The Fr Ben Influence

I vividly remember when Typhoon Ondoy hit Manila-- it was Friday night; and the rain and wind was unusually strong. Even so, I went about my night; I had a hefty dinner and watched a movie in Libis thinking that it was nothing. I got home nearly midnight and I went to bed.

The next day, things turned for the worse. Ondoy was one of the strongest typhoons that hit Manila; lives were taken, homes destroyed, and livelihoods perished. My family and I were completely shut out from the world because we had no electricity, cellphone signal, and internet connection. A day later, when things finally subsided, our family finally realised the gravity of the situation. Ondoy devastated our country. The only thing on my mind was how I could help.

Various sectors all found a way to extend themselves to those who were in need. Ateneo, of course, was one of those ready to stand strong with everyone else. Father Bienvenido F Nebres, SJ who was the University President at that time suspended classes, deferred requirements, and ultimately postponed the final exams in order for the entire university community to concentrate its efforts where it mattered. The Philosophy Department in its memo said, “We are freeing most of you from your academic obligations so that you will be free to do your moral ones.” It was a crucial decision since the semester was about to end.
 

Students were given the option to continue with classes or take our current standing in class so we could give our time in helping those who were affected by Ondoy. I finished all that I needed to accomplish and quickly moved forward in joining the rest of the country in the relief efforts. I don’t remember much about the details, nor do I remember the place where we went. What I do remember is the joy in the faces of those whose lives we were touching and the friends I met during the relief missions.

Father Ben, a mathematician decorated with awards and lauded for his work, was a proper leader for an academic institution that constantly pursues excellence. Two years after the tragedy of typhoon Ondoy, Fr Ben stepped down from his position and ended his 18-year tenure as University President.

Today, our country would continue to experience more life-ending and heart-shattering calamities.  But in the face of calamities, all else will fall second to people who are in most need. This is supposed to be an essay about Fr. Ben Nebres, but instead of talking about him, what I can ultimately articulate is how his decisions and his whole person has changed the way that I look at my priorities and what’s ultimately important to me as a person. 

Isa Almazan with Fr Bienvenido Nebres, SJ. Isa is an AB Communication alumna (Batch 2012).
She currently works with ABS-CBN.   (Photo courtesy of Isa Almazan)