DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 12, 2012) – Balsa Mindanao deployed 100 volunteers for two days of psycho-social therapy sessions and medical services to the victims of deadly floods brought about by tropical storm Washi in Northern Mindanao.
In Davao City, 68 people have volunteered for psychosocial therapy sessions, including guidance counselors, social workers, health workers, and church people. Five doctors and 30 health workers will also provide medical services. The group is expecting 300 volunteers coming from Caraga, General Santos, Zamboanga and Northern Mindanao.
Susan Claro, convener of Balsa Mindanao, said psycho-social therapy is most needed for victims who have suffered from trauma and depression after Sendong’s devastation of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities, especially with the suicide of one survivor.
“At this point, people are still grieving and finding it hard to cope with the loss of family and homes. But we hope these sessions can help them overcome their fears. What is important is they can find strength to move forward with their lives,” Claro said in a statement to the Mindanao Examiner.
The therapy sessions on January 14 and 15 will be divided into three clusters – children, adults and youth.
Other services for the two day operation are medical services, set up of community kitchen for villages hardest hit by the storm, and distribution of kitchen materials, sleeping mats and toiletries.
Balsa Mindanao thanked those who extended help and assistance in Davao and other cities through donations and volunteers. The group also called for more help for the rehabilitation and rebuilding of homes and lives in Northern Mindanao.
Balsa Mindanao is a citizen-led mobilization for disaster response and to advocate for climate justice, led by Mindanao religious leaders, environmental advocates, parliamentarians, and other concerned citizens.
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