It was a humid Saturday morning, when the BCCI contingent visited Brgy. Sapang Bayan, one of Calumpit's barangays severly hit by devastating flood last September. The residents had their own stories to tell as they pointed to beyond the roof of the barangay hall as the depth of the floodwaters.

At the height of the calamity, Mayor James de Jesus issued an appeal for help in any form. As new incumbent, the young Mayor took over a drained municipal coffer. The municipal fund for social services was wiped-out and he was moving mountains to raise funds for the flood victims.

It was this appeal that moved BCCI President Violy Luna to mobilize BCCI's network. A fund drive was launched in a span of three days. "We were very fortunate to have kind-hearted people among our member." True enough, Indo-Phil Textiles, Inc made a quick response and pledged to give 1,500 pieces of new clothing materials. So did the employees of Sucere Foods Corp. who joined hands with their management in donating not only samples of their confectionary products. The employees also donated grocery items and used clothing. Chamber Director Felix Domigpe summoned his fellow Rotarians in Meycauayan to donate instant noodles and groceries.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce, through Pres. Noemi Saludo donated funds for rice. All the 15 Chamber Directors donated at least one cavan of rice each. The Secretariat lost no time in re-packing 500 grocery and rice booties for the beneficiaries.

BCCI Pres. Violy Luna and Indo-Phil. SVP R.C. Maheswari led the team to Calumpit. "It was a tiring but enjoyable experience," Chamber Dir. Rufina Agustin quipped. Even Dir. Ariel Arceo took time out to join the relief distribution activity held last September 18, 2004.

BCCI Exec. Dir. Mara Bautista expressed a feeling of frustration upon realizing how poor this barangay is, with fishing and farming as their only source of living. "They would really be displaced during stormy days."

After the 2-hour relief distribution activity, the team shared a simple lunch of adobo and grilled eggplants with bagoong at the BCCI office. Is was truly one heart-warming experience where we felt real joy in giving.

BCCI extends its gratitude to all those who helped in the flood relief activity.