The provincial government of Bohol has launched a special Christmas initiative, One SugBohol: ‘TINO-od nga Pasko, UWAN sa Gugma (A True Christmas, a Shower of Love),’ to extend love and assistance to families in Cebu who were severely affected by Typhoon Tino.
The program was officially unveiled during the Monday flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol grounds. This was followed by a Holy Mass presided over by Diocesan Administrator Rev. Fr. Gerardo Saco Jr.
The Eucharistic celebration was offered for the recovery and resilience of those affected by recent calamities.
Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado led the ceremony, joined by department heads and Capitol employees. He said the Christmas drive is Bohol’s way of showing solidarity and compassion beyond provincial borders.
‘I call on everyone to join our initiative, ‘A true Christmas, a shower of love,’ as our gift to those affected by the recent calamities such as Typhoon Tino and the earthquake in northern Cebu,’ Aumentado said.
‘This is our chance to show that Boholanos care-not only for our own but for others in need,’ he added.
The governor noted that thousands of families in Cebu are still in dire need of essentials such as food, water, medicine, clothing, and shelter.
As part of the initiative, the Provincial Health Office’s (PHO) Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) team will be deployed to Danao City, Cebu, from Nov. 14 to 17.
The 11-member team will provide psychological first aid and mental health support to survivors of Typhoon Tino.
Boholanos wishing to contribute to the relief efforts may bring monetary or in-kind donations to the Public Assistance and Complaint Desk (PACD) at the Ground Floor Lobby of the New Provincial Capitol Building. The Provincial Human Resource and Management Development Office (PHRMDO) is spearheading a collection drive, which will run until Thursday, Nov. 13. Donations will be sent to Cebu the following day.
PHRMDO head Anne Mariquit Oppus said the initiative is not just a relief effort but a call for solidarity and compassion this Christmas season.
Through this campaign, the Capitol reinforces its commitment to malasakit and responsive governance-proving that the true spirit of Christmas shines brightest in times of adversity