8/13/2019 Cura Personalis During the Zamboanga Siege

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CURA PERSONALIS DURING THE ZAMBOANGA SIEGE

The Zamboanga siege indeed was a test of personality, resilience, character for all

Zamboanguenos. It was a time were people had an opportunity not only to show their concern

but at the same time act on this concerns because it was really badly needed.

As thousands were affected and were displaced from their homes, the scene at the

evacuation centreswas indeed saddening. But being Filipinos, it was a time were people of

different culture and religion showed their care for one another. Many volunteered day in and

day out as the population increased after almost a month of the siege.

On my part being employed with Brent colleges, i had the opportunity to be a part if

their relief operations to help the affected students by bringing food, clothing and other

personal necessities as they were scattered in different evacuation centresthroughout thecity.. It went on for five days as we had to pinpoint their whereabouts as to their evacuation

centres. Considering that we had only relief goods allotted for the affected student of ours, we

somewhat had to find means to add those relief goods as we had seen the dire need of this

goods by the other evacuees. Not only were they affected as to the physiologic needs but it was

also evident that psychologically they were really in disarray as explosions and fires increased

day to day and they were worried as to the situation of their houses as they were not given

ample time to pack their belongings. So in relation to this we didnt just give them tangible

items for their day to day use but we also offered consolation and in our own little way even

though we are not professionally inclined to give psychological first aid, we did our best to offerthis to them . Our students were also concerned about the impact the siege had brought as to

their studies with all their books, requirements that were burnt down. So we assured them that

consideration as to this things will surely be given to them.

Our family also somewhat was affected as we live in a place which is kind of a coastal

area. My father and I were the only one left at home as our family evacuated to our house in

Carmen Valley Abong abong. This means i had to run errands from time to time for their

everyday needs which were the least i can do for them.

I just hope that this thing will not happen again, but for a part it was a time of greatreflection on my part . I had realized that all the material things are useless in this world. What

is important is that we are rich on love, care an d affection and everything will follow.