October 6 Updates:
Re-packing of relief goods and distribution operations end today at the RFM Gym. This commences our 9-day, 24-7 Heroic Response in the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy. Operation GK Walang Iwanan with its partners and volunteers will continue on after today with the bigger work of rehabilitation.
We want to take this opportunity to honor and thank all volunteers and partners who were in the forefront of this heroic and massive effort to reach the communities most in need.
Today, we will end our operations at the RFM Gym with a simple thanksgiving celebration . We would like to invite everyone to join us as we celebrate the powerful spirit of bayanihan that has brought out the best of the Filipino as a people and as a nation.
Schedule are as follows:
Whole Day: Distribution of Relief Goods
5:30 pm: Thanksgiving Mass at the RFM Gym
6:30 pm: Simple Salo-Salo at the RFM Gym
It is Day 8 of Operation Walang Iwanan, and we’d like to share with you two articles written about the relief efforts here in the Philippines. One is written by our very own Tito Tony Meloto (Philippine Star article that came out today, October 5) and the other is by Mayenne Carmona (Philippine Star article last October 3).
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=511295&publicationSubCategoryId=63
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=510655&publicationSubCategoryId=85
What is truly amazing is to see so many groups within government and the private sector, doing their share to help alleviate the suffering of so many victims. Yesterday, hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life flocked to Brgy. Nangka in Marikina, Brgy. Napindan in Taguig and in our various command centers in Quezon City, armed with their gloves, boots and shovels and personally helped families clean up their homes and surroundings and gave out food and Selecta ice cream to children.
This week, we have seen heartbreaking devastation but it has been matched by the indomitable spirit of the Filipino, and the heroism of our people who have tirelessly given of themselves without counting the cost.
GK is privileged to be counted among the many who have tried to make a difference and bring hope in this time of suffering and need. We thank all our partners, volunteers, the GK residents and the thousands of people, here and abroad who have made “Walang Iwanan” not just a slogan but a real expression of being our brothers keeper.
We thank the Lord who is the source of our strength – it is only by His grace that we become co-creators of little miracles through our service in GK.
And as we shift from relief operations to clean up and rehabilitation, we are counting on you to help intensify the work and for us not to stop until these families are able to rise from this tragedy and live with dignity. Bawat Pilipino Bayani!
Walang Iwanan!
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Issa Cuevas-Santos
Wife, Mom and Missionary
Gawad Kalinga
