Days before the Christmas celebrations, thousands of Filipinos from the southern part of the country experienced heavy rains and massive flooding that sent them scurrying to various evacuation sites for shelter and safety.
Per latest disaster relief numbers, the shear line induced downpour has led to a body count of almost ten casualties and several others still missing to this day. In the Province of Misamis Oriental, for instance, more than 32,000 have been displaced by the unusual weather system, most of whom are from the town of Gingoog, where at least 28 homes have been destroyed and 231 others have been damaged.
Among those who suffered such fate were the family members, relatives and friends of 19-year-old Shenalyn Lauron, a BS Social Work student, who is now representing her submerged city in the ongoing Miss Kuyamis 2023, Misamis Oriental’s most prestigious beauty pageant. Shenalyn recalls her harrowing experience: “The night of December 24, Christmas eve, saw us all covered in fear as we witnessed how the rains were getting worse, causing the waves to get stronger and result in a high tide. That night was the start of a complete disaster that turned the world of Gingoog City upside down. Instead of being happy, celebrating Christmas, people were panicking due to the sudden rise of flood waters. Such experience brought trauma not only to me but to the entire City.”
So how has it been for people now spending the holidays in evacuation centers? She answers: “Those people who have been rescued and evacuated are safe. Sadly, most of their things are unusable. At this point, they need food, water, blankets and even some kind of beddings. Even used tarpaulins, boxes and cardboards will surely help. They also need clothes and, of course, some monetary assistance.”
The situation has made her campaign in the ongoing Miss Kuyamis Pageant even more challenging. More than worrying about the family and friends she has to leave behind to represent her City, she also endures a patience testing commute from her place of residence to Cagayan de Oro City, where the competition’s activities and finals will be held. Despite this, she persists in her pursuit of a crown for her downtrodden kababayans.
She says: “I want to be a source of hope and inspiration to my fellow Gingoognons and to the entire Misamis Oriental, that no matter how big or small the challenges they may face, they can still be able to stand up stronger, with a pure heart, mind and soul empowering all of us.” While calling for everyone to be strong and resilient at this time, she offers this message of hope: “Most of us have not been able to celebrate Christmas the way we used to this year, but I am happy that we have been brave and strong. Despite these difficulties, our people’s warm smiles remain. Let us not forget to always have faith in our Almighty Father and also in our own selves.”
Like a true queen she hopes to be, Shenalyn solicits the support of the public in helping ease the plight of those affected by the natural calamity.
“I’d like to thank both the LGU of Gingoog as well as the Provincial Government, led by Governor Peter Unabia for their immediate action. I would also like to call on everyone who is willing to help those in need, especially the people of Gingoog City. Any contribution will do, big or small, as long as it is given from the heart. We badly need it.”
The coronation night of this year’s Miss Kuyamis Pageant will be held at the Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro City on Jan. 11, 2023.