40 Years in 40 Faces

"40 Years in Forty Faces" chronicles the history of SOS Children's Village - Calbayog and the way it affected the community through  the stories of 40 of its wards, friends and benefactors. Copies of the book are available at SOS - Calbayog.

Below are two pictures I managed to take during the Book Launching which was part of the SOS - Calbayog 40th Anniversary Dinner

The celebrity hound struck again

As I have announced in an earlier blog post, Jamie Rivera had a dinner concert at Ciriaco Hotel on September 5. The following day she went to SOS to attend the inauguration of the SOS TechVoc Center. And as for me, each time a celebrity is around, expect me to do one of the things I enjoy most: piktyur-piktyur

SOS TechVoc Training Center formally inaugurated

The SOS Technical-Vocational (TechVoc) Training Center was formally inaugurated today with Helmut Kutin (wearing a yellow cap) as the guest of honor. The Training Center is located in Barangay Dagum at the old CKC Elementary Schotool campus. In photo with Mr. Kutin are (r-l) Councilor Danilo Bernate, Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento, Calbayog City National High School Principal Lolita Alera, SOS Philippines National Director Bienvenido Delgado, Bishop Isabelo Abarquez, SOS Continental Director for Asia Shuba Murthi, TESDA Samar Provincial Director Cleta Omega, Councilor Regina Rabuya and Archbishop Fernando Capalla. For details about the training center you may call up SOS at (+63 55) 209-3169.

SOS Calbayog is 40 years old

SOS Children's Village Calbayog is 40 years old. Among the activities on hand was the launching of the book entitled "40 Years in 40 Faces". It was held during an Appreciation Dinner earlier tonight at the Ciriaco Hotel poolside. I will be posting more details about the book, in the meantime I'd like to give you a brief history of SOS-Calbayog.

In 1972, the third SOS Children's Village of the country was built in Calbayog in Samar Island, the third largest island of the Philippines. The island is very fertile, and so agriculture plays an important role in its economy. The city is an important exporter of vegetables and other more exotic agricultural produce to the rest of the region.

SOS Children's Village Calbayog consists of twelve family houses, the village director's house and a community house. There is an SOS Kindergarten, which is also open to children from the neighbourhood. In the kindergarten's 4 classrooms, up to 55 children can be taught. The kindergarten also has a kitchen, where the meals for the children are prepared. Next to the SOS Children's Village, there is a home for retired SOS mothers.

In Calbayog, there is also an SOS Social Centre, which provides child day care, counselling and psychological care to the population of the neighbourhood. The SOS Social Centre consists of two rooms for the day-care centre, a kitchen and dining room for the food programme, two offices, a library and a classroom for counselling and education.

In 2007, SOS Children's Villages launched its family strengthening programmes in Calbayog. These programmes are intended to support families at risk of abandoning their children and to encourage families to stay together. SOS Children's Villages therefore works with local authorities and other service providers to support families and enable them to take good care of their children. Family strengthening programmes provide nutritional, educational and health support as well as vocational training, career counselling sessions and job placement support. Families are linked with existing self-help groups; if there is no group, a new one is formed. The programmes also aim at raising awareness of hygiene and child rights and improving people's parenting skills.

In the town centre of Calbayog, there is an SOS Youth Facility. Older boys from the SOS Children's Village normally move to the SOS Youth Facility when they start a vocational training course or go on to higher education. With the support of qualified youth workers, they develop realistic perspectives for their future, learn to shoulder responsibility and increasingly make their own decisions. They are encouraged to develop team spirit and build up contacts with relatives and friends, as well as with the relevant authorities and potential employers.

In 2009, an SOS Vocational Training Centre was opened in Calbayog. It consists of 14 classrooms, an assembly hall, an administration and service area and accommodation for the participants. The training centre also includes a demonstration farm.

SOS-Calbayog's Hand Play presentation during Earth Hour 2012

SOS-Calbayog is one of the private institutions in Calbayog that has actively participated in the Earth Hour events. And they did it again this year. They presented what has become one of the highlights of this yearly event - the "Hand-Play Presentation".


Here's my raw video of that presentation performed by some youth from SOS - Calbayog City. This was part of the Earth Hour 2012 event spearheaded by LGU-Calbayog City. The event was held at the Calbayog City Hall stage earlier tonight.

