ABS-CBN CV culminates 20th anniversary celebs with grand ‘bayanihan'
By CARMI CAVANLIT, ABS-CBN Cebu | 11/17/2008 1:31 AM
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CEBU CITY - More than three thousand Cebuanos flooded the University of the Philippines Visayas College grounds to celebrate the fiesta of government and corporate services popularly known as Grand Halad sa Kapamilya.
As early as 5 A.M., Cebuanos formed long queues outside the UP campus, hoping to witness a new-age "bayanihan".
And so as not to fail the hopeful Cebuanos who lined up for more than two hours, not less than 800 medical practitioners and volunteers from various medical centers and the Philippine Air Force joined together to give free medical and dental check-up.
The senior citizens who needed medicines enjoyed 100,000 free medicines provided by Bantay Bata 163 and its partners.
But humans weren't the only beneficiaries of the services as veterinary services were also offered to animals that are in attendance.
Legal service providers like the members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Cebu Lady Lawyers Association and Gullas Law School Paralegal Volunteers were also present to provide free notary services and legal advice to those in need.
Cebuanos also took advantage of the one-stop-shop, vital government services from the Department of Foreign Affairs, PHILPOST, Land Transportation Office, National Bureau of Investigation, SSS, GSIS, National Statistics Office, PAG-IBIG and TESDA.
And while others are busy of the government services, Cebuanos with busted appliances were able to seek help from IT Repairs center.
Bantay Bata 163 also had a feeding program, and Kapamilya Kiddies Corner for the young ones and the young at heart.
Books and relief goods were also overflowing during the event such that no spectator left the venue empty handed.
Among the thousands who received the blessings is the 75 year old Leonora Arellano who lined up and endured the pain brought about by Arthritis just to seek medical help.
"Kapamilya is always ready to help, true service is ABS-CBN," said Leonora in dialect.
An overseas jobs fair was also held, simultaneously, in Lilioan City KIA Complex to match all the excitement.
And true to its tag "Sa Krisis, way biyaay, mga kapamilya magtinabangay (together and helping each other in times of crisis)" ABS-CBN Central Visayas Area Manager, Ms. Tata Cinco- Sy, saw the event as the convex point between the needy and those in the position to help.
"Yes, because we are here together, and we all have something to offer, it's almost like ABS-CBN had all good things placed in one venue," said Ms. Tata Cinco-Sy.
The Grand Halad sa Kapamilya is the year-ender activity for ABS-CBN Central Visayas' 20th Year anniversary.
