By Hedda Dargantes
Xavier University, through its Social Development Advocacy Program, responded anew to the call for humanitarian support by launching a relief drive dubbed as “XU Tabang Cagayan de Oro City.”
The drive was able to assist several families affected by the massive flooding brought about by the heavy rains from the combined effect of the tail-end of the cold front and a low pressure area that lashed across CDO on Monday, January 16.
XU has collected a total of Php231,211.20 cash donations (as of January 31) from partner institutions, namely, Ateneo de Davao University, PHILSSA, MM-AID Consortium, Right Eight Security Agency, Xavier School (Greenhills), Assumption School in Antipolo, and private individuals.
XU students, faculty, staff, and the public also donated food and clothes to this cause.
A total of 653 relief packs (composed of rice, canned goods, noodles, and coffee) were distributed to the residents of barangays Puerto, FS Catanico, and Bugo. The benefactors received the relief goods with gratitude.
With the donations from generous individuals and organizations, XU Tabang CDO will continue its relief efforts in other areas affected by the flood.
Xavier Ateneo also opened its Magis canteen, some classrooms, and the covered courts as temporary shelters for stranded Kagay-anons and evacuees on Jan 16.∎
The Social Development Cluster would like to thank the following units/organizations for their assistance in the entire operation:
Within XU
1) Office of the President
2) NSTP Office
3) Athletics Office
4) Ofice of the Student Affairs
5) Governance and Leadership Institute
6) The Crusader Publication
7) Senior High School
8) Communications Office
9) Finance Office
10) Engineering Resource Center
11) Ateneo Philosophy Club
12) Central Student Government
13) Physical Plant Office
14) Security Office
Outside XU
15) City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
16) City Social Welfare and Development (with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of Health - Region10)
17) Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan
18) Barangay LGUs of Puerto, FS Catanico, and Bugo