By Pamela Mariz Geminiano/PNA
CAMP BADO DANGWA — Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Marie Rafael on Saturday led the ceremonial shoot for the opening of the two-day “Shootfest for a Cause” at Camp Bado Dangwa, in La Trinidad, Benguet.
The proceeds of the fundraising event will be used to help victims of Typhoon Rosita in the Mountain Province, especially in the towns of Natonin, Paracelis and Barlig, which suffered the brunt of the typhoon last October.
Rafael, who served as mayor of Natonin from 2007 to 2010, said the roads of Natonin, rugged as they are, have inspired and molded them to become what they are, the reason they want to give back to the town torn down by “Rosita”.
“The remains of Typhoon Rosita left us with sadness and we cannot just sit down and relax, seeing our brothers as they get hard up crawling back to life’s normalcy,” Rafael added.
She earlier appealed to shooters and supporters, relatives and friends, to support the cause by taking part in it or by donating.
Rafael said the proceeds of the two-day fundraising shootfest, which will end on Sunday at the Police Regional Office – Cordillera (PROCOR) firing range, will be given to the victims of “Rosita” in the Mountain Province.
“We may not be able to provide everything, but for now, our priority is to provide their basic needs, to improve their source of water, especially in the different villages,” she said.
The PCOO official said the people of Natonin are doing their best to cope with their losses, and are continuing with their lives.
Rafael said she hopes this would be the first and last shootfest for a cause benefitting calamity victims.
“I hope the next one would be for senior citizens, children, solo parents, things that will make them happy,” she added.
Rafael expressed her gratitude to those who helped and those who continue to help to give the people of Natonin a better life.
“This shootfest is because you made it possible. I am just a face in the tarpaulin. I hope one day, I can give back all the love you give to me, for helping me and my town,” Rafael said, referring to her part as the “face” of the fundraising event.
