Ivatan women in Batanes, Manila join forces to raise funds for needy

A group of Ivatan women from Batanes and Metro Manila joined forces to raise funds for people in need amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Saleema Refran's report on "24 Oras," the group established Tugon.PH and began selling items to collect money for charitable causes.

They organized a garage sale, where they sold preloved clothes, and a bake sale, where they sold cookies, brownies, and banana bread.

"'Yung pagtulong po is hindi lang naman po sa material, hindi po siya monetary, it's willingness to help others and be there for others," said Jhanelle Salengua of Tugon.PH.

Among the group's first beneficiaries are jeepney drivers who found themselves without income during the enhanced community quarantine.

"Gusto namin kahit papaano makatulong kami at mabigyan sila ng tulong ngayong Christmas," said Shiela Mae Come.

Tugon.PH also plans to give back to their own community, especially to the Ivatan youth who are struggling with online classes.

"Nakita po namin na nahihirapan pa rin po ang mga estudyante, nahihirapan sa pagbili ng mga kagamitan," Alyssa Vinalay said.

"Panalangin po namin na marami pa rin po ang tumugon at marami pa rin po ang sumuporta."

—MGP, GMA News