By Tarra Quismundo
Inquirer
LEGAZPI CITY–Many of them have been away from the Philippines for several years and most have never even seen the majestic Mayon Volcano. But on a trip to the homeland they so missed, they are foregoing vacations and sightseeing to instead extend a helping hand to their countrymen in dire need.
This is what Filipino-Americans serving in the United States Navy are currently doing as part of a humanitarian mission called Pacific Partnership.
The four-month mission is carried out by 1,000 American sailors aboard the USS Peleliu, which is currently anchored in the Philippine Sea off Albay.
About 100 of the ship’s crew are of Filipino descent and doing medical, technical and clerical jobs for the mission.
“You know, it’s good to see that we’re helping our countrymen especially those who are really in need, especially this place that was really devastated. It’s good that we’re here,” said Lt. Francis Santos, a stock control officer now on his 18th year with the US Navy.
Now based in San Diego, California, 40-year-old Santos last came home two years ago, one of his occasional trips back to the Philippines since entering the US Navy in 1989.
His current mission on the Peleliu brought him for the first time to Bicol, devastated in 2006 by supertyphoons Milenyo (international codename: Xangsane) and Reming (international codename: Durian).
Chief Petty Officer Alejandro Bernardino, 39, told the Inquirer he loved visiting villages in Albay because they reminded him of his childhood in Malolos, Bulacan.
“I bring anything I can bring like food, candies and stuff to give to kids. I love kids so I normally give them food or candies and they’re all happy. Normally, whenever we go out, I have a backpack with me and then just give away [goodies]. It’s the kids I love seeing. They’re the ones that need help the most,” said Bernardino, whose two kids with his Filipino wife are back home in San Diego.
“It’s a good thing we did this. I’ve been away for so long and, you know, you don’t really see this and I’m just so glad I’m part of the ship. When you go to some hospital, you help out your kababayan. Nakaka-touch eh. You can feel it, really… Kailangan nila ng tulong,” said the officer while on a break from the Fourth of July reception on board the Peleliu Wednesday night.
In her 20 years in the Navy, pharmacy technician Joanna Miclat never joined a mission to her homeland. That’s why upon learning about the Peleliu’s trip to Southeast Asia, port-based Miclat jumped at the chance to go home and volunteered to join.
“When I found out about it, I said I had to go because I wanted to see my kababayans… It’s a very rewarding feeling. It’s a privilege to give back to those who are in need… I know how it is because I grew up in a poor family,” said 46-year-old Miclat.
“It feels so good that I’m representing the US and the Philippines at the same time. I’m so proud of being a Filipino and proud that I’m with the US because we’re doing good things for our kababayans,” said the pharmacist, whose brother in the US Navy helped her join the service.
Before its Bicol stop, the Peleliu dropped off an 11-member medical team that included Miclat to conduct medical missions for communities in Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo.
“The people were kinda surprised and amazed that there’s a Filipina in the US navy. They didn’t know we existed. They were so happy,” said Miclat, smiling at the recollection.
Senior Chief Leo Estremadura, 46, was among sailors who helped build 35 homes for typhoon victims at a relocation site in Barangay Anislag, Daraga, Albay. His group worked from June 26 until this week to speed up the construction of new houses for evacuees from the typhoon-ravaged Barangay Malubago, also in Daraga.
“I’m really glad that I was given the opportunity to help out,” said the Sorsogon native, who joined the US Navy in 1985.
The humanitarian mission will take the Peleliu to the Philippines, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands.
December 10th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
correction: Nov. 30, 2006 not Nov. 30, 2007
December 10th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
sayang i was not able to grab the opportunity during your medical mission in Albay last year. Im also a victim of typhoon reming last nov.30 2007, sa Tabaco Albay, my 3 finger was accidentally cut sa door and still painful pa dahil sa sobrang lakas ng hangin at ulan, talagang natrauma ako to stay, im here na in Manila. I hope magkaron uli ng medical mission. please…………….THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HELPING US..
July 31st, 2007 at 8:19 am
Filipino-American US Navy sailors coming back and helping out in the poor, poverty stricken bayans, is truly is a sight to see.
I remember when my family left the RP prior to 1992 to escape the harsh poverties of the Philippines, even though Philippine Citizens cannot join the US Navy like before in 1992 Subic and 1971 in Sangley, at least this gives them some sort of hope for the future prosperity of their country.
Glad my family got out and went to the states to serve in the navy, with that said it is so Sad that many filipinos there still dream to serve in the us navy but cant anymore after 92′……
FYI (AFTER 1992, filipinos are not qualified to join the US Navy unless you are a legal US resident. Blame it on the Philippine government for not extending the base treaty with the US for young Filipinos to make something of themselves and improve their life and their families lives)
July 10th, 2007 at 2:01 am
Thank You to those Fil-Americam US Navy who helped and volunetry their efforts to helped my Kababayan. I appreciate it very much,either you helped my cousins,uncle or any body else in our municipality. THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO ALL OF YOU.
Best regards and God bless you always
July 9th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Pinoys in the US navy. Francisco Santos was a former classmate of mine in Saint Louis University, Baguio City. He was a a very nice gentleman. He joined the US navy, three years after I did. We saw each other in San Diego, Ca and at that time he was gearing up to join the officer program. Way to go Francis. Nice to hear that they are doing a great job in Albay. It is an opurtunity that perhaps will not happen again and quodos to the whole crew of the USS Peleliu for doing a great job. You bet the USS Comstock with a Pinoy commanding officer wants to go back again.
Onegam