Child sponsorship update from Lipa, Philippines

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Lipa, Philippines from Winter 2007.

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 Lipa. Our total population now is 84 children and 60 youths. So, we are very happy to share with you the recent developments that took place in 2007.

The SOS family received a media mileage last January through the local TV network, GMA 7’s program “MEL and JOEY”. The Children’s Village was covered with some of the mothers and children interviewed. Also, the following month proved a very busy month with the start of preparations leading to the celebration of the 40th SOS Anniversary. It was also last February that Special City Ordinance No. 06-2007 was released. The City Ordinance declared that every 1st day of May is SOS Children’s Village Lipa Day.

For the month of March, 24 children and youths successfully graduated: three from pre-elementary, 14 from elementary, two in High School, one in a Vocational Course, three Associate Courses and one in College. For other activities, on March 10, Standard Chartered Bank Finance Department staff came to the village and donated garden tools and 36 sacks of rice. On the other hand, the Youth Boys and Girls gathered together for a two-day group activity at the old youth house in San Carlos in commemoration of the Lenten Season. The highlight of their activity was a quarterly evaluation of their general performance. Moreover, as part of their penitence, they hiked Mt. Makulot and conducted Visita Iglesia to the different churches within Lipa City.

Last April 21, a Fun Run - Fun Walk was held as one of the fundraising projects of the village. There were 75 registrants inclusive of the Staff from the SOS National Office and Youths of SOS Manila. There were cash prizes and medals given for Special Awards. Then on the 28th, 29th, & 30th, a Triduum Mass was held at San Vicente Parish officiated by the Archbishop of Lipa and priests from the Parish and from Balayan, Batangas.

Events in Lipa, Philippines

On May 1st, the whole SOS Lipa celebrated its most awaited big event which was the 40th Founding Anniversary. As early as 7:30 in the morning, everyone gathered at the village courtyard for the motorcade. Afterwards, a barrio fiesta celebration was started. In the afternoon, the highlights were the Mini-Santacruzan participated by the mothers and co-workers dressed in Filipiniana dresses together with the Miss Lipa Tourism candidates, High Mass with His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Citation awards to His Eminence and Mr. Cesar Vales, former Village Director, for their great contribution in SOS. There was also the showing of the anniversary gallery which was followed by the talents showcase musical presentation by our very own mothers and children, former children of SOS Lipa, invited guests and friends from the community came to join and support the celebration.

Moreover, to ensure the medical status of the children and youths, the Annual Medical Examination and Circumcision operations to 14 children were done in May with the Metro Lipa Medical Center. Also, the village outing was held at a beach resort in Calaca, Batangas on May 17-18. Everyone enjoyed and felt relaxed.

June activities in our village were then celebrated to strengthen ties within the community. A Community Day was organised in celebration of the 58th SOS Day last June 23. Father Mendoza blessed the additional retirement house and guest house. The highlights of the program were the warm welcome to the newly admitted children and new mother and staff, including a psychology student all the way from London and academic recognition to the deserving children. Furthermore, six youth girls moved out from the village and were transferred to boarding houses near their schools.

As part of the youth care intervention process, three youth boys were on their reflection leave at their respective biological relatives. Likewise, on July 21, one of our children was referred to Crossroads Foundation for a 10-month intervention and formation program. July weekends of the children were busy with artwork activities as Nathan, a student volunteer from London, conducted an outreach programme. A two-day cooking activity that started last July 29 was also held as part of the SOS Nursery School Lipa Nutrition Month celebration. The parents of the SKL pupils cooked nutritious food and the children paraded baskets of fruits and vegetables within the Village. A successful short program then followed on the second day. On the other hand, the Youth Staff facilitated a two-day group activity at the youth facility for the youth girls and boys over 13 years age. The goal is to evaluate their general performances. The activities were testimonials of invited integrated individuals, community service efforts, Sunday mass attendance and presentation of their activities for the 1st semester through film viewing.

Growing up in Lipa, Philippines

Moreover the village celebrated Community Day last August 19. Everybody partake and enjoyed the activity. Also, three children were baptized at San Vicente Parish. And then on August 24, the launching of the Family Strengthening Program was held. The occasion was joined by guests from different local government units, NGO’s, parish church, barangay officials, and parents of the scholars.

In addition, the graduating students of Lipa City National Science High School conducted art workshop to children ages 3-12 years. Then, the Galing Pilipino Movement invited some children to participate in their Galing Pilipino Awarding Day and National Heroes Day Celebration on August 26. Our Sponsorship and Communication co-worker served as the show’s host while selected children presented a musical play.

In September, activities included the welcoming of two children from the Missionaries of Charity, medical check-up conducted to 21 children due to flu, cough and colds and the monthly community day on the 15th. Included in the day’s activity were fun games that the staff and the training aunts actively participated.

On October 9th, the Guttormsen family headed by Mr. Thor Jorgen Guttormsen, President and CEO of Hoegh Fleet Services, Inc., visited the village and brought gifts and toys for the kids. Simple welcome ceremony and gathering were prepared for them. Also on the 14th, the Pedagogical staff facilitated the “Listening to Children & Youths” activity. It was participated by children and youths ages 8-18 years. The Youth Staff then conducted a 3rd Quarterly Evaluation of the Youth Care Program held last October 29-31. Youth ages 13-21 years old participated and joined by the Youth staff and selected youths from SOS Manila. Lastly on the 13th, the opening of our SOS Christmas Sport Fest was successfully held. The event started with a short ceremony/program followed by a Cheering Competition and Basketball Game. Outdoor and indoor activities were arranged and scheduled every Saturday in the afternoon. The culminating ceremony will take place on December 23 during our Christmas Party. We will also be inviting our local friends and sponsors to grace this event, as our way of thanking them for their unwavering support.

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

With our heartfelt wishes and thanksgiving,

Leonilo N. Rivero
Village Director