MANILA, Philippines – Social workers Danny Bitara and Noemi Mongaya were horrified when a Huey helicopter carrying them crashed on its way to a relief operation in Leyte on December 6.
Luckily, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel both survived the accident, but not without sustaining multiple injuries.
After the crash, they were rescued and given first aid by volunteer doctors from Spain who are now in the province heavily affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
Bitara, who came from Region 5, was airlifted to Manila and admitted at St. Luke’s Global City, where he underwent a major stomach surgery. Mongaya, a DSWD employee in Region 8, was airlifted to Cebu City, where she was rushed to Chong Hua Hospital for an emergency spinal operation.
Steady Recovery
Mongaya is now undergoing physical therapy in the DSWD-Field Ofiice VII Dormitory. Bitara is recovering from injuries at his home in Malilipot, Albay.
Despite the near-death experience, both Bitara and Mongaya said that they would not hesitate to volunteer again for those in need.
“I am very thankful that I survived. It has given me a new lease on life,” Bitara said.
Mongaya is grateful DSWD looked after their needs. “I always remind myself that this is a lucky escape, and I owe it to those who rescued and saved us,” she said.
Recoginition
Since the accident, DSWD has provided Bitara and Mongaya with financial and medical assistance. The two also received a special citation during the celebration of DSWD’s 63rd Founding Anniversary at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City on January 16.
Both Bitara and Mongaya expressed their gratitude for being able to serve the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
“We are grateful to the President and to the DSWD management for the full support they have given us and for this recognition,” they said. – Rappler.com
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