by Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY, Nov. 2 (PIA) -– Happy smiling faces were seen on Tuesday from local folks upon receiving free candles from a group of young male motorcycle enthusiasts on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, one of the oldest Catholic traditions of visiting and praying for our departed loved ones.
The Velocity Colors Team (VCT), a civic organization with almost 20 members waiting at the entrance of the cemetery with hanging card boards on their necks marked “free candles” distributed free candles of different sizes to local folks who were visiting their departed loved ones at the Pagadian City Memorial Park and the public cemetery.
VCT president Don Mabasa said the free candles distribution is one of the regular activities conducted by the group as a gesture of showing concern to the community saying that they observed that there are only few organizations who render community service nowadays.
Mabasa said the VCT started the free distribution of candles 4 years ago.
“It was in 2007 that VCT has initiated the project to give little support to the public.” Mabasa said. “Each member donated P20 and or 1 pack of candles just to realize this project because there are still many people who have no candles to offer during their visit to their departed loved ones ,” Mabasa added.
Mabasa said the VCT is doing other community services annually such as giving free school supplies to public elementary schools in rural barangays and Christmas caroling. “The proceeds of the caroling will be used to fund the social projects,” Mabasa explained.
“The smiling faces and ‘thank yous’ from the beneficiaries have inspired us to pursue this project,” Mabasa said. “ I was also inspired by the commitment and support of our members in all undertakings we have,” Mabasa concluded.(ALT/GCC/PIA9-Pagadian)