Rotarians in Negros Occidental mobilized over the weekend to send assistance to Typhoon Odette affected areas in the southern part of the province.
Much needed potable water was delivered to Kabankalan City by the Rotary Club of Bacolod, headed by Pauline Cuaycong , that deployed their filtration water tank. They were joined by the Rotary Club of Bacolod North and the Rotary Council of Presidents in Negros that turned over relief goods as well.
Another group of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Bacolod Central concentrated their efforts in Binalbagan City with the help from the Rotary Club of Binalbagan East. Relief assistance were extended to more than 800 residents in three coastal barangays – Enclaro, Canmorros and San Juan.
District 3850 which covers Rotary clubs in Negros Occidental is sending P80,000 for relief efforts while a national fund drive is also being undertaken by Rotarians that will initially send P200,000 to augment help being initiated at the local level.
District Governor Edwin To of District 3850 communicated with Rotarians here to consolidate their efforts and help in whatever way they can.
District Governor Nominee Mate Espina, tasked to oversee district efforts in Negros said that their next deployment will be to Sipalay City where water, food and medicines for children and the elderly are much needed.
“We deployed some assistance to Sipalay through our media network that was able to reach the area and much help is needed there. We hope that we can immediately respond to their needs and we are asking support from Rotarians and private companies and individuals who can assist us,” Espina said.
She also thanked those who helped in their distribution efforts last Sunday including Merczi that gave 500 loaves of bread, Victorias Milling Company that provided 40 gallons of alcohol, the Laban Leni Negros Occidental group that gave 400 kilos of rice and 1,000 pandesal, Nepan Sales for toiletries, SM Foundation and NEDF for clothes, Rotary District 5110 in Oregon, USA for clothing as well and countless individuals from Negros and other parts of the country that extended help in kind and cash and the volunteers that helped in repacking the goods.*