A few days ago, La Salle Green Hills president Bro. Dodo Fernandez, FSC, issued a letter enjoining the La Salle community “to unite and come together to help and support each other through prayer and action. We are especially called to support our health care workers who are at the forefront of this battle. Even in our small way, we can contribute much to overcome this battle against COVID-19. Let us choose Life!”
But even before his call to action, his high school 1981 “Tribu Verde” batchmates had initiated their fundraising drive as a response to the pandemic.
On March 22, one of them pledged the seed money. “His desire, more than the amount, was to have as many Katribu give to the donation fund,” said architect Jun Benito, Tribu Verde president.
Benito told Lifestyle that he sent out the message to the Tribu Verde Viber chat group on the same day.
“Initially they sent pledges, then remittances from their bank accounts started coming in,” said Benito, who added that he set a target amount of P500,000.
One class, 4-G, gave an amount as one group, aside from individual donations by some of its members.
“Right now, pledges total P477,947.05 plus $500,” said Benito. “The fund is still growing and more Katribu are joining in.”
Dr. Greg Macasaet Benito said that at the start, a few of the possible beneficiaries were La Sallian Movements that would provide masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) to front-liners, and the son of Dr. Greg Macasaet, a La Salle alumnus himself who died at the front lines.
Before his unexpected death, he expressed concern about how his “special” son would be provided for.
A parallel fund drive also has been launched by De La Salle Philippines to support the homeless temporarily staying on various La Salle campuses.
Another La Salle group has been delivering food every day to front-liners in various hospitals in Metro Manila.
“The spirit of the donation is the overwhelming desire to uplift and give joy in a time of sadness and trouble,” said Benito. “To my La Sallian Katribu brothers, ‘Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!’”
Tribu Verde includes Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Ayala Land president Bobby Dy and Makati Medical Center pediatrician Mike Wassmer.
