Laoag,
Ilocos Norte,
Phillippines
20 July 2010
Still traveling to the far corners of Northern Luzon. The past two weeks has found us in Santiago, Isabela and Laoag, Ilocos Norte for the launching of two Employment Resource Services (ERS) Volunteer Centers that will assist members in their search for employment or self employment. With the new Employment Resource Center (ERC) opening in Dagupan it required three satellite volunteer centers to a help our members and only one was operational – Angeles VC. Our visit to Santiago was short and quick to show our support for their launch.
Our assignment over the past month has been to assist Laoag to plan, prepare and host an open house to introduce itself to the community. They had completed some preliminary activities but were not progressing as quickly as was planned by the Dagupan manager so we were asked to evaluate and help. We found they had a good outline and had identified some costs but they were slow to proceed because of funding questions.
As the planning committee went to work everything fell into place – the date was set for July 15. Invitations were designed and delivered to government, academic and business leaders by the committee. The luncheon menu was finalized, caterer found and costs established at 100 pesos ($2+) per plate (this included a very nice buffet meal, salad bar, tables, table settings, centerpiece, chair coverings, etc). A letterhead was designed for the office stationery, banners for the open house were designed and made and the flowers and flower arrangements for the ribbon cutting and entry were ordered.
On July 14, the day we would be returning to Laoag, we were worried because a typhoon was threatening the Laoag region and we wouldn’t be allowed to travel. During the night it had changed directions. Yea! We arrived late on the 14th to find the Stake Center (VC is located there) and grounds in perfect shape and the members glowing and so proud of all the work they had completed. The cultural hall was all dressed up with tables perfect and the flowers were impressive. We were so happy for them to see the reward of all their hard work and dedication. They accomplished all this with off and on power black-outs the whole day.
The morning of the 15th dawned sunny and beautiful. We found the committee putting on the finishing touches and they were ready. Their guests arrived and were impressed not only by what they saw but by what this ERS program offered the people of Laoag – member and non-members alike. As the speakers talked they said many positive things about the church and its members and how they influence the community for good. Following the introduction program, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of the facilities – ERS office, family history and the other rooms of the building. There were plenty of wonderful missionaries in attendance to answer questions about the church.
We had a great lunch with all the dignitaries staying and chatting about the opportunities this office provided the community. It was a wonderful day for the faithful saints of Laoag.
Elder NB & Sister MB
1 comment:
It is such important work that you are doing for the Lord and our church. I love how members and non-members alike can benefit from these centers. That is why so many citizens of the Philippines have heard about or interacted with people who are LDS and have a great respect for the LDS church and it's members. Love you missionaries!!
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