In the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda, a partnership was born between St. Paul University Iloilo (SPUI) and the Municipality of San Rafael, one of the towns hard-hit by Yolanda. On September 15, 2014, this partnership was formalized in the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between SPUI headed by University President, Sr. Carolina Agravante, SPC, and the local government of San Rafael, led by Mayor Ruel Belleza and Vice Mayor Melvin de los Reyes.
Pictured from left to right: Mrs. Alyssa Aurea Garrido, SPUI Alumni Affairs Coordinator; (standing) Atty. Alfredo Arungayan, SPUI legal counsel; University President, Sr. Carolina Agravante, SPC; Mayor Ruel Belleza; and Vice Mayor Melvin R. de los Reyes.
The SPUI Alumni Association is represented in the MOA signing by University Coordinator of Alumni Affairs, Mrs. Aurea Alyssa C. Garrido.
The MOA signing marks the start of the rebuilding efforts in “Caritas Christi Village” for the families displaced by typhoon Yolanda. The SPUI Alumni Association will take a major lead in the housing project of the village. Speaking on behalf of the Mayor and the members of Sangguniang Bayan, SB Warlito Bagsit said that Yolanda, while very destructive, brought together the Paulinians and the people of San Rafael to help rebuild their lives and communities. Sr. Carol acknowledged that “the University motto Caritas Christi urget nos moves us to make possible the impossible, to be brothers and sisters in solidarity and charity.” The “Caritas Christi Village” bears witness to God’s enduring love, to give comfort to the people who suffered from the devastation wrought by typhoon Yolanda. In the spirit of generosity and cooperation, life continues to flourish in San Rafael.
The signing ceremony ended with the snacks prepared to celebrate this occasion.
