Filipinos in LA show 'bayanihan spirit' to aid wildfire victims

LOS ANGELES, CA - The spirit of "bayanihan" is alive and thriving among Filipinos and Filipino Americans as they unite to help those affected by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, California.

In Glendale, California, Filipino volunteers worked together to provide food and supplies to fire victims.

Madeline Arenas of the Filipino NGO organization JollyBox Global became emotional as she shared various stories of Filipino fire victims with GMA Integrated News.

From the very first day of the fire, Madeline was already at the evacuation center, assisting the victims.

According to her, social media played a significant role in quickly gathering supplies and food for those affected by the fire.

“Because of their stories—imagine losing your home with all your belongings in it. Of course, there's an emotional attachment. They didn’t even have a toothbrush or anything with them. We're working on finding any Filipinos who need our help from there," said Arenas.

"We found 8 caregivers at the evacuation center in Pasadena, and we’re helping them by providing Filipino hot meals because they’ve only been eating burgers and pizza there. They said they need rice, so every day, Filipinos are assigned to bring hot meals," she added.

Aside from food, Arenas said that they are also helping the wildfire victims find a place where they can stay.

"We’re looking for a room for rent or any place they can stay... Some of our fellow Filipinos were able to help them temporarily, but that’s just for the short term. This is going to be a long-term bayanihan effort because we still need to find them an apartment,” Arenas explained.  

Photo by DAVE LLAVANES JR.

Help

Primo Guerrero of SoCal Pinoy narrowly avoided losing his home to the fire on Tuesday last week. After ensuring his house was safe from the flames, he immediately extended help to those affected by the fire.

He delivered two truckloads of blankets, pillows, and bed sheets to a drop-off point in Glendale, where a one-stop shop for fire victims had been set up.

“We know that many people have been affected, and we’re trying to assess the situation. A lot of donations have already come in, and some donation centers are already closed because many people have helped. So somehow, we will try to see who else still needs assistance," said Guerrero. 

Sante Health Practice, a company owned by Filipina-American Catherine Lapidario, coordinated and mobilized a team of volunteer chiropractors and physical therapists. In partnership with Shiftwave, they provided free treatment to support first responders battling the wildfire, including Filipino-American firefighters.

“Everyone is eager to help in any way possible, and having these incredible volunteer chiropractors and physical therapists join us in serving those we care for has been an overwhelming experience. Their selfless acts of service, carried out with such bravery, are truly inspiring,” Lapidario said. 

Sante Health Practice mobilizes a dedicated team of doctors and physical therapists to provide essential support and care for first responders in the field. DAVE LLAVANES JR.

'Pray'

Moses Jose also did not hesitate to offer the services of his moving company to transport much-needed supplies to evacuation centers for the affected individuals.

"You know, us Filipinos, we always, it's instilled to us to always help each other. You know, when we were kids, we were raised to always help each other, you know?... So that's why it's in our blood, Filipino blood, hardworking and always caring for each other," said Jose.

"What I like to say is always pray. God always has a purpose on fixing things, even the most saddest moment he'll turn into something beautiful. So mga kababayan, don't lose faith, you know? It's tough, but hold on to each other. Family, that's why we're here we're helping."

Over 150 Filipinos have sought assistance after losing their homes in the wildfires in southern California, Consul General Adelito Angelito Cruz said Tuesday.

The massive fire has killed at least 24 individuals and forced 100,000 people to evacuate. The wildfires have also reportedly destroyed over 12,000 structures, including the homes of the rich and famous personalities.

According to the initial list of JollyBox Global, 36 Filipinos and Filipino Americans have lost their homes and are currently staying in evacuation centers or with friends and relatives.

The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles has yet to release an official count of how many Filipino nationals have been affected by the wildfire.

 —VAL, GMA Integrated News