One Hour Changes Lives
The children are our future. ChildrenÂ’s Hour is giving Filipinos the opportunity to share and help shape these children into good and responsible citizens. Since its re-launch in August 2002, ChildrenÂ’s Hour has raised over P32 million in cash and services from about 400 individuals and over 150,000 employees from close to 400 cooperating institutions and companies in Metro Manila, Cebu, Western Visayas, Davao, Pampanga and Baguio. The campaign continues to be promoted in companies as an advocacy program among employees.
(PRWEB) September 12, 2003
Twelve year-old Jolis YangaÂ’s voice never wavered when he spoke about days when he used to spend selling sampaguita garlands to church-goers in San Fernando, Pampanga. Occasionally he would break into a sheepish grin as he showed photos of his friends and family back in his hometown.
“Nakasakay na ba kayo ng pedicab? Alam n’yo ba kung ano ang pedicab? Yun ang binubusinahan ninyo pag nale-late kayo. Yun ang pinapasada ng tatay ko. (Have you ridden a pedicab? Do you know what it is? That’s what your cars honk at when you’re late. That’s what my father drives to earn money),” he said, with a precociousness that strikes even adults around him.
Born to humble means, Jolis is one of the fortunate few who had the opportunity to study with the help of the Social Action Center of Pampanga (SACOP). Despite many disadvantages, Jolis recently graduated as Valedictorian of his grade school and made proud the grassroots organization that had provided his tuition, uniform and school supplies.
So when children like Jolis stand up to share their message of hope to fellow Filipinos, sometimes even leaders of the country canÂ’t help but listen. Or as on the occasion of the ChildrenÂ’s Hour awarding of grants, so did former President Corazon C. Aquino and the PhilippinesÂ’ business and government leaders.
Message of hope
Jolis was among the many child beneficiaries of the ChildrenÂ’s Hour who attended the event held on May 20 at the Greenbelt Mall in Makati City, Several child beneficiaries, thanked the former President, who is also honorary chair of the program in the Philippines, as well as donors by way of song and interpretative dance numbers.
A total of 27 organizations from all over the Philippines were given grants of funds that ChildrenÂ’s Hour raised in 2002 among companies, employees, and individuals who donated at least one hourÂ’s worth of earnings. The grants will directly benefit over 22,000 children and youth nationwide.
The projects were carefully selected by the ChildrenÂ’s Hour project selection committee chaired by Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan.
Licuanan observed that 27 organizations are committed and dedicated to their causes in their efforts to uplift the condition of Filipino children. Priority was given to projects that would directly and visibly promote childrenÂ’s rights and provide disadvantaged Filipino children access to education, health and nutrition, and other basic services including shelter and rehabilitation due to physical or emotional trauma.
The awarding of grants was led by former Pres. Aquino, ChildrenÂ’s Hour steering committee chair Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala II, and vice-chair Gina Lopez.
Zobel gave an update on ChildrenÂ’s Hour and on the future role of the project in supporting programs committed to the welfare and development of children and youth.
It was also during this event that Jolis gave his moving recount of how he and his family have gained new hope for the future from the generosity of donors of Children’s Hour and its partner organizations. His message was clear to all: “Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”
The Beneficiaries of ChildrenÂ’s Hour
The children are our future. ChildrenÂ’s Hour is giving Filipinos the opportunity to share and help shape these children into good and responsible citizens. Since its re-launch in August 2002, ChildrenÂ’s Hour has raised over P32 million in cash and services from about 400 individuals and over 150,000 employees from close to 400 cooperating institutions and companies in Metro Manila, Cebu, Western Visayas, Davao, Pampanga and Baguio. The campaign continues to be promoted in companies as an advocacy program among employees.
In turn, the program selects partner organizations from various parts of the Philippines to make sure that help is given where it is needed most. This year, ChildrenÂ’s Hour will benefit the following projects aimed at improving the quality of life of Filipino youth and children.
National Capital Region
Bagong Silang Special Education Center
Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTEX)
Create Responsive Infants By Sharing (CRIBS) Phils., Inc.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) Foundation, Inc.,
Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center
Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc.
Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines
Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines
Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation, Inc.
Sky Foundation, Inc.
and Worldlab School, Inc.
Luzon
Agape Formation and Educational Center Foundation, Inc.
Ma-maÂ’s Hope Haven of Norway, Inc.
Social Action Center of Pampanga (SACOP)
Visayas
Augustinian Recollect Sisters
Bidlisiw Foundation, Inc.
Congregation of the Salesian Priest and Brothers of Don Bosco
SOS ChildrenÂ’s Village Cebu
Mindanao
Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. in behalf of Tabang Mindanaw
Bantay Bata 163-Davao
Basilan Provincial Hospital
Christian ChildrenÂ’s Fund, Inc.
Davao Medical Center
Integral Development Services Phils., Inc.
Philippine Agency for Community and Family, Inc.
Sulu Provincial Hospital
If you want to help give a brighter future to children in the Philippines, you may send a check to Ayala Foundation USA at 255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 128, Redwood City, CA 94065. Donations may also be remitted online via www. lingkodpinoy. org.
For more information about the ChildrenÂ’s Hour and other noteworthy projects in the Philippines, please call Myrna Araneta at (650) 598-3126 or e-mail us at afusa@ayalafoundation. org or visit our websites at www. ayalafdnusa. org and www. childrenshour. org. ph.
