Tuesday, February 06, 2007
The passion to touch lives
By Ronelo Ladiao
FOR the goodhearted lady councilor of Iloilo City, Merci Drilon-Garcia, touching other people's lives is a lifelong passion she enjoys doing that gave her a sense of direction in public service.
Her ever-supportive and loving husband, South Baluarte Barangay Captain Gilbert Garcia, has always been her strength in whatever optimistic endeavor she sets her heart on.
Some of her priorities these past years, as an effective public official, was to render medical missions, gift-giving activities and other worthwhile act to her fellow Ilonggos who learned to admire the councilor's good intentions. And whatever challenges lie ahead, she will never give up her passion and dream of giving hope to the less fortunate.
Though Christmas is over, Councilor Garcia tries to relive the spirit of kindness, generosity and goodwill to her community.
Last January 6, 2007, she dynamically spearheaded a post Christmas party for special children with special needs at the Day Care Center of Barangay North Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo City.
This worthy project was an annual activity organized through the benevolence of Councilor Garcia's staff and her active husband, Gilbert Garcia, for three years already.
The activity provided a chance for the special children enrolled at "Tuloy aral Walang Sagabal" (Tawag) pre-school program administered by CSWD to have fun and establish bonding with the good councilor and her staff. Tawag program is the only pre-school for special children accredited by the City Government.
McDonald's Atruim headed by its proprietress, Susan Divinagracia, and her staff generously provided a sumptuous meal to the beneficiaries, more games and freebies that made their day a memorable one. McDonald's Birdie mascot was also present to have fun with special kids while dancing to the beat of pop music.
The volunteerism and presence of the second year high school students (Fortitude section) from Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus, CSWD social workers Jonalyn Magarse and North Baluarte barangay captain Emilio Locsin, who joined hands in making the special children happy, made the affair unforgettable.
The parents of the special children from Tawag program expressed their gratitude to Councilor Garcia and her loving husband, her active staff and those who selflessly rendered their time and effort of touching the lives of these little angels.
The affair finally concluded through a much-awaited raffle of Philhealth Cards distributed to the parents of the kids who willingly gestured an outburst of gratefulness and happiness.
With a series of successful social-civic projects organized by Councilor Garcia for the past few years, her integrity and commitment to serve has always been in her priority. Being a woman of substance and optimistic vision for public service, she will continue to touch lives as a pathway to follow her heart.
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cebu. (February 6, 2007 issue)
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