NCR students donate money to Pablo victims

MANILA, Philippines - Students from public schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday donated cash to help areas in Mindanao devastated by typhoon Pablo.

In a simple turnover ceremony at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, Department of Education main office in Pasig City, Education Secretary Armin Luistro received coin donations from public school students in Metro Manila to help typhoon victims.

A total of P1,254,499.05 was raised during the five-day fund drive initiated by the DepEd-NCR through a regional memorandum issued to all public schools in the region.

Luistro lauded the DepEd-NCR, public schools, especially the students.

“Sa ginawa n’yong ito, pinatunayan n’yo na sa pagtulong, posible na ang lahat ay kasama. ‘Di lang ‘yung may pera ang makakapagbahagi at makakatulong. ‘Di man malaki ang maibibigay ng bawat isa basta galing sa puso, malaking bagay na ito,” Luistro said.

“More than just the amount, it is the gesture that comes from the ordinary people to share to those suffering and join them at this time that makes this special. Mas malaki pa sa isang milyon ang inyong naibahagi," Luistro added.

Meanwhile, DepEd-NCR Director Luz Almeda said they thought of the campaign to not only help those in need but more importantly, to teach the students the value of sharing especially this Christmas season.

“The modest amount we will be giving the victims of typhoon Pablo is a collective expression of love to those suffering,”Almeda said.

This Christmas, Luistro continues to appeal for donations from DepEd employees to help teaching and non-teaching personnel who are affected by the typhoon as well as those who are seeking shelter in schools.

“Ngayong Pasko, sana isipin ng bawat isa sa atin ay kung ano ang ating maibibigay para sa kapwa at hindi kung ano ang ating matatanggap,”Luistro said.

DepEd is now accepting cash donations to help buy food, clothing and school supplies for over 50,000 student victims of typhoon Pablo. DepEd has also mobilized the deployment of school tents to serve as temporary learning spaces in affected regions. 

Donations may be deposited at the Landbank OSEC Trust Account No: 0672-1000-20.

Donors are requested to send a copy of the deposit slip to DepEd Cash Division at telefax no. 6337220 for accounting and documentation purposes.