Mandaue receives balikbayan boxes for Yolanda victims

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue city government yesterday received from a foundation 12 balikbayan boxes full of goods intended for the typhoon Yolanda victims in Northern Cebu and Leyte.

The Papel,Lapis at Crayola Foundation through its representatives, Mercedita Yrival and Sid Cruz, and FoodBEV International representative Fatima Joy Publico turned over the balikbyan boxes yesterday to the office of the City Social Welfare Services (CSWS).

CSWS Chief Violeta Cavada said her office is grateful to Lucila dela Cruz, the president of the foundation and owner of  FoodBEV International, for facilitating the relief efforts in California, USA, tapping the Filipino community in the said state.

The boxes contained ready to wear clothes, grocery items and canned goods.

Cavada said six of the 12 boxes will remain at the CSWS while the other six will be given to the Kaabag Foundation of Mandaue city for their own intended beneficiaries who are victims of  the November 8 typhoon.

She said the donations will be repacked before sending them to Leyte.

Mayor Jonas Cortes will personally hand over the relief goods along with the city's financial assistance to the towns and cities in Leyte this coming February 6.  (FREEMAN)