SOS Calbayog receives award

SOS Calbayog Board President Cong. Mel Senen Sarmiento as he received the award on behalf of SOS Calbayog. In photo are (l-r) SOS National Director Bienvenido Delgado, SOS Calbayog Village Director Emily Torculas, DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman and DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Let me give you a report on the award courtesy of Ms. Emily Torculas:

On the 11th day of January 2012, big news arrived to us. We were notified that SOS Children’s Village Calbayog was chosen as the 2012 Best Non-Government Organization Nationwide by the DSWD in the “Salamat Po” Award. Salamat po award is part of PANATA KO SA BAYAN or PAGKILALA SA NATATANGING KONTRIBUSYON SA BAYAN AWARDS, which acknowledges the effort of individuals, groups or organizations whose Panata or Vow is to share the resources and time in providing a better opportunity for the disadvantage sectors. In this regard, SOS Chilcren’s Village Calbayog was unanimously voted and garnered the highest total score of 93.67%. We are proud and thankful that the efforts and services given by the Organization and the people behind it were noticed and appreciated. This award is timely as the organization would celebrate its 40th foundation Anniversary this September 2012.


By the 26th of January 2012, the turn-over of the “Salamat Po” Award was received by our Board President Congressman Mel Senen Sarmiento along with our National Director Mr. Bienvenido Delgado and our Village Director Emily L. Torculas at the DSWD Main Office in Batasan Compound, Batasan Hills, Quezon City. Along with plaque, we too received Twenty-five Thousand Pesos (Php 25, 000.00) from DSWD. It was a momentous day for the Organization as we achieved this prestigious award. No words and amount could ever describe the gratitude we felt.


During the ceremony, Congressman Sarmiento expressed on behalf of the SOS Children’s Village Calbayog family its gratitude for the award received, “There are so many awards I have received but this one is more valuable because no amount of money being involved just the spirit of volunteerism”. He too thank by mentioning different financial supporters of SOS Children’s Village Calbayog. His message too highlights the two programme of SOS Children’s Village namely: Family Based Care and Family Strengthening Program. It was clearly stated that our Family Based Care is unique program in taking care of our children in a family setting with a professional mother and where siblings are kept together in a SOS family. On another hand, the SOS Children’s Village is now responding to the need of strengthening families in order to prevent the breaking up of families. The Congressman’s message captures SOS Children’s Village Programme Policy. Thus, the partnership and networking is also part of achieving this award particularly the support of LGU and DSWD during these passed years that contributed a lot of its quality of service and number of beneficiaries reached out by the organization.


For this day onward, let us continuously provide a loving home for every child.

SOS Children's Village in Calbayog says 'Salamat po' award is a gift

by Ninfa B Quirante


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 25 (PIA)-- SOS Village, Calbayog City Director Emily Torculas said that she feels elated that the SOS Children’s Village has been recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).


SOS Calbayog City, along with Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) beneficiaries from Calbiga Samar, are two national awardees during the anniversary of the DSWD.


It was DSWD Region 8 Director Leticia Diokno who identified the awardees.


The SOS Children’s Village of Calbayog City was awarded as Best NGO under the Salamat Po Award and LGU Calbiga in the province of Samar for its model SEA-K KABAYAN or the SEA-K Level II livelihood program implementation, under the GAPAS award.


SOS Children’s village in Calbayog City is an NGO committed to a long term family care and education to orphaned, abandoned and neglected children.


“We are happy that our effort in building a loving home for every child has been recognized nationwide though we have eight villages all over the Philippines,” Torculas told PIA in an interview.


“It is indeed a gift as we are preparing to celebrate SOS Children's Village Calbayog 40th Foundation Day Anniversary this year,” she added.


Calbayog SOS Village has presently some 130 children under their Family Based Care program and 814 Children in 239 families under our Family Strengthening Program.


Awarding is scheduled on January 26, Thursday at the DSWD central office in Manila. (PIA 8-Samar)

SOS-Calbayog bags National Award

Eastern Visayas bags two 2012 DSWD 'Panata Ko sa Bayan' awards


TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, January 23 (PIA) -- Two Eastern Visayas entities are among this year’s “Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan” or “Panata ko sa Bayan” awardees who will be cited during the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) anniversary culmination rites at the said department's central office on January 26.


