On a bright October 28 morning, close to a thousand Mormon Helping Hands volunteers crossed the Abatan River aboard “dragon boats” to extend help to survivors of the Bohol earthquake. Seven teams assigned in Loon, Maribojoc, Antequera and Sagbayan cleared schools, markets and houses, and distributed food and hygiene kits.
These volunteers in their trademark yellow vests reflect the desire of Latter-day Saint members to follow the example of Jesus Christ by serving others.
The seven teams were grouped according to colors. The first batch from the White Team crossed the river en route to their assignment to clean the Sta. Cruz Maribojoc Elementary School.
Volunteers from all ages filled the dragon boats, happily looking forward to the day ahead.
The Abatan Bridge collapsed during the 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
Missionaries and members were brought to the different sites via big trucks.
In Sagbayan, volunteers cleared roads and sidewalks of dirt and debris while others cleaned the Sagbayan Elementary School in preparation for the November 4 resumption of classes.
Armed with mallets, hammers, shovels and pry bars, volunteers dismantled a house flattened by the earthquake. They also salvaged whatever furniture and equipment found to be functioning.
From morning till afternoon, volunteers toiled unceasingly in order to clear the streets of dirt and debris.
Elder L. Whitney Clayton in a light moment with children evacuees at the Loon Meetinghouse.
Pres. Saballa recounted the miracle on how his two children escaped from the rubble without a scratch. (Full story on Blog Post soon)
Sister Saballa was overwhelmed with the visit of Church leaders and expressed gratitude for their love and support.
In Maribojoc Elementary School, six of seven buildings were declared unsafe by government. Volunteers cleared the school premises of rocks and walls that fell.
Many buildings in the Loon Market area were heavily damaged. Volunteers gathered debris to make other areas passable.
Maribojoc school principal, Ms. Dedicacion Saguran, and Elder Clayton discussed how the earthquake affected the school buildings.
The Mormon Helping Hands assigned in Sagbayan pose for a group photo after a hard day's work.