Church Donates School Supplies, Rescue Boats in Cagayan and Tuguegarao

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated school supplies to Enrile West and East Districts, the Schools Division (SDO) of Cagayan; and rescue boats to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) of Santo Tomas, Isabela. The turnover event occurred at the Tuguegarao North Stake Center in San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, on Wednesday, October 19.

The SDO Cagayan is a stalwart in delivering a high-quality medium of instruction by offering resources for teachers and students. Although they make enormous efforts to provide essential learning resources, it is regrettable that they cannot meet all the teachers' demands and school items to guarantee learners' learning efficiency due to the pandemic. However, due to stakeholders willing to broaden their perspectives and provide a helping hand, educators need help to fight this war for quality education in the face of this pandemic and scarce resources. 

Brother Abenir Pajaro, Welfare and Self-Reliance manager, shared his message of gratitude for the teachers who are building generation and hope for each learner's future despite the grapple of the pandemic in facing the new standard teaching style. "You are all great teachers not only in this town but this nation… Continue to inspire the next generation of leaders. The leaders we have and will have will not be there without great teachers like you," he underlined.

One of the highlights of the turnover ceremony was a dance presentation from the Enrile Hip-hop dancers that showcased the native Filipino costumes.

Gilda B. Trinidad, Public Schools District Supervisor, described the LDSC donations on how they would greatly benefit sustaining and fronting the new standard approach of learning to students. As well as the school beneficiaries to help students embark on their educational journey toward success. In addition, she also gave her utmost words of acceptance, expressed her admiration, and graciously received the educational materials.

Donation of Rescue Boats to MDRRMO

Moreover, the Philippines is at risk of typhoons and natural hazards yearly. The primary objectives of MDRRMO, the local government agency promoting disaster pliability, are to ensure safety and effective and efficient implementation of civil and community protection amid disasters and calamities. Marivic Guingab, the MDDRMO officer, described that the remote town of Santo Tomas, Isabela is prone to water increase levels during rainy and wet seasons that may result in flooding around the area. The geographical location area of the said municipality is known to be isolated and surrounded by water which residents used to transport by boat in and out of the community. Miss Guingab sincerely expressed her gratitude for the rubber boat donation and considered the LDSC's generosity a great blessing to the community.

The deed of donation was signed and spearheaded by Jairus Perez, Elder Steve Leininger, a senior missionary, as witnesses, and Gilda B. Trinidad with, Orlando Manuel, Schools Division Superintendent, SDO Cagayan.

Also present during the turnover ceremony were Elder Tumaliuan of the Cauayan Coordinating Council and Area Seventy; Elder Steve Leininger and Sister Marilyn Leininger, senior couple missionaries; George Kenneth Lee, Humanitarian Services manager; Jairus Perez, WSR Country Manager; Elissa McConkie, Welfare and Self-Reliance Consultant for Asia; and young service missionaries of Philippines North Luzon Service Mission.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' charitable organization, Latter-day Saint Charities, aims to alleviate suffering, promote independence, and offer service opportunities. It upholds the teachings of Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, quench the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the ill and suffering.