Former Guiuan mayor Annaliza Gonzales Kwan, made a short presentation at the SBEP Kapihan yesterday morning on their province’s situation before and after Yolanda.
There were many things that we didn’t know like:
1. Magellan first landed in Guiuan, and not in Tacloban.
2. The biggest US naval base was in this province during the World War II
3. The Americans used that as their secret base during the war.
4. There were 5,500+ White Russians who were brought there by the UN to take refuge from communism. They were conservative and there were no reported child birth that happened during their stay in Guiuan.
5. The oldest church in Visayas was built there. It was destroyed by the typhoon but the World Heritage Foundation committed to rebuild it.
6. There are no NPAs there because they have no mountains. Wala daw pagtataguan.
7. They have zero crime.
8. The Americans built two runways capable of taking 747s. One (2.7 km long) was saved which former president Gloria Arroyo helped rehabilitate with funding from the government. This was never used because of politics.
9. They have two beaches. One white sand good for swimming, the one facing the opposite direction is perfect for surfing. International surfing competitions were held there.
10. They were able to provide fast and efficient relief operations due to the help of private individuals and foreign corporations.
Dr. Bernie Villegas mentioned that a certain Mr. Brown committed to donate something.
The batchmates of Annaliza including Rey Carpio of Grand Monaco are planning to go to Guiuan. Sama tayo? Bring your own toilet and kulambo.
I asked her what specific things do they need. Sacks of rice, canned goods?
Mayor Ana Liza answered “huwag ng sardines”.
Bakit kaya? Siguro sawa na yung mga tao, nagdidildil na lang sa sardines. Merong mga mahihirap walang makain nagdidildil sa asin. Baka mga may-kaya yung mga nadun.
The relief packs our company coursed through Red Cross also had sardines, together with instant noodles, chips, meat loaf, instant ulam in cans, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, etc.
You may drop off your donations to
103 Sierra Madre Street, Mandaluyong City
They don’t accept cash donations. Issue your check payable to their municipality.
For more information on how you can help rebuild their province by adopting a barangay, sponsoring classrooms, giving money, etc.
pls email agkguiuan@yahoo.com
By the way, this was my breakfast, P100
