I am certain that most of us, if not all, can’t wait for 2020 to end because of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 which has brought about a lot of uncertainties to most of the people all over the world. But just when we are about conclude the year, the Philippines had been struck by two strong Typhoons (Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses) that have affected a lot of families from different regions, especially those residing in Cagayan where severe flooding occurred. Unfortunately, as the most awaited holiday in the country approaches, these families are left in despair where instead of cherishing the warmth of the Christmas season, they were stricken by adversities.
For this reason, the PIQC Student Council 2020, in partnership with the Parent Council, Faculty and Staff Council, and the PIQC Alumni Association Inc., organized a donation drive to revive the Christmas spirit through the act of giving. Thus, the birth of “Project ARUGA: “Ayuda’t Regalo Upang Guminhawa’t maka-Ahon.” As mentioned, since the project will be in line with the gift giving this Christmas season, aside from the typhoon victims, we have also thought of sharing our blessings to the less fortunate families and children to an organization who supports such advocacy . Both monetary and in-kind donations were welcomed by the entire PIQC community last November 24 to December 4.
By December 11, Project ARUGA was able to accumulate ₱140,000 from cash donations. ₱110,000 of which was used to purchase relief goods, while the remaining ₱30,000 was donated to the PCL Regional Chairman of Region 2 Councilor, Ma’am Maila Ting-Que.
The following donations were distributed to the respective groups and organizations:
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
(Cagayan Bound)
33 boxes of bottled water
31 boxes of non-perishable food
3 boxes of toiletries
6 boxes of PPEs and alcohol 6 sacks of rice
Kapit Bisig PH
(Cagayan Bound)
33 boxes of bottled water
21 boxes of non-perishable food
3 boxes of toiletries
5 boxes of PPEs and alcohol 10 boxes of clothes
Fire Emergency Paramedic Assistance Group (FEPAG)
(Manila, Quezon City, and Cavite Bound)
32 boxes of bottled water
21 boxes of non-perishable food
4 boxes of toiletries
5 boxes of PPEs and alcohol
4 packs of mats and blankets 3 sacks of rice
On behalf of the PIQC Student Council and the Project ARUGA Committee, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who shared their blessings and have also made the project a success. No matter how big or small, your donations will go a long way and will certainly put a smile to those who are in need – A perfect Christmas present indeed!
Once again, thank you very much and may God bless you!
Neia Jin Ng
PIQC Student Council President 2020