Typhoon Reming

LEGAZPI CITY — Many of them have been away from the Philippines for several years and most have never even seen the majestic Mayon Volcano. But on a trip to the homeland they so missed, they are foregoing vacations and sightseeing to instead extend a helping hand to their countrymen in dire need.

This is what Filipino-Americans serving in the United States Navy are currently doing as part of a humanitarian mission called Pacific Partnership.

The four-month mission is carried out by 1,000 American sailors aboard the USS Peleliu, which is currently anchored in the Philippine Sea off Albay.

About 100 of the ship’s crew are of Filipino descent and doing medical, technical and clerical jobs for the mission.

“You know, it's good to see that we're helping our countrymen especially those who are really in need, especially this place that was really devastated. It's good that we're here,” said Lt. Francis Santos, a stock control officer now on his 18th year with the US Navy.

Now based in San Diego, California, 40-year-old Santos last came home two years ago, one of his occasional trips back to the Philippines since entering the US Navy in 1989.

His current mission on the Peleliu brought him for the first time to Bicol, devastated in 2006 by supertyphoons Milenyo (international codename: Xangsane) and Reming (international codename: Durian).

Chief Petty Officer Alejandro Bernardino, 39, told the Inquirer he loved visiting villages in Albay because they reminded him of his childhood in Malolos, Bulacan.

“I bring anything I can bring like food, candies and stuff to give to kids. I love kids so I normally give them food or candies and they're all happy. Normally, whenever we go out, I have a backpack with me and then just give away [goodies]. It's the kids I love seeing. They're the ones that need help the most,” said Bernardino, whose two kids with his Filipino wife are back home in San Diego.

“It's a good thing we did this. I've been away for so long and, you know, you don't really see this and I’m just so glad I'm part of the ship. When you go to some hospital, you help out your kababayan. Nakaka-touch eh. You can feel it, really... Kailangan nila ng tulong,” said the officer while on a break from the Fourth of July reception on board the Peleliu Wednesday night.

In her 20 years in the Navy, pharmacy technician Joanna Miclat never joined a mission to her homeland. That's why upon learning about the Peleliu's trip to Southeast Asia, port-based Miclat jumped at the chance to go home and volunteered to join.

“When I found out about it, I said I had to go because I wanted to see my kababayans... It's a very rewarding feeling. It's a privilege to give back to those who are in need... I know how it is because I grew up in a poor family,” said 46-year-old Miclat.

“It feels so good that I'm representing the US and the Philippines at the same time. I'm so proud of being a Filipino and proud that I'm with the US because we're doing good things for our kababayans,” said the pharmacist, whose brother in the US Navy helped her join the service.

Before its Bicol stop, the Peleliu dropped off an 11-member medical team that included Miclat to conduct medical missions for communities in Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo.

“The people were kinda surprised and amazed that there's a Filipina in the US navy. They didn't know we existed. They were so happy,” said Miclat, smiling at the recollection.

Senior Chief Leo Estremadura, 46, was among sailors who helped build 35 homes for typhoon victims at a relocation site in Barangay Anislag, Daraga, Albay. His group worked from June 26 until this week to speed up the construction of new houses for evacuees from the typhoon-ravaged Barangay Malubago, also in Daraga.

“I'm really glad that I was given the opportunity to help out,” said the Sorsogon native, who joined the US Navy in 1985.

The humanitarian mission will take the Peleliu to the Philippines, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands.