ADDITIONAL relief packs were distributed Friday by Team Lakay in La Trinidad, Benguet hoping to ease the impact of the Luzon-wide extended community quarantine (ECQ) to residents.

On April 24, Team Lakay distributed close to 200 relief packs to Balili in La Trinidad, Benguet and Navy Base, Baguio City as part of their efforts in reaching out to the community as the country reels from the effects of the Covid–19 pandemic.

Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao, together with former ONE Championship lightweight world Champion Eduard Folayang, together with other fighters, helped in repacking relief goods in their gym in Barangay Pico, La Trinidad which was temporarily converted into a packing center.

Sangiao added they hope to sustain the relief operation until the ECQ is finished.

The relief operation is in partnership with ACT-CIS Party-list and Benguet caretake Eric Go Yap.

“We will also be giving to some stranded students messaging us asking for help as well as to our members in need,” Sangiao added.

Last week, Team Lakay helped the elderly and their less fortunate compatriots around the Benguet area as the Covid-19 outbreak continues to spread throughout the region.

The team packed fresh vegetables, fruits, and rice to address the needs of the citizens, who are currently in their respective homes during this crisis.

“It was a success. We were able to distribute relief goods to our senior citizens in Benguet with our partnership through congressman Eric Go Yap of ACT-CIS Partylist,” Sangiao said, adding “We thought some of the members of our community were struggling, so some of the Team Lakay members who have more than enough opted to reach out and join our congressman’s project. Together, with our own project, Mobile Tulong, it bolstered the entire initiative.”

Though uncertainty looms over the Philippines as the number of Covid-19 cases rises, Sangiao urges his countrymen to hang on, focus on the positives, and help others if they can in these extraordinary and unprecedented times.

“We have to remain strong, keep our faith, and maintain a positive attitude. These trials and challenges shall pass,” he said.

“Let’s take care of ourselves, stay healthy, and pick each other up in this crisis. Let’s look at the Lord for guidance and the safety of us all,” Sangiao added. (SunStar Baguio)