Annual Report 2013
Annual Report 2013
Annual Report 2013
The KKFI believes that education is one of the most effective tools for
breaking the cycle of poverty. Hence, KKFI focuses on the following:
3. Provision of community-based education and training to help partner-communities and peoples’ organizations
promote the people’s reliance on their own resources and capabilities for education work and capability-
building.
4. Conducting technical and vocational skills development courses, both center- and community-based classes.
5. Offering a Student Ministry to KKFI Dormitory residents and providing them spiritual and pastoral counselling
and guidance, leadership training, library facilities, sports activities, fellowships and opportunity to serve as
volunteers in KKFI’s Disaster Response/Relief Operations during calamities.
Since 1950, education and training have been the heart of KKFI’s programs and services. This is the main vehicle
and methodology used to transform people, sectoral groups and whole communities, especially among the
underprivileged and economically disadvantaged sectors of Philippine society.
In the words of our Executive Director in her Annual Report: “For the past 63 years, KKFI was able to carry on
its mission, to be an agent of revolutionizing change through education and community empowerment. And it has
not only survived; it flourished.
“KKFI has guided young children in their formative years, assisted school aged children and youth by providing them
opportunities and access basic education and psycho-social needs, provided a home to students at the metropolis,
empowered women through education and livelihood opportunities, trained young adults to provide income to
their families and listened to stories of our senior citizens and engaged with them productive activities.
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“Through the years, we have witnessed how their lives were transformed. Our earnest attempts to help the dreams
of these children, youth, young women and older persons into reality have achieved a certain level of success.”
In fact, the KKFI recently received a recognition from the Department of Education (DepEd) for its Child
Development Centers and accreditation from TESDA and DSWD for our Livelihood Skills Training Courses and
for the Gilead Center for Children and Youth Welfare, respectively.
The KKFI has forged new partnerships. There was the one with La Grange College. This partnership involves a
yearly activity of La Grange College students for immersion in various social work with the poor and commitment
to support some of KKFI programs and services.
Another is the linking with North Georgia UMC’s Philippine Bridge Work Team, which has committed to support
the projects for out-of-school youth (OSY) and children at the Manila North Cemetery.
There are also new programs, namely the Training for Employment (TfE) and the Anti-Human Trafficking
Project.
The TfE is being implemented in partnership with the Kapulungan ng mga Sirkulong Kapitbahayan, Inc. or
Ka-Sikap, which will extend financial assistance to out-of-school but employable youth who are high school
graduates and aged between 18 and 25 years old.
The trainees that the KKFI will endorse will enter the TESDA-accredited course called “Dual Training Systems
Program for Consumer Electronics.” St. John Bosco Faith Training Center in Noveleta, Cavite will do the in-
classroom sessions for 45 days and the factories inside the Cavite EPZA will be the venues for the in-plant
training for 10 and a half months with weekly sessions of 3-4 hours a day.
Once the trainee passes the TESDA final assessment, he or she will receive a certification and several options, all
of which will help the trainee and his or her family in achieving a higher standard of living.
Meanwhile, the KKFI will implement the Anti-Human Trafficking Project in partnership with the International
Justice Mission (IJM). In this case, the KKFI will provide transitional housing to survivors of trafficking who
have been discharged from a long or short term shelter and are assessed to have the emotional stability necessary
to live with others in a communal environment. They will be provided with the opportunity to have a safe housing
while continuing to learn life skills necessary to establish sustainable employment.
As opportunities come KKFI’s ways, so do challenges. One of them is the possible income tax assessments on
KKFI dormitory fees.
KKFI, for the first time in its history, is now under audit by the Revenue District Office of the BIR which has
jurisdiction in the Sampaloc District. This was an offshoot of our application for revalidation of KKFI Certificate
of Income Tax Exemption as a non-stock, non-profit organization, as required by BIR-RMO 20-2013.
As of this writing, the BIR Commissioner was issued a writ of Preliminary Injunction by a Makati RTC in the case
filed by St. Paul College to cease and desist to implement this Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO).
In the year 2012, we have amended our Articles of Incorporation, specifically its Primary Purpose from basically
social welfare purposes to educational and training purposes. In doing so, KKFI income from dormitories and from
other income-generating properties would be exempt as long as these are “used actually, directly and exclusively
for educational purposes” as per Article XIV Section 4 (3) and (4) of the Constitution of the Philippines.
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In addition, these revenues and assets, supporting KKFI’s program and services must be specifically mentioned
as core business/program in the Primary Purpose of its Articles of Incorporation.
Despite this, the KKFI leadership is confident that the Foundation will survive such a challenge and even
come out stronger. The strategy of KKFI has been always formulated within a larger corporate strategy that is
based on a realistic foundation of long-term sustainability of its financial and human resources.
In this regard, the KKFI is facing a big challenge that is, at the same time, a huge opportunity – the possibility
of implementing Phase 1 of a Master Plan Development of KKFI P. Paredes Compound.
A consultancy firm has offered to develop Phase 1 in our Master Development Plan for the P. Paredes compound.
It also offered project design, development and construction with financing package; property management of
the new business structure; property maintenance service contract and sales and marketing functions for the
new business structure.
