Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines updates the disbursement of the donation from Mrs. Philippines Beauty Pageant
The $10,000 raised by the Mrs. Philippines Manitoba Pageant has been disbursed to the typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) victims through the Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, as reported by Ms. Gigi Endaya, manager, Corporate Communications and Resource Development, at the Breakfast reception held Wednesday May 4th at the Viscount Gort Hotel where Councillor Cindy Gilroy, Larry Vickar and the officers of member organizations of the Manitoba Council of Canadian Filipino Associations Inc.attended.
“I am grateful for the warm welcome I received from the officers of MaCCFA, a contrast to what Filipinos in Vancouver told me about the chilly cold weather of Winnipeg. When I arrived, to my surprise, I could also feel the warmth of sunshine of the Spring season. I can compare the unity of Filipinos here from other Canadian cities after I’ve been for the past three weeks, only in Winnipeg you can find a unified groups of Filipinos. Because of this unity in diversity, fellow Filipinos back home are provided with necessary support. And I am thanking this group for bringing aid to the Philippines. People affected by typhoon Yolanda are not just reached out and helped. They are touched and encouraged and provided hope by your kindness and generosity. The beautiful ladies of Mrs. Philippine Manitoba who are not just gracious to share their physical beauties but also their beautiful and compassionate hearts for our needy kababayans in the Philippines. Their beauties may fade but their good hearts will remain forever. Together, with your help,our people who are homeless and needy will be able to rebuild their lives and rise up. Blessings.”, Gigi Endaya says.
“MaCCFA has been upfront in helping our less fortunate kababayans since its foundation. And through our Mrs.Philippines Manitoba initiative, we will continue our mandate. And I have to extend my sincere appreciation to our four beauties who worked hard to address the needs; and to our sponsors and donors who have helping us and to our guest, Gigi Endaya for giving us the update of our donation,” Letty Antonio said.
The $10,000 presentation was held with the presence of the reigning beauty queen and her court of the Mrs. Philippines Manitoba Beauty Pageant includes Precy Merluza, Mrs. Manitoba Philippines; Zeny Calimlim, Mrs.Luzon Manitoba; Fely Paredes, Mrs. Visayas Manitoba; and Gloria Magpali, Mrs. Mindanao Manitoba.Through their commitments and dedications they were able to raise money for the less fortunate kababayans in the Philippines.
Precy Merluza, Mrs. Philippines Manitoba, says: “As the reigning Mrs. Philippines Manitoba, I found this experience one I will never forget. The crown is not only a symbol of beauty and heart, but it takes hard work, dedication and the love and support of our kababayans here in Winnipeg. With the generosity of our tight Filipino community, we have raised $10,000 in support of rebuilding and supporting our fellow kababayans in the Philippines when times are hard and tragedy hits. Mrs. Philippines Manitoba has given me the opportunity to reach out further in helping our home we call the Philippines. We may be far away but our hearts will be proud to be Filipino.”
For the past year, the officers and members of MaCCFA had been looking for an agency as a linkage to help the victims of typhoon Yolanda. With many negative reports on what happened to the donations to the victims the Council is very careful to send the money without a right connection. Letty Duque Antonio, MaCCFA president, was able to connect with the Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, a non-governmental organization duly licenses by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and accredited by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification as a donee institution.Furthermore, this foundation is a humanitarian arm of CBN Asia, the producer of The 700 Club Asia. The foundation was established in 1996 to reach out to the most neglected and disadvantaged people in the Philippines.
Since inception, Operation Blessing has inspired change in the lives of more than a million people from all over the Philippines through various programs that transform lives.
Operation Blessing has the following initiatives: Children’s Program which comprises of Bless-a-Child, Back-to-School, Orphan’s Promise, Holiday of Hope and Cheer and Happy Kids Camp. Disaster Response and builder of subdivision with all the facilities; Healthcare, Livelihood and Water and Sanitation.
Because of Operation Blessing’s valuable contributions, the Armed Forces of the Philippines recognized it twiceas the “NGOof the Year for the Peace Efforts in 2002 and 2004; and the Philippine Army gave it the distinction of being the “NGO of the Year” in 2006 and 2007 respectively.
During the ceremony at the Viscount Gort Hotel, Councillor Cindy Gilroy, who represented Mayor Brian Bowman addressed the guests while Larry Vickar of Vickar Automotive Group, gave an inspiration of giving.Letty Duque Antonio, MaCCFA president, welcomed the guests and Tony Antonio, treasurer, gave a closing remarks.
Rod E. Cantiveros, the immediate past president, and the chairman of 2017 Mrs. Philippines Manitoba Pageant Committee, formally announced the 2017 Mrs. Philippines Manitoba fund raising campaign.
For more information please visit the website: www.obphil.com. E-mail: info@obphil.com
Photos by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal
