ILOILO CITY — Going to a mall and visiting interesting spots in Iloilo City are just usual leisure activities for some. But for those who have less in life, it is an opportunity that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.
Two indigent families from the town of Lambunao in Iloilo province were chosen on Tuesday for the “Lambunao Cares! Moment to Treasure” that was conceived when the town celebrated its foundation anniversary last December 13.
Families from Barangays Alugmawa and Daanbanwa were chosen as the latest beneficiaries. To date, five indigent families have received the one of a kind treat.
During the foundation day, employees of the municipal government, teachers and other donors contributed an amount for the gift-giving and feeding of selected poorest families from the town’s 73 villages, said Jennifer Osorio, tourism officer and project officer of the program.
The extra money was used to treat the poorest among the 73 poor families. They were brought to the city and treated to free lunch and snacks, movie, carnival ride for kids, character appearance of Jollibee, mall tour, landmark visits and photo shoot.
Before going home, they received a photo album, food to share and family shirts.
That’s how the program started, said Osorio. For a budget of PHP7,500 a family of seven can already avail of the said privileges.
“(Lambunao) Mayor (Jason Gonzales) wanted to have this institutionalized,” Osorio said.
The poorest of the poor was chosen with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Also, priorities were given to those who haven’t been to the city, yet.
Renato and Jane Tabilla from Barangay Daanbanwa said they were very happy to be chosen as recipients of the program. Their eldest is now 23 years old but none of their seven children have been to Iloilo City.
Another recipient is the family of Felix and Mary Aduan from Brgy. Alugmawa.
“Thank you very much for this opportunity to bond with our children,” Mary said in the vernacular.
As farm workers, bringing members of their families to the city will impact on their meager income.
Lambunao is an hour away from Iloilo City by van, bus or public utility jeepney (PUJ). However, the municipal government provided them a vehicle that picked them up from their homes and brought them back after the one day trip.
The activity is held in collaboration with the municipal social welfare office headed by Imelda Lopez, business process licensing office head Arabellaflor Losbañes, information center head Gina Aris, engineering staff Ian Serafica and Executive Assistant Emz Cabarles.
Osorio said they always welcome interested sponsors even if they are not from Lambunao. (PNA)
