Bayug Island: A Hidden Beauty Beyond the Ruins Part I

The hanging bridge was destroyed during Sendong
 and now was replaced by a banca.

It was way back 2010 when I first came here at Bayug Island. The hanging bridge is one of the coolest attraction my college friends often talk. My first time to cross a structure like that was in Agusan del Sur when I was still in High School. It really terrified me especially the motions that might outbalance you and the view below would bring your heart pumping like hell. Even though how I find myself very afraid,  I know it's just part of an adventure to overcome a challenge - just like life.

Bayug Island is situated at the side of an estuary -  a place where the water from Mandulog river meets with the salty water from the sea.  It was said to be that the first settlers in Iligan City were from Bayug Island. Now, 9 months after Sendong, what happened to this very historical place?

Rowing the boat to cross the river to Bayug Island.

My journey started with a jeepney ride going to Bayug Island. The itinerary that I made was suppose to visit the "seemingly ghost town" Orchid's Village and take some snapshots around the area. On my thoughts, there was a banca that can cross to Bayug Island, but unfortunately, its operations stopped after Sendong came. The driver suggested that I should be using the former site of the hanging bridge since there is a banca where you can pay 5 pesos for the ride.

A Sendong Survivor. She's here tending for her plants as a source of livelihood.
She lost a brother and few other relatives during Sendong.

After crossing, I met someone on the other side. She was getting some water from the river for her Pepper Garden. I shared to them why I am visiting the place and they even gave me some mangoes to take home with me. The place is very different from before. Few people were present in the area and all over were growing grasses that seemed to cover the ruins of the past - the lives that together went down with the houses that was  swept by the water filled with logs.

A stray dog around Bayug Island.

 Our conversation lasted for about 15 minutes before I finally decided to move and get some glimpse around the unfamiliar place. She warned me about her dogs and I should be careful or wait for someone to come before taking another step. When I moved ahead, there were like more than 6 dogs who tried to stop me on the path that I'm trying to trek. They were stray dogs which were offered food by the lady ( whom I just talked) , and soon,   they became her pets. Hearing them bark and seeing their eyes gazing angrily at me, I stopped for a while , walked back inch by inch in a calm state. Never should I show fear or any anger or I'll be ripped of with their sharp teeth. Few steps later, I was a bit far from them but they seemed to follow me. Finally, I was able to come back to the place where I talked with the dog's owner and had some sigh. Then I decided to cross the river again and stick to the plan.

A natural shade  near the river where I stayed while the rain
was pouring hard together with some strong winds

Unfortunately, it rained at that moment and was so lucky to have brought with me an umbrella. I waited for the rain to stop but it turns on and off. I hesitated to call kuya on the other side to fetch me because his banca is already wet and it's already trouble for him. So, I decided to go on another way inside Bayug Island and travel towards the shore. 

A view of a memorial cross near a house at Bayug Island after the rain.

Few steps, I found a house and saw this cross where I found a cemented flooring. And without any further thoughts, I concluded that this was one of the houses that didn't survive. It was such a saddening view and I admit, walking through these ruins sent me some creepy vibrations. 

Another remains of a house few steps away.

As I continued further, another view of debris could be seen. And after 9 months, you might not be able to notice some of these because of the grown vines and grasses surrounding the area.

Debris of a house where the left a cross as a mark
for someone who died  in this place.

I took a leap of faith because I was already scared by the scenery. The ghost stories I had heard and seen gave me the creeps. But more than the fear that I felt was a pain in my heart because of the lives that were lost because of Environmental degradation. After taking some shots, I paused and offered a prayer for all the families that were left here on earth and thanking God for embracing the souls that left this Island.  

I took off for another road because it was a dead end. I went back to the trail determined to reach the shore. As I continue walking the path, It came to me how similar the hanging bridge to the experience everyone had in Sendong. It was indeed very terrifying, traumatic and seemingly unbearable when its your first time to cross the hanging bridge. It was like the first thought that we can't cross it because we might fall and we might not make it. And must have been that in life, Sendong has become  the challenging bridge we have to cross.  We must move forward and move on. Yes, it is difficult. Yes it is hard. Yes... yes.. yes..We cannot stay forever on the bridge..