DSWD Region 8 Director Leticia Diokno identified the awardees as the SOS Children’s Village of Calbayog City as Best NGO under the Salamat Po Award and LGU Calbiga in the province of Samar for its model SEA-K KABAYAN or the Self-Employment Assistance – Kaunlaran Level II livelihood program implementation, under the GAPAS award. (read more ...)

Helmut Kutin in Calbayog

Mr. helmut Kutin, the President of SOS Children's Villages International (SOSCVI) will be in Calbayog City today.

He will be on hand for the Mother's Statute Awarding Ceremony at SOS Children's Village Calbayog. Joining him in the ceremony are Mr. Siddharta Kaul (SOSCVI Deputy Secretary-General for Asia), Congressman Mel Sarmiento (BOT President of SOS Calbayog) and Mr. Bienvenido Delgado (National Director of SOS Children's Villages Philippines)

Mother Statute describes the responsibilities and establishes the rights and obligations of the SOS Children's Village Mother. Today's Mother Statute awardees are:

• Prescila Aquiliño
• Dolores Baldomaro
• Maruja Caboboy
• Christine Estrelles
• Eva Pretencio
• Zandra Sabas
• Delia Salino
• Wilma Salutan
• Rizza Talibong

The SOS Calbayog STEP-UP Project

Stop Trafficking and Exploitation of People Through Unlimited Potential

A Joint Effort of:
SOS Children’s Village Calbayog, Microsoft Unlimited Potential and Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc.

August 29, 2009. STEP-UP Program Launching at the Helmut Kutin Social Hall in Brgy. Dagum. In photo are (l-r) Mr. Vicente Alan Abadesco of Visayan Forum, Carmen Punong Baraggay Amy Cabral, CSWDO Head Betty Jane Arnejo, SOS Calbayog Children's Village Director Mario Victor Baang and Fr. Dennis Espiritu.


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Stop Trafficking and Exploitation of People through Unlimited Potential (Step-UP) is a partnership project of SOS Children’s Village Calbayog and the Microsoft Philippines under its Unlimited Potential program with the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc. (VFFI), a non-government organization that works for the welfare of marginalized migrants like domestic workers and trafficked women and children. The project aims to prepare, empower and reintegrate survivors of human trafficking through Information Technology training. It will also give them other options in life and opportunities for better employment. Coupled with psychosocial services and life skills training, the IT training will serve as therapy for them to regain their sense of human dignity while staying in the shelters.

Step-UP is both a preventive and a protective response to human trafficking. It provides technological skills to vulnerable youth and adults through community-based organizations around the Philippines, thereby preventing them from being exploited.

Goals of the Project, 3rd Phase Implementation:
To continue the preparation of women and youth from vulnerable populations and victims of human trafficking for the job market by providing Information Technology (IT) knowledge, life skills and micro-enterprise development trainings.

To continue the prevention of incidents of human trafficking in the areas we operate in by educating them on trafficking and by giving them IT, life skills and micro-enterprise development trainings that can give them other opportunities; and

To build the capacities of new NGO partners in the Philippines in planning and operating sustainable community-based Technology Learning Centers (CTLCs), build the same capacities of existing NGO partners that are already running CTLCs to enhance their LANs (?) and operate sustainable CTLCs, and ensure a multiplier-effect.

Goal of SOS Children’s Village Calbayog:
To provide holistic activities that will mold the youth into disciplined, smart and energetic individuals and leaders appreciative of God’s goodness.

Objective of SOS Family Strengthening Program:
We support the community to respond effectively to the situation of vulnerable children and their families.

VFFI and SOS CALBAYOG agree to work hand in hand in providing vulnerable communities and victims of human trafficking with Information Technology (I.T.)/computer skills training through Microsoft Unlimited Potential program and Life Skills training to help them get better jobs.

Criteria for Students/Trainees:

• Out-of-School Youth or anybody who is a survivor of trafficking
• At least fifteen (15) years old
• Willing to study IT and Life Skills for job employment

CURRICULUM CONTENT

Part 1. Introduction

• Module 1
  · Orientation STEP-UP Project, SOS, VFFI and Microsoft Unlimited
• Module 2
  · RA 9208
• Module 3
  · Importance of Education

Part 2. Life Skills Training

• Module 1
  · Self management and Coping
  *Personality Enhancement and Human Sexuality
• Module 2
  · Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Module 3
  · Critical Thinking and Decision Making
• Module 4
  · Action Planning

