THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NARVACAN
SEPTEMBER 2023 EDITION, ROTARY YEAR 2023-2024
Ran Raniiag ag
Typhoon Egay Typhoon Egay
ThedevastatingTyphoonEgay(Doksuri)markedthe fifth tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines in 2023, unleashing intense rain and destructive winds across Northern Luzon. The government swiftly declared a state of calamity in the affected areas and mobilized resourcesforreliefandrecoveryoperations
Egay,initiallyclassifiedasasupertyphoon,underwent rapiddowngradingtoatyphoonjusthoursbeforeits landfall. Despite the downgrade, the impact was severe, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Reports indicate that the typhoon has caused over Php6481 million worth of damages to 14,016 Ilocos farmers. This disaster's extent is staggering, necessitating urgent support and resources Damages to agricultural infrastructures alone have incurred a total of Php314,571,840, significantly impactinghomes,livelihoods,andinfrastructureinthe affectedareas
TheprovinceofIlocosSurborethebruntofTyphoonEgay,promptingthedeclarationofastateofcalamity duetoitsadverseeffects Atotalof3,196families,encompassing14,849individuals,intheprovincearefacing their own personal tragedies. Within this population, 462 families (1,593 individuals) from 32 barangays in CandonCityandthemunicipalitiesofSantaCruz,SantaLucia,Burgos,Sigay,Santa,andSantoDomingowere forcedtoevacuateduetoflooding Tragically,thetyphoonclaimedthelivesoffourindividualsfromNarvacan, SantaMaria,Caoayan,andSanVicente,whiletworesidentsfromBanayoyoandBantaysustainedinjuriesdue toafallentreeandacollapsedfencewall,respectively.
Preliminary reports from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) estimate thetotalworthofinfrastructuredamagesintheprovincetobeP732,310,000.00.Furthermore,thetyphoonhas hadasignificantimpactontheprovince'sagriculturesector,causinglossanddestructionofcropsandlivestock
AlthoughTyphoonEgayexitedthePhilippineareaofresponsibilityonJuly27,2023,theaftermathcontinuestopose significantchallengesforIlocosSur'sresidentsandauthoritiesastheynavigatetheextensiverecoveryprocess.
Disaster Response Disaster Response
In the wake of destructive Typhoon Egay, the communities of the Ilocos Region have shown remarkable resilience and strength. The impact of the typhoon is evident in the shattered homes and emotional trauma, yet the people's unwavering courage is truly inspiring.
Following the storm's immediate aftermath, the Rotary Club of Narvacan displayed remarkable unity and commitment by swiftly mobilizing to provide relief to the affected families in Narvacan and Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. In cooperation with various community groups, their proactive efforts played a vital role in delivering essential assistance to the typhoon victims, emphasizing shared responsibility in times of crisis
The Rotary Club of Narvacan, in partnership with its Brother Club Rotary Club of Makati and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, braved the flooded river going to the Barangays of San Pedro and Nanguneg West Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, to deliver relief goods to residents who ever isolated due to flooding brought about by Typhoon Egay through its Project PAGASA relief operations The group distributed food packs, relief goods, blankets, and sleeping mats to the typhoon victims as a simple way of giving them hope after the recent typhoon
.As the recovery process unfolded, the Rotarians recognized the enduring effects of the disaster, extending beyond physical reconstruction This realization led to a shift in their approach, with a renewed focus on the holistic recovery of the communities, addressing their physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being
In response to the expressed need, RC Narvacan and other civic-minded organizations in the region provided support to the affected families through the Give HOPE Project (Hand in Hand in Overcoming the Pains of Egay), specifically reaching out to the isolated barangay of Nagsayaoan Sta Maria, Ilocos Sur
The 'Give HOPE Project' for the typhoon victims of Brgy Nagsayaoan Sta Maria, Ilocos Sur was a testament to the power of collaboration, which is conducted in partnership with various organizations The comprehensive support included food packs, relief goods, clothes, medicines, frozen foods, medical consultations, and psychological support services Additionally, RC Alabang contributed gardenia bread, which was distributed to the area's residents
Throughout the challenges posed by recurring storms in the Ilocos Region, the Rotary Club of Narvacan remains hopeful, emphasizing the enduring strength of human compassion It serves as a beacon of light for communities facing persistent cycles of poverty and destruction, illustrating how collective care can gradually restore hope and resilience
On August 19, 2023, the Rotary Club of Narvacan, under the leadership of President Carlos Valera, actively participated in the Membership Development Seminar for Areas 1 and 2 of District 3790 held at Plaza Del Norte Laoag City The seminar featured a distinguished speaker, Thomas A Gump, who shared valuable strategies to boost membership growth and retention within the Rotary community
The knowledge and insights gained from this seminar, particularly by the newly inducted members of the Club, are expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering the various programs and initiatives undertaken by RC Narvacan.
It is widely recognized that membership is the cornerstone for building and sustaining a robust and vibrant Rotary club.
The newly inducted club members include Chatriane Cabamungan, Atty Chevette Macalma, Judy Gazmen, Engr. Ray Anthony Racca, P/Capt. Randy Laureta and Roger Valdez Jr