The Adventist Community Service (ACS) Department of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church – Surigao Metro District (SMD) stepped up to offer cash assistance to victims of a recent fire incident in Purok 3 Barangay San Juan, Surigao City.
The devastating fire, which occurred on the 12th day of March 2024 at around 3:00 in the afternoon, left 44 families displaced and in dire need of any form of aid. Responding to the call for help, the SMD ACS Department, in collaboration with the Northeastern Mindanao Mission – ACS Department, took immediate action.
The ACS Department showed compassion and distributed financial aid amounting to Php 44,000.00, providing each affected family with Php 1,000.00 monetary assistance. This generous contribution alleviated the immediate financial burdens the fire victims face. The financial aid was made possible through a collaborative effort by the Northeastern Mindanao Mission – ACS Department, which contributed Php 23,000.00. At the same time, the remaining Php 21,000.00 was generously donated by the three churches in the district on a prorated basis.
The monetary assistance was given at Surigao City National High School, where the victims were temporarily relocated. The presence of community leaders and church representatives underscored the significance of this act of kindness. Elders from the three churches within the district joined hand in hand with the affected families. Hon. Soledito S. Monteros, the barangay captain, graced the event, further emphasizing the unity and support extended by the local government.
Before the distribution began, attendees gathered in prayer, seeking peace and strength in times of adversity. Elder Eddie Tubera of Surigao Central SDA Church offered counseling services to the victims, extending financial aid and emotional support during these challenging times.
As the community comes together to rebuild and recover, the spirit of compassion and unity exemplified by the Adventist Community Service Department is a beacon of hope to the victims. In times of crises, it is the resilience and generosity of the people that truly shine brightest.
By Shieva Ebol
Leave a Reply