NOTE: If there are any information written on this post which you think is inappropriate or lacking, please email me at ebardofrancisalain@gmail.com. This is the Author's experience of going Bayug Island and some people I met along the road.

This is part of the Iligan After 9 Series. What happened to Iligan 9 Months after Sendong? A blogger report through his visit to different relocation sites and places,  and interview with some Iliganons. Like my page on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsSimplyFrancis

Other Parts of the Series: 

Bayanihan Village: Colorful Houses for Colorful Dreams

Sendong Cannot Wash Away Good Food: A Blogger Special

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Sendong Cannot Wash Away Good Food: An Iligan to 1 Blogger Special

A sight of the road in front of Jacko's Kan-anan after Sendong
Photo Credits to TravelJams.comMs. Lovette Jam

Not only the very precious lives our our fellow Filipinos were taken during that almost midnight surprise attack of the marching waters that devoured houses and even business establishments. On this part of the  Iligan After 9 series,  I looked for a business establishement that is proudly Iligan that was gravely affected by TS Washi. And finally,  I have found one of those that didn't escape Sendong's havoc. It was the Jacko's Kan-anan which is a carwashing and restaurant business.

Me with Ms. Lovette Jam, the princess of Jacko's Kan-anan.

It was a privilege to have an interview with their Princess  - Ms. Lovette Jam, the daughter of the owner of Jacko's Kan-anan. She's presently taking up Masters in Business Management at Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology and the Founder of Iligan Bloggers Society. She's very friendly and passionate businesswoman. Let's have an interview with her and listen to her stories of how they were able to recover after the calamity that hit them.

What was your business all about?

A view of their carwash business before Sendong.
Photo Credits to Ms. Lovette Jam

Jacko’s started out as a carwash center in 2009. After a couple of months, we opened a snack bar to provide a waiting area for the customers. The snack bar soon evolved into a carinderia and soon into a restaurant offering meals (turo-turo and short order) in addition to the snacks.

How was your business before Sendong?

Dining Area of Jacko's Kan-anan before Sendong.

Photo Credits to Ms. Lovette Jam

In late 2011, Jacko’s has expanded in terms of area and services offered. We had additional carwash bays as well as an air-conditioned function room, which doubles as an office and classroom for Prime tutorial and review center. We have also started with catering services.

What happened during Sendong?

Sendong destroyed almost everything except for their kitchen area.
Photo Credits to Ms. Lovette Jam

Jacko’s was totally submerged in water.  Thankfully, all our stay-in staff and crew were able to evacuate and were all safe. (READ HER FULL STORY HERE)

A saddening view of Jacko's Kan-anan after Sendong.
Photo Credits to Ms. Lovette Jam

What were the challenges that you faced in rebuilding your business?

The mere thought of having to start all over again was terrifying enough. Then there’s the stress of planning new strategies, re-thinking the business direction, and the looming fear, trauma, and phobia. Then there’s the need for additional capital and resources for the actual rebuilding of the structure, repairing of destroyed appliances and replacing everything that had been washed away.

What were the strengths that helped you rebuild your business?

A sample of their sulit and delicious food packs.
Photo Credits to Jacko's Kan-anan

Sendong left Jacko’s in a wrecked, destroyed, and chaotic state. But despite the thin glass that separates the kitchen from the destruction, the kitchen remained intact and unharmed. Amazingly, the contents of the refrigerator and coolers were safe and uncontaminated – even the eggs were in good condition! We took it as a sign that we MUST continue with the business.  As a thanksgiving, we took everything we could salvage home, and prepared food for families in evacuation centers.  After the stocks were all delivered, several organizations ordered food to be distributed to the survivors of the deluge.  This allowed us to have income despite the losses.

Did you ask for any support from the government, friends or family?

If there’s one good thing about Sendong, it brought out the best of people.  We didn’t actually have to ask for support. Family, friends, employers and mentors, gladly and wholeheartedly offered help.  J   

What are the present improvements after Sendong?