The proposal is to build a multi-storey building of between 15 and 20 floors that would occupy portion of the
area in the compound now being occupied by the row of old apartments to the right side as one enters the main
gate entrance all the way up to the Multi-Purpose Hall, Klepper Hall and the Gymnasium.
KKFI’s contribution to the project is to offer the title of the whole lot at P. Paredes as collateral for a bank loan
equivalent to the total cost to construct the building with all the amenities of a modern mixed-use condominium.
The loan would be amortized and be paid out of the income from the rentalsof the Condominium.
There was a Memorandum of Understanding and a Proposal on Architectural Design and Planning Program
submitted after the meeting of our Infrastructure and Finance Committees with them on March 21, 2014.
Both Committees will do due diligence in studying the proposals before making their recommendations to the
Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees.
Indeed, more exciting times are still ahead and the task of KKFI is not yet complete. The Foundation is still a
work in progress. Amid everything, KKFI remains committed to its Vison, Mission and Goals of serving the
poor.
We give back the glory to God for the chance to celebrate the challenge in working with our partner communities.
They have helped us realize our mission as we move into the future.
David D. Gutierrez
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From the Executive Director
Yes, KKFI has outlived the expert’s life expectancy. So, the natural
question is: “How do you do it?”
For decades, the KKFI remained true with its mission of journeying with the poor and powerless in building
communities where the fruits of development are shared by everyone, where the people, particularly the poor,
have life and have it abundantly.
For the past 63 years, KKFI was able to carry on its mission, to be an agent of revolutionizing change through
education and community empowerment. And it has not only survived; it flourished.
KKFI has guided young children in their formative years, assisted school aged children and youth by providing
them opportunities and access basic education and psycho-social needs, provided a home to students at
the metropolis, empowered women through education and livelihood opportunities, trained young adults
to provide income to their families and listened to stories of our senior citizens and engaged with them
productive activities.
Through the years, we have witnessed how their lives were transformed. Our earnest attempts to help the
dreams of these children, youth, young women and older persons into reality have achieved a certain level of
success.
The next pages show the details of KKFI’s efforts in 2013 to effect poverty-stricken communities in a positive
way. Between each line of every paragraph lie the collective efforts and wisdom of the members of the Board
of Trustees who provided a clear vision and direction for KKFI.
The stories of touched lives would never be complete without mentioning the efforts of our staff and volunteers.
I commend their dedication, hard work and commitment to sacrifice anything in order to do their jobs well.
With those things said, let us now return to “the secret,” the Fountain of Youth where the KKFI drinks its daily
nourishment.
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The “secret” is no secret at all. That’s the spoiler, I am sorry to say. The “secret” has always been there, in the
vision, mission and objectives of the Foundation—to serve God through serving the poor and the marginalized
people in the Philippine society.
We gain our strength and inspiration from our beneficiaries’ grateful smiles and their welcoming arms as we
present them “gifts” from our Lord Jesus Christ in the form of our services, our relief goods, our Bible studies,
our religious meditations, and our presence, yes, the mere fact that we are there for them.
Now that the secret is out, let us apply it to our daily lives and we shall all soon see that the Fountain of Youth is
not a myth. It is true and it exists within ourselves.
Nancy C. Nicolas
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PROGRAMS and SERVICES
I. CHILD AND YOUTH WELFARE and DEVELOPMENT
We have also introduced new forms and policies such as the Developmental Case History Form, Socialized
Tuition Fee to cater to poor families, our Scholarship Guidelines and Sweat Equity program for parents who
wish to help in maintaining the school and its vicinity. The school also has been repainted including the chairs
and tables. Instructional materials were developed alongside the introduction of KKFI-CDC’s new floor plan to
maximize the space.
Teachers also participated in trainings and capacity building to equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills
and attitude in classroom management, routine, facilitation and curriculum development.
To date, there are two Child Development Centers (KKFI Compound and UMC Sta. Mesa Heights) with 110 pre-
school children enrolled. Feeding program especially for 63 children at Manila North Cemetery was conducted to
normalize their nutritional status.
1.2 Development and Protective Services to Children At Risk from Manila North Cemetery
Manila North Cemetery is home to at least 11,000
individuals. Majority of them are migrants while the
rest are residents of Caloocan, Quezon City and Manila
having limited means to rent a house to stay. Since
they are taking care of tombs, they opted to stay inside
the cemetery as a place to live in. They are confronted
with issues like limited access to basic services, limited
supply of water and electricity, no sewerage system and
majority of the children are school drop outs or have not
educated at all.
For 2013, 49 learners attended the ALS sessions, 29 of them took the Equivalency Test and 4 of them passed and
are now eligible to enter the Technical or Vocational Course or University for a college degree. Non-passers were
given livelihood skills for Massage Therapy and Barista training making them income earners which aids their
families in daily survival.
The DepEd Manila became a partner of KKFI starting June 2013. Two Instructional Managers form DepEd are
teaching ALS learners and assisting them in the conduct of registration and completing their requirements.
Since KKFI believes that it takes a village to raise a child, we educate parents through the conduct of effectiveness
sessions banking on DSWD designed modules. Bible studies and group dynamics are also being implemented by
the Sta. Mesa UMC every week.
