FHI/Philippines

Semi-Annual Report

Period from July to December 2004

VISION OF A CHILD - (Luke 2:52)

     The fun and excitement of summer group activities is replaced with studies as our children return to school during the third quarter.  Rainy season occurs during this quarter that directly influences the ability of children and parents to attend school, FHI activities, and work since flash floods and typhoons make already difficult travel more dangerous.  With fewer busy group outings, our staff also uses this time to reflect and evaluate the impact of our programs. Personal development of FHI Philippines staff transpires through training activities and team building opportunities.

     During the last quarter, the Philippines were visited by strong typhoons, which caused great damage to lives and properties. We thank God that almost all our CDP communities were spared from flooding and destruction except for one CDP center in the northern Philippines. Praise God because FHI/Philippines were able to minister to affected families particularly in Quezon and Nueva Ecija province.

     The Christmas celebration is part of this semi-annual report. Amidst the difficulties we’ve gone through as a result of the calamity there is a reason to rejoice because of Jesus who is our hope.

Education

     During visits to 5 elementary schools and 2 high schools in Los Banos, the CLS was able to share more about our CDP program with principals and guidance counsellors who also explained the new grading system of the Dept. of Education. Both the school administrators and the CDP staff were encouraged to do better in motivating and encouraging the children for better study habits and for the parents to give more quality time in helping their children. It was a productive time of building the community relationship and bridge of understanding.

     In other CDP assisted centers, school visit is also done by our CDP staffs.

Non-formal Education

¨       Computer Literacy- Classes in different CDP centers, help children learn basic skills that will help with school requirements where computers are needed. Information technology is now part of the regular subjects of the children. Unfortunately because most public schools do not have enough equipment and facilities the children rarely experience “hands on” FHI computer tutorial was said to be a great help to our children.

¨       Theater Arts –  In Caloocan, 30 CDP and 15 non-CDP youths are meeting twice a week in preparation for Sunday Worship service. This is one way to bring the youth into an active role in the church as well as making worship more lively and meaningful. 

¨       Letter Cutting – 1 CVSF teaches 7 children the art of cutting letters. Children enjoy this creative arts class and this skill will be used in school projects and in other mediums of expression.

¨       Academic Tutorials- CVSF is former CDP children whom FHI helps sponsor in college.  Some CVSF have become volunteers in some of our after school tutoring programs. In one community, the volunteer works with CDP children having trouble with Math, English and Science.  Assignments are reviewed in 1 to 11/2 hour sessions and help children prepare for exams.  Better study habits are being developed while grades are improving.

¨       Community Library- In August, the community library in Los Banos was re-opened providing access to reference books, textbooks and other study books by elementary and high school students.  Approximately 22 CDP and non-CDP visit daily. This is a wonderful opportunity because of the limited availability of these books in local schools.  “Read Aloud” sessions by the librarian using both English and Tagalog, provide younger children the chance to increase their vocabularies and develop listening skills while having fun in a group setting.

Spiritual

        Bible Quiz. In partnership with The Philippine Bible Society and Book of Hope, the “Bible Quiz” in our communities has already reaped many fruits with more to come!  The “Bible Quiz” seeks to make the Bible come alive and be meaningful for children and youth. One impact realized is a 30% increase in attendance.  Through training, teachers feel more equipped and became more creative in their approaches. They are excited by the new strategies they learned in teaching the Word of God. In addition to benefiting children and teachers, the parents are studying the Bible with their children since study materials are brought home. 

        The  final round of the contest was held last November 13, 2004 at the Student Center of Central United Methodist Church There were 32 finalist in the Elementary Division and 30 in Hg School category

Winners in the Elementary Division are the following:

First Prize -Bernadith Baldo CDP Center 026 – Towerville,      Bulacan;

            Second Prize  Noriel Formarejo;CDP Center 020 – Los Banos, Laguna

Winners in the High School Division the winners

First Prize: Mary Glory Maurat , CDP Center 012-Tondo, Manila

Second Prize Romualdo Alcachupas,CDP Center 020- Los Banos, Laguna.

         First prize winners received cash gift of  P2,500 each and certificate of recognition while the second prize winners received a cash gift of P 1,000.00 each and a certificate

Youth Congress

         The Annual Youth Congress in the area of CDP Center Central integrated the youth from our partner church with FHI youth as they gathered for activities initiated by our CLS to foster a closer relationship between the two groups.  About 30 CDP children and 40 Non-FH children joined together in praise and worship, studies, and team building. New friendships were launched through this fellowship and they wanted to continue even longer into the night. It was a new experience for this group and God was honored as the youth enjoyed praising Him in worship.

Christmas Party/Program

         The theme of this year’s Christmas party is “THE GREATEST GIFT, JESUS CHRIST.” CDP centers reflected the Christmas story through drama, songs, dances and singing. Pastor from FHI partner churches delivered the Christmas message to our children and their parents. During the program, the children were noted to wear their new clothes and shirts provided by FHI to celebrate the birthday of the King of Kings.  Each family was provided with Christmas basket containing various food groceries. Having food on the table on Christmas eve makes the family gathering on “Noche Buena” happy and meaningful. The children were also given their annual clothing. The parents of poor children could not buy even a simple dress or shoes to their children on Christmas the reason why FHI is providing at least annual clothing or shoes to our children. It made their Christmas celebration meaningful.

Health

          Medical and dental examinations are regularly done in the different communities to monitor children’s health. Medicine is distributed to sick children. Our FHI trained health workers continue to teach and remind children about the importance of dental hygiene, proper hand washing, and sanitation. The spread of diseases in our country through poor sanitation and hygiene makes these valuable lessons to instill in our children at an early age. Unlike developed nations, the Philippines has many obstacles as simple as basic water supply, which hinder proper sanitation.  

Social

          A visit to “WOW Philippines”, a cultural exposition in Manila, provided the venue for wonderful interaction and thought provoking conversations among our youth in Tondo.  The displays of indigenous products from our provinces as well as cultural shows reflecting our diverse people groups around the archipelago were like “virtual reality textbooks” of our Filipino cultural heritage to our young people.

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