Present view of the counter of Jacko's Kan-anan.

Because Sendong practically washed out the original structure, we had the chance to improve the structure and plan a better layout of the building.  Kitchen and dining areas are now bigger. And the larger and better function room has recently opened. J

Jacko's Kan-anan's conference hall
 which can accommodate more than 80 people.
Photo Credits to Jacko's Kan-anan

What are you looking forward for the future of your business?

Like all other start-up small businesses, we aim for growth. We’d like to see the business expand and open more branches and perhaps offer franchises someday.  We look forward to diversifying the business too, seizing other opportunities for growth.  Through this, we could offer more jobs and in our own little way be able to give back to the community.

A view at the side of the conference hall and dining area.
Photo Credits to Jacko's Kan-anan

What do you want to share to other businessmen/women who faced the same experience during Sendong?

We are all victims. But let us not forget that that we are survivors too. Take heart with some hope that this too shall pass.

It's now 9 months after Sendong and this is how far businesses in Iligan City has become resilient after the tragic experience they had. They never lose hope. My favorite dish at Jacko's Kan-anan is their Crispy Squid. I don't really eat squid but who would decline such a very tasty, delicious and mouthwatering delicacy. Indeed, Sendong cannot wash away good food.

For more information about Jacko's Kan-anan you can visit these links:

          Official Website      Official Facebook Fanpage

October is also Iligan's Business Month. Visit Iligan City and join the month long activities!

 This is part of the Iligan to 1 Series. What happened to Iligan 1 year after Sendong? A blogger report through his visit to different relocation sites and interview with some Iliganons. Like us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsSimplyFrancis

Other Parts of the Series: 

Bayanihan Village: Colorful Houses for Colorful Dreams
Bayug Island: A Hidden Beauty Beyond the Ruins I
Bayug Island: A Hidden Beauty Beyond the Ruins II

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Bleeding for a Cause:Benefits of Donating Blood

WHY YOU SHOULD DONATE BLOOD?
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

It's a common question everyone asks when it comes to donating blood. Forgive me, for I just can't stop mentioning "blood" and "donation" because after all , we're talking about donating blood,right? Well, these are just few benefits that I knew through my experience and because I repeatedly asked the Red Cross Volunteers whenever I donate blood.

1. Blood donation is something personal. I might be able to save other people's lives when they will be needing blood transfusion. If any of my family or friends may be in need of blood in the future, I can always withdraw from the blood bank because I have donated 5 bags already. But, of course, when you withdraw blood, you have to pay some little amount as blood processing fee. The blood that is donated is being filtered from any unnecessary materials thus, if you receive a transfusion, it has already undergone the process.

2. You'll know your Blood Type.  If it's your first time to donate, they will have a blood testing to know your blood type.It can be either blood - Type A(Red) , Type B (Yellow), Type AB (Pink) and Type O (White). They have color coding on different blood types.

3. You will receive a mini physical to check up. It will include your  Pulse, Blood pressure, Body temperature and Hemoglobin. 

4. Blood donation removes some of the excess iron. These can cause free radical formation in the body. In fact, studies have shown that men who donate blood on a regular basis have a lower risk of heart disease. With heart disease being the number one cause of death in males, this is, indeed, an important health benefit of donating blood. (http://voices.yahoo.com)

5. New Red Blood Cells. During blood donation, you will lose red blood cells and because of that, your body will produce new Red blood cells thus you'll have a new blood supply whenever you donate blood.

More than anything else, for me,  the thought of saving someone else life is already a great benefit to those who will be needing it - may it be a family member or maybe us. :)

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Blood Donation:Bleed for Others to Live

Many of us doesn't want to donate blood because we fear the big needle that is used to draw out the red fluid from our body. As for me, I already bled my 5th bag to the Philippine National Red Cross.

I know we have a lot of questions when it comes to blood letting activities and we will all try to answer these questions:

1. Why you should donate blood? What are the benefits of blood donation?

2. Who can donate blood?

3. Where can you donate blood?

Do you want to share your thoughts about donating blood? Is it your first time?

