Soldiers give up meal budget to aid typhoon survivors
LUCENA CITY –– Soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division based in Tanay, Rizal donated over P150,000 from their meal allowance to help typhoon victims in the Caraga region.
Captain Jayrald Ternio, head of the Army 2nd ID public information office, in a statement Monday said the troops donated half a day’s meal allowance that totaled to P151,900.
“The money was accumulated after the call for donations spearheaded by the Jungle Fighter Ladies Club (JFLC) after Typhoon “Vicky” devastated the Caraga region,” Ternio said.
The JFLC is composed of wives of officers and enlisted personnel, female officers, enlisted women, and female civilian human resource of the 2nd ID.
Ternio said the cash donation was turned over to the Bayugan Young Leaders Organization (BYLO), a youth-for-peace organization that would facilitate the relief efforts in Mindanao.
He noted that that BYLO was the first group to reach out to the 2nd ID after the onslaught of Typhoon “Ulysses” in Southern Tagalog.
Lynette Almerol, JFLC adviser, expressed her gratitude to the youth organization for its help.
“We will never forget what you did for us when we needed help. May we all continue to unite and endeavor to provide aid to those struck by different challenges in our country,” Almerol said.
Sisa Cabangbang, JFLC president, praised the soldiers for their generosity and compassion.
“It (donation) will make a big difference to the lives of our brothers and sisters in Caraga as they start rebuilding their lives after the tragedy,” she said.
Lynette is the wife of Major General Greg Almerol, 2nd ID commander, while Sisa is the spouse of Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, 2nd ID chief of staff.
Early last week, Vicky, considered the worst weather disturbance in Mindanao in recent years, pummeled major parts of the area.
The typhoon left at least nine people dead and forcibly evacuated 6,911 families or 28,565 individuals.
In the Caraga region, the typhoon reportedly caused more than P105 million worth of damage.
