It was already dark and raining hard, but it did not stop Rotarians to extend help to those in need.  The Rotary Club of Parañaque Metro South (RCPMS) led by RGP Pol Casale immediately attended to the victims of a fire at Creek Drive II, San Roque Hills, SAV 9, Brgy. San Antonio last Sep. 25, 2008, which rendered more than a hundred families homeless.

RCPMS Charter Pres. Benny Hilario started his own “text brigade” to all Rotarians he knows, while RC Parañaque Metro PP Marge Lamberte sent e-mail messages to the District eGroups, to ask for help and assistance to the fire victims.  Various Parañaque clubs, including Metro, South East and Poblacion, quickly responded.  Led by RCPMS, the Rotarians distributed relief goods such as groceries, clothing, sleeping mats and rice.

RGP Pol also thanked Mayor Florencio “Jun” Bernabe Jr. who instructed the Parañaque Social Welfare Office chief, Dean Calleja, to immediately provide assistance to the fire victims.  Help also came from Vice Mayor Gus Tambunting, Congressman Roilo Golez, Councilor Rico Golez, and Red Cross Rizal Chapter-Parañaque Branch Council where Bernabe is honorary chairman and Dir. Anson Ong is branch council chairman.

Reports from the Bureau of Fire Protection disclosed that total of 62 houses were gutted and displaced 140 families. The cost of damage was estimated at P1.5 million.

Support from PAL Foundation

In a related development, the PAL (Philippine Air Lines) Foundation, Inc. donated to RCPS pillow cases intended for the for the Parañaque fire victims and for the RCPMS Livelihood Program, in simple ceremonies last Oct. 15 at Mocha Blend, BF Homes, Parañaque.

Represented by its legal consultant, Atty. Jac Cabatuando, who is also a RCPMS past president, PAL Foundation turned over the pillow cases to RGP Pol Casale.  In addition, the foundation also donated books and magazines to RCPMS in support for its on-going Library Building Project in Sampaloc II Elementary School.