September 20, 2018 – Days of rain following the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong did not deter the Municipal Action Team (MAT) of Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya from joining the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) done by the local government unit to check for damaged houses and affected families in the municipality.

The RDANA team had to traverse muddy areas and flooded zones to try to check for affected families from the typhoon.

The team was able to identify 54 families composed of 215 individuals who had to leave their houses and temporarily take refuge in three evacuation centers situated throughout the town.

Mr. Jestony Pineda, a Social Welfare Assistant (SWA) for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program stationed in Aritao said that while the task was difficult, they found delight in the fact that they were able to help people in their time of need.

“We are happy to help and to serve the people. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help. I had helping hands growing up. This is my way of giving back,” Mr. Pineda said.

The evacuees meanwhile are happy for the assistance they received and thankful that the storm had already passed.

Simang Galvez, 49 and a mother of 9, said that she is thankful that the team made it to their place to evacuate them even though the road to their area was highly treacherous at that time.

“Nagpapasalamat kami na pinuntahan kami at kinamusta. Kahit delikado yung daan, pinilit pa rin nilang kami ay puntahan,” Mrs. Galvez said.

As of the moment, all the evacuated families have already gone back to their respective houses and all the necessary assistance have already been given to them.

DSWD Field Office 02 also prepositioned 400 family food packs to the municipality before the passing of Typhoon Ompong. ### By: Chester Carlo M. Trinidad, Information Officer II, with a report from Ma. Belen M. Ong, Social Welfare Officer III