Representative Radaza gives aid to Olango residents

CEBU, Philippines —  Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Representative Paz Radaza yesterday extended financial assistance to sea tragedy survivors and some residents in Olango Island.

Former Sabang barangay captain Lucy Aparese, who has experienced three maritime disasters already, recalled her ordeal before Radaza.

“Pwerte gyud paita sa among kahimtang, sobra napulo ka oras mi nag-utaw-utaw sa dagat,” the teary-eyed Aparese said.

Aparese was with her 71-year-old husband and also a former Sabang barangay captain, Rogelio, two grandsons and an aide when the motorboat they were boarding capsized last Wednesday in the waters off Olango Island.

Aparese buys “nipa” and other housing materials and sold these as their livelihood. Her goods worth at least P20,000 were lost due to the tragedy.

Radaza visited her and gave her some financial assistance and relief goods.

Aside from the Apareces, Radaza also gave two wheelchairs to two kids in the island who were both suffering from cerebral palsy.

Jendy Mae Baguio, 16, of Sitio Kalipay, was very elated after receiving the wheelchair.

“Makasuroy-suroy na gyud akong anak. Lipay kaayo siya nga naa siyay wheelchair. First time nga naa siyay ing-ana kanindot nga wheelchair,” said Lowella, Jendy’s 37-year-old mother said.

Another child, 11-year-old Anthony Cañete, of Sitio Suba, also received a wheelchair.

“Dako kaayo ning ikatabang sa akong anak kay naa na gyud siyay wheelchair. Dili man ko maka-afford og palit ana kay ang akong income P300 ra man kada semana,” said Anthony’s mother, Arcelly.

Aside from them, Radaza also gave financial aid and relief goods to construction worker/caregiver Marvin Martinito, who was a locally stranded individual as he was locked down in Caloocan during the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

“Sulod sa upat ka buwan nga quarantine kay naabtan man ko sa lockdown sa Caloocan, didto nitabang og alaga sa mga buang. Ako ang tigpakaon nila ug tigpa-inom sa ilang mga tambal. Pero kay gusto na pud ko mouli diri sa isla, mao na nga pasalamat ko nga gitabangan ko ni Congresswoman Radaza,” Martinito said.

Radaza said that it has been her tradition to look after her constituents who are in dire need.

“Hangtod karon nga na congresswoman nako, akoa lang gihapon gipadayon ang maong programa sa pagtabang sa labing nanginahanglan,” Radaza said. — GAN (FREEMAN)