ARMY'S 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and some other civic organizations on Wednesday launched a campaign to provide relief and other forms of assistance to survivors of Typhoon “Ulysses,” which wreaked havoc in the country.

Launched at Camp Evangelista dubbed as "#CagayanDeOroHelpsCagayanValley" in Northern Mindanao, with its mission to raise cash or in-kind donations to alleviate the sufferings of the typhoon victims.

“Using this platform is to help the survivors of Typhoon Ulysses,” said 4ID commander Maj. General Andres Centino.

The hashtag was coined since Cagayan de Oro was once a recipient of assistance from different sectors during Typhoon Sendong in 2011.

Centino said the partner and organizations for the endeavor are 4ID, Balay Mindanao, Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro Press, LGUs of CDO and Gingoog, Police Regional Office 10, San Miguel Corp, Del Monte phils, Inc., and the Archdiocese of CDO.

Centino said the command and some civic organizations including other local government units are pooling resources to help the people devastated by severe flooding in Cagayan Valley and Isabela provinces.

"This donation drive is not only for Cagayan de Oro but includes the neighboring cities and provinces in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region," said Centino.

On November 11, 2020, the country was ravaged by Typhoon Ulysses wherein Cagayan Valley is one of the most affected areas in the country.

Houses were submerged in floodwater and thousands were affected.

As per coordination with the PDRRMO of Cagayan Valley, Centino said the victims are in dire need of blanket, food, utensils, drinking water, towel, sleeping mat, toiletries, facemasks and hygiene kits.

Centino said donors may send their donations to their partner agencies or drop them their donations at the following drop-off points at 4ID camp, TOG-10 in Lumbia, Gaston Park (manned by CDO LGU).

"Drop-off points will also be established in SM, Limketkai Mall, Centrio and Gaisano," said Centino.

Centino said they intend to shuttle the first batch of donations on the weekend of Nov 21 or 22.

"Once the goods can fill one C130 to maximize  the flight," said Centino.

"We are just giving back what other places have done in Cagayan de Oro City during typhoon Sendong," said Balay Mindanao executive director Ariel Hernandez, adding that using its platform to help the survivors of Typhoon Ulysses.

Hernandez said they will open a bank account for cash donations.

"For transparency and the donors know that their donations are received by the beneficiaries, all donations will be recorded properly," said Hernandez.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro Press Club board of director Froilan Gallardo said media partners can greatly help in disseminating and promoting this initiative (relief drive) through their respective media platforms. (Ben Balce)