CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – A group of Filipino-Chinese business operators was assisted by the city police in distributing five-kilogram rice packs to about 1,500 residents in the hinterland villages here on Saturday, May 2.
“When we knew their desire to reach out to give to the less fortunate, we offered them our assistance by way of identifying the recipients of their program and providing them security and additional manpower as well,” said Col. Henry Dampal, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office Director.
He shared their partnership with the Hua You Volunteer started late last year when the group tapped the local law enforcement for their humanitarian efforts.
Even before COVID-19 happened, the group is said to be active in distributing school supplies and snack items to pupils in rural-based schools in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon.
The police chief said the partnership has been effective as both parties have contributed to this advocacy.
“They have the resources and we have the knowledge of the people and terrain in the area. Our partnership has been working well,” he added.
The Hua You Volunteer decided to donate rice packs to the people in the hinterland villages in the wake of the coronavirus. Dampal said the group needs the police assistance while the city is still under the general community quarantine.
During the distribution of the rice packs, Dampal has also reminded the people to comply with the directives of the city mayor such as staying at home, observing social distancing, wearing face masks, and frequent washing of hands.
Lucio Lim, Hua You Volunteer President, in a separate interview, said helping those in need is one of the programs that have kept the group active in community outreach.
“Sharing our blessings to the needy has always been a part of Hua You Volunteer’s advocacy. We have always been willing to lend a helping hand to our poor brothers and sisters,” he said.
He added their aim was to help families affected by the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the city, in support of Mayor Oscar Moreno’s program of action to address this national public health emergency.
“Many have lost their livelihood due to COVID-19. We hope that our donation would help them,” Lim said. (davaotoday.com)
