For NVC, Dianna Jean Callejo Cruz is the commander-in-chief of the Mingo Army that would go to children in the heart of disasters. She brought Mingo to Bohol after the earthquake and to Leyte after Typhoon Yolanda. Now, she leads the Mingo Army to the shelters for Marawi evacuees.
This is Part 1 of the Mingo for Marawi story of NVC volunteer and Mingo advocate Dian, in her own words and photos. See Part 2
Dian’s Story
Mingo Greetings! I am Dianna Jean C. Cruz, a solo parent to Diwa, a native of Zamboanga City, a communications director at the Universidad de Zamboanga, an ordinary, simple volunteer, and above all, I am your humble Mingo missionary.
Working with NVC, donors, and the “Mingo Army,” I have been in Mingo service since 2013. When the Zamboanga siege happened in 2013, Doc Anton Lim (an NGO leader) introduced me to “Mingo” from the NVC. Through this, my path became intertwined with Tita Millie Kilayko (NVC president) and Ms. Milette Regalado (NVC executive director), who entrusted me to coordinate several “Mingo Missions” with different NGO partners during the Zamboanga siege. I have also been part of special Mingo Missions in Bukidnon, traveling to the mountains of Lantapan and Kitanglad.
I became a mother in 2009, and my life has changed since Diwa came to the world. Little children have always been a source of joy for me because they are pure in spirit, and their innocence touches your being. But Diwa’s birth magnified my affection for kids even more. When Mingo came into my life, I realized my fondness for children can be made more significant by a cause that welcomes compassion and love for the innocent ones who need a world that truly cares for their well being.
My latest Mingo chronicle is about bringing Mingo Love to the evacuees of Marawi.
On the Go with Mingo
My first Mingo for Marawi mission was over the Eid Fitr holiday. Taking the bus from Zamboanga City to Iligan City was tough. On our way to Iligan City, we had to pass through a series of checkpoints and identification processes. Because of tightened security, mobilization is very hard and costly. You need proper LGU and military passes to enable you to really get around.
The Mingo Army
These are the “Mingonitions” that we always have with us when we do our Mingo Missions.
Meet Nicole, 6, Vince, 5 year-old, and Micay and Arianne, both 9. They’re now part of the Young Mingo Army for Barangay Tibanga evacuation center. These four children enthusiastically helped us prepare the Mingo drinks in the residence of the Samson Family. This is Mingo Love. Even young children can take part and share.
At evac centers
Together with the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement and De La Salle Academy Iligan City volunteers, the group proceeded to Barangay Tibanga evacuation center to give 50-60 children a Mingo afternoon merienda. Specially prepared with crushed ice, mallows, candy sprinkles, and of course, love.
At the Toril Compound, we met Norayah, a 22 year-old mother of a 1-year-and-5-month old baby boy. She volunteered to help us prepare Mingo. She told us that Mingo is a big help for mothers like her while in the evacuation center. Since the nutri packs are given for free, they are able to feed their children at no cost. Norayah told us that it is a comfort to have Mingo for kids as an instant drink that is nutritious.
Almost 70 kids in the Toril Compound had art therapy to help them deal with the trauma of evacuation. They were given art kits with some sachets of Mingo enclosed. We made sure that every kid had “take-home” Mingo.
It was a blessing to be joined by the President of De La Salle Philippines, Brother Jose Mari Jimenez. He even performed an instant magic show while kids waiting for Mingo. He sat on the floor and used his handkerchief for his tricks. The kids were so happy, they didn’t want him to leave.
The next day, we proceeded to the evacuation centers in Maria Cristina Gym and the municipality of Balo-i in Lanao del Norte. I finally got to meet and have a long talk with Ms. Janimah Pandi of Rise Against Hunger Philippines. It is a small world, she happens to be the aunt and first cousin of my friends in Marawi. We’re now both part of the Mingo Family.
No end in sight yet
The people at the evac centers may be in this situation for the next three months or more. Do they have the comfort of their homes and normal daily living? NO. But what comforts them now is the continuous help and attention given to them, as best as the aid organizations and workers can deliver, motivated by compassion and love for others. What sustains them is the dignity of the Maranao people. Ordinary Maranaos, all together are working double time to ensure the welfare of the displaced families, and continuously trying to account the missing and the losses.
We can’t say when our brothers and sisters will be able to return home, but we can determine what help we can all give to sustain their stay in the evacuation centers, to protect them from hunger and sickness, and lessen their trauma.
Let us not only #PrayforMarawi, but let us also be #OneWithMarai and #HelpMarawi in any way we can, because God is good to us.
Mingo is the definition of love. From the preparation of Mingo back in Negros, to the transportation of Mingo to different locations, to the distribution of Mingo among families, and up to the consumption of Mingo, indeed, #LoveDelivers.
Thank you to all NVC donors, partners, volunteers, and patrons through the years! Mingo love wins!
You can help!
NVC will continue the Mingo for Marawi drive while the conflict is ongoing and evacuees remain displaced.
Make a secure online donation to send Mingo for Marawi
You may also deposit your donation at these banks
Account name: Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation Inc.
BPI
Peso Account: 1320011147
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Metrobank
Peso Current Account: 5467546007398
Dollar Savings Account: 5462546008937
Swift Code: MBTCPHMM
Do advise us when you’ve made the transaction. Please provide the amount and the branch where you made the deposit so that we can earmark the donation in your name.
For more information, email [email protected] or call/message mobile number +63 917-300-0342 for more information.