Yolanda survivors thank Holy Child they are alive

CEBU, Philippines - Tent City residents are thankful to Señor Sto. Niño for the second life they received after super typhoon Yolanda hit Eastern Visayas area two months ago.

The typhoon survivors, who are from Samar and Leyte provinces, said they joined the celebration of the Sinulog in Cebu City, not because they are living at the South Road Properties (SRP) Family Rehabilitation Center provided for the Cebu City Government and other well-meaning institutions, but to pay homage to the Holy Child.

Letecia Posa, 51, of San Jose, San Isidro, Leyte, has been attending the novena mass at the Basilica del Sto. Niño as her way of thanking the miraculous Child Jesus.

“Moadto gyud ko, mosimba baya gyud ko diha pirmi, ampo gyud ko sa Ginoo pasalamat ko nga naluwas ko.  Bisan naguba among balay, basta naluwas ko (I would really go to the Basilica; I always attend mass there, praying to God and thanking that I was saved.  Our home was destroyed, but I survived),” Posa said.

She said that what happened to them when super typhoon Yolanda struck can be considered as dark days of her life, adding that Yolanda’s fury was the worst she experienced in her life.

Despite the traumatic experience, she and her family are still thankful that they did not lose a loved one.

Another survivor, Luciana Baguilod, said that until now she still could feel the fear that gripped her over what happened to them in Leyte. She said it was the worst nightmare she had.

“Magpasalamat na lang mi nga di-a mi, bisan usahay kanang uwan-uwan unya kusog ang hangin makuyaw-kuyawan pa gihapon mi (I am thankful that we are still here, even though I still feel afraid everytime it rains and the wind is strong),” she said.

Banguilod said she goes to church whenever she finds time; adding that deep within she always thank the Cebuanos, the Cebu City Government and the others for their kind hearts.

“Mapasalamaton mi sa Ginoo nga daghan siya ug instrumento nga nitabang namo (I thank the lord because of the many who helped us),” she said.  (FREEMAN)