Kate distributes relief goods to typhoon victims.
CABANATUAN CITY – Catherine Kate Casimiro, 7, must have been playing her favorite computer games as classes in all levels were canceled in Nueva Ecija for almost a week due to typhoons.
But she instead unwittingly became “the heart of relief operations” of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Nueva Ecija in this city to various areas affected by typhoons.
Lenny Ladignon, chapter administrator of PRC-Nueva Ecija, said Grade 2 student Casimiro of Valdefuente Elementary School, here has showed natural interest in lending help to victims of typhoons “Pedring”.
It was her first year to join the pool of PRC volunteers that included members of her own family.
“I really want to help families and children who suffered from the flood,” says Kate.
She admitted having interest in computer games and playing with fellow youths but was inspired by a relative to join the volunteerism activity.
During break time, Kate would join older volunteers in repacking goods at the PRC headquarters inside the old Capitol Compound here.
“Her presence and kind gestures really moves heart, especially of those people at the evacuation centers,” said Melicia Ciriaco, an employee of the provincial government-run radio station, who visited the evacuation center in Nueva Ecija High School here.
“I feel that being not affected, we should be able to help victims find joy from their hearts,” she added.
Nueva Ecija was identified as one of those hardly affected by typhoon “Pedring.”
In Jaen town where the PRC also conducted a relief operation, Mayor Santiago Austria said about 80 percent of its more than 11,000 hectares territory was inundated by flood water.
“It was of unexpectable gravity,” said Austria who led a separate relief operation.
Gov. Aurelio Umali, head of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council, reported that the “Pedring” alone has damaged at least P2.8 billion worth of crops and infrastructure.
“I learned that children like me should start serving the less fortunate,” Kate said.
