In a heartwarming display of community spirit, personnel from the Highway Patrol Unit 7 (HPU 7) led by their Regional Chief, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wildemar Tiu, recently brought Christmas cheer to young patients battling cancer at the Perpetual Succour Hospital in Cebu.
A Compassionate Outreach for the Young
Dubbed the "Gift of Hope, Compassionate Outreach" program, the initiative was conducted in partnership with the Kite Foundation and the HPU 7's Regional Advisory Council. The program specifically targeted cancer patients, many of whom are young, with ages reaching up to 25 years old. Lieutenant Colonel Tiu emphasized that providing gifts to these children offers significant relief from the immense challenges they face daily, giving them and their families a precious moment of joy and a reason to smile.
More Than Just Gifts: Holistic Support for Families
The police officers extended their care beyond the young patients to include their parents. Understanding the emotional and physical toll on caregivers, they offered free haircuts, manicures, and pedicures to help alleviate some of the parents' stress and sorrow. The event was further brightened with a party booth filled with snacks, an engaging artwork session for the children, and the distribution of gift bundles. A highlight for the children was the surprise appearance of the Jollibee mascot, who danced and distributed food, eliciting overwhelming joy.
The officers also fulfilled a wishlist for the families, ensuring their specific needs were met. Lieutenant Colonel Tiu shared a deeply personal connection to the cause, revealing that a 7-year-old child of a fellow police officer is battling cancer, and his own father is a cancer patient. This emotional link fueled his heartfelt message to the children and their families during the event.
Riding for a Cause: Charity Precedes the Celebration
Prior to the hospital visit, HPU 7 personnel and civilians who graduated from the Executive Motorcycle Riding Course (EMRC) embarked on a Charity Ride from Plaza Independencia in Cebu City to the Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City. This ride served as a precursor to the main outreach activity, symbolizing their journey of service.
Lieutenant Colonel Tiu explained that these efforts demonstrate that HPU 7 is not solely focused on enforcing traffic laws. "We also have hearts that are willing to help, especially those in need like these children," he stated, underscoring the unit's commitment to compassionate service within the community. The "Gift of Hope" program stands as a powerful testament to the human side of law enforcement, bringing light and comfort to families during a difficult time.
