Everyone was staring and asking who he was.  He was a crowd drawer at the Iloilo Sports Complex repacking station last Monday.

He was no less than the former PBA player Roy Deles. His star on the basketball arena may have stopped shining but his will-power to help fellow Ilonggos never ceased.

A star on the basketball court during the ‘70s, Deles is among the 5,704 volunteers who responded to the call of DSWD to help in the repacking of relief goods at the sports complex.

He was a star player of the Newtex-Wrangler from 1975-1984. His might in the court was apparent even in his age.

Deles,65, said carrying sacks of rice is a form of exercise.  He also transferred the plastic bags filled with relief goods from the repacking point to the collection area for final counting.

The former professional basketball player was with his wife when they joined other volunteers in repacking the goods.  “I and my wife dropped by at the Iloilo Sports Complex to donate used clothing last Sunday.”

However, when they saw there is much to do at the Iloilo Sports Complex, they decided to help.  “We decided to return the following day to join other volunteers.”

Deles said he is saddened with the destruction brought about by typhoon Yolanda on the lives and properties of the people.  Yet, he is confident that Ilonggos will recover. “Life is still beautiful.” (DSWD/Maricar M. Calubiran)