CURA PERSONALIS DURING THE ZAMBOANGA SIEGE The Zamboanga siege indeed was a test of personality, resilience, character

for all Zamboanguenos. It was a time were people had an opportunity not only to show their concern but at the same time act on this concerns because it was really badly needed.

As thousands were affected and were displaced from their homes, the scene at the evacuation centres was indeed saddening. But being Filipinos, it was a time were people of different culture and religion showed their care for one another. Many volunteered day in and day out as the population increased after almost a month of the siege. On my part being employed with Brent colleges, i had the opportunity to be a part if their relief operations to help the affected students by bringing food, clothing and other personal necessities as they were scattered in different evacuation centres throughout the city.. It went on for five days as we had to pinpoint their whereabouts as to their evacuation centres. Considering that we had only relief goods allotted for the affected student of ours, we somewhat had to find means to add those relief goods as we had seen the dire need of this goods by the other evacuees. Not only were they affected as to the physiologic needs but it was also evident that psychologically they were really in disarray as explosions and fires increased day to day and they were worried as to the situation of their houses as they were not given ample time to pack their belongings. So in relation to this we didnt just give them tangible items for their day to day use but we also offered consolation and in our own little way even though we are not professionally inclined to give psychological first aid, we did our best to offer this to them . Our students were also concerned about the impact the siege had brought as to their studies with all their books, requirements that were burnt down. So we assured them that consideration as to this things will surely be given to them. Our family also somewhat was affected as we live in a place which is kind of a coastal area. My father and I were the only one left at home as our family evacuated to our house in Carmen Valley Abong abong. This means i had to run errands from time to time for their everyday needs which were the least i can do for them. I just hope that this thing will not happen again, but for a part it was a time of great reflection on my part . I had realized that all the material things are useless in this world. What is important is that we are rich on love, care an d affection and everything will follow.