Church Donates Biothermal Packaging, Vaccine Cards to DOH Region XI

Supporting the Department of Health's (DOH) National Immunization Program, Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints turned over four biothermal vaccine carriers and 30,000 vaccine cards to DOH Region XI on March 30, 2022, at the Buhangin Stake (diocese) Center, Davao City.

The Church donation is a national response to the decline in the number of vaccinated children ages 0-24 months, which stemmed from the limitations and restrictions during the pandemic. 

The Church has allocated 75 vaccine carriers and 670,000 vaccine cards to be supplied and distributed to 17 DOH regional offices in the country to help reduce child immortality caused by life-threatening diseases. 

In his welcoming message, Ronald Aban, Welfare and Self-Reliance Services (WSRS) Manager, introduced humanitarian aids provided by LDSC and explained resources where programs take root. "The Church believes in service, and we are serious about helping our brothers and sisters," he said. He also stated that the Church recognized the immediate need to address the 42% slump in the rate of vaccinating Filipino children.

Dr. Annabelle Yumang, DOH XI Regional Director, expressed her gratitude for the donations. She also recalled previous projects supported by the Church. "The equipment and materials you have provided will maintain our vaccines' potency and temperature, especially those taken in far-flung locations. My gratitude to all of you and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," she remarked. She also encouraged every individual to help with the advocacies of the national immunization campaign. "This pandemic has taught us a lot of lessons. We need each other. We really appreciate the Church and all other private sectors helping the government," she added.

Aban and Yumang both signed the deed of donation. Joining them were Church leaders President Paulo Monteros, President Rizaldito Castro, and President Noel Luczon of the Buhangin, Davao, and Davao West Stakes (dioceses) respectively. 

Also present during the event were City Health Office representatives, barangay officials, media networks (RGMA, PTV4, PIA), WSRS missionaries, and Church volunteers. 

In his concluding message, President Monteros particularly shared a principle taught in Luke 18:16. "We all know how our Savior loves Heavenly Father's children, and that love is manifested through these projects," he said. 

LDSC, the humanitarian arm of the Church, has worked alongside various agencies and organizations in the country in aiding different government sectors.