A Beacon of Hope and Resilience within the Community
In the remote Island of Calayan, situated in Cagayan Province, a remarkable collaborative effort unfolded on April 3, 2024. The Officers Ladies’ Club (OLC) of the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2), alongside police officers of the Cagayan PPO, embarked on an outreach program at the Caniwalan Elementary School in Barangay Magsidel. The activity was a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion of both the OLC PRO2 and the Cagayan Police, bringing essential assistance and support to the residents of Calayan Island.
Spearheaded by Mrs. Mildred T. Birung, the better half of the Regional Director of PRO2, and Mrs. Jenifer Antoinette Gorospe, OLC Adviser, the initiative was a collaboration aimed to address the pressing needs of the community while fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie. The dedicated team of volunteers, accompanied by police officers from Cagayan PPO, kickstarted the outreach program, marking a significant milestone as the first such endeavor conducted by the OLC PRO2 on the Island of Calayan, thus, underscoring the group’s commitment to extending assistance even beyond the urban centers.
The outreach program encompassed a wide range of sub-activities designed to provide a holistic support to residents. As the sun sets on Calayan Island, the echoes of laughter and camaraderie served as testaments to the power of unity and compassion in uplifting communities and in transforming lives. Recognizing the importance of education, the team provided 100 sets of school supplies for students from Kindergarten to Grade 6, ensuring that they have the necessary tools to succeed academically. In addition to this, 100 pairs of slippers were distributed, addressing a basic yet vital need in the community. In addition to material assistance, the outreach program included health services aimed at promoting the well-being of the residents.
Attendees had the opportunity to undergo blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, and blood type checking, and being recipients of vitamins and medicines accorded by the Cagayan Provincial Health Unit. Highlighting the group’s commitment to environmental sustainability, a tree-planting activity was organized in collaboration with Barangay Officials and KKDAT members, wherein 100 seedlings of Arius were planted around Sibang Cove, symbolizing a collective commitment to preserving and protecting the island’s natural beauty for future generations.
The collaborative outreach program by the Officers Ladies Club PRO2 and the Cagayan Police represents a good example of community empowerment and solidarity. Through their unwavering dedication and compassion, they have not only delivered essential services but have also ignited a spark of resilience and optimism within the Island of Calayan. As we navigate the challenges of the present and chart a course for the future, let us draw inspiration from their example, recognizing the profound impact of their collective action in building a brighter and more inclusive society.
