The continuous heavy downpour in Bukidnon was reported to be the cause of an unexpected flash flood experienced by Cagayan de Oro City last July 13, 2021, at around 8:00 o’clock in the evening. This was unexpected by residents in Cagayan de Oro where the weather was fair throughout the day and only experienced light rains in the evening. However, the said neighboring province is in an elevated area and excess water eroded into its natural basin (Cagayan de Oro City) leaving waist-deep waters in barangays Baloy, Tablon, and Cugman, displacing 1,150 families, and wiping-away three houses.

Upon knowing this incident, the director of Northern Mindanao Adventist Community Services Inc. (NORMACS), Pr. Melnaire V. Cagas, acted quickly and partnered with ADRA Philippines. Together, our church agencies readily reached out to the flood victims.

Help was given to flood victims through cash assistance amounting to P 1,500 per family. Distribution of the financial assistance was given last July 25th at Purok 2, Cugman, through house-to-house distribution, and July 27th in Baloy, Tablon, through organized distribution in their covered court. Health protocols were strictly implemented and followed throughout these distribution activities. About 450 families were blessed by the financial help allocated by ADRA Philippines.

These efforts would have not been possible without the cooperation of the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department, Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI), ADRA, and NORMACS, headed by Pr. Cagas alongside with Ptr. Robert Villardo, district pastor of Gusa. Likewise, the efforts of the volunteers from Baloy SDA church and the cooperation of the local government leaders in these affected areas are well recognized which made this altruistic undertaking a success.

As followers of Christ, we are called to open our hearts and commit ourselves to charity. We are to bring our experiences and faith into practice and make a difference in the lives of people around us.

By Raisa Cabahug