IBP Cebu & 1901st Reserve

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“RATHER, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” — Luke 14:13-14.

The season prompts reflecting another Bible verse which, paraphrased, urges charity towards the poor, as being a loan to God. An irony, as the Almighty, by his omnipotent nature, requires no hand-out. The opportunity to serve and give of oneself is indeed a privilege, a rare opportunity to be most grateful in a reversal of roles. For God is the best record keeper of “loans.” Jesus admonishes: if you have done this to the least of your brethren, you have done it to me.

This is the conscience of many untold philanthropic initiatives when “corporate social responsibility” partners with military and spiritual civic actions. One story that typifies the hand-in-glove engagement was a recent outreach initiated by the Integrated Bar of Philippines (Cebu) President Atty. Mundlyn Misal-Martin and Atty. Rheneir Mora, in coordination with the 1901st Philippine Army Ready Reserve Brigade, for the benefit of six mountain barangays in Argao City of Mayor Stanley Caminero, Cebu.

Acts of compassion in the spirit of humility are phrases spoken in the most audible of terms which the needy, the destitute best comprehend. The giver and the receiver sharing a moment of humanity.

An estimated 1,800 beneficiaries, including children, went home that day with glad tidings and a happy spirit. “Bayanihan” animated the joint-ness of giving, with Reservist Captain, Fr. Brian Butanas (CHS) for the opening mass and confessions, Philippine Navy Reservists for feeding, the Air Force Reservists, 5th TASB led by Major/Dr. Kenneth Coo motoring from Negros Oriental, with Captain/Atty. Jose Gochangco for the medicines, the Reservist medical support given by Major/ Dr. Robert Denopol, chief of hospital, St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, with the team of MSgts. (doctors) Tyrone Mercader (on a bi-weekly dialysis) who remains a dedicated volunteer with Manny Barcenas, etc., 1st Cebu Ready Reserve Batallion, CMAG of Mactan Export Processing Zone, Jaycees of Paul Dy, DOH under Regional Director Jaime Bernadas with his dependable nurses, 7th RCDG under a most supportive Colonel Nestor Abando, 53rd Engr. Bde, PNP, and Central Command.

Belated Merry Xmas!