Bankers Association donates to Gilean Ministry

By Dr. Marita P. Quimlat

On December 2, the Bankers Association of Camarines Sur, Inc. held its 57th Induction of Officers Year-End Party and a Grand Raffle Draw, dubbed Pa-Kotse ni BACSI at The Tent of Avenue Plaza Hotel. Part of the proceeds of its raffle draw was awarded to the Gilean Ministry to fund the procurement of wheelchairs and other needs. The donation amounted to One Hundred Thousand Fifty Pesos.

Outgoing President Jose Ma. Alfonso P. Vibar says that the organization is into community service through partnerships. He said it was his goal as he started his term to be able to reach out to Persons with Special Needs through the Gilean Ministry. The ministry is composed of parishes of the Archdiocese of Caceres, SPEd and the Joseph Gualandi School for the Hearing Impaired.

Though the Gilean Ministry focuses on the spiritual nourishment of Persons with Special Needs, the ministry also responds to their temporal requirements. The donation from the Bankers Association of Camarines Sur is a welcome opportunity for the ministry to extend its services. The wheelchairs will be awarded during the yearly Gilean Got Talent.

Incoming President Aisha Rhea Catolico shares the vision of Mr. Vibar. During the event, Guest Speaker Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion acknowledged the group’s noble endeavor. Rev. Fr Jaime Danilo Viola, Gilean Ministry Director, expressed his appreciation for BACSI’s initiative. Representing the ministry during the awarding were Assistant Director Rev. Fr. Elmer Pandes, Gilean Ministry Cluster 5 Head Dr. Ma. Asuncion P. Quimlat, and Cluster 5 Treasurer Ma. Atanacia B. Lañada. The donation is a concrete example of the Church, the banking industry and the local government unit working together to serve the needs of the people.