By Gio Carlo D. Castro
Photo courtesy of JPCS-FEU Alabang Chapter

The Junior Philippine Computer Society (JPCS) of Far Eastern University (FEU) Alabang spearheaded ‘Quaranstream’, an online video game streaming event that aims to raise funds for the communities affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic last April 10.

Chapter President Cedric Lora shared that it all started when some of their members are ‘attracted’ by streaming their video games amid the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

“It started when a few members where enticed by streaming their playthroughs during the lockdown. This gave the officers the idea of donating money based upon interaction of people to the stream,” he said.

Moreover, the organization which composed mostly of Information Technology (IT) students came up with an idea of using their personal computers as an advantage in battling the global health crisis.

As explained by Chuck Balisalisa, one of JPCS officers, the team then decided to make use of video games in doing charity works.

“Since a lot of the officers are gamers, we decided to hold a live streaming format dedicated for donations and spreading awareness by playing video games. It was something that we most loved to do in our past time, especially with this quarantine, and it was also possible for us to do so in our homes,” Balisalisa said.

Proceeds of the said event will benefit Pluma ni Juan, an organization for teachers along with its former students who has a donative drive called ‘#OperationBENTE’. Cash donations will be used in providing relief for displaced communities affected by the pandemic.

“The beneficiary [of Quaranstream] will use the funds to buy stuff in the affected areas of brgy. [Barangay] Cupang, Muntinlupa,” said Lora.

JPCS-FEU Alabang Chapter raised a total of P5,000 from its three-day streaming event.

As of April 13, the City Government of Muntinlupa reported a total of 77 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 13 deaths, and 14 recovered cases.