Muddied Yolanda survivors send message to Pope Francis

TACLOBAN CITY – "Have they forgotten us?"

 

More than a year after super typhoon Yolanda ravaged many areas in the country, some survivors are calling on the public to remember the sufferings they have endured during the deadly disaster.

 

In an interview with reporters here on Thursday, Marissa Cabaljao, spokesperson for People's Surge -- a group assisting disaster victims -- said they are hoping that the visit of Pope Francis would urge the government to send them assistance, which according to them, they have yet to receive.

 

"Nandito po kami ngayon dahil hanggang ngayon, marami pa po sa'min ang hindi nakatatanggap ng tulong," she said. "Nakalimutan na po ata kami."

 

To showcase their call, at least ten young members of the group covered themselves in mud, and tied white ribbons all over this city.

 

"Gusto namin ipakita na ganito ang naranasan namin sa trahedya," said survivor Ebok Dealagdon, 20.

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For her part, Dr. Efleda Bautista, convener of People’s Committee to Welcome the Pope in Eastern Visayas, stressed that the papal visit is for the disaster victims.

 

“We will paint the town white with ribbons to remind the public that the real purpose of Pope Francis’ visit, lest it be forgotten, is the Holy Father’s solidarity with our plight as survivors of Yolanda and other subsequent typhoon disasters," she said.

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit this city and Palo town this weekend.

The Pope is to officiate a Mass here shortly upon his arrival on Saturday. He will then proceed to Palo to have lunch with survivors of the Bohol earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda.

Also in Palo, the Holy Pontiff will bless the Pope Francis Center for the Poor as well as meet with priests, religious men, seminarians and families of the typhoon and quake survivors. — RSJ, GMA News