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Bayanihan Village:Colorful Houses for Colorful Dreams

OVERVIEW OF THE VILLAGE

Many volunteers around the country gathered last April 9-14, 2012 at Iligan City for the Bayani Challenge 2012. Everyone knows what happened last December 16, 2012 to Iligan and Cagayan de Oro City. Millions of properties were lost and hundreds of lives were taken away by the waters. It was indeed a boulder of rock in our history.

The Aftermath of TS Washi December 2011
Photo Credits to Malou Eudela

After the natural disaster, the Local Government asked the helping hand of Gawad Kalinga to become partners in rebuilding the broken pieces of hope for those who were affected by the calamity. Some may have not known yet what Gawad Kalinga is. So let us try to have an open mind and let's take a moment of our time to look into this Community Development Foundation that originated and founded here in the Philippines and is now globally present across Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.

What is Gawad Kalinga?

Gawad Kalinga (GK), which means to "give care" in Filipino and is officially known as theGawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation. It is a Philippine-based poverty alleviation and nation-building movement. It is globally recognized and received a lot of awards which includes:

2011 Nikkei Asia Awards
2010 Ernst & Young’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines  
Ramon Magsaysay Award  

Gawad Haydee Yorac Award 

International Street Paper Award 

What is Bayani Challenge?

Official Poster for the 2012 Bayani Challenge
Photo Credits to Gawad Kalinga

"Every year since 2006, Gawad Kalinga has staged the GK Bayani Challenge, a 5-day test of courage, endurance and love for country. Teams of 15 people go on an adventure to plant hope on ground by building communities and fostering friendships that are critical to nation-building."
Source: http://gk1world.com/bayani-challenge-2012

So, now, what happened Nine Months after Sendong?

Source:  Housing and Resettlement Office Report as of September 13 , 2012

5 months after the Bayani Challenge, 498 houses were completed and 507 are still On-Going. The first batch of turnover happened last May 2012 and the second batch was last June 2012. 

At present you can see these colorful houses as well as the on-going construction around the area.

How are those living on these houses?

Ate Gina Dalid who's a resident of Bayanihan Village said that their lives are better now if you compare it to the tents where they formerly stayed for months before the relocation happened last June 2012. Her husband is a vendor at Tambo Terminal and works hard to sustain their family.  They have now some furniture. It shows the improvement on these people's lives after the unexpected visit of the flooding waters last December.

While roaming around, I also encountered a Parlor Business. People may have been empowered again to have a sustainable livelihood to support their needs. Being relocated in a different place surely is very challenging yet we are to adopt to these changes and be more resilient.

Bayanihan Village sa Iligan City Photo taken last October 7, 2012

I admit that my few hours visit to Bayanihan Village didn't cover that much. Maybe a lot more people are still struggling to adjust in the new environment and even to the change of lifestyle. But as I look at these colorful houses, may it inspire them to dream knowing that after the storm , there will always be a very beautiful rainbow. May they never stop dreaming, believing and hoping.

NOTE: If there are any information written on this post which you think is inappropriate or lacking, please email me at ebardofrancisalain@gmail.com. This is the Author's experience of going into Bayanihan Village and the residents' shared view about their current state in the area.

This is part of the Iligan to 1 Series. What happened to Iligan 1 year after Sendong? A blogger report through his visit to different relocation sites and interview with some Iliganons. Like us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsSimplyFrancis

Other Parts of the Series:
Sendong Cannot Wash Away Good Food

Bayug Island: A Hidden Beauty Beyond the Ruins I
Bayug Island: A Hidden Beauty Beyond the Ruins II

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A Day with MPC Part II

After the tree-planting activity, we went to conduct a small freeding program at Bayug Island. There were many kids around so we opted to play with them for a while.

