More than a 100 street children share a “boodle fight” meal in Plaza Independencia for the launch of anti-hunger campaign by volunteers of Kuogos Alliance of Cebu.(CDN/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
CHILD vendor Wilma Tinapay has to sell candles outside the Basilica del Sto. Niño in Cebu City before she and her family can eat.
Yesterday was an exception.
At sunrise, she and several street children were treated to a “boodle fight” of rice and cooked food laid out on banana leaves for a communal meal in Plaza Independencia.
The June 12 feeding session was held to launch a freedom from hunger campaign by volunteers of the Kontra Gutom Operation Samaritan (Koguos).
“Nalipay mi nga gipakaon mi,” said Wilma.
“Sa ubang adlaw, kinahanglan pa mi maninda og kandila aron makakaon ( We’re happy that we were given free food. On other days, we have to sell candles first before we can eat),” she added.
Wilma, three siblings and their mother, sell candles outside the basilica.
The children yesterday used their hands to scoop up hot rice, fish, scrambled eggs, vegetables in pinakbet, and fresh bananas.
Paul Hubahib, convenor of Koguos Alliance of Cebu, said volunteers aim to feed the poor in the city.
“We want to do it everyday. This is the start of a collaborative effort. We cannot solve poverty if we can’t get rid of hunger first,” he said.
“No Cebuano should sleep with a hungry stomach. Everyone should be able to eat, not just any food, but nutritious meals.”
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama were among those who dropped by for the launch to show their support.
Volunteers included Senior Supt. Anthony Obenza, and political science students of the University of San Jose-Recoletos led by Dr. Glenn Pajares, dean of the university’s College of Arts and Sciences.
The initiative “Koguos” started two years ago with daily feeding sessions for 50 families or 200 people from urban poor families, said Hubahib, a retired government official.
Hubahib had served in the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) in region 7 and the Office of the Press Secretary under president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
“I started with my own pocket, and then went around. That’s the essence of bayanihan.” It later expanded with tie-ups with other individuals and agencies.
He said Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, at one point, encouraged him to create programs to assist and feed the poor.
Street children are the main beneficiaries for now.
“We see them in the streets. How can we not alleviate hunger?” said Hubahib, adding that donors for the feeding program are welcome.
“If you have the heart, join us. Our objective is to help those who need help. The only problem is indifference,” he said.