“Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who borrow from you” (Matthew 5:4). The “Sekyadan Group Incorporated” chaired by Madam Mildred Bomogao Bittong featuring the Association of Ibaloi Producers and Artist (AIPA) headed by Mr. Raul Beray marked a date to remember for the people of San Gabriel, La Union at the night of July 14,2018. This activity entitled “Shining a Light Concert for a Cause and Variety Show” aims to solicit everybody’s help, be it financially or in kind. The money that will be gathered will be divided to the eleven patients from the different barangays of San Gabriel who are undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis and suffering from serious accidental results.
If we saw beggars on the street, our common first action is to think if what could we give. Sometimes, we give some coins which we picked from our pocket or share a little if not the leftover food we have and we mean it charity. There are moments that we care to ask who they are or tell them to work because we can see that they are still strong. The “Sekyadan Group Incorporated” portrays a different way in helping the needy. The charity has two main targets. First is to help those patients who are fighting from serious health battles and those who belong to low socio-economic status. Second is to give scholarship to those qualified students who are interested to study but cannot afford to go to school due to lack of financial support. The group was first conceived in Canada by the chairman – Madam Mildred B. Bittong in January 2015. They have already helped 22 patients including the 11 patients who were the reason of the said concert. They have also produced 3 graduates from their scholarship. At the moment, they have 10 scholars who are presently studying at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University- North La Union Campus. According to the chirman, the term “sekyadan” is an Igorot word which means to kick. She said that “In life, no matter how we are being kicked by different challenges, we should not be swayed or surrender. Instead, let us take them as inspirations to persevere for a better living in order to help those who are needy. The group is continuously expanding through the social media on their facebook account-MA 34 Puguis La Tinidan Benguet.
One of the most overwhelming event due to its very successful outcome which happened so far at the auditorium of San Gabriel, La Union this year is the “Shining a Light Concert for a Cause and Variety Show”. This concert gathered more than 3,000 people from the different barangays of the town. Some viewers were just caught by their curiosity. Others intentionally attended the event or being invited. It was made a close concert in order for the raffle tickets to be sold for those who are interested and serve as their passes. Each ticket amounts to ₱ 35.00 each. Despite of the setting, the auditorium was successfully filled with different viewers. Some of the beneficiaries were able to attend the event. The eleven beneficiaries of the concert are Mr. Dindo Liwan, Mr. Malate Junas, Ms. DesireeTubaang, Mr. Rick Opeña, Ms. Floralyn Donglal, Ms. Charmae Lucero, Ms. Ayoma Banganga, Ms. Alice Bacayan, Ms. Lhorvia Wandali, Ms. Rosalia Bondad and Ms. Joyce Candong.
The said concert for a cause was able to dispose around 4,000 tickets amounting to ₱140,000.00. Upon adding the financial donations from different generous individuals, the total amount earned thru the event is ₱165,000.00. The tickets are designed for raffle draw to encourage the buyers. The prizes came from different donors thru solicitation. The net proceeds from the concert was equally divided to the eleven beneficiaries of the said event. Each beneficiary received ₱ 13,500. It would be a help for them to use for their medication or at least lessen their financial stress due to their immediate needs.
The success of the activity with a very touching purpose serves as a mirror for everybody. At our simple ways, we can be able to help and share each other’s burdens. It is indeed a true as stated in Galatians 6:2 “Cary each other’s burden and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”. Every little help that we can share counts. It could be able to create a mountain of hope to those who needs it. Let us help one another without worrying of what we might loss because God is our creator and our Father. He is the owner of everything as He is the provider of everything.
By WOMA K. UNGOGAN
