A MASS is held following the launching of Bohol province’s ‘One SugBohol: ‘TINO-od nga Pasko’ Christmas initiative for typhoon ‘Tino’ victims in Cebu province. (Contributed photo)
CEBU CITY – Bohol is extending a helping hand to typhoon-hit Cebu province.
The provincial government of Bohol has launched “One SugBohol: “TINO-od nga Pasko,” a unified effort to extend compassion and deliver assistance to communities affected by typhoon ‘’Tino’’ in Cebu.
The Christmas initiative was launched on Monday, Nov. 10, at the New Capitol Building lobby n Tagbilaran City.
A Mass presided over by Diocesan Administrator Rev. Fr. Gerardo Saco Jr. followed the launching.
In his message, Gov. Aris Aumentado said that Bohol’s neighbor-province Cebu had been hardly hit by Tino, with thousands of families left homeless and in dire need of food, water, medicines, clothing, and temporary shelter.
“It is in this light that we are launching today the ‘One SugBohol: TINO-OD nga Pasko, UWAN sa Gugma: a Provincial Government-led Christmas Initiative for Tino and Uwan-Affected Communities,’” he said.
Aumentado said the Capitol is opening its doors to all Boholanos to join in the initiative.
As part of the initiative, the Capitol will deploy an 11-member team from the Provincial Health Office Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services to Danao City, Cebu, from Nov. 14 to 17.
The team will provide mental health, psychosocial support, and psychological first aid to individuals and families affected by Tino.
Equipped with its own logistics, the team will operate independently throughout the four-day mission to extend compassion, emotional care, and healing to affected communities.
Boholanos who wish to donate in cash or in kind may drop off their donations at the Public Assistance and Complaint Desk at the ground floor lobby of the New Provincial Capitol building.
The Provincial Human Resource and Management Development Office (PHRMDO) is spearheading the donation drive.
PHRMDO head Dr. Anne Mariquit Oppus said the provincial government will accept donations until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13. The donations will be brought to Cebu on Friday, Nov. 14.
“On behalf of the provincial government of Bohol, we encourage all our friends, relatives, or those who have kind hearts, this is the season to share. In the words of the governor, ’TINO-od nga Pasko, UWAN sa Gugma,’” she said.