TABUK CITY, Kalinga – There’s one pub here which gives people the chance to help others while enjoying their drinks and the company of their friends.
The Boulevar Diner and Cafe in the second floor of the ECW Building along the national road in Purok 6, Bulanao launched the “Bottle for Life” project last month purposely to assist poor people with serious illnesses by setting aside P5.00 from each alcoholic beverage consumed.
Each week, one recipient is identified, and whatever amount is collected goes directly to the concerned person.
Owner Zenaida Edduba explained that the project could also serve as a wake-up call for business owners around the city to give back any quantity from their blessings.
She narrated that she has been through rough times and from the experience realized she is obligated to help others.
The owner who happens to be the sister of Vice Governor James Edduba clarified that the project has no political motivation but is purely the management’s little way of giving a hand to needy people facing dreaded illnesses.
She also pointed out that the management maintains the actual price of each bottle and does not pass on to customers the cost of the project.
Asked about how the public came to know about the project, Edduba said that some of the people who approached the provincial government for assistance were informed that they could find help at the Bulevar.
“We did not use any media outlet to promote the project,” she said.
Nine-year old Alfred Cobangbang from barangay Balbalasang, Balbalan was the first beneficiary of the project. He was diagnosed with leukemia since second grade, and is undergoing regular blood transfusion in Manila. The project had given him P6.000.00.
The next beneficiary was Mary Cristy Busacay, 45, from barangay Casigayan, this city, who is undergoing hemodialysis treatment twice a week for End Stage Renal Disease since December 2018. She was given P5,800.00.
Busacay expressed her gratitude for being chosen as beneficiary for the project pointing out that “no amount is big or small for us with this kind of illness.”
Gabriel Benigno, also from barangay Casigayan who undergoes hemodialysis treatment thrice a week in Tuguegarao City was given P7,200.00 assistance while Adatsy Berry, Sr., 35, of barangay Dognak, Lubuagan, also hemodialysis patient in Tuguegarao City, received P7,270.00.
The fifth recipient is hemodialysis patient Eugene Siway, 57 years old who got P7,200.00.
The patients submitted their medical abstract and a personal letter which were personally reviewed by the owner herself.
Edduba said that they also plan to help in the renovation of a church in Colayo, Pasil.
“The charity initiative gives beer drinkers a warm feeling that they are contributing to those in need,” a habitué who does not want to be named said.
He appreciates that the Boulevar does not add what goes to charity initiative to the prices of the drinks.
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