4 The pressured of being a SASAKAWA awardee also added burden on our jobs to aim zero casualty during those times. We felt that the entire world was excited to see us during that time. Are we worthy as recipient of that global prestigious award? Our responders did not mind about their lives (“buwis-buhay”) just to make sure every family living in our municipality was safe in exchange of their own safety. The principle of safety first did not apply during that time. Fortunately, we did a great job and were successful in achieving ZERO casualty at that time, but we had lots of realization and “what ifs” when it came to our responders’ safety. Q8: Immediately after the super typhoon hit your place, what happened, if any? A8: Our house was partly damaged. Our kitchen was destroyed. We lost electricity and water. The cable connection for our internet was also damaged, making communication harder. Lots of debris; good thing that our van was not hit by a coconut tree when it fell down. There were many houses damaged and uninhabitable, the roads were no longer passable, and electrical posts and fruit trees were toppled down. The municipal hall became useless because there was no power to run the computers and it was too hot since several trees were uprooted. Two days after was better— a generator was set up and the first group of rescuers from Cebu City helped to do clearing operations on the main roads. Q9: How long did you lose electricity and water provisions? A9: In our place in Poblacion, there was no electricity for almost two (2) months. We were even fortunate because in other barangays, it went on for three (3) to four (4) months. We were prioritized because the hospital and public agency were located in our barangay, so they really have to do everything to reactivate electricity and water in our barangay. Q10: How were you able to survive without electricity and water for almost two (2) months? A10: We went back to basics, like using gas and candle to have light. As to water, there was no access only for a week; so, it was still manageable. But in other barangays, it was really a struggle because they get water from a pump, which is operated only by power. Fortunately, someone lent a generator to them so they can use the pump. Q11: How about food? Was there any shortage? A11: Yes, but aid was received. There were food packs given to us. Relief goods came two (2) days after Yolanda. Also, I was able to stock some food in our house so it was not too hard for us, especially the kids. Before Yolanda, we were already educating our constituents, through purok (zoning) system approach, the seventy-two (72)-hour kit.