By REY C. LACHICA AND KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
At this difficult and challenging time, blessings are to be shared.
So NorthPort owner and House Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero (1 Pacman partylist) and volleyball star Jia Morado are doing their own share in the country’s gallant fight against the spread of COVID-19.
Romero, who is also into polo being a member of the PH team in last year’s SEA Games, and his staff have quietly going around, distributing grocery goods and medical supplies to the less fortunate members of the society.
The billionaire-sportsman has also helped a “lambanog factory” produce ethyl alcohol in Laguna.
“Lahat yan from my own pocket, not government,” said Romero.
He also disclosed that along with Partylist congressmen, they have already raised P5 million in their effort to buy more medical supplies.
Like Romero, Morado, also a former star player of Ateneo, is using her time for a noble cause.
Morado and boyfriend Miguel De Guzman put up a Facebook account called “Every Little Thing Counts” where they auction off volleyball athletes’ jerseys to fund their cause.
As of Monday night, the account has already collected P328,790.29 from sales and donations.
Among those up for bids were Morado’s jersey during her Ateneo days, Ara Galang’s De La Salle jersey, University of Santo Tomas Season 80 jerseys of Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez, Maji Mangulabnan, Det Pepito and Janna Torres, and the Philippine Superliga jerseys of Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors composed of Mika Reyes, Pam Lastimosa, Bang Pineda, Djanel Cheng, Rubie De Leon, Amy Ahomiro, Marge Tejada, Royse Tubino and Alex Bollier.
All proceeds will be used to fund personal protective equipment for health workers and volunteers.
Morado and De Guzman said a portion of the supplies they had purchased have already arrived and are ready to be distributed.
Morado and Alyssa Valdez have helped the Ateneo Lady Eagles win the 2014 and 2015 UAAP titles. She is also a member of the Creamline Cool Smashers that won three crowns in the Premier Volleyball League.