KKFI is located in a major thoroughfare. We see a large number of street children and their families in the vicinity.
It is the main reason why KKFI shall extend its services to them by putting up an ALS Center within the KKFI
compound.
Gilead Center has facilities for youth camps, retreats, trainings and other activities. Churches and groups can use
it for a very minimal fee. Income from the use of the center will further the programs for children and youth in
need of special protection.
1.6. LikhAral
This program is conducted every summer for
children and youth in various communities through
creative arts. In 2013, 500 children who were
affected by typhoons and floods were provided
with psycho-social support activities. The program
was implemented in Smokey Mountain in Tondo,
Sampaloc, Manila, Manila North Cemetery and
Pulilan, Bulacan.
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II. CAPACITY BUILDING FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
This project will be implemented in 3 years in partnership with GBCS and GBGM and the local United Methodist
Churches in the said areas.
The KKFI management decided to further its work beyond providing relief goods by helping in the return of
65 individuals who stayed at Villamor airbase to Tacloban City. This assistance was made possible through the
funding of concerned individuals and Hugo Boss Company in Switzerland.
Through its Facebook account, KKFI announced this project to assist families to go back to Tacloban City. Some
individuals from Switzerland and Hugo Boss Company responded immediately where they conducted a fund-
raising activity for charity and chose KKFI as their beneficiary.
We praise God for his faithfulness and grace. The Yolanda survivors were given a fresh start to rebuild their lives.
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III. VOCATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL TRAINING
Two hundred thirty three (233) participants, mostly women, attended the following livelihood skills training
in 2013. They have also conducted outreach services like free haircutting and massage in different evacuation
centers and churches.
Hair science, massage and haircutting - some of the trainings offered at KKFI, duly accredited by TESDA
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IV. NEW PARTNERSHIP AND NETWORKING
Through Bishop Rodolfo Juan, MEA Resident Bishop, KKFI had become a partner of the North Georgia UMC:
Philippines Bridge Work Team. The Manila team had visited some of KKFI’s program areas and had the chance
to interact with the program participants. They committed to support the project for the out-of-school children and
youth at Manila North Cemetery.
V. NEW PROGRAMS
The TfE aims to provide out-of-school but employable youth—those who are high school graduates between
18 and 25 years old—a chance to study and earn at the same time. Qualified candidates will enter the TESDA-
accredited course called Dual Training System Program for Consumer Electronics.
The course requires a student to attend in-classroom sessions for 45 days in St. John Bosco Faith Training Center
in Noveleta, Cavite. In addition, they will undergo 10.5 months of in-plant training with weekly sessions that
will last for 3-4 hours. The in-plant training will take place in a factory called Macro Wirings inside the Cavite
Export Processing Zone. Thereafter, there will be an additional one and a half months of intensive review in
preparation for the final assessment that TESDA will conduct and that a student must pass in order to acquire an
NCII accreditation.
The student will receive a monthly allowance during the in-plant training. This means the student will start earning
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after the one-and-a-half month of in-
classroom training.
1. Work as a regular worker of the plant where the student had his or her in-plant training with the six-month
provision period waived.
2. Work as a regular worker in the plant BUT at the same time continue studying for a TESDA diploma course
that would qualify the student for a supervisory position.
3. After earning a diploma course, continue studying for the three years more in the same school (St. John Bosco
Faith Training Center) and earn a degree in industrial engineering.
4. After finishing any of the above levels and acquiring at least two years of work experience in the plant, work
as overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in countries where similar plants or partner-factories are located
5. Set up his or her own entrepreneurial venture (for example, repair shop)
The KKFI compound can be a safe haven for young women who survived trafficking. While they are in the
process of rebuilding their lives and future, KKFI will be their home away from home.
KKFI, in partnership with the International Justice Mission shall provide transitional housing that serves survivors
who have been discharged from a long or short term shelter and are assessed to have the emotional stability
necessary to live with others in a communal environment. They will be provided with an opportunity to have a
safe housing while continuing to learn the life skills necessary to establishing sustainable employment.
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FEATURE STORIES
Ghosts at the Manila North Cemetery
by Nitz E. Nicolas
“
Transformed ghosts. Transformed
spirits.” As a mother to four children, Mrs.
Tita U. Villarosa, also known as
Yes, this is how Nanay Tita describes “Nanay Tita,” has realized that she
the 11,000 individuals living inside has to do something to protect and
the Manila North Cemetery (MNC), change the lives of her neighbors,
most of them are children and youth, especially the disadvantaged
today. children and youth.
For the past many years, the childrenIn 1996, she was elected president
and the young people living inside of their organization, the Samahang
the Manila North Cemetery had Mangagawa at Tagapangalaga sa
been bullied. Norte (Samantaganor). The
main objective of the organization
“You live with the dead, you are is to protect the people living inside
ghosts, and you are bad people!You MNC against illegal demolition
don’t know anything, you are spirits and the protection on the rights
without sense,” many would say. of children and youth, and the Manila North Cemetery’s Mother
improvement of their lives. Leader, Nanay Tita Villarosa
Since 1990, when Nanay Tita and
her family transferred to Manila As president of Samantaganor, she Social Work from the University of
North Cemetery, she has seen and made connections with different Rizal in Montalban and some KKFI
experienced the bullying. churches and organizations. She staff were deployed to live with the
asked for help and support for the people, and experience the day-to-
When MNC children attend formal families living in the Manila North day life struggles of the people living
classes in public school, most of Cemetery. inside the Manila North Cemetery.
them are bullied because they could
not write nor draw. They could not One of these organizations is The All In 2011, KKFI launched its Day
even say their own names. They Together in Dignity (ATD) Fourth Care Program for the children and
were shy and helpless. World Movement, an international Alternative Learning System (ALS)
non-governmental organization for the young people.
