The members of the Kababayen-an Association in Lapu-Lapu City have benefited from the outreach program organized by the Bureau of Customs Sub-Port of Mactan last Thursday in celebration of its 131st founding anniversary.
A total of 375 women beneficiaries from Barangays Ibo, Agus and Pajo received five kilos of rice each at the Customs sub-port near the Mactan airport.
The celebration, with the theme “Transformation Change through Service with Integrity and Competence,” was headed by Cebu Customs District Collector Elvira Cruz and Port Collector Gerardo Campo.
A short program started with a prayer and singing of the national anthem.
Campo expressed joy in being able to share with the community.
He said they always include the community in every outreach program as part of their corporate social responsibility.
The beneficiary barangays also benefited from their “Operation Tuli” last summer.
Campo said they have also lined up various activities in Cebu City as part of the weeklong celebration.
Teresita Pepito, 54, a member of the Kababayen-an Assosciation from Barangay Pajo, said she was touched by the efforts of the Bureau of Customs personnel in Cebu to reach out to the poor.
Aside from the five kilos of rice, the Bureau of Customs Cebu also organized a feeding program for the beneficiaries.
“Hinaut unta nga magpadayon ang ilang mga programa para sa mga pobre (I hope that their programs for the poor will continue),” said Pepito.