Army reservists David Chua, Ronnie Liang answered call of duty during Typhoon Carina

MANILA  -- David Chua’s house in Tayuman, Manila wasn’t spared by the heavy rains brought by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon. But that didn’t stop him from initiating a rescue and relief action yesterday.

Chua visited several affected families including those who lived in Estero de Sunog Apog in Tondo, Manila. 

Aside from packing goods, Chua and his team also organized a soup kitchen for those who are assisting in the clean-up operation.

“Sa akin mismo, pumasok yung baha sa bahay ko, maswerte lang ako sa 4th floor ako nakatira, kaya nung nalaman ko na yung mga kasamahan ko dito sa tondo eh, nangyaring sitwasyon, kailangan umaksyon agad.” said Chua.

He added he just answered the call of duty as an Army reservist.

“Pag nag-graduate ka bilang isang reservist, nanunumpa ka na magbibigay ka ng tungkulin mo para sa bayan. Kaya nga diba nasa ‘Lupang Hinirang’ natin, ‘ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo’ yun ang huling sinasabi nila. Ibibigay mo ang lahat ng sarili mo para sa bayan, hindi sa sarili mo at hindi para magpapogi.”

Aside from the relief operations, Chua will be spearheading a clean-up drive.  

"Ito paunang hakbang lang itong pamimigay ng relief good. Siyempre, may operation kami na maglilinis kami. Kasi ang next nito ay Brigada Eskuwela na. Bukas maglilinis kami ng mga public schools para pagbalik ng mga estudyante, mas malinis na.”

Like Chua, singer-actor Ronnie Liang is also part of the 1302 Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion. Yesterday, Liang together with other rerservists rescued affected families in Barangay Roxas District, in Quezon City.

Liang spoke to ABS-CBN News and described the horrific situation of families ravaged by the floods.

“Hanggang ikalawang palapag ng building yung baha kaya talagang kailangan na kailangan po nila ng tulong kaya nagvolunteer tayo doon tulungan yung mga kababayan natin doon para mailikas sila sa kanilang mga tahanan sa mas ligtas na lugar.”

The singer-actor said that there’s a different kind of fulfillment serving the public during times of calamities.

“Ito po yung aming sworn oath, to serve and answer the call of duty as a reservist. But every time that we see the people that we serve, na happy sila, na nakangiti, yung masarap sa pakiramdam.”

 Ronnie Liang completes PH Army advanced course

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