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Monday, July 31, 2006
Landslide survivors await promises of help
WELL-MEANING groups and individuals have raised around P2 million for the foundation organized for the Guinsaugon landslide survivors studying in Cebu City.
They, however, are wondering where are the others who pledged to help shortly after the tragedy hit the community in St. Bernard town, Southern Leyte last February.
“Ang uban nakalimot na man unsa ang Guinsaugon. Na-amnesia ba. Kaniadto ni-pledge nga motabang pero wala man (Some people have forgotten about Guinsaugon, including some who pledged to help),” said Tinago Barangay Captain Joel Garganera.
A wall of mud and boulders crashed down on Guinsaugon last February after a portion of a mountain collapsed after several days of rain. The landslide wiped out the farming village and killed over a thousand residents.
Garganera, who is also from St. Bernard, was instrumental in drumming up support for the 16 students, three of whom graduated from college last June.
He met the students aboard a ship on their way to Guinsaugon a day after the tragedy. He decided to gather them all and to seek help.
With the Cebu City Government, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi), ABS-CBN, Jaycees, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) and different organizations and individuals doing their share, around P2 million was collected for the students.
Rafi was designated as caretaker of the amount, which was kept in a separate account for the Guinsaugon students, Garganera said.
Last Friday, members of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) 7 also donated to the account P20,500 as their help for the students’ scholarship.
Garganera said the universities where the students are studying have made them tuition-exempted scholars, so the foundation only has to take care of their lodging, books, laboratory fees and other expenses.
He hoped those who pledged to donate will keep their word, adding that Rafi and those behind the foundation will ensure that the money is well spent.
One of the students who graduated last June is now working in a hotel, which promised to hire her as its way of helping the survivors. (RHM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 31, 2006 issue)
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