The MNC youth are discriminated dedicated to overcome extreme
whenever they go out and mingle poverty. It has helped foster learning These programs are in cooperation
with other young people of their and empowerment activities in MNC with the Sta. Mesa Heights United
age. They could not find jobs, even through tutorial classes to children Methodist Church, which provides
menial one, because of the stigma 6 years old and above, reading, the venue for the classes, and Hope
that goes with living with the dead. storytelling and cultural activities Ry Foundation, a Finnish foundation
and values formation. represented by Mr. Juha Kauppinen,
Because of their hopeless situation, and the General Board of Global
the children did not attend classes On the other hand, since 2007, Ministrties of the United Methodist
anymore, while most of the young KKFI has been making connections Church, U.S.A. which provides
people where dragged to substance with Nanay Tita through its field financial assistance.
abuse. works program, where students of
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According to Nanay Tita, since the children started and in college. Four ALS students in the second batch
studying at Day Care, they learned how to write, who took the test last December 2013 have passed the
draw, and recognize different colors. They are test. Three would be enrolled in college this coming
not speechless anymore. They can talk and can June 2014 and 1 for high school.
appreciate things around them. They are not ghosts
anymore. The children’s condition and appearance Nanay Tita was amazed when she learned that the MNC
have changed. ALS students won third place during the Community
Chest 63rd Annual Anniversary last October 2013.
One of Nanay Tita’s daughters, Marrianne Villaroza- They presented a short play depicting the lives of the
Cruz, now married, is a volunteer teacher at the KKFI young people inside MNC. It was the young people
Day Care program in Sta. Mesa Heights UMC. Nanay themselves who conceptualized the play with the
Tita saw in her daughter’s eyes that she enjoys teaching. guidance of the KKFI staff.
She saw herself through her daughter, her dream of
becoming a teacher was fulfilled by Marrianne. Lots of changes had happened to them. They are not
shy anymore to show their talents and abilities. Their
Nanay Tita’s dream for her people of having a decent behavior and character have changed. They feel closer
life, better education, and becoming skilled workers to God and to their families now. They learned to shun
especially the children, the youth and their family, away from the bad influence of drugs and alcohol. They
is now turning into a reality. The KKFI through the know now what is right and what is wrong.
Alternative Learning System (ALS) have inspired our
young people to pursue their education. Nanay Tita said that KKFI is like a mother who has a
Six of the first batch of ALS students in 2012 have big heart. The Foundation has not been selective whom
passed the Accreditation and Equivalency Test given by it would serve. Instead, it accepts people as they are,
DepEd and are continuing their studies in high school even the people at the Manila North Cemetery who are
called Ghosts. KKFI have helped nurture them both in
education, spiritual nourishment and livelihood.
Magandang Pagbabago
ni Glenda B. Gutierrez
G
aya ng karaniwang bata, Madalas din siyang pumunta Nalaman nila sa kanyang kalaro na
si Lorenz Enriquez ay sa kanyang lola. Pagkatapos ay si Louis Nadonga, isang dating mag-
madalas maglaro. Ayon naliligo na siya. Marunong nang aaral ng Child Development Center
sa kanyang ina na si Nikki, ang maglinis ng katawan si Lorenz. (CDC), ang tungkol sa programa ng
madalas na inaatupag ni Lorenz ay Ganito karaniwang tumatakbo ang KKFI. Di na sila nagdalawang-isip
paglalaro at pagkain. araw para sa bata. na i-enroll si Lorenz sa CDC.
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Ayon kay Nikki, nakitaan niya ng Sa murang edad, gusto ni Lorenz
magandang pagbabago si Lorenz ng maging doktor paglaki upang
nang makapag-aral ito sa CDC. makagamot siya ng mga sugat.
Marunong na itong magsulat, Nagpapasalamat ito sa KKFI sa
magbasa at magbilang. Marunong maraming pagkain at laruan na
na ring itong makisama sa ibang natatanggap.
bata.
Gaya ni Lorenz, maraming batang
Bukod sa klase sa CDC, natutuwa taga Manila North Cemetery ang
si Lorenz the Christmas party-gift natutulungan ng KKFI. Ang mga
giving activities na isinasagawa ng programang CDC at Alternative
mga partners ng KKFI. Natutuwa rin Learning System (ALS) ay
silang mag-ina pag me activities sa nagbibigay daan upang unti-unti
KKFI Main Office, gaya ng United silang umangat sa buhay at maabot
Nations celebration kung saan ang mga pangarap na umahon sa
masaya si Lorenz na nakikipaglaro kahirapan
sa mga batang CDC-Main Office. Lorenz during United Nations
Celebration of the KKFI-CDC
S
ince Benzar Miralles, 16, which he gave to his mother. He
lost his scholarship, his also helped repack chocolates in
mother had grown to dislike his sister’s business to earn more
him. She considered the teenager a income.
disappointment and a burden.
