By Gelen Emil B. Turano
More than thirty individual and group volunteers of the August Habagat was recognized by the municipal government of Los Baños for the assistance they provided for the flood victims during the Habagat early this August. The awarding ceremony was held during the 397th founding anniversary of the municipality on September 17, 2012 at the municipal plaza.
The “Walk for a cause” signaled the start of the day’s celebration at 7am. The activity brought together members of the academe, business establishments, government and non governments agencies, among other members of the community.
This year’s foundation day, themed “Mga nasalantang kababayan, ating damayan”, focused on providing aid to the Los Baños communities that are still flooded such as Barangays Mayondon and Malinta and in acknowledging the organizations/agencies that selflessly devoted their time and resources to extend help to affected communities in Los Baños.
The organizations/agencies awarded with certificates of recognition include:
- Philippine Red Cross,
- Philippine Reserve Command,
- Liga ng mga Barangay Los Baños Chapter,
- Juan Los Baños volunteers,
- UPLB Gabay Volunteer Corps,
- Kairos Band,
- UPLB Students of Human Ecology, and
- UPLB Credit and Development Cooperatives.
Liga ng mga Barangay Los Baños Chapter turns over their P20,000 donation for the flood victims to the municipal government.
According to Mayor Anthony “Ton” Genuino, the traditional Bañamos Festival has not been pursued to help gather donations for still flooded barangays like Brgy. Mayondon and Brgy. Malinta. He added that the Bañamos Festival will be held on December instead, to make sure that all Los Baños barangays can take part in the celebration.
The foundation day celebration closed with a 6pm mass and the release of sky lanterns by the Los Baños residents.
A total of P190,000 in financial assistance and P10,000 worth of goods were donated during the foundation day. The donations will be used for the rehabilitation of affected barangays from the August Habagat.
Acceptance of aid for the Los Baños flood victims is still ongoing. Visit the Bagong Los Baños Facebook page for more details or call (049) 536-7860 for inquiries.