by Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA) – To deeply sympathize the victims of typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities which were worst hit by the devastation on December 18 , the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur, and in coordination with the JCI Greater Pagadian, Inc., a civic organization, opened its doors to donations for families affected by floods thru its relief operations center dubbed “Operation Tabang” para sa Biktima ng Bagyong Sendong Relief Operations Center”.
“The provincial government in coordination with the JCI, is now accepting donations (in cash or in kind) for victims of typhoon Sendong,” JCI president Troy Asugas said in an interview over dxBZ radyo bagting this morning.
Asugas said the provincial gov’t and the JCI is running a donation drive to help the typhoon victims. “The ‘Operation Tabang” was immediately established in the lobby of the provincial capitol since Saturday, the day that typhoon Sendong hit the aforementioned cities.
Another relief operation center was put up by the JCI in Patricia gasoline station to accept donations from all sectors of society.
On Monday, governor Antonio H. Cerilles has issued a memorandum circular No. 12-416 series of 2011 urging all employees of the provincial gov’t to extend help to the victims.
“All employees are urged to give donations like bottled water, canned goods, used clothings and or cash,” the memo stated.
Government employee Susan Herrera, assigned at the provincial governor’s office donated 2 big boxes of used clothings and bottled water to the center.
“I am heartily donating my used clothings and bottled water to our brothers and sisters in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro city to help lessen their sufferings and who are in need of food and clothings,” Herrera said.
JH Cerilles teacher Julieta Sobrero, with her husband brought with them 1 sack and 1 big box of used clothings and turned over it to the staff of Patricia gasoline station this morning.
“Gibati ko ug dako kaayo nga kalooy sa mapait nga gidangatan sa atong mga igsoon nga nabiktima sa mapintas nga baha nga akong nakita sa telebisyon, busa angayan gayud nga sila atong tabangan(I felt pity to our brothers and sisters who were victims of devastating floods that I saw on television, thus they are worthy to be helped by us), Sendong said who travelled from barangay Tiguma, 5-kilometer away from the city.
Asugas said the bundles of donations including the cash were donated by the officials and employees, JCI local municipal chapters, Department of Social Welfare and Development, business sector, non-government organizations, and others.
“The bundles of donations will be immediately brought to Iligan city this afternoon with Governor Cerilles to answer the needs of the victims,” Asugas added.
Asugas said the relief center will continue accepting donations from generous donors to address the needs of flood victims. (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Pagadian)