He has always been concerned about
Then, Benzar’s father died. After a the welfare of his family and wants
while, his mother started to live in the best for them.
with another man.
Benzar learned about the KKFI ALS
She also refused to support his program when he tagged along with
studies. She said Benzar only has the ALS learners in preparation
himself to blame, saying he should for the Peace Corps Volunteers’
have worked harder to keep his immersion activity in the Manila
scholarship. North Cemetery last September.
Benzar Miralles
The things that happened to his
life in a short span of time and the The learners were tasked to ensure he overheard comments that
way his mother treated him made active participation of smaller homosexuality is a taboo.
Benzar a confused young man. He children and to serve snacks,
“Not all homosexuals are sinners.
was hopeless and with a low self- activities that Benzar enthusiastically
esteem. participated in. Anyone can commit a crime which is
even worse than what homosexuals
Benzar took a job as a dishwasher in He was quite shy, that is why are doing,” Benzar protested.
a small canteen in Muñoz. He was everyone was surprised when
very happy to earn some money, he joined in an argument when He also added that, “You should not
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judge homosexuals as sinners just instrumental in leading their group increase his awareness about values
because of their sexual orientation to win the third place in the dance that motivate him to pursue his
and preferences.” competition in the Community Chest education, not just for himself and
Annual Anniversary in September family but for the street children
The argument went on, even to the 2013. like him. He said that he is happy
point when Benzar’s opponent was because KKFI did everything to
already provoking him. But Benzar He underwent training in massage accommodate them to the program
kept his temper. therapy under KKFI Job and Skills and gave them another chance to
Training Program. He graduated know God better.
The day after the incident, Benzar from the course last February.
started attending the ALS classes. From KKFI he learned that he lead
He was warmly accepted by the Believing in his potentials, KKFI and handle his group better. He is
other learners and KKFI staff. sent him as representative to youth proud to be known in this community
advocate seminar under the program people as “leader kabataan.” Finally,
He performed well in class and of Philippines Children’s Ministries he earned the respect of his family
became one of the leaders being Network where his skills as a youth and neighbors. He continues to
elected as vice president. He leader in the community were contribute to the family expenses.
carried out his responsibilities with further honed. From these activities,
enthusiasm like recruiting out-of- he regained trust and confidence in He said, he keeps praying that KKFI
school youth to ALS, preparing himself and now thinks positively would expand its programs and
special dance presentations, about life. services. He hopes more benefactors
securing the cleanliness of the He considers his experience in would partner with KKFI to reach
church, serving snacks and cleaning the ALS program the greatest and serve more children inside and
up after eating. opportunity he ever had in his life. outside the cemetery.
His dream of becoming a teacher is
Benzar received the leadership achievable. He hopes KKFI would become
award during ALS closing ceremony successful in its programs for MNC
held last December 2013. He was He considered ALS as an avenue to and bring them out of the cemetery
in the near future. He thanked the
KKFI staff for teaching them to
be strong and carry on with all the
challenges that comes their way.
T
he Kapatiran-Kaunlaran opportunities to Joan Vergara, 15, Joan lives with her grandmother
Foundation Inc. (KKFI) orphan. along with her younger siblings
has brought countless inside the Manila North Cemetery
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(MNC) compound. Her grandmother Despite these childish behaviours,
makes a living by taking care of she is very bright getting a high
tombs. score in Functional Literacy Test.
She expresses her thoughts well
The latter took the responsibility in writing and recitation. After a
of shouldering her grandchildren’s few months, her improvements
educational needs but financial in behaviour and academics were
constraints made Joan stop her noticeable.
studies when she was in the second
year of high school. She gained a lot of friends and
showed leadership potentials
Joan decided to attend to household performing well in life skills, values
chores and take care of her younger education and leadership activities.
siblings, instead. She is very much happy that KKFI
gave her another chance to continue
She learned about KKFI ALS when her education through ALS. She Joan Vergara
the staff of KKFI started to recruit has done her best from the start.
students in MNC. She attended the She achieved her dream by passing to provide for her grandmother and
orientation and she pre-enlisted. the Accreditation and Equivalency her siblings, send them to school
She attended the ALS classes at Sta. Examination given by the and have a comfortable home.
Mesa Heights United Methodist department of Education December
Church from February to October 10, 2013. She said KKFI is an instrument in
2013. achieving her dreams and in giving
Passing this examination gave her her almost endless possibilities.
Joan is one of the most active great joy. She believes it would She said she always includes KKFI
learners. She attended ALS sessions open doors to brighter opportunities in her prayers so that it could help
and activities religiously. Like her that would change her life for the more children.
fellow learners, she was busy with better.
her cell phone during class. She has She is very thankful that KKFI
a tendency to interrupt the teacher She aspires to finish her education brought her closer to God and
to make comments on the lessons. so that later on she would be able promised she will always adhere to
His Word.
