by April Gonzaga-Mercado
My hometown of Taytay, Rizal rests at the foothills of Antipolo. Geographically, this town is a basin that drinks in all the flood waters of neighboring towns. Houses along areas with the most flooding are built 4-6 feet higher than the streets making them look like mini castles standing on very stable foundations. Its residents ever so ready for the tide to come. After heavy rains, our streets will definitely be submerged in water making these houses look like they’re floating. Flooding in my town has been a consistent problem which I believe not even a very sophisticated drainage system can solve.
The typhoon that sent Region 4 under water last Saturday left thousands of people stranded, cold and hungry. Many lost their homes, livelihood and even loved ones. The sound of choppers hovering above becomes ambient noise. Grief stricken faces and the destruction around seem like a permanent picture that burns in the minds of those who are witnessing such tragedy. Let alone the political issues, judicial killings and corruptions in the country, we are under state of calamity.
I was one of thousands, left stranded for hours, worried, thirsty, anxious and exhausted. As the rains continued to gain momentum, I prayed relentlessly for the rains to stop along with so many others fearing for the worst. Despite all pleas, the rain continued to fall and the waters continued to rise. But there was not a single doubt in my heart that God is not listening to our prayers. I know for a fact that we cannot control this force of nature. After all, He is in charge of all things. He is bigger than you. He is bigger than me. And because of this, no matter how weak and mortal we are, we still endure.
Not really thinking about the odds I will be facing, hours of frustration made me want to be with my family more and more. After 24 hours of being stranded, I was on my way home. At 8 o’clock on Sunday morning, most of Taytay’s streets were still under water. Some areas have waters still at 6 feet deep. Luckily, the first streets I passed on were flood-free. “So far, so good,” I thought to myself. The hardest part is going through San Isidro or so I thought. I felt like a huge boulder was lifted off my chest when I was on Highway 2000 which I thought was higher ground. Water was everywhere as far as my eyes could see but I was not really thinking about how deep it was because I was blinded by my desire to go home to my family. The flood was knee-deep. “Oh this is not bad at all. I can do this,” I told myself.
Optimistic, I moved on oblivious to the shouts of the people on the streets. At first, I cannot understand what they were saying. I thought they’re just mad at me for the wave I created leaving them all drenched in muddy water. “What are they shouting at me for?” I asked myself. “Wag ka tumuloy dyan!” “Titirik ka! Malalim ang tubig!” That was when I realized that the water was thigh–deep and it’s still getting deeper. Too late to back out, I continued forward, come what may. “Just a few more meters. I can do this. Please Lord, please Lord, please Lord.” That was what I thought was the longest 2-minutes of my life! Fear literally shook my entire body as I turned towards the village gate. “Finally! Thank you Lord!”
Controlling my paroxysms of emotions, I was crying with relief. I was really hoping that that was the last hurdle. But it wasn’t. To my horror, the creek was overflowing with strong current. The water was running waist-deep or even higher! I really cannot tell. With no time to hesitate, I came charging with tears in my eyes, praise on my lips and faith in my heart. I prayed. The current was pounding on the windows scaring me even more. Though violently shaking, I moved forward, careful not to lift my foot on the gas pedal, because if I did, water will saturate the car and I will be swept away. Or worst I will be dead. “One more turn. Please Lord, please Lord, please Lord.” Then as if seeing light at the end of a dark tunnel, I was on my last turn. “Breathe April, breathe,” I keep telling myself not turning to look back. “Please bring me home Lord, ayan na po malapit na ako.” Anxious to see my family I announced my arrival by blowing what was left with the horn. They knew I was coming because they were waiting for me. Relieved though shaken, I realized that nothing beats the will of a person who wants to be with his family. God Himself has brought me safely home.
Typhoon Ketsana or locally known as Ondoy is the worst recorded typhoon since 1967 in the Philippines, even surpassing Hurricane Katrina. Its trail left destruction that caused the lives and properties of many. Its devastation is on a scale no one dared to imagine. Many of my friends were spared with nothing but the clothes on their back, still thankful to be alive. Not caring at all for all the possessions they’ve lost for they know that what the Lord hath given, the Lord can take away. Despite this adversity, we know that He stands behind us, assuring us that He is in charge of all things and it is through these trying times that He sees us through.
And so as it passed, the rain stopped, the water receded and the sun continues to shine. But there is stench in the air and the traces left are unfathomable. My story is just one account of survival. It is nothing compared to what others went through during Ondoy’s onslaught. We are blessed to live to tell these stories. After all, it is with such experiences as these that we are made stronger. And in times of crisis, we the Filipinos in general, pray for strength, we unite to give comfort, and we even risk our own lives for the well-being of others. Not seeking recognition, loving beyond measure. The Filipino spirit of Bayanihan lives amongst us. And it is because of resiliency that we Filipinos endure.
My heart goes out to those who have lost their loved ones, homes, possessions and livelihood. But I know I can make a difference. I know I can show an act of kindness, one person at a time. The long road to rehabilitation appears to be narrow but let us help those terribly affected to cope after this life-changing situation. Your prayers, time or donations will go a long way. The time is now to show that you care.
