This is my story - 83 Philippines

83 – Eruption of Mount Pinatubo

We were having a glorious time in England enjoying the Congress, and meeting with old friends who used to serve in Singapore and Malaysia. We felt like the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration wanting to remain there and continue enjoying the mountain top experience. That was not to be; we must return to the valley to share our blessings. Vision has always to be followed by mission. We had to return to the Philippines where He had appointed us.

While we were still in England tragic news reached us that there was an earthquake at Luzon a place we had just visited prior to leaving for London. The archipelago is always subjected to all kinds of natural disasters, but this was one of the largest comparable to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

The earthquake of intensity eight hit Luzon, its epicentre damaging Cabanatuan City and neighbouring towns, Dagupan and Pangasinan and Baguio well known tourist centre was hit. Retro Manila also felt the tremor. At Cabanatuan, the six storey school building, Christian College of the Philippines collapsed and many students and teachers were killed and injured.

We had been in touch with the Chief Secretary Lieut. Colonel Jose Aguirre who kept us informed despite the difficulty in communication at that time. There was no e-mail and he did not even have a telephone in his quarters although we had made application for many years.

The Salvation Army was quick to respond to the cry of need. Divisional and Territorial Headquarters staff were despatched to the scenes of disaster. Dr. Miriam Cepe Salvationist doctor was among the team of relief workers.

American soldiers from Clark Air Base worked alongside our Salvationists in areas like Olongapo where we had a flourishing Corps. Access to Baguio city was extremely difficult because the three main roads which led to the city were cut off by landslides. The three landmarks that collapsed were the Hyatt Terraces which housed Nevada Hotel and Baguio Park Hotel. The earthquake injured and claimed many lives.
Our officers were not able to communicate with Territorial Headquarters as telephone lines were cut off. Many places were without water and electricity.

Dagupan city was believed to have sunk by one metre. Whole villages were buried in debris. Many were buried alive. Captain Florante Parayno, Corps Officer from Hermoza was on his motor cycle crossing bridge when it collapsed. He went down with the bridge with his vehicle. He had miraculous escape when he surfaced on top of the water, only slightly injured, but minus his motor bike! Certainly it was Divine intervention, but still a traumatic experience for him.

On our return to Philippines after the International Congress, our schedule was very tight we had to delay our visit to the Northern Division till November that year. We just had to leave the relief operations to the staff of the Social Department to support the Divisional Staff.

This was the first of the many natural disasters we were to encounter during our service in the Philippines. There was never a dull moment working in this territory. We were well supported by the officers and comrades. The Lord was with us to empower us for service. Hudson Taylor the famed missionary to China and founder of China Inland Mission (now OMF International) said this, “God’s work, done God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.” We have found this to be true.

Soon we were able to receive much financial help from International Headquarters and other Salvation Army territories. The internationalism of The Salvation Army and the unity of spirit are always evident especially in times of trial and tribulation.