ABAP: Typhoon victims won’t be counted out

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), headed by the national boxers and coaches, joined the relief efforts for flood victims of Typhoon Maring and Habagat through the “Tulong Kapatid” program last Wednesday.

Heeding the call of ABAP chair Manny V. Pangilinan to help in the relief efforts, the group packed bags containing rice, canned goods, noodles, biscuits and sandwiches and distributed them to hundreds of families in Barangay Zapote in Bacoor, Cavite.

“We are one of the hardest hit being a coastal town. Abap is the first private group to give assistance to our needy,” said Mayor Strike Revilla, who thanked MVP, Maynilad and Abap president Ricky Vargas and the boxers and coaches for the effort.

Although all members of the national boxing team helped in preparing the goods, not all were able to go to Bacoor due to transportation limitations. In the group were world women’s champion Josie Gabuco, world junior champion Eumir Felix Marcial, recent China Open gold medalist Nesthy Petecio, WSB campaigner (Italy Thunder) Charly Suarez, London Olympian Mark Barriga and world junior bronze medalist Jade Bornea.

Head coach Pat Gaspi, and national coaches Nolito and Roel Velasco, Ronald Chavez and Mitchel Martinez also joined the group.