By Samantha L. Colinco and Katrin Anne A. Arcala
A WEEK AFTER their donation call for typhoon Yolanda victims, Silliman University collected 13 tons worth of relief goods, which were sent to Leyte and Samar.
A team from the university led by Assistant ROTC Commandant Major Rafael Cresencio Tan Jr., endorsed the first batch of boxes and sacks of rice, water and clothing to the Philippine Navy for distribution last Nov. 16.
At the university convocation Monday, Vice-president for Academic Affairs Dr. Betsy Joy Tan said that Silliman is doing “so much” to help because it is part of the “whole person education” experience.
“You learn not only from reading or being active in the classroom; you learn more when you are able to make an impact on the lives of other people and actually contribute to the improvement of living condition,” she said.
Tan added that the sight of students who volunteered to repack truckload of goods was “very touching and inspiring.”
Furthermore, Tan, representing SU President Ben S. Malayang who was in Manila, continued to request for more contributions as they aim to send a second batch of donations on Nov. 25 to other provinces also affected by the typhoon.
”We appeal to you again to help us gather more for other areas. Let us be one again in being instruments of God’s care and love,” she said.
Meanwhile, SU students expressed their reasons why they decided to donate and help in repacking.
Ramon Ang, a fourth year civil engineering student, said that he pitied the situation in Tacloban.
“As a Sillimanian, I feel that it is important we help wholeheartedly through whatever we have. We should help not for the recognition but for the needs of others,” Ang said.
Senior public administration student, Lee Verdoguillo, said he was also moved to help because of what he has seen on the news.
“I felt like I should be thankful that our community has been spared from the typhoon, and so I think one way to show that gratitude is to help those who have been affected,” he added.