Batong Matatag
ni Lilia O. Bejer
bago ang KKFI?
“
Sa trials o problemang puntod ng lolo ko at marami na
dumarating ako ay mananatiling Lois: A k o p o s i L o i s d e l o s rin kaming mga kakilala doon.
matatag sa pinanghahawakang Reyes ,17, panganay sa tatlong Hanggang sa napunta kami sa
pangarap na maging architect,” magkakapatid. Broken family po Novaliches kinuha na kami ni
wika ni Eloisa “Lois” de los Reyes. kami. Si mama ay may bagong lola.Pero madalas pa rin kami sa
asawa, at si papa ay may asawa na MNC dahil doon ko po nakilala
Si Lois ay sumisimbolo sa isang din. Ang papa ko po ay isang meat ang Church at ang KKFI.
bato na kahit tamaan ng malakas dealer at ang aking mama naman
na hangin o tubig ay mananatiling ay isang worker sa isang luncheon Lilia: Paano mo nakilala ang KKFI?
matatag. Eto ang panayam ko kay meat factory.
Lois. Dati po ay nakatira kami sa Lois: Dati po nag-aaral ako sa
Manila North Cemetery dahil formal school. Nagkaroon ng
Lilia: Pakikwento ang iyong buhay ayaw iwanan ng papa ko ang konting problema dahil wala
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akong birth certificate. Sinabihan sa mabuti ay di mananakaw. Gawin
ako ng teacher na “makapasa o ang makakayanan ng buong puso
hindi, ibabagsak kita.” Dahil dun at ialay sa Diyos.
nawalan ako ng ganang mag-
aral. Lilia: Ano ang pangarap mo para
sa sarili at pamilya?
Isang araw nakilala ko si Malows
at sinabi niya na may programang Lois: P a n g a r a p k o p o n g
ALS ang KKFI. Makakapagtapos makapagtapos ng pag-aaral sa
ng high school pag nakapasa at kursong architecture at magkaroon
magkokolehiyo agad. Dahil dito ng magandang trabaho. Gusto kong
lumakas ang loob ko. Nagkaroon mabigyan ng magandang buhay
ako muli ng pag-asa kaya di na ako ang aking pamilya at maiahon
nagdalawang-isip ay lumahok sa sa kahirap tulad ng pangako sa
ALS. kanila. Gusto ko ring maipagawa Lois delos Reyes
ang aming simbahan. Diyos. Na hindi lang ako kundi
Lilia: A n o a n g m g a g a w a i n / marami pang mga kabataan na
activities ng KKFI na nasalihan Lilia: Paano ka natulungan ng ma-encourage na mag-aral at wag
mo? Ano ang pakiramdam mo sa KKFI para gumanda ang pananaw sayangin ang kakayahan. Wish ko
paglahok ng mga gawain? sa buhay? din po na wag magsawang mag-
participate ang bawat isa.”
Lois: Marami akong activities Lois: Natulungan po ako ng KKFI
na sinalihan. Naging facilitator, dahil nakakuha ako ng accreditation Lilia: Ano ang gusto mong sabihin sa
leader at teacher ng Likha –Aral and equivalency exam kahit staff, donors, at partners ng KKFI?
ako. Lumahok din ako sa mga nabigo ako. Alam ko may plano
iba’t ibang pagsasanay tulad ang Panginoon para sa akin. Di ko Lois: Maraming salamat sa lahat
ng massage therapy at outreach po akalain na sa ganitong edad ay ng staff at donors na sumusuporta
ministries. Nakakahalubilo ko ang makakapagtraining at gagraduate sa marami pang kabataan. Lahat
mga staff at mga iba’t ibang bisita ako ng call center at nakapag- po kayo ay naging instrument sa
mula sa iba’t ibang bansa. training din ng P.T. lahat ng bagay at kakayahan na
meron ako. At thankful din po
Lilia: Ano ang naitulong ng KKFI Napaginipan ko na nag-a-aral uli ako sa mga taong nagpapalakas
sa buhay mo? ako sa formal school kaya balak ng loob ko isa na po dito si Ma’am
ko mag-enrol sa formal school sa Nancy Nicolas ang Executive
Lois: Napalawak ng KKFI aking Bulacan sa June 2014. Inaayos na Director, na laging sinasabi sa
kaisipan tulad ng salitang, “Try ang aking birth certificate. Balak akin na “Go Lois, do your best!
and try until you succeed.” kong mag-aral ng Consumer Kaya mo ‘yan”. At ganun din kay
Masaya po ako kasi tinuring Electronics pagkagraduate ko. Ma’am Lilia O. Bejer na hindi
nila akong pamilya. Dahil doon Kaya thankful ako kay Lord napagod na i-share ang kaalaman
naging masaya ako kahit na broken dahil ginamit niya ang KKFI at kakayanan sa skills na massage
family kami. Binigyan niyo ako ng para mas maging matiyaga at na sa ngayon ay nagbigay ng
bagong pag-asa. mas magpursige ako sa aking income na aking nagagamit sa
pangarap. aking pansariling pangangailangan
Lilia: Ano ang pakiramdam sa at naitutulong sa mama ko at mga
natutunan mo sa paglahok sa mga Lilia: Ano ang wish mo para sa kapatid ko. Ganundin ,sa lahat ng
gawain? KKFI? mga nasa office na hindi ko man
nabanggit ay naging inspirasyon
Lois: Natutunan ko na ang bawat Lois: Wish ko po na maging ko at nagpatatag sa pagkatao ko.
kakayahan at talino, bastat gamitin maunlad at pagpalain sila ng Maraming salamat!
