VILLABA, Leyte — Seven public schools and the rural health unit in this town received nearly P1 million worth of school furniture and medical supplies from Latter-day Saint Charities to help address their basic needs.
The humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated P677,600 worth of plastic armchairs to seven recipient schools and P236,500 worth of medical supplies to the Villaba Rural Health Unit, for a combined value of P914,100.
The donations were formally turned over Monday at Villaba South Central School, with school heads from the seven recipient campuses and local health workers attending the ceremony.
Vice Mayor Edgar Veloso accepted the donations on behalf of the local government unit, saying the assistance would help address needs that the municipality could not fully meet amid limited resources.
“With the ongoing crisis, the local government unit cannot provide all the needs of the people, but there are donors willing to help,” Veloso said. “I would like to express my sincere appreciation for these generous contributions.”
Helen Paroco, head teacher of Hinabuyan National High School, said the school had been requesting new armchairs since 2022 after students were forced to use worn-out chairs.
“The school started using worn-out chairs for students to sit on. We have been making requests since 2022. From a simple request, we now celebrate a reality,” Paroco said.
The medical supplies turned over to the municipal health office included rapid dengue test kits, sphygmomanometers, stethoscopes, fetal dopplers, glucometers, glucometer strips, and glucometer lancets.
Municipal Health Officer Oliver Razo said the equipment would help the rural health unit maximize its limited resources and improve services for residents who depend on the facility for their health needs.
“People rely solely on RHU facilities for their health needs. This donation will enable us to deliver timely and quality health services, bringing hope and comfort to the people of Villaba,” Razo said.
Arnold Daradal, president of the Church’s Ormoc Philippines Stake, said the donation was part of the Church’s efforts to serve communities regardless of religious affiliation.
“Christ taught us the importance of service and loving our neighbors. We are trying to bless not just the church members, but also non-members because we believe that all of us are children of God,” Daradal said.
LDS Charities carries out humanitarian initiatives aimed at relieving suffering, promoting self-reliance, and encouraging individuals and communities to serve others.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
