“Isa ka Baso na Bugas Para sa Visayas” : BSU NSTP First Humanitarian Mission

The country experienced devastating environmental phenomena when tropical depressions and typhoons hit many parts of the country. Last November 8, 2013, the super typhoon Yolanda caused a huge devastation in the lives and properties of thousands of Filipinos. The extent of damage to many parts of the Visayas Region mobilized the international community to extend help to the survivors of the catastrophic storm. In the Philippines, government and non-government organizations worked hand in hand to provide relief goods to the hardest hit areas. The relief initiatives done for the Yolanda survivors in different areas by various agencies can be considered as the largest relief operation ever conducted in the country.

With a strong spirit of volunteerism, the BSU – NSTP took part in the extensive relief operations through its First Humanitarian Mission entitled “Usa ka Baso nga Bugas Para Sa Visayas” conducted last November 22, 2013. This activity aimed at raising funds and collecting relief goods for the typhoon victims. During the whole day activity, the NSTP students and faculty had a house – to – house visit to the residents of the nine (9) Barangays of the City of Malaybalay.

Although the title of the activity literally means one cup of rice for the Visayas, the students were able to gather different forms of support including donations of cash, clothes and other basic necessities. The concerted effort of BSU- NSTP  and the residents of Malaybalay produced an overwhelming amount of money and quantity of goods for the typhoon survivors. A total of 153 sacks of assorted goods, 60 boxes of noodles, sardines and medicines, 46 sacks of rice and fifty-six thousand pesos ( Php 56,000.00) cash were collected.

The first humanitarian mission of BSU-NSTP did not just raise an amount of money and sacks of relief goods. It  enabled the NSTP students to recognize the importance of bayanihan during times of need. It has proven that every small act of generosity can truly make a difference in the lives of the the victims as well as to the people who helped.

by Katherine B. Akut