1. Rolly Retirado & family
2. Leo Retirado & family
3. Raymund Retirado & family
4. Gina Gallardo & family
5. Ruth Vasques & family
…these were the families who were ‘blessed’ with new pumpboats, custom made all the way from Masbate, and financed by a well meaning brother in Christ, Gary, all the way from Hong Kong. It was such timely blessing, life had definitely not been easy post ‘Yolanda’ but they had been getting by. With new pumpboats worth P31, 500 each, the future took on a new turn at best. Recounting that dreadful day, they still recoiled in remembering the 30 foot waves that pummeled this low lying island, devastating lives, families and livelihood. But, many well meaning ‘good samaritans’ would step in, as seemingly ‘divine representatives,’ in the wake of such tragedy. They were God’s ‘helping hands’ to a little unknown island, such as, Loguingot.
As each of these pumpboats were endorsed in a simple ‘Thanksgiving service,’ they lifted their voices in gratitude with the song ‘Give Thanks,’ marveling at the goodness of God’s provision, and the many ways He had been faithful. We celebrated along with them in a simple meal, albeit, ‘Seafood heaven’ for all of us. And so we sampled Estancia’s produce – succulent crab, squid, prawn and fish…which we thank the above families who so generously prepared a feast before us. Joining in the chatter, we thank God that through the helps’ of well meaning individuals and organizations the world over, Estancia is starting to awaken from the tragedy that was.
