Gordon looks back at the July 16, 1990 earthquake

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(Editor’s Note: On July 16, 1990, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake devastated North Luzon, with Baguio City the most damaged site. The following is an account of former Olongapo City mayor, Philippine Red Cross-Olongapo chapter pioneer volunteer, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and senator and current PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.)

Richard Gordon (3rd from left) during evacuation operations from the strong earthquake that struck North Luzon, particularly Baguio City, on July 16, 1990. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PHILIPPINE RED CROSS

"YOU did a good thing. You’re a humanitarian. God knows what you did.”

Still, I went home feeling heavy – that politics had again gotten in the way. And it wouldn’t be the last time.

At the beginning of the earthquake, both Naguillan and Kennon Roads were closed.

The day before, we had already sent Red Cross volunteers and relief supplies via U.S. Navy helicopters from Subic.

The Hyatt Terraces Baguio Hotel and Nevada Hotel had collapsed, and other buildings were damaged.

I decided to go to Baguio and borrowed a U.S. Navy helicopter – but had to fly to Manila first to pick up a Red Cross operations officer and collect more supplies.

As we flew out of Manila, the pilot said: “Sir, we have been ordered to go back to Clark to change helicopters because the U.S. Ambassador will be using this one.”

They flew me back to Subic. I knew then that something was amiss.

Adm. Roger Rich met me at the Subic helipad, put his hands around my shoulders, and said, “Dick, I’m sorry. I’ve been told all helicopter requests must now go through the Office of the President.”

Once again, I was crestfallen – not knowing whether to feel bad for my country or for not making it to Baguio.

We offloaded the supplies and sent the Red Cross officer by land.

Meanwhile, parents from Olongapo whose children studied in Baguio came to me for help.

I called Cleto de los Santos, president of the jeepney association, and asked him to send as many blue jeepneys as possible to the Cork Room in Baguio, which we used as a meeting point for Olongapo students.

Hundreds of students from Olongapo rode back to get out of Baguio through our jeepneys.

There were still hundreds of strong aftershocks in Baguio.

As the jeepneys began descending, they were stopped by the Philippine Constabulary – but they pleaded and they were eventually allowed through.

On the way down from Baguio, my mother Amelia – an experienced Red Cross volunteer – was waiting in Naguilian, La Union, with hot meals and Victory Liner buses.

The kids rode the Victory Liner buses back home, some disembarking in Pangasinan, Tarlac and Pampanga.

In Olongapo, parents waited at my home to receive them.

Those jeepneys went back and forth several more times.

Our response in the earthquake eventually became the template for us to help other cities and provinces during succeeding disasters.

We extended help to Cebu, Silay, Bohol, Quezon – even Cagayan during disasters.

To this day, people still come up to me and say, “You restored power in Silay.” I’m proud of that.

These experiences taught me that, despite everything, there remains a deep well of volunteerism and kindness in the Filipino heart and in the hearts of most people, irrespective of nationality.

That’s what I learned from my parents and neighbors – and what I continue to teach my children and fellow Red Cross volunteers.

It must be remembered though, when we save lives, politics must be completely set aside.

Visit https://redcross.org.ph/ for more stories.