By Restituto Cayubit
PALO, Leyte – The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) raised more than P8 million from the individual voluntary contributions of its personnel on April 18, a report from PRO-8 headquarters based in Camp Ruperto Kangleon, barangay Campetic, this town.
PRO-8 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Bernabe M. Balba told The Manila Bulletin that with the support of its Regional Headquarters Support Unit 8 (RHSU 8), Police Provincial Offices (PPOs), City Police Offices (CPOs) and Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB 8), a total of P8,626, 275 were culled for contribution to the Team PN Fund Challenge that will augment response funds against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Balba said that the initiative was an offshoot of a fund-raising project launched by Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Francisco F. Gamboa on April 14.
The “Team PNP Bayanihan Fund Challenge” calls on all PNP personnel, regardless of rank and position, to practice the spirit of volunteerism to aid in augmenting funds in support for the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).
Balba explained that this was the PNP’s response to President Duterte’s call for the entire Filipino nation to raise funds to support the campaign of the government and help those who are greatly affected by the COVID-19 crisis especially those belonging to the poorest of the poor families.
“The men and women of PRO-8 are one with the government in its effort to help save lives of our fellow Filipinos from the socioeconomic impact brought about by COVID-19 pandemic. We are doing this voluntarily to help ease the burden suffered by our country in this time of national health emergency,” Balba said.
Balba said that he believes that through these collective efforts, a simple act of kindness within the organization will certainly go a long way in assisting our fellowmen survive this protracted crisis.