JEDDAH, 20 February 2004 — Bohol Island in the central Philippines has something to look forward to: its sons and daughters abroad will be donating a medical equipment for the province’s public hospital.
Leaders of the Boholano Community in Jeddah (BCJ), said they plan to help acquire a Reverse Osmosis Monitor, which is needed to check tap water for use in dialysis machines.
Ric Cordero, BSJ president, said their townmates in the United States have already contributed a substantial amount for the project, which would benefit especially the poor patients who need dialysis treatment. He said the equipment costs about 500,000 pesos, or almost $9,000 .
In a telephone call to BCJ officers, Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla commended the group for its humanitarian projects, and at the same time urged them to continue doing so to serve as a model for other OFW community groups.
BCJ had earlier helped raise funds for DYRD radio station’s Inyong Alagad program, which is helping Bohol’s poor.
BCJ is also part of the community effort to help distressed compatriots in Jeddah, providing food, clothing, shelter and financial support.
Apart from Cordero, BCJ’s other officers are: Gaspar Bertumen Jr., vice president (internal); Red Bual, VP external; Mark Almerol, secretary; Evangeline Napenas, assistant secretary; Ritz Namoc, treasurer; Lou Madera, assistant treasurer; Rey Toloy, auditor; Melchor Abcede, assistant auditor; Tom Salim and Danny Salgados, public relations officers.
Gracing the occasion were Welfare Officer Rosauro Octaviano and businessman Muhammad Bayoumi, a benefactor of many Filipino community activities.