The kids in Bayug Island getting ready for the game

The New Bamboo Savings Bank

"I tried my best to stop my tears from flowing while I was riding a jeepney going home. The experience lead me to reflect something about how I have lived my life and how others are living it. When I was a kid, whenever my family would visit our nearby City, I usually ask my mother a few coins and she would wonder what would I do with the money. Then, she would realize that I gave the coin to the beggar on the street. The next time I asked her, she would smile at me because she knows what am I going to do with it. "

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A Day with MPC Part I

When I was first year college, I became a member of  the Multi-Purpose Cooperative of  MSU-IIT. They always have this regular outreach especially tree planting activities which I really love the most. Unfortunately, for 4 years, I failed to join because I usually have another more important schedule to attend. At last! August 12, 2012 is a very remarkable day that I will be able to have my wish for a very long time now - be fulfilled.

A view of the mountainside where the trees will be planted

We had our activity done at Lambaguhon which is about a 10-15 minutes jeepney ride from the University.  I came with a friend from Student Peer Facilitator which is one of my home organizations  during my college days until now.

The seedlings are ready to be planted!

Ever since a  close friend shared to me a text message of a Chinese proverb, It never left my mind.

"The best time to plant a tree would 20 years ago. The second best time is now." - Chinese Proverb

Let's Plant the TREE! :)

I do believe that this simple act of Planting Trees has a great impact to the society and the world knowing how the climate changes and the Extreme effects of Global warming had shown tremendous weather abnormalities around the globe. 

May this tree continue to grow and become a shelter to those lovely birds and give shade to every man who comes by his parasol of leaves.

Now,  we go to our next stop which is the Feeding program. :)

Kalilangan: The Land of the GREAT Adventure

Training on Assessment ( 8-29-12)

For someone who was born in the city, going to a remote place to see the verdant mountains and to find time to reflect is very purposeful to us. It's a new experience and we usually call it GREAT ADVENTURE!

After the training yesterday for the Humanitarian Action Plan Assessment we geared up ourselves for today's what we called "The Great Adventure" to Brgy. Kalilangan, Iligan City -  a very far away place from the city where only motorbikes can reach. And, so as we keep this story moving, let's all say,  "KALILANGAN! HERE WE COME!".

Team Kalilangan Composition:

KII

Chrismalyn Pasco (ERDAC; Team Leader))

Jade Pondang (PRC)

Observation

Jonalyn Tamyat (ECOWEB)

Rolando Abejo (RMP-NMR)

FGD - Men/Boys

Niel Gonzales ( RASFI)

Francis Alain Ebardo (HOM)

FGD- Women/Girls

Connie Derro ( ECOWEB)

Jonie Jane Pesons(ERDAC)

So let's take a view through google map on how far it is from the main city of Iligan . By the looks itself, we are going to bypass mountain ranges in order to reach the area. It's going to be a very challenging ride filled with surprises and excitement.

Quick Info:

Date Created: Dec. 1, 1987

Population:821

Area: 3,500 ha.Distance (from the city):19 km

First Stop: UN OCHA

We gathered as early as 7 am at UN OCHA office for some orientation and final briefing before going to the field/area. Checking on the forms at hand to be used for the assessment and we also brought some food for the locals in Kalilangan. For the record, it's a very tasty Malaysian Rice ( c/o Niel of course) and a box of noodles provided by the Red Cross in Iligan CIty (c/o Jade).Now, finally, team Kalilangan is COMPLETE and ready to GO! :)

Second Stop:Brgy. Mandulog

We rode a car until Brgy. Mandulog where the motorbikes were waiting for the NGO partners who will also be going to other barangays like Brgy. Lanipao and Brgy. Dulag. Everyone seems to be very excited for the run and their smiles shows their happiness because of the opportunity  to be able to work with enthusiastic individuals who has great heart for the people of Iligan.


Third Stop: Bamboo Raft 

After few minutes, we reached the raft that is used to cross the Mandulog river. The bridge was destroyed during Sendong and people living on the other side finds it hard to transport their goods to the city for selling. Also the children who goes to school couldn't reach school when a heavy rain pours because of the rise in the water level. There is a metal wire where the raft is connected to prevent it from being drawn by the river's current. Four men are also pushing it so that it will be able to move to the other side. Are you up for this kind of adventure?

