Pinay beauties visit Muslim school to donate armchairs

Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-up and Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2010, Ms Venus Raj, leads the symbolic turn over of 100 school chair for the madrasah in Salam Mosque Compound in Quezon City. The activity was jointly organized by the AFP's 7th Civil Relations Group, CRSAFP and the Philippine National Police. (Photos by Cpl Marlon San Esteban/A1C Ramil Ranises) 

TANDANG SORA, QUEZON CITY- Four Pinay beauties surprised the residents of Salam Mosque Compound in Culiat village to donate armchairs for a madrasah (Islamic school) at 9:00am here today.

Led by Venus Raj, the  Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2010 and Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-up, the Pinay beauties came in jeans and distinctive Project A.R.A.L. shirts to grace the Bayanihan para sa Madrasah that was attended by more or less 200 people. 

As part of the event, Raj and her friends handed over 100 wooden armchairs to community leaders and school authorities. 

"It is an honor to be part of this noble project that aims to help the poor children from this community. Thank you very much for accepting us here," said Raj who grew in the small town of Nabua in Camarines Sur.

Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc, the Commander of the 7th Civil Relations Group of the Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines said that the activity was a true product of Bayanihan.

"I have seen the ugly face of armed conflict during my stint in the conflict-affected areas in Muslim Mindanao. The people behind this project all wanted to help the children realize their dreams in life by pursuing education," said Cabunoc who saw action against Muslim separatists and the dreaded Abu Sayyaf Group from 1995-2002.

Ustadz Zainudin Dabpil, the school principal, said that it was the first time ever that the madrasah received an assistance from friends outside of the community. 

"I am very thankful for this assistance. We really didn't expect that we will receive this bountiful blessings today," he said. 

As part of the program, more or less a hundred volunteers flocked to the 8-room madrasah in order start the clean-up drive. 

PSSupt Darry Guialani of the Salaam Police Center led the 30-man strong police participants. 

"I am very proud to help my own people together with our partners from the AFP and the civilian sector. Indeed, Bayanihan is the best way to solve community problems," said Guialani, a native of Datu Piang, Maguindanao. 

The 8-hectare Salam Mosque Compound is populated by Muslim tribes who came from areas affected by armed conflict in Mindanao.

Led by its newly installed Commander, Brigadier General Romeo Gan, the Civil Relations Service, AFP is actively pursuing various high-impact community projects that contribute towards social change.

It is also currently involved in the Bangka ng Buhay project, a P3.0 Million worth boat project that is funded by Metrobank Foundation Inc. for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas.

Among the partners who supported the Bayanihan para sa Madrasah include the Rotary Club of Makati-Pasong Tamo, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement, Talima, UNYPAD, TOPSOLDIERS, PDEA and LBNet.