By Regiem-Melech H. Ocampo
Junior Reporter
SILANG,
Cavite, Philippines – For its annual gift giving activity, the principal
of the Adventist University of the Philippines Academy decided that its efforts should go to help victims of Yolanda.
Cavite, Philippines – For its annual gift giving activity, the principal
of the Adventist University of the Philippines Academy decided that its efforts should go to help victims of Yolanda.
Yolandais what we in the Philippines call Hurricane Haiyan, the super typhoon that hit
hard in other areas of the country early this month.
Principal
Ardel Sarmiento arranged for students to collect goods by
homeroom, starting on Nov. 15 and the first batch of volunteers departed on
Nov. 21.
Ardel Sarmiento arranged for students to collect goods by
homeroom, starting on Nov. 15 and the first batch of volunteers departed on
Nov. 21.
All the goods gathered by the Academy were brought to the National
Service Training Program’s Department of the Adventist University of the Philippines and
the ₱12,400 cash donation, which is about $280 USD, was converted to 12 sacks
of rice.
Service Training Program’s Department of the Adventist University of the Philippines and
the ₱12,400 cash donation, which is about $280 USD, was converted to 12 sacks
of rice.
The goods were carried along with other items from various
churches around the province of Cavite, where the Academy is located. Lt. Dan Alfanoso led the work of the relief team,
which was composed of Adventist volunteers from the Adventist University of the
Philippines, rescue teams and churches.
churches around the province of Cavite, where the Academy is located. Lt. Dan Alfanoso led the work of the relief team,
which was composed of Adventist volunteers from the Adventist University of the
Philippines, rescue teams and churches.
Ormoc, a hard hit city in the province of Leyte, is the
primary target of the relief work.
primary target of the relief work.
The team, including people from the Academy, will be working with the Philippine Coast
Guard, Metro Manila Development Agency, Armed Forces of the Philippines,
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Local
Government Unit of Palo, Leyte.
Guard, Metro Manila Development Agency, Armed Forces of the Philippines,
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Local
Government Unit of Palo, Leyte.
Carolina Sarsadiaz, a rescue work
coordinator from Cavite, said the operation will last as long as there is a
need. Volunteers will alternate, with groups staying up to a week at a time in
Ormoc, depending on the conviction and capacity of the volunteers.
coordinator from Cavite, said the operation will last as long as there is a
need. Volunteers will alternate, with groups staying up to a week at a time in
Ormoc, depending on the conviction and capacity of the volunteers.
The team is to offer medical
services, relief operation and disaster counseling.
services, relief operation and disaster counseling.
