The Latter-day Saint (LDS) Charities has donated nearly PHP1 million worth of armchairs and medical equipment to the local government unit of Villaba, Leyte.

Villaba town Vice Mayor Edgar Veloso accepted the donations during a ceremony Monday at Villaba South Central School, witnessed by school heads from seven recipient campuses and local health workers.

“With the ongoing crisis, the local government unit cannot provide all the needs of the people, but there are donors willing to help. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for these generous contributions. This donation reflects your genuine concern for the welfare of the people of Villaba,” Veloso said.

Helen Paroco, head teacher of Hinabuyan National High School, said the school had long been hoping to provide new armchairs for its students.

“The school started using worn-out chairs for students to sit on. We have been making requests since 2022. From a simple request, we now celebrate a reality,” Paroco said.

The humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated close to PHP700,000 worth of plastic armchairs and PHP236,500 worth of medical supplies.

The medical equipment included rapid dengue test kits, sphygmomanometers, stethoscopes, fetal dopplers, glucometers, glucometer strips and glucometer lancets.

Villaba Municipal Health Officer Oliver Razo expressed gratitude for the donations, saying these would help the rural health unit (RHU) “stretch its limited resources.”

“People rely solely on RHU facilities for their health needs. This donation will enable us to deliver timely and quality health services, bringing hope and comfort to the people of Villaba,” Razo said.

Arnold Daradal, president of the Church’s Ormoc Philippines Stake (diocese), said the donation follows the example of Jesus Christ in serving others.

“Christ taught us the importance of service and loving our neighbors. We are trying to bless not just the church members, but also non-members because we believe that all of us are children of God,” Daradal told local officials.

LDS Charities’ efforts are focused on relieving suffering, fostering self-reliance and providing opportunities for individuals and communities to serve others. (PNA)