Philippine Children’s Ministries Network

BEARERS OF HOPE Update

As of January 6, 2010, the Bearers Hope Project, the collaborative response initiated by Philippine Children’s Ministries Network (PCMN) to people directly affected by typhoons Ketsana and Parma, has reached 2,573 children in different regions of Luzon (Metro Manila or National Capital Region – NCR, Pangasinan in Region 1, Bulacan in Region 3 and Laguna in Region 4a). This is the result of the collective work of seventeen (17) partner churches and organizations that participated in the implementation of the response.

Help came through the provision of tools to enable children to cope with the situation. Materials are in the form of hygiene kits, educational packs and rubber boots. Feeding program was also conducted to meet victims’ nutritional needs. The supplies and materials given were based on partners’ assessment of the children’s actual and urgent needs. Through the project, workers were trained in running child friendly spaces in their respective areas. Sports equipment and other activity materials were contributed by UNICEF.

Below is a graphic representation of the areas covered by the project.

Financial support has been extended to 15 affected staff workers from several organizations and churches while support for rehabilitation of facilities has already benefited 3 organizations. Bamboo beds have been provided to 80 families and a temporary toilet put up in a mini-tent city where 46 families are still staying. Through support from 3 churches in Singapore, Australia and Germany, an estimated 100 families were provided with Christmas groceries through two partners. An additional 150 families will be provided with groceries this January.

A Story of Hope: “Rubber Boots”

Mariecris Llano, 9 years old, is the youngest of four children. Their mother died on October, 2009 due to severe diarrhea, after the typhoons. The father is a driver. Mariecris is a grade 4 student and is very diligent in her studies. She loves to play with other children and read books.

During the onslaught of the typhoon Ketsana, the family stayed in a nearby evacuation center. They were not able to salvage anything for the flood water rose quickly claiming all their belongings.

Food for the Hungry Philippines which serves in Mariecris’ community gave rubber boots to 179 children. The children are so happy to have their own rubber boots. This enabled them to go back to school even though flood waters have not completely subsided yet.

“Thank you for your support and generosity!” From Mariecris, 9 years old

Mary Rose Oximas
Project Coordinator, Bearers of Hope

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