Part 3. IT Training

• Module 1
  · Computer Courses
  ü Introduction to Computer
  ü Computer Fundamentals
  ü Word Processing
  ü Spreadsheet
  ü Power Point Presentation
  ü Database
• Module 2
  · Additional Advanced Courses
  ü Digital Media
  ü Internet (World Wide Web)
  ü Photo Editing

Part 4. OJT

• On The Job Training
  ü 4 working days or 28 working hours

Part 5. Assessment

• Final Examination

Duration of Training Course
(2 months)

Class Schedule:

Monday – Saturday
8:30a.m. – 12:00 noon
1:00 - 3:30p.m.
2 sessions per week for every group

For more information call or visit:

SOS Children’s Village Calbayog
Brgy. Dagum Calbayog City
6710 Western Samar
Phone: +63 (55) 209-1170 / 533-9801
Telefax: +63 (55) 209-3798
Email: http://ph.mc769.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=calbayog@sosphilippines.org
http://www.sosphilippines.org/

Images from Alay Lakad 2009

Here are some more pictures taken during last Saturday's Alay Lakad. The annual walk-for-a-cause is an activity aimed at raising funds for the livelihood skills training of the out-of-school youth of Calbayog.

For the second time, the event was held within the city proper. It started at 4:30 am with a hataw bayan (exercise) in front of the City Hall. At 5:00 am, the participants walked around the city before proceeding to the Calbayog City Sports Center grounds for a mass and a short program.

Some PNP officers as they led the hataw bayan.

some of the young Alay Lakad participants

Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino participating in the hataw bayan.

Mass presider Fr. Tony Rosales, ofm looks on as lector Joan Maslog do the first reading.

WESADEF's Ma. Emma Elardo leading the offertory procession.

Boy Baldormaro, Marcy Cordova and Gloria Arioja.

Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino and Dr. Socorro Bohol

Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Mr. Virgilio Tomnob

Some SOS youth doing their presentation

some SOS Calbayog wards on hand for the Alay Lakad program.

Poster-making contest for SOS children

Thanks to the power outage last week (I'm still wondering why we Filipinos refer to it as brownout), I almost forgot about some pix which I managed to take during the SOS International Day Celebration on June 25, 2009. Here are some pix during the ribbon-cutting at the gallery which displayed pictures of SOS Calbayog events and past officers; and the posters which some SOS kids did for the poster-making contest.

Dr. Francie Santos and Mr. Fernando Bohol leading the ribbon-cutting. Looking on is SOS Calbayog Village Director Mario Victor Baang and some SOS Calbayog staff.

SOS Calbayog observes 60th International Day Celebration

SOS Calbayog observed the 60th International Day Celebration last week. Let me share what I got from the report provided by Pamela Daguman (SOS PFR).

The celebration started on June 20, 2009, Saturday with the "Guhit Bulilit", a poster-making contest anchored on the theme "Ako Ay Bata, May Magagawa". There were two categories in the said event, the high school and the elementary groups.

June 23, 2009 was the actual 60th International Day Celebration for all the S.O.S. Children's Villages around the world. It coincided with the birthday of Dr. Hermann Gmeiner. To celebrate his birthday, the SOS Calbayog community offered flowers and a birthday song to Lolo Hermann.

On the same day, Calbayog Village Director, Mr. Mario Victor Baang, along with six mothers, co-workers, youth and children participated in a television interview. 'Tatay Dong' commented that to celebrate this big event, the SOS CV Calbayog decided to celebrate International Day for five (5) days, on June 20 & 23, 2009; and June 25 - 27, 2009.

On June 25, 2009, Thursday, the action started with an early-morning Mass celebrated by Fr. Andres Espiritu. Among those who attended were the mothers, co-workers, youth, children, family beneficiaries (families of origin) and friends of the SOS community. Mass songs were animated by the selected SOS children who formed the mass choir. Immediately after the mass was the launching of the "Grain of Rice". Shortly after the launching was the motorcade. Among those who participate in the motorcade were the PNP officers, the Calbayog Bikers Association, some of the founding members, sponsors and local donors. The motorcade was followed by the ribbon-cutting at the booth where items like native baskets, curtains, delicacies and plants were displayed on sale. Another ribbon-cutting opened the gallery which displayed pictures of various activities of the SOS community and the exhibit of the posters done in line with the "Guhit Bulilit" poster-making contest.

