Kababayans in Michigan continue outreach
by Mario Leodones
It has been a very busy year for me. I went to Infanta last April to see first hand the devastations that the worst flood and mudslides of Nov. 2004 brought to Infanta, Real and Gen. Nakar. I was also able to organize and attend the MCHS class 1964 first reunion in 42 years, but my primary goal of going back home was to visit my sick aging father whose condition was greatly affected by the devastating flood. He almost died from that flood for staying all night long at the roof of their store. That flood made his rheumatism (arthritis) so bthad that he couldn't walk anymore without help. While I was over there in Infanta, I took the opportunity to visit and check out the following projects with Metro Infanta Association of Michigan (MIAMI) and Philippine Technological Society of Michigan (PTSM) had undertaken.
1) Claro M. Recto Hospital - Metro Infanta Association of Michigan, with monetary donations from different organizations and individuals in the U.S., was able to renovate the first floor and some rooms (wards). We raised and retiled the first floor. This was accomplished with the $7000 + donations and partnering with Quezon Memorial Hospital in Lucena with the leadership of Dr. Mario Quinto. Dr. Romeo Protesta gave me a tour of the hospital and I took some pictures of the projects. Gov. Willie Enverga gave and signed certificates of appreciation that we distributed to the donors.
2) Infanta National High School - Philippine Technological Society of Michigan (PUTS) thru it's monetary donation ($1400) was able to donate the following
a) one deep well b) one unit pressure washer c) two hundred ten (210) class room desks. For doing so, INHS principal Ms. Venmar Ruanto issued PTSM a certificate of Appreciation and personal thank you letter. Both projects was coordinated and followed up by Greg Sollestre.
3) Mt. Carmel High School (Infanta) - With MCHS class of 1964 reunion, we were able to gathered this monetary contributions from the members for the sole purpose of buying a computer to be used in the school as requested by MCHS principal Ms. Belen Foronda. Dr. Alicia Rodriquez, Mellie Tena Close and I handed these monetary donations to Miss Quinto, a teacher of the said school.
a) $250 - U.S. dollar
b) A50 - Australian dollar
c) P10,000 - Philippine pesos
Lastly, extend our best wishes to Infantahins all over the world. May you and your family has the best of the holiday season. " Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon Sa Inyong Lahat, saan man kayo naroroon."
Best Wishes,
Mario, Norma & Kristen
Canton, Mi. USA