Maximo and Bernardita Cohitmingao with their new home

Their dog wouldn’t stop barking.

This is what Maximo and Bernardita Cohitmingao remember about the fateful night of December 16, 2011, when they were watching television upstairs with 3 of their grandchildren. The rain had been pouring for many hours, but it was nothing out of the ordinary. By the time they went downstairs to check, their entire ground floor was flooded and the waters were rising fast. Mang Maximo had to bore a hole in their roof just so they could escape, and they sought refuge in the branches of a gemilina tree until dawn.

Cold, wet, and fearful for their lives, they watched in horror as the flood waters rushed past their home, taking away everything in its path – material possessions, vehicles, and yes, even people. The Cohitmingao family is only one of thousands in Cagayan de Oro whose lives were affected by Sendong. When the flood waters finally subsided, all that was left were fragments of a life they didn’t know how to rebuild. And at that critical moment when everything was at stake, Berjaya and the CDO government, together with Gawad Kalinga, were there to respond to their urgent call.

>> Read more updates in "Special Report: Sendong"

The turnover ceremony in the Berjaya-CDO Government GK Village in Brgy. Camaman-an

Last October 19, 2012, hope soared in Cagayan de Oro during the turnover ceremony of 150 homes in the Berjaya-CDO Government GK Village in Brgy. Camaman-an. Berjaya Philippines Country Manager Paul Soo, Cagayan de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano and his City Councilors, GK Executive Director Luis Oquiñena, Camaman-an Brgy. Captain Dometilo Acenas, GK Head Jun del Fierro, and the rest of the GK local team were also there to witness and participate in the turnover of the ownership certificates and the symbolic scale model.

Paul Soo and other Berjaya representatives with the Kapitbahayans

Earlier this month during the Bayanihan Expo 2012, Berjaya group Chairman Tan Sri Dato Seri Vincent Tan pledged a total of P300 million over the next three years to build more homes around the country and end poverty on a wider scale, saying that “There is nothing more heartwarming than to be given the chance to share the effort and talent to help those who are in need.” He continued by saying "We believe in the potential of the Philippines and we are very happy and honored to participate both in its economy and social development. We will tell everyone that the Philippines is open for business. We will tell everyone that it is more fun in the Philippines. That the Filipinos are worth living & working with!"

>> Read more in "Gawad Kalinga Celebrates Nine Years of Bayanihan"

During the turnover last October 19, Mayor Emano thanked Berjaya for responding to the needs of the people of Cagayan de Oro. The Cohitmingao family was one of the families that were part of this ceremony, and the smiles on their faces shone through. Mang Maximo and Aling Bernardita shared that they can now sleep soundly without fear for their life. Aling Bernardita in particular couldn’t help but feel emotional, saying that every time it rains, she remembers the fateful night they almost lost everything. But now she is very happy that her family can start anew in a home that she never thought was possible. “Wa jud ko nagdahom nga maingon-ani akong kinabuhi karon. Hatag jud ni sa Ginoo. (I never imagined that my life can be like this. This is definitely God’s gift.)”

Residents finding the courage to begin again

It took the incessant barking of one dog to save the Cohitmingao family from the flood, but mustering enough courage to begin again is a different story altogether. Because when tragedy robs people of a future to look forward to, it will take the incessant dedication of partners and volunteers to show them that hope is alive. This is the courage that can stare tragedy in the face and say we will not leave anyone behind – from survivors like Maximo and Bernardita Cohitmingao to the thousands who still live in poverty. And as we continue to face poverty head on, this is the same courage that will rebuild this nation.

Gawad Kalinga is not a charity, rather, it's an organization that aims to end poverty by building sustainable communities. Every time disasters occur, Gawad Kalinga volunteers and partners respond heroically by sharing resources, organizing relief drives, helping network to others, and even taking part in reconstruction efforts. You too can  partner with us and take on the challenge of nation-building! For more information, email partnerships@gawadkalinga.com.