A total of 157 households benefited from the community outreach program of Commission on Audit (COA) Romblon, which was conducted simultaneously in the municipalities of Romblon and Odiongan on May 5, 2021, in celebration of COA’s 122nd founding anniversary.
“In these trying times, we have to look after one another. And while giving grocery items may seem ordinary, it could mean a lot to the families of the beneficiaries,” said Supervising Auditor Concepcion M. Caldit of COA Romblon, who led the activity which was initiated by thed bayanihan spirit of COA Romblon employees.
Relief packages containing basic commodities were given to 75 less privileged families in Barangays Poblacion-III, Bagacay, Cajimos, Capaclan, and Lonos in Romblon, 57 families undergoing strict quarantine protocols in Barangays Batiano, Dapawan, Poctoy, and Ligaya in Odiongan, and 25 non-medical frontliners. The beneficiaries were also given soap, face masks, and alcohol.
“Gapasalamat ako kay Lord nga may mga mabuting tao kagaya niyo. Sana bigyan pa kayo ni Lord ng maraming biyaya at bigyan ng kalakasan para marami pa ang inyong matulungan (I thank the Lord for kind-hearted persons like you. May the good Lord grant you all more blessings and good health for you to be of help to more people),” said Ma. Fe Mago, resident of Barangay Capaclan in Romblon, one of the beneficiaries of the outreach activity.
“Gapasalamat gid kami kay kami hay nataw-an. Salamat gid po! (We are thankful for being the recipients. Thank you very much!),” said another beneficiary Elma Yatar, mother of eight and resident of far-flung Sitio Wireless of Barangay Bagacay in Romblon.
COA Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) Regional Director Lynflor M. Adolfo lauded Supervising Auditor Caldit and COA Romblon employees for their inspiring activity, which was anchored on the anniversary theme “Resilience and Innovation in the New Normal.”
“Our COA Romblon team did a great job making this rather quiet Covid-19 pandemic era anniversary celebration meaningful and so we commend them. May they continue to be of help to the needy,” said Regional Director Adolfo, adding that the community outreach activity has ignited the spirit of resilience among the beneficiaries.
For her part, Assistant Regional Director Felicidad S. Medrano has extolled the effort of COA Romblon for their generosity.
“Supervising Auditor Caldit and her team have trail blazed the way for us to help the needy in this pandemic and so it is but fitting for us to follow their lead,” said Assistant Regional Director Medrano.
The community outreach was made possible with assistance from Romblon Municipal Government, Romblon Provincial Government, and The Friendshoppe Potpourri, a local boutique that donated 200 pieces of reusable face masks.
