GOVPH

SDO Rizal extends financial assistance to the SDO Quezon typhoon-stricken schools

 The donation turn-over rite was held virtually on November 6, 2020 with both donor-donee parties in attendance. After the opening prayer led by the Senior Education Program Specialist (SEPS) for Social Mobilization and Networking (SMN) Paul Clifford N. Marquez, the program proceeded through the warm greetings of OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Elias A. Alicaya, Jr., with the unwavering support of his partners in public service, OIC-ASDS Gregorio A. Co Jr,, OIC-ASDS Gregorio T. Mueco, and OIC-ASDS Herbert D. Perez.

With thankful heart, OIC-SDS Alicaya introduced the following Division personnel, including school heads, to witness this act of generosity: SGOD Chief Elizabeth M. De Villa, CID Chief Dr. Lorena S. Walangsumbat, HRMO Wennie O. Gaela, AO Maria Dolores D. Atienza, Supply Officer George Aguila, IT Officer Wilbert B. Porteza, Atty. Hannah Caneda, Planning Officer Marbin Jeramil D. Fragata, Cashier Sheila E. Javen, Budget Officer Catherine Pureza, and Division Accountant Susan P. Fontarum.

To record as of 5pm, November 5, there were 264 school buildings/facilities which had been hardly battered by typhoon onslaughts in the province. Of this 264, 72 was totally damaged; 62 was majorly damaged; and 130 was minorly damaged. The preponderance of these damages comes from the third congressional district. In fact, there were twelve (12) municipalities that had been heavily affected, including the far-off towns of San Francisco and San Narciso. Same data were recorded in the fourth congressional district; two (2) in the first; and none in the second. These ravages were brought not only by typhoon “Rolly” but also by typhoons “Quinta” and “Pepito”.

The SDO Quezon was relieved briefly, aware that typhoon “Siony” suddenly changed its directions. To solicit help from greathearted stakeholders, the SDO has posted about this urgent need on social media and in no time, the SDO Rizal was first to respond. SDS Alicaya explained that all forms of donation are properly accounted and documented, and are made known to stakeholders through different means, including posting on the division’s official DepEd Tayo page. He assured that the Office puts premium on transparency, and that it will definitely be reported as one of its accomplishments for the year.

Introducing a friend, SDS Alicaya prided that he learned to be proactive and become quick to helping others from SDS Cherrylou D. Repia, who is fondly called “Happiest Che” by many. SDS Repia then presented her teammates in Blue Rizal, beginning with the ASDS Dr. Gloria C. Roque, and ASDS Dr. Babylyn M. Pambid. She also introduced the people behind this endeavor, including the SEPS for SMN Nico Aquino, AO Amelia Dean representing the OSDS unit heads, SGOD Chief Ferdinand Pascual, CID Chief Rosemarie Blando, PSDSs headed by Meliton Berin and other school heads.

As an advocate of transparent governance, SDS Repia shared that she always deems it necessary to have activities like this to be uploaded or make it known to public. She said that this was the fruit of the collaborative effort of the entire SDO Rizal, including their schools.

SDS Repia further added her remarks to her team: “100 pesos can go a long way. You have to sacrifice when you help… “We are thanking the Lord when we were spared. But it should not stop from thanking the Lord and praying. Because there were people who suffered along the way… Yun po yung diwa ng pagtulong... “