Sponsor's update from Davao, Philippines

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Davao, Philippines from Winter 2007/2008

Dear Friend,

A whole year passed and it is a great pleasure to greet you again as a valuable member of our world-wide family whose kind support helps us to provide a better environment here in SOS Children’s Village Davao. Our total population now is 132 children in the Children’s Village and 12 youth girls in the Home for Girls and 38 youth boys in the Youth Facility. So, we are very happy to share with you the recent developments that took place in 2007.

SOS Davao started the year with a spiritual enhancement and individual sharing activity last January 5. This is to prepare each individual with a healthy and sound mind, body and spirit for the rest of the year. On the other hand, during the celebration of the month of hearts, 14 SOS mothers were given a post valentine gift by the children and youth last February 17. In line also with valentine celebrations, a dinner-for-a-cause dubbed “Barbecue Fiesta” was held in the SOS Children’s Village ground. The event was graced by distinguished government officials and other invited visitors. Media coverage was provided by GMA Channel 7, ABS-CBN Channel 2 and other local media people.

For March, 21 graduated for the school year 2006-2007: nine in pre-school, seven in elementary, three in high school and two in college. Young girl Jennifer graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and Gary in Information Technology. Gary is now hired as a programmer at Central Warehouse. Also for March, selected children took part in varied activities spearheaded by the city government in celebration of the “70th Araw Ng Dabaw”. To date, a total of 34 children and youth were evaluated and were given intervention plan as result of the care conferences. And for the observance of the Lenten Season, the Educational Concept of SOS (ECS) initiated the “Way of the Cross” every Friday afternoon with the community.

Moreover, we conducted an annual Summer Camp with a theme, “Unity in Diversity - One in Spirit”. The said camp was participated by 51 children and seven co-workers held in the Youth Village last April 16 to 20, geared on both socio-cultural and spiritual encounter with the children. As a culmination activity, the participants had a whole day swimming at a nearby beach resort. On the other hand, as an observance of the Holy Week, the whole SOS Davao community participated in the Way of the Cross at the Dominican Chapel. The Lenten season was culminated with an egg hunting activity in the village.

For the Youth Village, the youth boys had their summer camp at the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Formation Centre in Catalunan Grande, Davao City also last April 16 to 20. On the other hand, the SOS Social Centre for Mother and Child along with SOS co-workers had a Mall Exhibit starting April 21 to May 12. This is part of the extensive local PR campaigns of the facility. Despite the busy schedule, the HGSCMC Head also spearheaded a skills training activities for SOS students on beadworks for elementary pupils, candy making for high school students and basic baking for college students.

Events at Davao, Philippines

On Mothers’ Day, a simple program was held at the Mary’s Garden for all SOS Mother last May 13. The educational team helped the youth leaders in the preparation for the said activity. All the mothers were truly surprised and joyful for the celebration prepared by their children.

For the Family Strengthening Programme, the first general assembly for the beneficiaries was called last June 20. This is an outreach activity of SOS for the local community, in which 115 families and Barangay Officials came for the orientation. Also, as preparation for their independent life, nine youth girls moved to the boarding house and three youth boys to the youth village. We are proud of our children, Maria Celes and Catherine, as they received the Search for the Best Student Awards.

The 58th International Day paved the way for us to organise a three-day activity from June 22-24. Activities for the first day opened with a Eucharistic Celebration by Fr. Jun Acedo DCD. It also launched the 3-day mall exhibit at Victoria Plaza where Davao City Vice-Mayor Sarah Duterte initiated the ribbon cutting. The main objective of the exhibit was to launch the commemorative book, “Selfless Love”. On the second day, Archbishop of Davao Msgr. Fernando Capalla, D.D., and Rev. Fr. Sylvestre Robiñol, RCJ led the Holy Mass. An awarding ceremony was followed as a tribute to the six co-workers for their 25 years of service to our village. The celebration then ended with a Championship Game on soccer, kickball and volleyball. On the third day, Fr. Allan Rodriguez, DCD officiated another Eucharistic Celebration. A whole day fun-filled activity followed.

For the July Nutrition month, the village through the Academic and Social Development Assistance Committee (ASDA) spearheaded a whole day activity with the theme “Healthy lifestyle Ng Kabataan Landas Sa Kinabukasan”. The Village Mothers were divided into 4 groups wherein each group consists of four mothers and 15 children. Different challenges were held like cooking contest, slogan making and poster making. In school updates, 10 children availed the Scholarship Programme of the Royeca School of Ballet. Felix and Maria Celes, both elementary students, were elected as Board Members in their school organization. For the youth community, the Academic committee conducted a quiz bee last July 21, where all youths joined.

Moreover in August, we welcomed about 3,000 visitors coming from Panabo National High School, Marawi Institute and the Diocese of Tagum. They were given an orientation on Child Protection Policy. Also, a health teaching seminar was given to all youths living in the youth facility. Six youth girls were moved to the girls’ home facility last August 1 while six boys had their on-going exposures to the youth facility.

Supporting children and communities at Davao

The 26th founding anniversary of the Children’s Village was then celebrated in September. It started with a motorcade on September 5 and much more presentations in the village. The city government officials and staff cooperatively participated, which awarded some of our children with gifts for their excellence.

On the other hand, October activities included the Department of Health’s immunisation program that benefited 18 children in coordination with Agdao Health Center headed by Dra. Evelyn Bano and an “Oplan Vitamin A” for the children. There was also the city-wide participation in celebration of the Children’s Month spearheaded by the Council for the welfare of Children (CWC).A Soccer Tournament titled, “Goal for a Cause” was then successfully realised last October 27 wherein it was participated by 39 teams. The event was published in local newspapers and TV stations. Consultation meeting with the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) and National Service Training Program (NSTP) was also done for the formation of the SOS Student Ambassador Young Advocates (SOS-SAYA).

For the Christmas season, the whole family is now starting to prepare for the thanksgiving activities. This will be another busy month for us as we transpire presentations and fund raising events, namely: NSTP Fun Run “Pamaskong Takbo Para Sa Kabataan”, 3 in 1 Christmas Fiesta celebration (“Ilaw Mo… Buhay Ko, Share A Meal and Win a Wheel and a Golf for a Cause) riding in the Yuletide Season. We will be inviting our local friends, sponsors and benefactors to grace our events, as our way of thanking them for their unwavering support.

On behalf of the entire SOS Davao family, we warmly greet you, A TRULY BLESSED CHRISTMAS & A GRACE-FILLED NEW YEAR!

With our heartfelt wishes and thanksgiving,

Luis Seras
Village Director