News Release

Las Piñas Stake (Diocese) Donates Over 400 Surplus Chairs 

True to its advocacy of serving others, the Las Piñas Stake (Diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 470 surplus monoblock chairs to eight recipients from the cities of Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and San Pedro on 25 January 2018. A  turnover ceremony was held at the Church's Muntinlupa meetinghouse. More than 20 representatives of the institutions attended the event, and Las Piñas Stake President Elmer Sumagpao presided over the ceremony.

In his opening remarks, Brother Ricky Boy Blancaver shared the efforts it took to make the donations possible. He shared that coordinations were made with the Church's Area Public Affairs, the Area Legal Department, and Brother Reden Esmeria to secure the used chairs to be donated and have them brought to the Muntinlupa meetinghouse.  The bishops were then asked to identify the schools or other institutions that may need the chairs. 

During the turnover ceremony, each representative was given the chance to express appreciation for the donation. Raymond Rimando, the representative of SOS Children Village said, “It does not matter kung surplus man yong mga monobloc chairs. What does matter most is the purpose, it was worthily used before in the church and how it will serve sa mga gagamit na mga bata.” [It does not matter if the monoblock chairs are surplus. What does matter most is the purpose, it was worthily used before in the church and how it will serve the children who will use them.]

In his closing remarks, President Sumagpao emphasized that one way of serving the Lord is by giving service to others.  He expressed hope that similar events will happen in the future as the stake is committed to pursue efforts to partner and coordinate with private groups and individuals in extending help and compassionate service to the community.

Certificates of donation of the chairs were signed by each designated representative and President Sumagpao. Recipients received a minimum of 57 and some receiving more.

Representatives from the different recipients present in the turn-over ceremony were JCINsp. Patricio C. Rubio, Muntinlupa City Jail, Muntinlupa City; Esther Maang, Gawaran Daycare, Las Piñas City; Emilie L. Ebreo, Chrysanthemum Village Elementary School, San Pedro City; Jenalen O. Mia, Rosario Complex Elementary School, San Pedro City; Mary Ann B. Franciso, Langgam Elementary School, San Pedro City; Jerry M. Villacruel, Victoria Homes Elementary School, Muntinlupa City; Raymond Rimando, SOS Children's Village Manila, Las Piñas City; and Lourdes D. Catawña, Cuyab Elementary School, San Pedro City.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ by giving and serving others with the interest to help those in need become self-reliant in the long term. 

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