A fund-raising activity dubbed “Tulong sa Pagbangon” was launched by the University right after the 7.0 magnitude quake struck on July 27, 2022 to knock on the generous hearts of people in helping the kababayans.
The Research, Extension, Innovation and Gender and Development (REIGn) Division under the leadership of Dr. Paulo V. Cenas, through the Extension Services Unit supervised by Dir. Francis Albert T. Argente, and in partnership with the Alumni and Student Affairs unit headed by Dir. Celeste T. Mercado, raised a total of Php 103,927.00 with the help of the PSU community.
One of the most affected group in the quake epicenter were the farmers tilling the rice terraces in Abra. Indigenous people tribes saw the devastation wrought by the quake, thus the need for assistance to recover.
“More than their houses, the farmers were more worried of the erosion and destruction of the rice terraces. They lost their source of livelihood,” University President Dr. Dexter R. Buted said.
Thus on August 11, 2022, the group of PSUnian researchers, extentionists and faculty embarked on a seven-hour land trip to the mountains of Abra to personally hand the donations and see their condition.
Notwithstanding the torrential rains that caused mud and erosion along the slopes during the travel, the PSU group, in cooperation with Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST), arrived at their destination and provided assistance to the farmers of Masadiit Tribe in Bucloc, Abra.
“Relief goods and cash donations were given to the farmers’ families from the proceeds of PSU’s fund-raising activities. We are happy to help,” REIGn Vice-President Dr. Cenas said.
Aside from Dr. Cenas and Dir. Argente, also present during the event were GAD Director Gilbert P. Moralista, Research and Development Director Larry A. Santos, PSU-Asingan Campus Executive Director Armando D. Junio, Student Regent Christian M. Madarang, ASIST Vice President Noel B. Begnalen and other faculty and non-teaching personnel from PSU and ASIST.
In return, the Masadiit tribe leaders thanked PSU President, Dr. Dexter R. Buted and ASIST President, Dr. Gregorio T. Turqueza, Jr. for the assistance extended to them by the two universities.
As the tribe’s expression of gratitude, the Masadiits encouraged the PSUnians to dance their native dance to which they gladly obliged.
Although beset by strong natural disasters, the smiles on the faces of the quake victims depict that they can surmount any odds as long as helping hands are readily extended.
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