A Caravan feeding was scheduled on June 26, 2009. Two barangays from Oquendo district were chosen for the activity - Brgy. Quezon and Brgy, Jose Roño. The activity included games for children; and a parents' orientation which highlighted the rights of children.

The Children's Day program was held on the morning of Saturday, June 27, 2009. About 400 children - the SOS youth, the SOS kids, the SOS scholars and kids from the neighborhood - participated in the activity.

The culminating program was held on Saturday evening. The SOS kids gave intermission numbers while the SOS youth presented their play entitled "Ang Pamilya". The evening's highlight was the recognition of SOS CV Calbayog's founding members, current board members, sponsors and local donors. The long-term service of the village workers was also given recognition.

The SOS Community scholars

As I have mentioned in my earlier blog posts, among those who participated in the Earth Hour event in Calbayog were the young people who belonged to the SOS community scholars. They presented a hand play entitled "The Mission". Done in kabuki style, the performers were in black, their hands with white gloves presented character and messages relevant to earth hour. I recently got hold of pictures which captured the presentation. I got these courtesy of Joselo Co / Studio 8.

A Concert for SOS Calbayog

We would like to invite all Calbayogons, especially those based in Metro Manila to watch "Village Boys", a concert featuring International Tenor Dominique Moralez and Baritone Nonon Baang. This will be held at the Philam Life Auditorium, U.N. Avenue, Manila on December 8, 2008 (Monday) at 8:00 pm.

This concert will have SOS Calbayog as its beneficiary. It is organized and directed by Mr. Nonon Baang who is a professor at the UST Conservatory of Music. He is the brother of Mario Victor Baang, the Village Director of SOS Calbayog.

Tickets are priced at Php 500, Php 300 and Php 150 (for students, but with limited slots). For tickets and other inquiries you may call SOS Calbayog at (055) 209-37-98.

Welcoming our 2000th Child

Let me share with you a front-page article from the October 2008 issue of SHINE, the quarterly newsletter of SOS Children's Villages Philippines:

"Welcoming our 2000th Child"

Without a husband to support, her mother was left alone with the responsibility to raise five young children. Her two older siblings, ages 10 and 11, helped their mother in selling fish. But this meager income could not provide fully their basic needs. Most of the times, they will only eat one full meal a day or sometimes not at all because they have no money to buy food.

This is the life of Annie (not her real name) before she came to SOS Children’s Village Calbayog. Her mother sought assistance from their community head, worried for her children’s health and future. In turn, their Barangay Chairman asked help from the Social Worker assigned. Series of counseling and visits led to the mother’s decision of placing her five children to an alternative family-based care while she looks for a decent living.

Annie is the 2000th child who found a new home here at SOS Children’s Villages Philippines. She was welcomed in SOS Calbayog last august 19, 2008 along with her four siblings.

Annie and her siblings found a new family in SOS Calbayog

This 8-year old girl adjusted easily with her new found family. She gained lots of friends and new acquaintances without difficulty. She is very friendly and courteous to everyone. Despite her past experience, you can feel a positive outlook on her. She is an active child who loves to play outside a lot. She is also respectful to her older siblings and is responsible in taking care of the younger ones. She is particularly close to her elder sister and her younger brother. Her SOS mother shared that Annie is very industrious, voluntarily doing some household chores like washing the dishes, setting the table and washing her own clothes. Also, she easily adapted to village practices like kissing the hands of the elders and observing village and house rules.

Together with the rest of her family, Annie goes to church every Sunday and joins in praying the Holy Rosary every night. She is observed to be a good follower if God, doing religious practices at all times.

Further, she was immediately enrolled in Grade 3 Elementary level because of her willingness to continue her studies. She does her school assignments without difficulty and wakes up on time to prepare herself for school. When asked what she would like to be someday, she immediately said, “I simply would like to finish my studies then later on find a job so I can provide my family abundant food and a decent house!”

The admittance of Annie and her siblings amplified the unique sense of mission of our dear father and founder, Dr. Hermann Gmeiner. Every child is given a new home in SOS, but the sense of belonging in a biological family is preserved by welcoming not only one child, but all siblings. Now, after 41 years, SOS Children’s Villages Philippines has given 2,000 children a new hope to succeed.

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There are other "Stories of Hope" from SOS Calbayog. Please check this link.

SOS Calbayog can be reached at (+63 55) 209-37-98