Sendong’s Survivors in Iligan City

Father and son trying to survive the day after the devastating
effects of Sendong. The son's face looks empty,
but he knows he and his father 'will survive.
  

New day, new hope! This is the resounding battle cry of all storm survivors. The local officials of Iligan City, Northern Mindanao, Philippines, are firmly moving forward to bring back to normal state the lives of all Iliganons, particularly those heavily devastated by Tropical Storm Sendong last December 17, 2011. City Mayor Lawrence Ll Cruz and City Vice Mayor Henry C Dy are one in saying that their constituents can do better this year.

City Vice Mayor Henry C Dy
Iligan City, Philippines

In his office, the good City Vice Mayor Henry C Dy is continually expanding his networks for donations, mostly coming from the Filipino-Chinese community and other civic organizations. Other local government units (LGUs) all over the country showed their concern to the survivors. National TV networks GMA Kapuso and ABS-CBN Kapamilya are likewise lending hands giving relief items and other forms of assistance.

School Administrators and volunteers
 cleaning the affected educational areas. 

Those families who lost loved ones and relatives are still grieving this time. But according to some, they need not cry anymore because this new day, this new year means new hope. Students are slowly working on their way to school, although those affected school premises are still being cleaned by concern citizens, Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, and other volunteers.

10-year old boy survivor

Just yesterday, 17 days after the storm, a 10-year old boy was found in the Municipality of Naawan, a neighboring town in Iligan City. The boy is alive! He looked tired, weary, and hungry. He was immediately brought to the hospital. Upon interview, the boy testified that he was saved by a small log over which he rode for days until he reached the seashore of Naawan.

Many Iliganons are claiming that they will see and experience brighter things this year of the Water Dragon. They are hoping that the key officials of the City will unceasingly serve them until all survivors are able to stand up again.