ANGELES CITY – A Department of Transportation official and a congressional political officer have teamed up for a live selling to benefit a six-year-old brain tumor patient.
Spearheaded by DOTr assistant secretary for railways and road right-of-way and site acquisition IC Calaguas and Reina Manuel, chief political officer of Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., the “Pakyawan Na! 10.10 Live Selling for a Cause” will be held on Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. via the official Facebook page of Mahal na Reina.
The live selling activity will not only feature exclusive deals, special promos, and a surprise raffle from Beautéderm, but most importantly, it will serve as a fundraising drive for six-year-old Abraham Mamangun, a brave young boy currently battling a brain tumor.
To be showcased are personal items from the local executives – both brand new and pre-loved, such as clothes and shoes – with proceeds dedicated to Abraham’s medical needs.
This initiative is part of the continuing advocacy of Manuel and Calaguas to provide direct and compassionate assistance to those in need. The two have previously organized similar fundraising activities, which supported two babies from Angeles City diagnosed with hydrocephalus — Sean and Angel.
“We believe that kindness multiplies when shared. Every purchase during this event will go a long way for Abraham’s fight for healing,” Manuel said. “Nais ko rin pong pasalamatan si Ms. Rei Tan who is very supportive of our upcoming live selling for a cause. Ready na po yung mga pa-raffle prizes natin.”
For her part, Calaguas emphasized that public service extends beyond official duties. “Community service is not bound by titles or positions. What matters is that we continue to help where help is needed most.”
“Nagpauna na rin po ng financial medical assistance si Cong Pogi para kay Abraham. Gayundin po kami ni Ms. Reina. Malapit po sa aming puso si Abraham, dahil anak din po siya ng aming masipag na staff sa District Office,” Calaguas shared.
In support of this cause, an anonymous donor has already extended ₱20,000 for Abraham’s medical needs, a gesture that both Manuel and Calaguas said is a testament to the generosity and compassion within the community.
Calaguas, who has also served as chief adviser Lazatin, together with Manuel, has also partnered with the Red Pillars Foundation to ensure that social welfare programs and initiatives reach the grassroots level.
Beyond their charitable initiatives for children and families, Manuel and Calaguas are also known animal welfare advocates. They actively promote the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program and personally provide shelter to stray pets, particularly dogs and cats, under their care.
The duo, who also served as Beautéderm ambassadresses, previously used part of their talent fees to purchase ten computer sets for the benefit of students and teachers in ten selected schools in Angeles City — further underscoring their commitment to education and youth empowerment. Press release
