South Cotabato, Philippines – The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through the Office of the Provincial Population Officer (OPPO) and the Model Family Association of South Cotabato (MOFASCO), strengthened its commitment to public service and inter-provincial solidarity this Christmas season by extending assistance to families affected by recent calamities in the Province of Cebu.
In an effort to promote community compassion and collective responsibility, MOFASCO mobilized resources to support both local indigent families and disaster-stricken communities beyond the province. The association initially allocated ₱10,000 from its organizational fund to procure essential goods such as food items, hygiene necessities, and basic household supplies. These were packed in plastic pails or balde, which inspired the initiative’s name—“Balde ng Pagmamahal.”
Further demonstrating unity and volunteerism, each MOFASCO Municipal Association and the Model Family Association of City of Koronadal (MOFACIKO) contributed additional “Balde ng Pagmamahal” packages. Originally targeted at 130 pails, the initiative surpassed expectations with a total of 153 completed packages.
During the MOFASCO Annual General Assembly and Gift Giving on December 11, 2025, 47 pails were distributed to indigent beneficiaries from the City of Koronadal. The remaining 106 pails were formally turned over to the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (OPDRRMO) for transport to Cebu.
Provincial Population Officer Ms. Melanie Chiva, together with MOFASCO and MOFACIKO leaders, personally led the turnover, which was received on behalf of OPDRRMO by Ms. Lyzaline Mula, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer IV.
Ms. Chiva highlighted the importance of collective action and the province’s culture of service:
“The ‘Balde ng Pagmamahal’ reflects the heart of every South Cotabateño—always ready to help, always willing to share. This act of solidarity shows that our compassion goes beyond borders, especially for families rebuilding their lives after calamities,” she said.
She further emphasized that initiatives like these strengthen the province’s advocacy for resilient, family-centered, and community-driven development.
The Provincial Government of South Cotabato commends MOFASCO for upholding the values of empathy, volunteerism, and family unity, especially at a time when the spirit of giving is most meaningful.