Fourth Stop: The Rough and full of Suspense Road

 After crossing the river, we have to travel to a very narrow road wherein on the right is a very high cliff and on the left is the solid side of the mountains we are trying to bypass in order to reach Kalilangan. The real challenge is just starting and with full excitement as we ride our motorbikes, we all say  - woohooo!

Fifth Stop: Stop, Walk and Ride in a Roller Coaster journey

As we draw nearer , there were trench-and-little-river-like formations on the road that it becomes hard to maneuver. We have to stop and go down for a walk and then ride again. Down-sloping was fun but the Up-slope was very tough and so does, we need to do the Stop-Walk-Ride dance move. We don't have to mind being under the scourging heat of the sun because indeed VOLUNTEERING - It's more fun in the PHILIPPINES! :)

Sixth Stop: KALILANGAN!

Finally we reached Kalilangan for more than two hours from the City. We conducted the assessment and had some fun time together with the locals. 

Seventh Stop: Expose.Explore. Experience. Kalilangan

Basic Education School for Grades 1-4

We had a tour around the area and found this very old school. Road accessibility is very crucial for it does not only give them opportunity to buy and sell products in the City but also to have further education and access to basic and emergency health care services. Locals desire for a additional facilities, teachers and furthering of the service up to grades five and six and if possible secondary school.

Barangay Health Center

The old barangay health center that needs repair. Being a far flung area, health workers finds it hard to visit Kalilangan but those assigned to these areas does their best to provide healthcare services at least once every two weeks or less. 

Eight Stop: Lunch treat of Brgy. Captain

We ate in one of the locals house for lunch and I say it's very delicious. I forgot to ask the name of the dish but its very tasty. There were slices of fish mixed with yellow colored coconut strips. If I'll be back in Kalilangan, I would like to savor its taste again. :) It filled my empty stomach ( I actually forgot to have breakfast).

Finally Going back to ILIGAN:

Its even tougher going back because the up-slopes are higher. More stop-walk-ride dance moves to finish, but, VOLUNTEERING! It's more fun IN THE PHILIPPINES! We wear our smiles even though we almost fell into the cliff. Almost ran out of air grasp because we have to walk through the up-slopes and those trench-and-little-river-like formations on the road. It was a great adventure for us. The challenges we faced and the things we have to accomplish.

Looking into its Scenery:

Looking at the skies and the view of the mountains around the place awed and stunned me for minutes. The beautiful scenery different from what you see in Urban areas. Seeing their livestock like horse which is used for transportation of their harvests. The two-hour travels pays off with such beauty and grandeur!

FINAL STOP:

We went back to UN OCHA office to encode the data we have gathered during the assessment (Arrived around 4 PM). These information will be shared to the local government and will be endorsed for evaluation if it will qualify for the Humanitarian Action Plan for 2013.

It must have been a GREAT Adventure indeed to be able to survive riding a motorbike, crossing the river through the bamboo raft, traveling to a very narrow road near the cliff and finally seeing a very exquisite and mesmerizing view of nature. But for the locals who lives in Kalilangan, the road we traveled is a necessary risk they have to take in order to get medicines to care for their sick, to go to school and be educated and to sell their goods to buy some clothes or basic commodities. My travel reminded me of LANTAD, MISSAMIS ORIENTAL  wherein they also experienced almost the same difficulties. But these developments doesn't happen overnight and it takes greater cooperation between the Locals, the Government and those who are gifted with the resources who truly cares about sharing to those people in  great need. For us it's a GREAT ADVENTURE But for them, its a GREAT VENTURE.

Videos taken during the travel:

Stop-Walk-Ride Move as we go back to Iligan City.

Going back to Iligan City (Motorbike ride)

Going to Kalilangan through the road near the cliff.

Beautiful Scenery  in Kalilangan.

Crossing Mandulog River through The raft

The trench-and-river-like road in going to Kalilangan

The up-slope and down-slope of our journey.

VOLUNTEERING! IT'S MORE FUN IN ILIGAN! 
Visit Iligan City Official Page

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