Echiverri’s ‘Caloocan Idol’ fund campaign successful

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico "Recom" Echiverri yesterday said the recently concluded search for the first ‘Caloocan Idol’ gave abandoned children reasons to smile.

Echiverri said the talent search for all government employees featured a fund-raising scheme which benefited occupants of Tahanang Mapagpala – a haven for abandoned and abused children in the city and neighboring areas.

‘Idols’ were judged not only by their singing ability and performance but through the amount they collected from their supporters and co-employees, he said.

The mayor also said not less than P68,000 were raised by the participants who immediately turned-over their collections for the benefit of the children of the institution.

During the awarding rites, Echiverri pledged to double the amount collected by the winners increasing the total to P136,000 which made some older children cry with joy.

For their part, winners of the first ‘Caloocan Idol’ search said they were very happy to be able to raise funds for the children while they showcased their talents to their supporters and co-employees.

Morever, Councilor Ricojudge "RJ" Echiverri, Liga ng mga Barangay president said the event was a ‘win-win’ contest and plans are afoot to adopt the scheme to the barangay level where the beneficiaries could be another non-profit institution.

"RJ" also congratulated the first ‘Caloocan Idol’ winner, Arnel Briones, 36, of the General Services Office.<