Child sponsorship update from Iloilo, Philippines

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Iloilo, Philippines from Winter 2008

Dear Friend,

A whole year passed and it is a great pleasure to greet you again as a valuable member of our worldwide family whose kind support helps us to provide a better environment here in SOS Children’s Village Iloilo. Our total population now is 128 children and youths. So, we are very happy to share with you the recent developments that took place in 2008.

What’s new and first ever in SOS Iloilo was the Rite of Passage for our five youth boys. They were transferred to a rented youth facility last January 5, as part of the semi-integration programme of the organisation. They are now living there together with a Youth-in-charge Educator.

In February, we celebrated the Heart’s Day with exciting games like dressing the doll, crossword puzzles with valentine trivia, and heart relay. Also, a mini-concert and gospel sharing was also conducted in the village organised the Central Philippine University Gospel Team. It was a big day for our SOS children to be with those young people whose aim is to share and spread the word of God. Moreover, SOS children joined the educational field trip last March 1 - 3 at Garin Farm in Bantayan Resort, Guimbal, Iloilo. Garin Farm is a popular tourist destination in Iloilo where organic farming is displayed with a mini-zoo. The field trip was facilitated by SOS Nursery School and staff. On the other hand, we welcomed four newly admitted children last March 9. They were referred by the local Social Welfare government agency.

During the Graduation Rights in March, we congratulated our 19 graduates for the School Year 2006-2007. One graduated from High School level, seven from Elementary level and 11 from Nursery School. Together with their SOS mothers and Educational team, we dined out last March 30 to celebrate this rewarding occasion. Also, a painting and Styrofoam letter cutting workshop was initiated by the Training and Skills Committee. 29 children and youths participated.

Children's activities and education at Iloilo, Philippines

Despite the break from school during the summer vacation, everybody was still busy preparing for summer activities, outings, summer lessons and trainings, camping, sports and other outdoor activities. The children and youths enjoyed a series of activities prepared for them. 37 boys and girls together with four Pedagogical staff had their 3-day Summer Youth Camp last April 26-28 at Camp Pasica, Dingle, Iloilo.

Also, we commemorated SOS Day. The programme started with choral singing followed by floral and candle offering. Each family house assigned a reader to read some inspiring quotation while the Village Director gave a talk. On the other hand, a Sacrament of Confirmation was conducted on April 25 to 142 individuals, 47 of which were SOS children, 3 SOS staff and 92 from the neighboring community. The celebration was jointly organised with the Spiritual Committee and solemnised by Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of the Archdiocese of Jaro, Iloilo. Also on April 29, a blood letting activity was conducted in cooperation with the Philippine National Red Cross. Among the 25 individuals who registered, 16 were qualified blood donors.

After a long day of preparations for the opening of school year 2008-2009, the SOS Nursery School had started its enrollment period last May 5-9. Students were very excited to see their school and they were happy to see their teachers and former classmates as well.

On the other hand, June was a depressing month for the life of Ilonggos wherein almost 90% of the total population of Western Visayas was greatly affected by typhoon “Frank”. The SOS Iloilo Family extended help by serving as the Evacuation Centre of flood victims in one of the barangays in Jaro, Iloilo City. Tagged as “BULIG SOS”, a Relief Operation was extended for those affected by typhoon Frank. 103 adults and children were evacuated at the Social Centre which served as their temporary shelter. Among the rescued were a 27 days-old infant and a pregnant woman suffering from trauma and depression. Medical check up was conducted and free medicines were also given to the evacuees. Meals were given to the evacuees prepared by the SOS mothers, coworkers, children and youths. Social Centre staff also helped in the distribution of relief goods.

Despite of this tragic incident, village life still went on. A new school year opened in June and you will see the excitement in the eyes of our children. A feeding programme was also started this month for the nursery school pupils. Each year level prepared nutritional foods as they gathered and shares it with their classmates. On the other hand, the SOS Nursery School and Social Centre arranged a short program last July 31 at the Social Centre Function Hall. Ms. Ruth Fe SALDITOS, a Dietician Nutritionist and Executive Directress of Fair Trade Foundation-Panay, was invited to talk about proper nutrition and other health tips. All the parents of 224 children participated in the said activity. Different musical presentations were given by each section. Parlor games and contests were also part of the programme.

Working in partnership

In line with their Future First Programme, employees of HSBC Philippines, headed by Ms. Cat Avelino, visited our Children’s Village for a volunteer time with the SOS family and Family Strengthening Program (FSP) community. It was a productive day of August 29 where they had a storytelling activity, immersion with the FSP beneficiaries and fellowship with our children, mothers and co-workers. FSP is one of the outreach programmes of SOS Children’s Villages, wherein we help indigent families by livelihood programs and activities.

September was a starting month to feel the warmth of Christmas. People begin to think of something to share and be a part of creating their holiday season meaningful. It was also a Physical Fitness and Earth month where the SOS Iloilo spent a day to give importance to our nature by having a Tree Planting at Barangay Balud I, Zarraga Iloilo. This barangay was greatly affected by typhoon Frank last June which caused damage to the residents and their properties due to flash flood. One of the possible reasons why there was flood was because of lack of trees to absorb the running water from the creek. Moreover, another activity was the “Off to Iloilo Sports Complex” where all of the family houses and Co-Workers spent two hours of jogging, playing in the track and field to energize them and having time out from the village atmosphere for awhile.

These are the activities that transpired in 2008. Right now, the children are still busy in school and most of them verbally expressed that they are excited for Christmas. The whole Children’s Village is now decorated with Christmas ornaments. Also, our staff is now organising the different Christmas activities for our children and youths.

In the meantime, in behalf of the whole SOS Iloilo family, our sincerest gratitude for your unending support! May we continue to work together for our children! Hope you’ll have a Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,

Renie Masongsong
Village Director