78-year old man in Abra sets up pantry on his birthday for quake-affected families

Abra, Philippines – Instead of a grand birthday celebration for himself, the septuagenarian in Barangay Bangbangar, Bangued, Abra decided to spend his money on setting up a community pantry to contribute to helping quake-affected families in their area.

Abra, being the epicenter of the July 27 tremblor, suffered more than P557.6 million in damage to infrastructure and other losses including shelter, food, and water.

Santiago Laureta, who just turned 78 on August 06, 2022, extended help to the needy and provided 250 kilos of assorted vegetables such as tomatoes, string beans, bitter gourd, eggplant, and others.

The grandpa also served free ice cream for the children and adults.

Laureta shared he is not supposed to celebrate his birthday but his children abroad sponsored the community pantry.

His grandchild revealed that the family likewise served food packs to the community before Laureta’s birthday.

“Pati rin po noong COVID pandemic nagpa-pantry (community pantry) naman po kami,” added his relative Geraldine Laureta Azada.

Seeing his neighbors smile despite the devastating impact of the earthquake on people brings happiness to the birthday celebrant. He could only wish for him to live longer and to see the province bounce back from the adversity.

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