Typhoon Ruby brings out the spirit of bayanihan through Oplan Kapit Bisig 

Storms are usually connected with chaos and destruction. They often destroy infrastructure and livelihoods, separate families, and alter lives. The Philippines is a favorite ‘storm destination’ with 19 tropical cyclones entering its area of responsibility every year. 

 

The latest one is Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit), which made landfall in Dolores, Eastern Samar Saturday night. While Dolores was spared from Yolanda's onslaught last year, it was still essentially in the same region Yolanda first wrecked. Many were kept on their toes making sure the devastation would not be as large. This includes a group of volunteers who stepped up once again to offer services beyond the usual cash and in-kind donations. 

 

Oplan Kapit Bisig is a coordinating body for private volunteer groups doing disaster response. It focuses on reaching out to underserved areas and maximizing their resources. 

 

Just to clarify, the group does not intend to compete with the government agencies. Instead, it complements and supports the government's rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts, as one of its core leaders Junep Ocampo told GMA News Online. 

 

"Kung saan sila kulang, kung saan sila may kailangan, doon kami," he said. 

 

The group also clarified that it is not a relief/repacking center, general information hub, or a rescue center. According to its Facebook post, here are some tasks of Oplan Kapit Bisig: 

 

 

Although it officially started during Ruby's time, the members of the movement are not new to volunteerism. Some of them originally started #RescuePH during Ondoy in 2009 and Oplan Hatid during Yolanda last year. 

 

What they've done so far

 

Although they have only just convened, Oplan Kapit Bisig has already been active in helping those affected by Ruby. 

 

According to Ocampo, the group has coordinated assistance for the island towns of Western Samar through Facebook, e-mails, and phone calls. They have also directed help to Talalora, a municipality in Samar that can be reached via a two-hour boat ride from Tacloban. 

 

Ocampo also said that Oplan Kapit Bisig is also getting help for Almagro, Tagapul-an, and Sto. Nino island towns off Calbayog City in Samar. 

 

"Madami pang kailangan gawin, but I guess we have to start somewhere. By coordinating, we make sure nobody is left behind." he said. 

 

The future 

 

According to Ocampo, there are six groups on board for Oplan Kapit Bisig. But they are still working on enhancing their network, especially with their people on the ground. 

 

He also expressed that the group wants to reach out to the private sectors for help during disasters. "The private sector is capable of helping out. They just need people they can trust. And we would like to serve that role for them," the volunteer said. 

 

He also shared that Oplan Kapit Bisig plans to organize volunteer training and come up with disaster preparedness materials online. After all, "every disaster is an opportunity to learn and grow. It is also an opportunity to be wiser and be stronger," Ocampo said. — VC, GMA News

 

To join Oplan Kapit Bisig, visit its Facebook page.