Barangay Buhay in Cotabato struggles to get back to life after quake

Residents of Barangay Buhay in Makilala, North Cotabato are living up to their village's name as they struggle to rebuild their homes flattened by a powerful earthquake on October 16, according to a report on GMA's 24 Oras.

A number of houses were reduced to rubble, some stood on cracked land.  

Residents are still traumatized by the aftershocks that they experienced days after the quake.

Sitio Nasot in Barangay Buhay was one of the areas hit hard by the quake.  It was not easy to reach.  People bringing relief goods have to travel on foot on a hilly trail.

The 60 families living in the sitio, including indigenous peoples called Bawa, were evacuated while their houses are being built.  But families say they lack materials, even as they try to make do with wood scraps, bamboo and leaves.

"Mahirap po ang aming sitwasyon. Bumagsak po yung pader namin, lumikas po kami kinabukasan, matitirhan pa naman pero natatakot na po kami. Kawawa po ang aking mga anak," Elma Landas, a resident, said.

The residents are thankful for the relief goods brought by the GMA Kapuso Foundation through its Operation Bayanihan.

The relief packs with water, food and soap were able to reach 2,000 individuals from Barangay Buhay, Saguing and Luayon in Makilala town. —LDF, GMA News