs based on their convenience, since the product has been released available in the market.
Successful registry software can clean, recuperate and maintain the registry, which can aid pc to run applications easily and speedily. In this way, computer system can velocity up naturally.The fresh taskbar in windows 7 key like the microsoft office activation key, adobe serial keyand adobe photoshop keyis definitely really remarkable to look at, but you'll also find instances where it is hard to tell if a particular icon is a pinned shortcut, or a running application. This will result in some misunderstandings. The problem might be repaired by changing the taskbar settings.
At this time in case you need to buy Microsoft Windows 7 Activation Key including adobe photoshop key, windows 7 keyand windows 7 professional key, some websites provides you with a big inexpensive and if you would like upgrade your current Microsoft windows 7 system to Microsoft windows 7 Ultimate.
Cheap ray ban sunglasses with
Cheap ray ban sunglasses with a classic design fit most people exceptionally properly, providing excellent protection from the sunshine. There have been a lot of famous Ray-Ban styles over the years, Rayban Aviator is among the listing of the Rayban creativity. Featuring distinct teardrop frame design, RB2140 is closest to the initial aviator created decades ago and is among the most favorite by ray ban wayfarer enthusiast. ray ban sunglasses with a classic design match up most people exceptionally well, offering superb defense against the daylight. Health care professionals suggest putting on sunglasses when you're outside throughout the summer and winter months. Rayban Sunglasses offer you massive collection of sunglasses.
Possessing a streamlined appearance and broad, tinted lenses, Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses are complementing on everyone. Black Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses always look sophisticated, but you may also try to find frames with violet, green, light blue or gold transparent lenses for a stylish, awesome vibe. If you're a fan of not only looking cool truly being cool, then try ray ban sunglasses and it will offer you a surprise. ray ban australia overall are actually stylish and there are particular styles within the range which are more sought after than the others.
Quality control at the initial Ray-Ban was a main priority. ray ban wayfarer invested big money in study and development through the years to create lenses that lower the glare from the light. These lenses also improve the perception of depth and even reduce the distortions of all types of colors.
Ray-Ban continues to be noted for its eyewear, especially its iconic aviator sunglasses. Anything you are looking for in a pair of sun shades you need look no further than ray ban sunglasses. The frame is different in that it has lenses from crystal. When you are at outside activities, a pair of sunglasses is a must have, as the Ray-Ban sunglasses isn't just for fashionable look and feel, but in addition for protection for that hazardous lights.
Whatever you decide and are
Whatever you decide and are generally donning there is much surprise, you can gamble your
In the high-end imitation
By using Office 2010, you can
With the stylish design, you
The distinct shapes worth
Wear such high heels,
À talon haut prédécesseurs
sadfasd
A nice pair of hues is
The beats by dre studio is
Are you currently facing
Cheap ray ban sunglasses with
Whatever you decide and are
Coach bags Outlet
using theseCoach Outlet Online
or boots. Guaranteeing 12 months rounded functionality, these are suitable for fashion informed girls. If you need to put glitz along with glam involving fashionable way of life, and then pick up these kind of Alfredia Louboutin shoes or boots right this moment. If you generally accomplish outside the house pursuits, you must make some game sneakers, as an illustration timberland sneakers.Coach Outlet Store Online
You'll be able to don it for you to backpacking, go up your huge batch, as well as take a trip. It might presentCoach Factory Outlet
shield for a base, especially when one does a great deal of athletics. She has a few specialised merchantsCoach Factory
in the united states.YourCoach Factory Outlet
enable you to be part of your ambitious sCoach Outlet Online
to manner along with as well as the idea create a regular level for earth. The idea isCoach Outlet Store
on the found every single probability to makeCoach Factory Store
be a fashion symbol. This will likely position anyone ahead of people inside very same area along withCoach Outlet
be next to nothing additional pleasing whenCoach Outlet
to preserve while you're watching opponents.Post new comment