Some 280 passengers stranded at the Cagayan de Oro Port in Barangay Macabalan due to inclement weather brought about by Typhoon Ursula (International name: Phanfone) were fortunate they have a sympathetic port management office quick to react to the plight of the stranded passengers. Instead of proceeding to their intended destinations in Cebu and Bohol, the affected passengers had to spend Christmas Eve at the Cagayan de Oro Port due to Coast Guard travel advisories restricting further travel due to the typhoon.
However, they did not miss the traditional Noche Buena as the Port Management Office (PMO) of Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro (PMO MisOr/CDO) quickly organized an impromptu Fellowship on Christmas Eve activity for them. And besides providing free meals to the stranded passengers starting with lunch on 24 December, the PMO, with the assistance of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office (COCPO) Precinct 5, and other generous donors, prepared a “Noche Buena” for all. A short program was also instantly organized, which included games, and dance numbers from youngsters from among the passengers.
In continuing the promotion of the PPA’s Serbisyo at Malasakit, pouches containing foldable pans, hand towels, and other necessary toiletries were distributed to the senior citizens. Children also received loot bags full of candies and goodies. Port Manager Isidro V. Butaslac Jr, Port Police Superintendent Bernardo A. Gartalia, and PNP Precinct 5 officials led the distribution of the pouches and loot bags. Breakfast meals were also served the following morning of Christmas Day. As of 11:00 AM on 25-December-2019, the suspension of trips to Bohol, Cebu, and other areas in Visayas was lifted.
A few months earlier, PMO MisOr/CDO also distributed to some forty (40) families who were victims of the fire last August 2019 in partnership with the local chapter of the Pambansang Tinig at Lakas sa Pantalan, PPA Employees’ Union; Sunrise Multi-Purpose Cooperative; and, Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro (Mother Club) on 21-December-2019. Although some of the families had already re-built their homes in the same area, most were still living under makeshift tents along the road proximate to the PMO’s Gate 5. Each household received a container loaded with rice and other goods, while their children received toys and treats. Since it was early in the morning, the PMO personnel and members of the Rotary Club provided meals to all individuals including the little children.
After the gift-giving and meals, PMO personnel extended their time to bond with the children who in return, showcased their talents in dancing and cheering. They also enthusiastically participated in various games organized by the PMO.
Following the fire last August, which occurred as the new Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) was being inaugurated, the PMO immediately responded to the needs of the affected families by preparing and distributing breakfast meals, and consolidating in-kind donations for the displaced families.
The PPA Employee’s Union “Pambansang Lakas at Tinig ng Pantalan (PANTALAN) Misamis Oriental / Cagayan de Oro Chapter,” also distributed early Christmas gifts to the affected families during PANTALAN’s 32nd anniversary last September. — (with IMR Lam).