For the people living in the community in Brgy. Look, Cardona Rizal, the cash assistance given by the Christian Aid Philippines helps in restoring their lives after the destruction of typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

According to the data gathered by the Official Gazette, almost 6201 people died, 27665 injured and 1785 people are still missing after typhoon Yolanda had its landfall in the Philippines. In Rizal province, 50 families in 2 barangays were affected and it is listed that there are no evacuees and evacuation center. Power outage was also experienced in Cardona.

Various types of goods such as food supplies, used clothes and medicine had been gathered to help the people affected. Organizations have their own way of acting as the helping hand of the victims. Some believe that food supplies are enough to support the needs of the people.

But for Christian Aid Philippines, they believe that another possible way to help is through cash assistance. Choosing 254 deserving families in a small community in Cardona, Rizal, the organization gave them 1000.00 as a little help for them to restart their lives.

Rogelio Inopia, 69 years old and jobless, believes that though he does not have the right to choose between relief goods and cash assistance, he prefers the latter.

“Kapag goods kasi magulo, ‘yung iba tatanungin, ‘oh bakit tatlo lang ang sardinas?’ At least kapag cash, wala nang preparation. Gastos pa kapag repacking.”
[There are instances that others will ask, ‘why is it that there are only three cans of sardines?’ If it’s cash there’s no hassle and preparation. Another budget will be allotted for repacking.]

He also sees the program as a source of income for small entrepreneurs in their community.

“Na-re-recycle ‘yung pera. Syempre ipambibili mo rito. Eh ‘di kumita rin mga kapitbahay mo. Tulungan lang,” he added.

[The money is recycled. It is circulating in the community. Of course, you’ll buy supplies here. The neighbor businessmen will have their share. It’s just helping each other.]

Mang Rogelio used the receive amount in buying groceries and medicine for his then sick wife.

‘Long term effect’

Barangay Look is around Laguna Lake. It is the reason most of the people living here are fisherfolk. They rely on harvest from the lake like fish to survive everyday.

When typhoon Yolanda damaged the country, Brgy. Look was really affected because the water level rose very high. Residents’ livelihood was also affected, heir fishing equipment like bobu (a type of net used in catching shrimp) and the lambat (fishing net) were also damaged.

The cash assistance not just helped in buying food supplies and medicines, it even assisted the fishermen in rebuilding their source of livelihood. Edwin Billo, used the money to make fishing nets since the older ones were damaged by the typhoon.

“Mas mainam ‘yung cash. Kapag may paggagamitan, madaling makakabili,” Mang Edwin added.[Cash is better. When something is needed, it is easier to purchase than wait for goods.]

He said that he’s still using the fishnets that he made from the cash assistance and it is still in good condition.

For a community very far from the city, the simplest help that they could get is very essential. Whatever form it may be, for them, it really matters.

Anna graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Mass Communication from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. She is fond of research and writing.