Page 20
Coloring the Children’s Lives
by Glenda B. Gutierrez
L
ike poster paints, she adds assistant teacher of the KKFI day-
colors to the lives of the care center, the then Community
children of the Manila Learning Center (CLC) now called
North Cemetery (MNC). Marrianne Community Development Center,
Villarosa Cruz, lovingly called (CDC) in 2009 until she was hired
Teacher Maia in the community, as para-teacher in 2011. Since
used to be a plain housewife to serving the KKFI, Teacher Maia has
husband Joel and mother to three become well-known in MNC.
children.
She was able to go to the National
She had known about KKFI from Teachers College (NTC) for her first
her mother, Tita Villarosa, president year of BS Elementary Education
of Samahan ng mga Tagapangalaga through All Together in Dignity
ng Nitso sa Norte (Samantaganor). (ATD), which facilitated her
Samantaganor is one of the project scholarship.
partners of KKFI.
She was one of the volunteers of Marrianne V. Cruz, KKFI-CDC
She had been the volunteer ATD in MNC. She had to drop out of Para Teacher
college due to financial constraints.
They lived in MNC and her parents continue implementing programs
were both jobless. She narrated how for MNC and that donors like Juha
difficult it was to go to classes on an Kauppinen of Hope Ry would
empty stomach and walk to school encourage other donors to support
due to lack of money. these programs.
She dreams of having a normal life Among her dreams is another vehicle
with a stable job. She wishes her for KKFI that would transport the
children could finish their studies. children to and from Sta. Mesa
She is hoping to have a helper to Heights United Methodist Church
help her manage her home. where the CDC holds classes.
Teacher Maia said her honorarium Teacher Maia is enjoying her work
helps their family financially. She as teacher. She loves molding the
is hoping that she would be able to minds of the young children. Her
finish her studies. mission of helping her community
gives her joy and the respect given
KKFI had helped her gain her self- to her by the parents gives her great
confidence. She is thankful to CDC pride.
Teacher, Margelyn Aguiran, for
mentoring her in her initial years. Indeed, her life is like poster color
KKFI-CDC children during the She is now confident in teaching, paints, she adds color to the lives of
Day In Camp at the Parks and managing the classroom, and talking her family, MNC children, and to
Wildlife with the parents. the people in the community.
She is hoping the KKFI would
Page 21
Pursigidong Mag-aaral
ni Glenda B. Gutierrez
kanyang ina ay nagtitinda ng saging
at naglalaba. Sa tulong ng KKFI, lalong lumakas
ang tiwala sa sarili. Nalaman niya
Si Hazel ay kabilang sa unang batch na kaya pala niyang gawin ang lahat
ng ALS sa Sampaloc noong Agosto basta pursigido siya. Bilang iskolar,
2011. Labing-anim na taon na noon nag-vo-volunteer siya sa preschool
si Hazel at nag-aaral siya noon ng ng KKFI na Child Development
unang taon sa high school. Center.
Huminto siya sa pag-aaral dahil Dito nag-e-enjoy siya kasama ang
sa kapos ang kanilang pamilya mga bata kahit minsan na-i-stress
sa pinansiya. Tatlo kasi silang siya sa kakulitan nila. Natuto siyan
magkakapatid na sabay-sabay mag- makisama sa iba-ibang ugali ng mga
aral. bata.
S
i Hazel Dungog ay isa sa mga Nagustuhan niya ang ALS dahil
iskolar na nagtapos na ng sa pagkakataon ng makagradweyt Nais niya na mas marami pang
Alternative Learning System agad sa high school. mga bata ang matulungan ng KKFI
(ALS) program ng Kapatiran- at lalong tumagal pa ang mga
Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI). Medyo nag-alangan siya kung programa.
kakayanin niya ngunit pinalakas
Minsan ay inasam niyang maging ni Teacher Judith ang kanyang Nagpapasalamat siya sa mga staff
social worker gaya ng kanyang loob. Laking pasasalamat niya ng KKFI na sina Ma’am Nancy,
guro sa ALS na si Michael Orcullo. sa Panginoon dahil kahit di siya Teacher Judith at Sir Michael sa
Di niya nakamit ang pangarap dahil
regular nakakapasok sa klase dahil lahat ng tulong nila. Nangangako
walang kursong social work sa sa trabaho ay pumasa siya agad sa siya na lalong pagbubutihin ang
University of Manila, kung saan Accreditation & Equivalency exam kanyang pag-aaral.
siya pinag-aral. ng Department of Education.
Dahil dito, kumuha na lamang
siya ng kursong criminology. Sa
ngayon, nag-e-enjoy na si Hazel sa
kurso niya. Sa katunayan ay naipasa
niya ang lahat ng kanyang subject
sa unang semetre. Bukod dito ay
ipinagmamalaki niyang natuto na
siyang humawak ng baril.
