Operation Damayan benefits 3,000 families

CEBU, Philippines - At least 3,000 households from the 22 barangays of Loon, Bohol have been touched by helping hands after Operation Damayan of the Star Group of Publications visited and distributed relief goods yesterday.

The operation was a part of the Lingap Bohol relief drive initiated to extend assistance to the victims of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that jolted Central Visayas last Oct. 15.

Applause greeted the volunteers and staff of Operation Damayan as they arrive at the San Lorenzo Parish in Loon town.

Eugenia Gaudito, 56, resident of Barangay Catagbacan-Handig, said she did not mind the heat of the sun as she lined up just so she can claim the goods. Words of thanks could be heard from her as she passed by the volunteers who handed out the relief packs.

“Salamat gyod kaayo sa Ginoo nga naabot gyod mo diri (Thank God that you came for us here) sir,” she told The FREEMAN, as tears fell from her eyes.

She was among the thousands of affected Boholanos now staying in makeshift tents after the destructive quake wrecked their homes.

Operation Damayan distributed groceries, canned goods, toiletries, bread, a pail of biscuits, five kilos of rice, and a blanket for each family.

Led by Barangay Captain Vicente Legitimas, Cansuagit officials also expressed their thanks.

“Pasalamat mi sa inyoha kay wa pa mo motabang namo diri, maglisod gyod mi. (We are very thankful because had you not come along, it would be more difficult for us),” said Legitimas.  He was referring to barangay being several kilometers away from the main highwgay.

Philippine STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte also thanked the people behind Operation Damayan, the staff, the “kindhearted” donors, and the volunteers. He likewise thanked Ferdinand Mercado and his family for lending six vehicles used in transporting the relief packs.

“Dapat (We also have to) i-share naman natin sa mga (with our) fellow Filipinos na nanga-ngailangan (who are in need). We made it as part of the company’s mission to provide assistance whenever we feel it is needed. We find joy in sharing,” Belmonte said.

He also said that since 1990, Operation Damayan, the social arm of the Star Group of Publications, has been successfully implementing projects, including an adopt-a-school program where classrooms were built in Compostela Valley and in Tarlac.

The FREEMAN Foundation and Operation Damayan have also transported 600 packs of relief items to Bohol last Friday.—/RHM (FREEMAN)