Manila, Philippines – With the COVID-19 pandemic changing the lives of many Filipinos, those in Pasig City have found solace in the ability of their top public officials to find innovative ways to meet the challenges of caring for and protecting their constituents. Vice Mayor Bernardo started the “Sneakers Auction for a Cause” last March to help meet the need for personal protective equipment, hygiene kits, food packs, and other essential items for Pasig City’s frontliners and less-fortunate families. Pasig Vice Mayor Iyo Caruncho-Bernardo Two months since its inception, the auction was able to raise P340,000 to help the COVID-19 prevention efforts of the city. Encouraged by the public’s support, Bernardo decided to expand the auction’s selection to include sports memorabilia and other valuable items to attract people with different interests and passions. “Marami po ang nagtulong-tulong para mas maraming matulungan ang “Sneakers Atbp. Auction for a Cause.” Nandiyan po ang mga kilalang legends and players mula sa PBA at UAAP, ang Sneaker Aficionados of the Philippines, mga vloggers, broadcasters and celebrities, si Senator Manny Pacquiao, mga private individuals, companies and organizations mula sa iba’t-ibang lugar ng bansa, at mga kapwa Pasigueño na nagpamahagi ng kanilang blessings,” the vice mayor said. (Many pitched in to help the auction. Among them were famous legends and players from the Philippine Basketball Association and University Athletic Association of the Philippines, Sneaker Aficionados of the Philippines, vloggers, broadcasters and celebrities, Senator Manny Pacquiao, private individuals, companies and organizations from different parts of the country, and fellow Pasigueños who shared their blessings.) “We want to invite more people to share their blessings so we can buy more food and essential items to meet the needs of our constituents during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. The donors and the people who have purchased the items have made a big difference in the lives of many Pasigueños,” he added. Pasig Vice Mayor Iyo Caruncho-Bernardo In the coming days, Vice Mayor Bernardo will be auctioning off his Kawasaki Vulcan S-650 and Giant Talon Mountain Bike through his Facebook account for the benefit of cancer and dialysis patients and “Heart Warrior” children. “Bukas po para sa lahat ng gustong sumali ang ating auction. Umaasa po ako na mas marami pa sa ating mga kababayan, nasa Pilipinas man o nasa ibang bansa, ang makikilahok at tutulong sa ating mga programa para maibsan at malagpasan ang pahirap na dulot ng COVID-19,” he said. (The auction is open to everyone who wants to join. I hope that more of our countrymen, whether in the Philippines or in other countries, will participate and help our programs to ease and get past the hardships brought by COVID-19.) To get updates on the auction, follow Vice Mayor Bernardo’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, or get in touch with him through cell numbers 0917-796-3813 or 0916-731-3924.