METRO CORNER
By ERIK ESPINA
Erik Espina
The Philippine Army 1901st Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade, Cebu City Vice Mayor Mike Rama, shoulder to shoulder with BPO companies e.g. Qualfon, launched the “Tabang Cotabato” (Help Cotabato) project. Although the City government had extended P10-million pesos of financial help to stricken areas in Mindanao, the group proceeded with the outreach work in order to provide a bridging mechanism for ordinary Cebuanos to personally participate by any form of donation.
“Tabang Cotabato” became the catch phrase for the philanthropic effort. Some other provinces have been painting the entire Mindanao as a disaster area, when the damage from earth-quakes and after-shocks was confined to identified areas.
Donations in cash and kind will be turned-over to newly installed Major Gen. Roberto Angcan of the Central Command for the entire Visayas. The entire project began with members of the 1901st Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade being allowed by Vice Mayor Rama a collecting station directly fronting the Legislative Building. This was later replicated at the Central Business District of Ayala for participation by other private initiatives.
A “Free Concert’ was the culminating activity with 14 locally known music bands ( Missing Filemon, Powerspoonz, Intertwined, Cuarenta, PG 18, Johnnie & The Walkers, Ukemia, Brownskin, Riddin, Keraro, Jerico, Miracle Facts, Bunny Rock, Kobe) volunteering their services at the very heart of downtown Cebu, at Plaza Independencia. The crowd was urged to donate any amount or goods, bottled water, canned goods, blankets, clothing, etc.