On November 18, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the entire Luzon, after three successive typhoons, under State of Calamity. One of the most affected areas is the island of Catanduanes, located in the Bicol Region. The island was hit severely by all these three typhoons namely Quinta, Rolly and Ulysses.
In response, twelve Rotary Clubs (RC) of Rotary International District (RID) 3820, under District Governor Renato Sarmiento Atienza, had joint forces to send immediate help and care to Catanduanes.
Collectively known as the “Bangon, Cagayan” group, this team was able to send help to Cagayan on November 2020 thru Transforming President (TP) Cloyd Velasco of the Rotary Club of Tuguegarao Citadel, RID 3770.
Few days after the successful run of this “Oplan Tulong Cagayan,” TP Bornok Concepcion of RC San Pascual inspired TP Joseph Cardinez of RC Santa Rosa South and TP Guia Lopez de Leon of RC San Pedro South (RCSPS) to extend another collective effort for Catanduanes.
After a thorough brainstorming on December 14, TP Joseph ended up contacting the Regional Anti Cybercrime Unit 4A – Advisory Council Group (RACU 4A ACG) and Regional Mobile Force Batallion 4A (RMFB 4A) for the logistics once again. Fortunately, the RACU 4A ACG and RMFB 4A immediately accepted the challenge.
The TPs that signified their interest to join again were TP Zaldy Reyes of RCSPS New Generations, TP Roelito Cao Garcia of RC Metro Batangas, TP Amy Lea of RC Lucena University District, TP Loveday Alyssa of RC Tayabas Central, TP Arman Santos of RC San Pedro Magic, TP Hermie Malabanan of RC Los Banos, TP Sally Urbina of RC Pagsanjan, TP Alexander Vergara of RC Metro Santa Rosa, and TP Ghie Larracas of RC Pinamalayan Central.
Right after TP Joseph received an affirmation from RMFB 4A, TP Guia immediately went to deliver the donation from RCSPS and Ms. Alita Mercado of the Office of the Vice Mayor.
At night, TP Guia asked TP Tess Sarmiento of RC Virac if she could possibly receive all the donations soon. And as expected from a true Rotarian, she wholeheartedly accepted the challenge of facilitating all the donations.
And on December 17, 20 sacks of 25 kg of rice, diapers, hygiene kits were given by TP Bornok. On December 19, TP Alex is scheduled to give donations from his club and from Santa Rosa Medical Society.
As this is a developing story, more photos will be posted soon. Rest assured that this team, by giving service above themselves, is all set to make the Christmas of Bicolanos extra joyful and extra hopeful.
Have a blessed Yuletide Season to all!
Add Comment