By: Merlyn Ybanez
The Soroptimist International Cagayan de Oro, headed by its President, Atty. Rhodelyn Mae B. Brioso-Roa, and in partnership with Cadena de Amor Chapter No. 16 Order of the Eastern Star headed by Worthy Matron Dyan Noble and Worthy Patron Bryan Lucky Noble, and JCI Kagayhaan Gold, headed by its President Katrina Tiukinhoy-Piol, spearheaded the distribution of relief goods to the flood victims in Oroquieta City last January 2, 2023, to more than 130 families in three barangays.
Members of the organizations as well as other private individuals donated in cash and in kind. With the money received, the organizations bought drinking water, sleeping mats, canned goods, rice, and hygiene kits, which were repacked in eco bags to give to each family in the evacuation centers. The recipients were very grateful for the goods received.
“Dako kaayong tabang kini inyong mga gasa, Mam. Salamat kayo ug hinaot mulambo inyong grupo aron daghan pa mong matabangan,” a woman from the evacuation center said. The recipients in the evacuation center took photos of the volunteers and a never-ending gratitude was expressed. Each family received more than a handful of relief goods, which explained why they were in awe of such blessings.
“The relief goods may not be enough to last their stay in the evacuation centers, but I am hoping that somehow it may contribute to their daily needs, especially at the onset of the new year,” SI CDO President Atty. Mae said.
It was a 20-hours venture by the volunteers which they found a very fulfilling endeavor.
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