A resounding sound of surprises and vibrant smiles radiate in the faces of the children in Barangay Japay in the Municipality of Oras in Eastern Samar when they noticed a group of familiar individuals approaching them. Many of them are clueless relative to the purpose of the group, but cannot hide their excitement in meeting them.
Barangay Japay is an interior barangay in the municipality of Oras in Eastern Samar. It can be reached only by foot, two hours away from Barangay Dao where the group started to walk. Its trail becomes turbid when it rains adding a burden to those who wish to go or visit the place.
With the outpouring of determination and drive to bring happiness and help the children of Barangay Japay, the personnel of the 1st Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company decided to visit the area. But heavy rain was experienced throughout the night before the day of their actual visit. The local guides, as well as the Barangay Tanods, cautioned the team that the trail is muddy and slippery. They even advised the cops to move the event to a later date. But all these were brushed aside, the personnel pushing through the event.
The Police Community Affairs Section Team led by Police Lieutenant Angelyn Glou A. Cortado, Admin and PCAS Officer under the supervision of Police Lieutenant Colonel Joy G. Leanza, Force Commander, along with, Central Rubasan Eagles Club, Ms. Melissa Orendain, and other members of the Lingkod-Bayan Advocacy Groups and Force Multipliers, carried out the community outreach activities through the 1st ESPMFC Mobile Canteen.
The 1st ESPMFC mobile canteen served juices and “fudgee” bars to at least 100 children in the said barangay. Aside from these, the team offered free haircut services to some 50 kids and other select residents who attended the program. Children attendees were also given school supply sets.
In her welcome address, Mr. E. Tapac, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Japay, expressed the immense happiness of the Japaynons for the presence of the “Local Command cops”, more so that they are there to bring their services to the community and to give joy to the children in her barangay.
A certain Barangay Kagawad also broke in tears while watching the cops conversing with the children, dancing and even exchanging jokes with them. He said in his dialect that: “Nayngangauraw ako han kalipay nga kinita ko an kapulisan dinhe ha atun barangay kay sumala han pulong ni Kapitana, dire namon ineexpect nga uungdon talaga kami pagbisita nganhi kay naintindi man kami nga makuri harayo ngan makuri an dalan nganhi. Damo po nga salamat han iyo pagbisita”.
(I am very glad and surprised to see this group of police personnel here in our barangay. As our Barangay Captain said, we really do not expect them to visit us like this. And we also understand that, because of the distance and the inaccessibility of our barangay to the town center. Thank you for visiting us.)
The crowd cheered in elation each time the 1st ESPMFC stepped onstage for an intermission number. Residents and barangay officials gamely assented to the “boduts” showdown posed by the dancing cops. Children also took part in the dance challenge.
No mount too high and no sea too deep for a heart that is willing to help those in need. No matter how difficult the situation is, a generous heart will always find ways and opportunities to touch others’ lives for no one can hinder the virtues of a kind heart.
