Boots on the Ground: Two Days, Two Thousand Families

The news hit us all hard: a devastating earthquake rocked Northern Cebu, leaving countless families without homes and livelihoods. It’s the kind of tragedy that makes you feel helpless from afar. ABCVIP, proved that when crisis calls, you don’t just send thoughts and prayers—you send help. They immediately sprang into action, determined to bring real assistance and a much-needed ray of hope to the residents of Bogo City.

Last October 6 and 7, 2025, the dedicated ABCVIP team boarded a flight from Manila straight to Cebu. Their mission? To personally distribute relief to the hardest-hit communities. This wasn’t a drive-by operation, folks. Over two intense days, they delivered groceries, drinking water, and essential necessities to over 2,500 families and individuals profoundly affected by the tragedy.

Before those goods could reach the families, a ton of work had to happen! The repacking was held at the Fortuna Hotel, through Ms. Carmel Sy, who opened her doors and heart, graciously letting the volunteers use her facilities.

Ms. Mary Jane Pernitas, a fantastic host and motivational speaker, was the bridge that connected ABCVIP with the hotel and the incredible support system from the teachers and superintendents of SDO DepEd Bogo. These local heroes gave up their time and energy to help with the repacking and preparation of every single grocery pack. This is the definition of bayanihan—a community spirit that lifts everyone up!

ABCVIP extended their heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Niel Martinez and the Local Government Unit of Bogo City for their invaluable guidance and support, which ensured the distribution was safe and organized.

They didn’t just stick to the main roads, either. They personally visited and delivered aid to:

• Barangay Cogon — (Purok 4, 5, and 7) with Kap. Allain Ree Florida Torion
• Barangay Gairan — led by Kap. Nelia Lepon
• Barangay Siocon — alongside Kap. Emman Jagdon, Konsehal Malou Roma, and Konsehal Cecille Sinadjan

And let’s not forget the crucial logistical help from Ms. Evangeline Damayo, the S-Black Boys, and the Kabataan ng Cebu Volunteers, who were instrumental in bringing the aid to the most remote and hard-to-reach communities.

“Ang layunin ng ABCVIP ay higit pa sa entertainment. Gusto naming iparamdam na sa bawat saya at laro, may kasamang responsibilidad at puso para sa kapwa. Ang pagtulong sa mga nasalanta ay isa sa mga paraan naming maibalik ang biyayang natatanggap namin.”

Here’s the gut-wrenching truth: even though thousands of families have been helped, many residents are “natutulog sa labas ng kanilang mga bahay” (sleeping outside their homes). Why? Because of the sheer terror of aftershocks and the trauma from the quake.

They urgently need tarpaulin (plastic sheets or temporary shelters) for protection against the rain and cold. This is an immediate, practical need.

“Kung gusto ninyong tumulong, bukas ang mga barangay na ito sa inyong mga donasyon. Malaking bagay kahit maliit na tulong — bawat kabutihan ay may dalang pag-asa.”

This project beautifully illustrated that for ABCVIP, “ang tunay na diwa ng pagkapanalo ay hindi lang nasusukat sa laro, kundi sa kabutihang naibabahagi sa mga nangangailangan.”