The relief operation of the university in response to the havoc wrought by storm Pablo is ongoing. The packing and repacking of food stuffs are currently being done at the Samson Covered Court, with the assistance of student volunteers and student leaders. The University Community Engagement and Advocacy (UCEAC), in partnership with the Arrupe Office of Social Formation and the SAMAHAN Central Board, continue to lead in the mobilization of the continuing relief operation.
Yesterday, 5th December, the university’s effort to reach out to the survivors of storm Pablo in Compostela Valley was well received and appreciated by the local government unit (LGU) of the municipality of Nabuntaran. According to the mayor of Nabunturan, Hon. Romeo D. Clarin, the university’s response to deliver goods was the first help of any kind, coming from institutions and donor agencies, extended to the municipality. The university’s priority assistance to the ComVal region was a response to repeated requests that surfaced at the height of the storm disseminated through social networking and text messages. After paying courtesy call to the office of Mayor Clarin, the Ateneo contingent, led by the Community Engagement Officer of the Arrupe Office, Mr. Karl Anthony Ebol, stopped by the designated evacuation center to deliver the relief goods to over 850 people who were affected by the storm. Mayor Clarin especially expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the quality of goods delivered by the Ateneo contingent.
The actual relief distribution yesterday was conducted by the Arrupe student volunteers at the Nabunturan Comprehensive High School Evacuation Center, serving ninety five (95) families (est. 850 individuals). Decent clothes were also provided to children ages from 0-12 years old. More relief supplies consist of canned goods, noodles, milk, coffee, sugar, rice and used clothing were turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office to be distributed to 110 families (est. 1,125 individuals) taking shelter at the Nabunturan Elementary School Evacuation Center. (By M. Isabel S. Actub, Arrupe Communications & Advocacy)