AT LEAST 150 households in Baguio City and two towns in Benguet received relief packs amid the pandemic through the help of a Cordilleran nurse based in Vienna, Austria.

Marjorie Guidangen-Akistoy, who traces her roots to Benguet, spearheaded the activity with the support of the Council of Filipino Association in Austria, Global Save Life Foundation, Christ Vineyard Praise Ministries, and several individuals who donated and participated in the bag for a cause raffle tickets she initiated through the use of Facebook.

From that fundraising drive, she was able to raise more than P55,000, which she sent to a coordinator in the locality for the purchase of the relief goods that include rice, sardines, and noodles.

A total of 150 food packs were given to 150 households in Apugan Sto. tomas, Cypress Irisan, Asin Road, Suello Village, and PWD's in Balacbac, Baguio City. Some families in La Trinidad also benefited, including the chosen PWDs in Bangcowa, Tuba.

Moreover, a church in the city was also provided with relief packs for the volunteers and other individuals. It was an activity in support to the "Bayanihan heal as one" act program of the government.

The relief operation was prepared and distributed by the Streams of Water Ministry, a church-based in Baguio city headed by Pastor William Dulag Guzman and wife Irene.

Akistoy also intends to help the PWDs, especially the blind community who were not able to work during the community quarantine.

In times of crisis such as this pandemic, the OFWs and Pinoys abroad have always been there ready to give a helping hand. May there be more community in need that will be provided with the needed assistance.

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