Cebu-based groups raise and turnover funds for orphaned children,victims of NPA atrocities in Guihulngan City, NegOr.

 MINERVA BC NEWMAN

GUIHULNGAN CITY— Cebu-based groups--Active Hub Fitness Center, Bikes and Brews and Smarties Apparel in partnership with the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CentCom) organized the “Heroes Adventure Challenge” from July 10 to August 10 to raise funds for the orphaned children whose parents were killed in front of them by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Sitio Lower Budlasan, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on May 13, 2021.

On behalf of the organizers of the Heroes Adventure Challenge, Renault Lao, Co-owner of Bikes and Brews handed-over the cash grant of P50,000 proceeds of the first leg of the challenge Wednesday, August 10 in simple ceremony at the Office of the City Mayor of Guihulngan for the children beneficiaries through the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development.

 

  

The 62nd Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army and the 3rd Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service, AFP facilitated the turnover event with representatives of the local government agencies from the DILG, DSWD and members of the LGUs in the area were also present during the turning-over ceremony.

“We are grateful to the organizers of the Heroes Adventure Challenge- the Active Hub, Bikes and Brews and Smarties Apparel with our soldiers and all the participants of this sports event for bringing hope to the orphaned children.   

Thank you for lifting-up our hopes and spirit in our quest for a safer and peaceful Guihulngan,” Guihulngan City mayor Carlo Jorge Joan Reyes said in his message during the turnover event.

Reyes said that this symbolic event meant a lot to the people and the communities as the LGU stand against terrorism. He added that may this initiative reach all parts of the Archipelago and achieve its desired purpose of creating awareness in finally ending this senseless armed conflict that only destroy people’s lives.

 

CentCom explained that the “Heroes Adventure Challenge” was a non-competitive virtual sporting event for cycling and running composed of run, bike distance and bike elevation categories that transpired on July 10 to August 10 and dubbed as ‘Hope of the Nation’ in celebration of National Heroes Day.  The organizers wanted it to be a meaningful challenge.

The first leg of the “Heroes Adventure Challenge” was intended for the scholarship program of the children affected in the armed conflict between the government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Guihulngan City.

With the other members of the local government unit of Guihulngan City, the children beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the help extended to them through the Heroes Adventure Challenge.

Currently, the team is on its way to the second leg of the “Heroes Adventure Challenge” to raise funds for the benefit of the soldiers who were injured while performing their duties in securing our communities in the Visayas regions.

The challenge is divided into three legs for three months, the organizers explained. Each leg has intended beneficiaries: LEG1 is for children affected in armed conflict with a theme “Hope of the Nation” while LEG2 is to help injured/wounded soldiers recuperating in Hospitals with a theme “Hero to our Heroes” and LEG3 is for former NPA rebels learn new life skills as they go back to their community with a theme “Compatriot of Peace”.

According to the Central Command that the couple Rodrigo and Cerelina Lubay who were killed by the NPAs have nine children who are now orphaned because of their atrocities.   All children are achievers in school. 

That is why the “Heroes Adventure Challenge” was thought of to help these children with their education. As an update, mayor Reyes on August 12 showed the design of the house and lot located in Guihulngan that will be given to the children soon, CentCom revealed. (Photos: CentCom)