By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
JUST LATELY, 20,000 senior citizens in Bacolod City availed themselves of rice packages (at five kilos each) from the Manuel Lo Foundation, Inc. (MLFI).
Quite ordinary to hear but extraordinary to know the “essence” behind such providence.
“Rice for seniors” was a heartwarming mission. More so that the giver, MLFI president Ian Lo, has this mantra: “From our field to your tables.” It really pumps one’s heart.
Rice is rice. Amid hardships in life now brought about by the economic crunch, rice for someone struggling really matters.
There’s one meaning in it: Genuineness! Because rice symbolizes purity of the heart of the giver.
THINKING OF THE SENIORS
Aside from rice, what is more touching is choosing the seniors as beneficiaries.
Thinking of our elderly is beyond respect – love, perhaps.
Being in their “sunset era”, they’re more than sensitive to whatever gestures we show toward caring them. For them, every move we do for them is “dignity”. Giving them rice, hence, is quite “heaven” per se.
And for this, the Los can be likened to “blessings for the grains” so the seniors can gain.
SUPREME VIRTUE
Well, anybody could be a philanthropist in his/her own way. The purpose/intention can always be seen or gleaned from actions and emotions.
In the case of the Los, prioritizing the seniors is a supreme virtue. The Los instituted a foundation with more than a heart. Call it “un-dramatic heroism” – sober in nature.
In rice, the seniors will rise – a matter-turned-truth beyond press and photo releases. For the Los, giving is always a reason for their existence. And for them, it is noblest to give from the heart.
‘IN RICE WE TRUST’
In sum, the Los made the right choice – the rice as gift and the seniors as beneficiaries.
It is always said, “in rice we trust”. Why? Because rice gives energy via complete carbohydrates that the body needs.
Sans rice, maybe we can’t rise.
Thanks that Bacolod has the Los ever willing to keep our seniors to always rise through their rice./PN
