BAUKO, Mtn. Province – Despite its cancellation, benefactors of the cancelled Kataguan Caravan did not hesitate in donating the funds to the Kataguan Organization composed of more than a hundred dialysis patients in the province.
This was learned during the ground-breaking ceremony of the Dialysis Center and Out Patient Department of the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital last May 18, 2016, Bauko, this province.
The Kataguan Caravan was a part of the Lang-ay Festival 2016 until it was cancelled due to the unexpected demise of the late Governor Leonard Mayaen last March 30, 2016. Originally set on April 6, 2016 then moved to April 15, it was cancelled together with the others events as agreed upon by the Lang-ay Organization Council in deference to the then popular demand.
Major donors still opted to donate the funds in payment of pledges and tickets already taken for the supposed event.
The donors, instead of taking back the money after the cancellation, opted to give these to the Kataguan Organization for the use of member patients.
As of press time, the amount of P218,000.00 has been turned over to the Kataguan Organization, represented during the program by relatives of patients and some of the patients themselves. Some contractors and representatives of major donors turned over the cash to the organization.
Donors present during the turn-over were the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital employees and the Mountain Province Electric Cooperative (MOPRECO). Other donors are the Rural Bank of Sagada and some Local government Units.
Among the contractors present were Rene Del Amor, Aladdin Olsim, and Marjorie Samidan. Other noted donors are Arnel Peel, Engr. Wawey and family, Rodrigo Colbongan, Mayor Eduardo Latawan, Edgar Cue, and others.
It was also gathered that the turned-over amount represented partially the committed amounts some of which are still to be collected from some individuals, government and private agencies.
The generous donations will be used by the dialysis patients for their treatments and maintenance expenses as they battle off with the dreaded disease.
The president of the organization conveyed the heartfelt gratitude of the members and their families for the generosity of the donors and benefactors citing that the monetary help will go a long way in meeting medical costs and keeping the well-being of the patients.
By Roger Sacyaten
