The OHF team in-charge of the relief operation in Cagayan left Quezon City on December 9, 2020 in time for the distribution scheduled on December 10.
The area coordinator of Enrile, Cagayan immediately contacted the Municipality of Enrile through Mrs Erlinda Apostol of the MSWDO and Elaine Respicio of the Legislative Office and a former scholar of OHF upon learning the onslaught of typhoon Ulysses in the province of Cagayan.
After collaboration and coordination, residents of Barangay Batu were identified as recipients of support for it is the most isolated Barangay. The initial plan was to go to Barangay Hall of Batu for the distribution of goods to identified 190 families, but impassable road problems going to the barangay made it difficult for the vans to reach the location. The Engineering Office of Enrile anticipated these difficulties that the Municipal Engineer deployed a road roller to flatten the rough and muddy road which was caused by a heavy rain the night before. However, this did not work. The goods were then unloaded on the cemented part of the road and instructed community leaders to advise the people to go to the location where the vans stopped for the distribution.
The distribution of goods was done smoothly despite the drizzling weather because of the help of barangay tanods and barangay officials of Batu who assisted throughout the distribution and also with the presence of CYDP Scholars who helped in packing items.
Each recipient received a pack containing a plastic pail, cauldron, blanket, sleeping mat, noodles, canned goods, pack of instant coffee and a bottled water. All the 10 scholars also received a pack of relief goods and a cash assistance amounting to P1000.00
The Foundation would like to extend special thanks to the Open Heart Foundation Alumni headed by Mr. Jonathan Espana who so generously donated cash amounting to Php 33,500; as well as to everyone who helped make it a great success.
Prepared by:
Farisa Baniaga, RSW
Area Coordinator
