Not long after several typhoons lashed the Bicol region, the disastrous impact continues to linger. In support of humanitarian efforts and as part of its social responsibility activities, the Procurement Service – Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) initiated an “Adopt a Child School Kit Drive” on January 21, 2025 to extend assistance to the children in calamity-affected communities.
Together with WeSolve Foundation (WSF)—a partner civil society organization—and through the Tarabangan-Bicol Disaster Volunteer Network, the activity was enabled by donations and pledges from employees of PS-DBM and its regional depots, as well as the DBM.
A total of over 405 sets of school kits and toys were turned over, consisting of pad papers, pencils, notebooks, erasers, scissors, tapes, and paper clips.
In her message, PS-DBM Executive Director (ED) Genmaries Entredicho-Caong already looks forward to spearheading similar initiatives, “Hindi natin kailangang maghintay ng typhoons to do donations like this and we don’t have to wait for Christmas seasons to do drives like this. Pwedeng gawin ng aming opisina ito annually..”
“Maraming salamat po. We’re very thankful po [and] very excited… to learn how we can make our partnership more sustainable,,” said Ms. Nicole Anne Cobarrubias.
According to the volunteer group’s Project Manager, Ms. Yani Zoilo, special attention was given to children in the remote areas of Region V as recipients. “Rest assured po na makakarating po ito sa mga communities na talagang hindi po masyadong naaabot… Very grateful po kami for your trust na mag-deliver ng gifts of hope for the kids. Thank you so much po, PS-DBM.”
Also present during the turnover program were Ms. Mars Cestina from Tarabangan-Bicol Volunteer Network; Deputy EDs Philip Josef Vera Cruz, Rommel Rivera, and Juan Jose Rodom Fetiza; PS-DBM Directors Samantha Grace Moscoso, Jaime Navarrete, Jr., Marlita Dagsa, April Flor Borlagdatan, and Maria Teresita Semana; and representatives from the agency’s Marketing and Sales Division including Ms. Mary Rose Aganon.
PS-DBM, alongside its efforts to transform the public procurement landscape, goes beyond its primary stakeholders and regular procurement operations to champion more progressive, inclusive, and all-encompassing reforms in public service delivery. | January 23, 2025/LR