WHILE the entire nation only knew of ground zero in Ucab as the area damaged by Typhoon Ompong in Itogon, Benguet, there were other communities that were suffering the same fate.

One of them is Dalupirip where the Tabu Elementary School is located. Hapiyo Mi under Dr. Maria Aplaten (Executive Director) conducted an outreach to the school last October 1 after learning its plight.

Aside from the school supplies and clothing brought by the Hapiyoh Mi, the school also needed computers, printers, electric fans and a perimeter fence, among others that were damaged beyond restoration.

Through Hapiyoh Mi, the Rotary Club of Summer Capital (RCBSC) headed by Charter President Gil Bautista and the current President Anton Baltazar, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati (RCM) helped in providing materials for the school.

Last January 9, members of RCBSC and RCM donated 2 sets of computers, a printer, materials for perimeter fence (poles and wires), school bags and supplies like notebooks, paper, pen, ruler, crayons, eraser, scissors and others. The school Principal Ricardo Samson was so grateful to receive the donations. Info from Project Chair Ar. Wendell and Dr. Maria Aplaten. Photos by Karla Anjeli Villanueva and the RCBSC files.

(drbrendaleeavillanueva@ymail.com)