THE strong earthquake that struck Japan’s Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture in January left the epicenter of the devastation a wasteland.
Among the houses that had been severely damaged by the jolt was the residence of Wilma’s family.
Unfortunately, her Japanese husband lost his life while protecting their child from their collapsing house.
‘‘Maybe he also didn’t want to—because his child is very young. Perhaps he only wanted to save his child. His head was severely damaged. He lost a lot of blood,’’ according to Wilma Hiyoshi, Resident of Wajima, Japan.
Despite the challenges, Wilma and other Filipinos living in Wajima are slowly recovering.
‘‘I still have a job. I go to work. I’m very grateful because if I didn’t have a job, of course, how would we survive?’’ Hiyoshi added.
‘‘Comparing it to the beginning, it seems better now. We’ve gotten used to it. And we’ve recovered,’’ Maribel Morita, Resident of Wajima, Japan, said.
Filipinos help victims of 7.6-magnitude quake
The spirit of bayanihan, or communal unity and cooperation is very much alive among Filipinos living in Japan.
Among the groups that reached out to help our compatriots is the Alalayang Agila Japan Foundation of the Fraternal Order of Eagles – Philippine Eagles, together with Pamayanang Handa Cares and Skeptron Eagles.
‘‘We are doing this to show our fellow countrymen that we not only focus on helping in the Philippines or in our country but also to our fellow countrymen in other countries,’’ according to Jun Pasion, Chairman, Pamayanang Handa Cares.
‘‘Our assistance will continue to be provided not only to our countrymen but also to the Japanese living here,’’ Bryan Yabut, Chairman, Alalayang Agila Japan Foundation, said.
The group did not let heavy snow hinder them from delivering aid to Filipinos in Ishikawa.
Carrying relief goods, they first went to the evacuation center in Wajima where some Filipinos are temporarily residing.
They distributed food, medicine, drinks, clothing, and other necessities to the earthquake victims.
‘‘We thank you for coming here. We know how difficult it is to reach our place. Nevertheless, you came, and you helped us,’’ Lilibeth Hashimoto, Resident of Wajima, Japan, also said.
Our fellow Filipinos living in the coastal area of Hakui City also received aid, including over one hundred OFWs in the city of Hakusan.
