• Philippines
    2003 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

    • Work Continues Despite Disasters

      As noted at the beginning of this report, the Philippines is frequently afflicted by disasters. Let’s take a look at some disasters that have affected the brothers.

      Earthquakes: Since the islands are located at the junction of two major tectonic plates, the country is prone to earthquakes. One authority says that at least five earthquakes take place each day, with many more temblors that are not felt by humans. Most cause no disturbance to life, but occasionally, severe earthquakes wreak havoc.

      At 4:26 p.m. on July 16, 1990, one such severe quake with strong aftershocks struck near Cabanatuan, a city in central Luzon. Benguet Province was also heavily affected. A number of schools and hotels collapsed, resulting in loss of life.

      At that time Julio Tabios, who was serving as district overseer there, was traveling with his wife on the way to a circuit assembly in a mountainous area of Benguet. A brother who was carrying vegetables to sell in Baguio gave them a ride in his truck. After winding through the mountains, they came to a narrow portion of the road where they had to allow an oncoming vehicle to pass. Just then, rocks started falling down the mountain. They realized that it was a strong earthquake. Julio says: “The brother managed to back up his truck to a wider space, after which a big rock thudded onto the spot we had just left. We were thankful to be safe. Moments later, a second tremor hit, and we watched a huge rock next to us tremble as if it were dancing.” Whole sides of mountains slid down.

      Landslides had blocked the road. The only way to reach the assembly site, or anyplace else for that matter, was by trekking through the mountains on foot. At nightfall, they were put up at the house of a kind person. The next day, they climbed a high mountain to get to their destination. Along the way, they made contact with a number of brothers who were helping one another to cope with the effects of the earthquake. Finally, after hiking along dangerous mountain trails, they reached Naguey, where the assembly was to be held. Julio relates: “What tears of joy among the brothers, since they were no longer anticipating that we would arrive! Though we were very tired, we were refreshed when we saw the happy brothers and sisters welcome us.” Despite the earthquake, many had made the effort to be there, demonstrating their great appreciation for spiritual things.

      You may recall that the new buildings at the branch were under construction at the time. Although the residence building was not yet finished, the 1990 earthquake was the first structural test for this building. The swaying back and forth made some Bethelites queasy, but the building did just what it was engineered to do and came through the strong temblor undamaged.

      Floods: Because of the humid tropical climate, most parts of the country receive generous amounts of rain. Certain areas are quite susceptible to flooding. Leonardo Gameng, who has engaged in full-time service for over 46 years, recalls: “We had to hike two miles [3 km] in mud up to the knees.” Juliana Angelo has served as a special pioneer in territories in the province of Pampanga that are prone to flooding. “To reach interested ones with the Kingdom message,” she says, “we rode in little paddleboats. The brother paddling needs sharp vision to avoid trees where snakes lurk, apt to drop into the boat.” Corazon Gallardo, a special pioneer since 1960, spent many years in territories in Pampanga. At times, there was no boat to ride in, and she recalls that she had to walk in floodwaters almost up to the shoulder. Despite such difficulties, she maintains a fine attitude. She has learned to be adaptable and to rely on Jehovah, knowing he will never forsake his loyal ones.

      Ever since the lahar from Mount Pinatubo filled up many low-lying areas, floods in Pampanga have become worse because the water now spills over into other areas. Generoso Canlas, a circuit overseer there, says that because of the water, they have often had to wear boots or even go barefoot in the field service. However, the brothers keep on going despite the inconveniences.

      Where flooding is particularly severe and whole communities are affected, Jehovah’s Witnesses help one another and also non-Witnesses. When this happened in Davao del Norte, in southern Philippines, the town officials so greatly appreciated the help that they passed a resolution saying so.

      Volcanoes: There are many volcanoes in the Philippines, but the one that caught the world’s attention was Mount Pinatubo. In June 1991 the volcano erupted with a spectacular mushroom cloud. Day virtually turned into night. Some thought it was the beginning of Armageddon. Ash fell as far west as Cambodia. In a short time, Mount Pinatubo disgorged 235 billion cubic feet [6.65 billion cu m] of pyroclastic material. The heavy ash caused roofs and even whole buildings to cave in. Much of the ejected material became lahars, huge flowing slurries that wiped out some houses and buried others. Both ash and lahars severely damaged and destroyed Kingdom Halls and homes of the brothers. Julius Aguilar, a regular pioneer in Tarlac at the time, says: “Our whole house was buried under ash.” The family was forced to move.

      Pedro Oandasan was serving as a circuit overseer in the area. He relates: “The brothers never forsook their worship and service to Jehovah. Attendances were always more than 100 percent. Further, the lahar did not lessen the love of the brothers for the preaching work. We kept on preaching to the evacuees and even in the devastated areas.”

      Such disasters offer opportunities to put Christian love into action. During and after Mount Pinatubo’s eruption, brothers assisted one another in evacuating. The branch office quickly sent a truck loaded with rice, and after it was unloaded, the truck was used to evacuate brothers from affected towns. When the brothers in Manila learned of the need, they immediately responded by sending funds and clothes. In Betis, Pampanga Province, young brothers organized a brigade to help victims. Among those they helped was an interested woman whose husband had been opposed to the truth. When these young brothers helped to rebuild this couple’s house, the husband was so impressed that he is now a Witness!

      Typhoons: Of all the weather disturbances in the country, typhoons, or tropical cyclones, cause the most destruction. On the average, about 20 typhoons hit the archipelago each year. Such storms are of varying intensity, but they are characterized by strong winds and heavy rains. Often these are of sufficient strength to destroy buildings. In addition, typhoons destroy crops, affecting the livelihood of farmers.

      Again and again, Witnesses’ homes and crops have been damaged. Amazingly, the brothers usually just pick themselves up and keep on going. In some parts of the country, typhoons are so frequent that they are almost a normal occurrence. Commendably, the brothers have learned to cope, and they deal with life’s problems one day at a time. (Matt. 6:34) Of course, when brothers in nearby areas hear of those in need, they voluntarily send food or money to help them. Occasionally, after exceptionally severe storms, traveling overseers contact the branch office, which is happy to organize relief.