Accidental encounter benefits a community

ORMOC CITY, Philippines  — After typhoon Yolanda hit this city, the village chief of San Juan went to the City Hall seeking help for her severely damaged barangay. Coincidentally, personnel from Balay Mindanaw, a non-government organization, overheard her and their meeting became a successful story of humanitarian aid partnership.

The people of Balay Mindanaw founder Charlito Manlupig and San Juan Barangay Chairperson Efrenia Cantero met at the City Hall, days after Yolanda, resulting in the rehabilitation of a school in the barangay.

Balay Mindanaw and Germany-based Johanniter International Assistance forged a partnership in the rehabilitation of the two-classroom building and a stage of the San Juan Elementary School in the city, allowing the pupils and teachers to continue with their classes.

Assuntha Charles, director of JIA, lauded Balay Mindanaw, the barangay council, the Department of Education and the city government for the united effort in rehabilitating the damaged school.

Charles said Mayor Edward Codilla was easy to work with and have assisted in the works that hastened the completion of the project.

DepEd Superintendent Mariza Magan and San Juan Elementary School principal Juanito Cabonce also attended the turnover of the rehabilitated school. (FREEMAN)