PRO-NIR, CHMSU send relief to quake-hit Cebu

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) delivered relief assistance to communities in northern Cebu affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30, particularly in Bogo City.

A 10-member team led by Police Capt. Everly Canto, chief of PRO-NIR’s Community Affairs Section, turned over the donations to Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) in Cebu City on October 17.

The aid included 3,550 kilograms of rice—distributed in 61 sacks of 50 kilos, 19 sacks of 25 kilos, and 15 sacks of 5 kilos—along with 48 boxes of assorted essential goods.

Receiving the donations on behalf of PRO-7 were Police Col. Antonietto Cañete, chief of regional staff, and Police Lt. Col. Mia Rose Burlat, deputy chief of the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division.

The assistance will be distributed to families across the earthquake-affected areas.

This humanitarian effort is part of PRO-NIR’s Oplan Tendering Assistance With Integrity and Dedication (T.A.W.I.D.) Program, which consolidates donations from units such as the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, provincial police offices in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, the Bacolod City Police Office, and the Maritime Unit.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, emphasized that the mission of the police extends beyond law enforcement.

“In times of crisis, our duty is to extend compassion and support,” he said.

“True public service knows no boundaries.”

Meanwhile, the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) also extended aid to quake-hit communities in Cebu through the distribution of 3,500 hot meals from October 15 to 17 in the Municipality of Medellin.

The relief effort was made possible through a donation drive held from October 3 to 10 across all CHMSU campuses.

The initiative was coordinated by the Center for Internationalization and External Relations (CIER), the Federation of CHMSU University Student Government (FCUSG), and the Art Relief Mobile Kitchen (ARMK) Bacolod Chapter.

The campaign raised a total of PHP 24,786.13 through cash donations collected at CHMSUyanihan booths in Alijis, Binalbagan, Fortune Towne, and Talisay campuses, as well as through GCash transfers.

“CHMSUyanihan para sa Cebu reflected the compassion and commitment of CHMSUan volunteers, alumni, and partners to service beyond borders,” said CIER director Rhoderick Samonte.

He thanked students, faculty, staff, alumni, and stakeholders who volunteered and donated throughout the campaign.