The Public Relations Officers of the Senators (PROS) has turned over 109 boxes of toys, books and recreational materials to Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to help in the psychosocial treatment of thousands of displaced children traumatized by the armed conflict in Marawi City.
In a simple ceremony at the Senate last July 31, Michael Caber, president of PROS, handed to Ma. Rizza Genil of PRC the donations as part of the organization’s humble contribution in rebuilding the lives of displaced families and their children in Mindanao.
“The protracted violent military operations against the Maute group have forced thousands of Muslim families to flee their homes and have traumatized their children who should have been spending their valuable times in schools,” he said.
“Unfortunately, these displaced families and their children have lost everything they once have. In our simplest way, we feel we have something to contribute and bring hope to their dreams that were shattered by this violence,” he added.
PROS, an organization of media and public relations officers in the Senate, launched “Laruan Para sa mga Batang Bakwit” in response to call for toys and books donation for children displaced and traumatized by the armed operations in Mindanao.
In cooperation with the Senate, the respective offices of 24 incumbent senators pitched in for donations among their colleagues, as well as from their personal and professional network of families, friends and associates.
Caber, who works for Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, also expressed gratitude to Senate employees and their families and friends who participated in the toys and books donation campaign.
“The donation drive for new, old, or even used toys, books, arts and recreational materials can assist the government and other non-profit organizations in rebuilding lives and dreams of our Muslim brothers and friends,” he said.
Caber also thanked some individuals, organizations and companies which helped make the toys and books donation drive a success. Among them include Abiva Publishing House, Parenting Emporium, members of the Senate media, Office of Senate Secretary, Pocholo Diamzon, Nelson Victorino, Jingle Allam, Ivy Cadayona, Yvonne Almiranez, Rodel Dascil, Jen Corpus-Legaspi, and many others.
The toys and books donation drive is one of the worthwhile projects initiated by PROS under the leadership of Caber, along with Vice President Rex Hirang of the Office of Sen. Nancy Binay, Secretary Ferdie J. Maglalang of the Office of Sen. Leila de Lima, Treasurer Ahna Khristina Mejia of the Office of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, and Auditor Perla Leoncio of the Office of Sen. Miguel Zubiri. (30)