A resident of Siargao shows one of the solar lights given by JCI.
GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island (MindaNews / 03 February) — Victims of typhoon Odette in Siargao Island have received free solar lights from various chapters of Junior Chamber International (JCI).
Dubbed “Linawag Sa Dilim” (Light In The Dark), the project aims to bring solar lights to farmers and fisher folk in some remote villages in the island.
“We knew for a fact that electric supply to remote villages will take some time, and with our little help through solar lights, we can help alleviate difficulties of our dear farmers and fisher folk in these tough times of our lives,” said Architect Jupiter Copag of JCI Surigao who chairs the project.
JCI Legazpi Dawani, JCI Manila and JCI Surigao Nickel also contributed their resources to the project.
The distribution of the solar lights started a week after the typhoon hit, and has continued with some individuals channeling their donations through JCI Surigao Nickel.
JCI Surigao Nickel has been accepting donations of solar lights, other goods and cash for typhoon victims in the whole province.
In its report the group led by its president, Engr. Thirdie Chua, said it has delivered relief goods to 8,000 families and counting as of Thursday.
Clifford Gonzales, a well-known fisherman in Pilar town received the donations on behalf of his fellow fishermen.
“Gamit karajaw ini (These are very useful) because they have charger gadgets as well,” Gonzales said.
“I was surprised because you (JCI members) came late at night and gave these awesome stuff, the solar lights, our nights are lighted,” Domingo Basul, a farmer-fisherman in Barangay Salvacion, said in the vernacular.
Meanwhile, groups from Lanao del Norte came recently to extend aid to the typhoon victims in the island.
Sittie Aminah Dimaporo led the Inner Wheel Club in distributing several truckloads of construction materials, relief goods, among others to the victims.
Dimaporo brought along different chapters of Eagle Club in Lanao del Norte to distribute their assistance in Burgos, San Isidro and Sta. Monica towns, the areas worst hit by the typhoon.
“It’s part of our commitment to help people in these trying times, and we thank the people of Lanao del Norte and NGOs who shared their resources and spend sleepless nights in order to bring aid to typhoon-stricken areas of Siargao,” she said.
Her group also gave aid to at least 300 Muslim families in Dapa town whose houses were leveled by Odette. (Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews)
