Trinidad survivors use experience to cope with disasters

By Susan C. Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The impact of typhoon Pepeng last year still haunts affected families of Little Kibungan in Barangay Puguis here but they struggle to move on, guided by lessons learned from past experience.

A year after the killer storm, affected families still await relocation. But they are not sold to the idea of swapping their affected lots if they will pay some amount in the proposed Tawang relocation site.

Meanwhile, they try to cope during calamities. So when super typhoon Juan, their fears surfaced but they were better prepared.

Some families whose houses were located on higher grounds settled back in the area but those who were located along the creeks and whose houses were washed out sought refuge with their relatives, rented or looked for other places to settle.

Winkle Alguin, former president of Little Kibungan Village Association said this time when they were warned to vacate, his family willingly went to the center together with other residents as the fear was there.

Sharing his experience during typhoon “Pepeng” last year, he admitted there were warnings from barangay officials to vacate their area and proceed to the evacuation center but these were ignored. “Who would think that the mountain from a distance would give way and reach our area?”

His house was located above the foot of another mountain. It was only the next day that he evacuated with his family.

The last typhoon, they were prepared with basic things they needed when calamity struck. Spiritually, the wife said their faith in God together with the people in the area became stronger. They were grateful for help extended by the government and the private sector.

Gloria Fred, whose family sought refuge in the home of Gov. Nestor Fongwan near the area, said alertness was important.

“If there are warnings of typhoons or calamities, evacuation should not be further delayed because we can never tell nor foresee what may happen,” she said. “Keeping flashlights is a must as as power outage is experienced during calamities.”

She admitted she always felt fear recounting that fateful night of Oct. 8, 2009 when she heard loud rolling sound which caused the land to vibratre ans she didin’t know where the sound was coming from only to find out later their village was covered by mudslide killing scores of people and toppling many houses.

Before typhoon “Juan” struck, Mayor Gregorio Abalos, Jr. issued a directive for residents of Little Kibungan to evacuate. During the typhoon, Abalos with officials went around the town to monitor untoward incidents.

Barangay captain Evelyn Ramos said upon following the the mayor’s directive, she with a youth representative, barangay secretary and other officials knocked on doors of residents advising them to evacuate.

Ramos said the barangays center is always open to evacuees.

Town police Freddie Lozano agreed preparedness was important during calamities as this would lessen damage and loss of lives.

Kagawad John Danglipen said drainages should be cleared to avoid clogging which is one cause of destruction.