Guv leads donation drive for Mindanao quake victims

By: Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Gov Esteban Evan Nonoy Contreras made good on his word to donate his salary to earthquake victims in Mindanao when he celebrated his birthday on Wednesday.

Before that, Contreras delivered his first State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Capiz Gymnasium.

“As a gesture of generosity and concerns, I will share my whole month salary to our fellow brothers and sisters who are badly affected by the devastating earthquake in Mindanao,” Contreras said, even as he encouraged everyone to do the same.

The governor had urged his friends and relatives to donate instead of giving him gifts.

Contreras recalled that when typhoon Yolanda devastated Capiz in November 2013, several individuals, local government units, and even foreign governments and institutions gave help to the province.

Provincial officials, department heads, and private individuals also donated after Contreras dropped his donation in the designated boxes.

Donation boxes were placed at the Capiz Provincial Capitol building, the Capiz Gymnasium inside the Villarreal Stadium, and ESLA-Governor’s Mansion in Brgy. Lanot here.

Dubbed “Kabalaka sang Capiz sa Mindanao,” the keys to the donation boxes will be handled by the Archdiocese of Capiz.

Aside from the SOPA, distribution of wheelchairs to people with disabilities, presentations of the rebel returnees of Capiz, and the official launching of Kabalaka Caravan Kapitolyo sa Barangay, were held among others.

Meanwhile, the formal opening and launching of the Malasakit Center was held in abeyance after Senator Laurence Christopher Bong Go failed to arrive due to his hectic schedule in the Senate.

But representatives from others invited national officials were also present.

A birthday party with lunch was prepared at the Governor’s Mansion in Brgy Lanot here.