November 30, 2018February 19, 2020

CDRC Statement on Carol’s Passing

Citizens Disaster Response CenterAcross the Regions, ARMM, Bicol Region, Cagayan Valley, CARAGA, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Cordillera Administrative Region, Davao Region, Eastern Visayas, Featured, Ilocos Region, MIMAROPA, National Capital Region, Negros, Northern Luzon, Northern Mindanao, Panay, SOCCSKSARGEN, Southern Tagalog, Zamboanga Peninsula

The members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and the Management Committee of the Citizens’ Disaster Response Center Foundation, Inc. (CDRC) express deep sorrow on the untimely demise of Panday Bulig’s former Executive Director and Project Officer Carmencita “Carol” Abrio. They also wish to convey their deepest sympathies to the bereaved family.

The whole CDRC family is saddened with the loss of a very dear colleague. Ate Carol, as she is called by many, worked for Panday Bulig for more than a decade. Many of CDRC’s past and present staff remember her with much fondness because of her jolly disposition. During meetings of the network, she livens up an otherwise endless discussion about disasters in different parts of the country with her funny anecdotes and jokes. Her work in Panday Bulig is greatly appreciated specially at this time when disasters in the region have become more frequent and more devastating.

Ate Carol will be remembered most for her tireless contribution to the success of various projects and  activities of Panday Bulig, including her attendance in trainings that improved delivery of services in disaster affected communities. In our most recent training on Cash Transfer Program just this September, we always heard her laughter ringing out during particularly difficult or dull moments. Without doubt, Ate Carol’s light hearted and warm disposition added spirit to an otherwise drab and stressful work environment, more so during times of disaster.

Ate Carol’s tenacity was most evident during the rigorous disaster response to Typhoon Sendong and the challenging recovery and rehabilitation work conducted by Panday Bulig in highly devastated areas of Mindanao. Her perseverance to continue working with Panday Bulig long after recovery and rehabilitation projects wrapped up after Sendong and other highly devastating typhoons speaks of her deep commitment to address the needs of poor and least served communities.

The entire CDRC and CDRN regional centers give our highest salute to Ate Carol for her strong commitment to the most vulnerable communities in the country. She will forever inspire us to continue our tasks towards the goal of empowering grassroots communities.