Leonardia launches ‘Bulig sang Bacolod’ for ‘Ondoy’ victims
BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Evelio Leonardia convened yesterday a Multi-Sectoral Group along with different civic organizations and private sectors to forge a joint support and undertaking for the victims of typhoon Ondoy in 25 provinces from Region 1 to Region 5 including the whole of Metro Manila.
Leonardia held yesterday a disaster response meeting attended by Department of Social Services and Development Head Sally Abelarde, City Administrator Dr. Roger Balo, Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, SP Member Homer Bais, SP Member Roberto Rojas, ABS CBN Bacolod Manager Leilani Salem-Alba, Rotary Club Bacolod East Governor Edgar Sy, and other officers from Lions Club, Kiwanis, Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and any other government organization.
Leonardia designated Bacolod Action Officer Joemarie Vargas for the collection of goods, used clothes, medicines and any other items to help victims of calamity due to typhoon Ondoy that destroyed thousands of houses and properties in Metro Manila and some other regions.
He designated Vargas as Secretariat of this undertaking called “Ang Bulig sang Bacolodnon para sa Typhoon Ondoy Victims” and he also established the Old City Hall as the collecting headquarters for this project.
Mr. Ben Ortega of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry suggested to the Local Chief Executive if possible he could solicit the support of Negros Occidental Private School and Colleges Educational Association (NOPSCEA) to mobilize the support of all students by way of sharing canned goods, used clothings and other goods available for Ondoy victims. Ortega suggested if Leonardia could write a letter to the Department of Education (DepEd) so that they could also lead the solicitation by way of putting a donation box in the respective schools.
Ortega cited the gesture displayed by the students of St. John Institute when they established a donation box which collected a huge amount that was directly given to the Church for the Ondoy victims. Leonardia did not encourage cash donations to the city government but this will be channeled through ABC-CBN Bantay Bata Foundation.
Alba assured that all donations must be accompanied by an official receipt in order that this money will be utilized for the said purpose. Leonardia appealed to all Bacoleños that the city is now accepting goods and used clothings by way of contacting a hotline which is 435-1111 and 117. Leonardia created yesterday a steering committee responsible to facilitate all the donations.