Page 22
Teaching as Community Outreach
by Vicente V. Eliver
T
he commitment of both from August to September 2013.
Teachers Gillan Fatima They conducted reviews and trained
Atienza and Susan Magnaye the learners in writing, especially
as implementers of the Alternative sentence construction and paragraph
Learning System was unquestionable formulation.
right from the start.
Their dedication inspired and
Both are Department of Education motivated the ALS learners. Soon,
(DepEd) mobile teachers in Manila Gillan and Susan were able to earn
assigned at P. Gomez Elementary the trust and confidence of the young
School’s Bureau of Alternative people, who, in turn, devoted their
Learning System. time and efforts to studying.
One day, they passed by the Gillan and Susan also helped
compound of the Kapatiran- facilitate the application of the
Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI) learners for the Accreditation and
and saw the signage that says the Equivalency (A&E) Exam. Susan Magnaye, DepEd Mobile
Foundation offers ALS. Teacher and KKFI volunteer
They kept the KKFI staff updated on
They offered their services as their DepEd requirements and schedules. continue with its mission of helping
way of community outreach. Of They also linked KKFI with DepEd the poor and marginalized. She
course, the KKFI immediately and and Mindbank Training and Skills thanked the KKFI staff, donors and
thankfully accepted the offer. Corporation in the implementation stakeholders for the opportunities for
of the Food and Beverages Service adults and OSY to gain knowledge
Gillan and Susan taught ALS III (Barista) Training. and technical skills.
learners in Manila North Cemetery
every Friday at the Sta. Mesa Gillan said, “it’s a great pleasure to Both Gillan and Susan are hopeful
Heights United Methodist Church serve and share my knowledge and that the partnership with them
skills especially to the poor out-of- will last long. They hope that the
school youth (OSY) in the Manila harmonious working relationship
North Cemetery.” would be maintained in the
realization of our country’s goal in
She added that teaching widens her providing education for all.
understanding. She appreciated the
way KKFI provided free education Gillian’s and Susan’s dreams of
for these children coming from helping coincided with KKFI’s
MNC which is different from what mission. Both benefited from the
they do in public schools. rich experience.
Vincent Eliver, KKFI Social Worker, The ALS learners and KKFI would
said he appreciated her sincerity always be grateful and remember
when Gillan said she values her them as being instrumental in their
experiences with KKFI. passing the A&E exam.
Gillan Atienza, DepEd Mobile
Teacher and KKFI volunteer Susan hopes that KKFI would
Page 23
Tagapangalaga ng Templo
ni Glenda B. Gutierrez
S
i Joel R. Fuentes, 26, ay fan at rice cooker, na ayon sa kanya
Temple Keeper ng Sta. Mesa ay isa niyang sideline.
Heights United Methodist
Church (SMHUMC). Siya ay Natutuwa si Joel sa pagbo-volunteer
isang volunteer ng KKFI sa Child niya sa CDC. Ayon sa kanya,
Development Center para sa mga tinutulungan niya sina Teacher Maia
bata ng Manila North Cemetery. sa pagtuturo ng mga bata at sa pag-
maintain ng kalinisan ng klasrum.
High school pa lang siya nung Nagbo-volunteer din siya bilang
nagsimula siyang magtrabaho sa teacher sa LikhAral.
SMHUMC noong taong 2006.
Ayon sa kanya, lumaki siya sa isang Ayon kay Joel, masaya at maganda
katamtamang pamilya na di naman ang pakiramdam kapag kasama niya
mahirap. ang mga bata. Nadaragdagan ang
aniya ang kanyang kaalaman, mga Joel R. Fuentes: CDC Volunteer
Ang tatay niya ay nagtatrabaho sa kaibigan at kakilala. Natutuwa siya
isang machine shop at ang nanay ay na ma-expose sa iba’t ibang gawain Wish niya na lalong tumagal ang
tumatanggap ng labada paminsan- ng KKFI at nagiging mas outgoing KKFI at mas maraming batang
minsan. Pangalawa si Joel sa pitong at hindi na gaanong mahiyain. matulungan at maiahon sa kahirapan.
magkakapatid. Pangarap ni Joel na magkaroon Nagpapasalamat siya at naging parte
ng maayos na buhay, magandang siya ng KKFI.
Isang computer techinician si Joel. pamilya, sariling bahay at lupa. Nais
Marunong din siyang magkumpuni din niyang magkaroon ng sariling Nagpapasalamat siya sa mga staff at
ng mga appliances, gaya ng electric electronics business. donors.
Medalya
ni Mercy Familara
Luneta habang si Mon-Mon ay kasa- pagkakataon na nakalahok siya sa
L
umaki si Monrobie Martin
Salvador, mas kilala na kasama nya. Naranasan ni Mon- youth camp sa Gilead.
palayaw na Mon-Mon, sa Mon mamalimos sa mga banyagang
Luneta kasama and kanyang ina. namamasyal sa Luneta pangdagdag Doon nagsimulang makipagtulungan
man lang sa pambili ng pagkain. ang Asuncion Perez sa mga staff ng
Halos pitong taon silang nagpalaboy- Gilead para pansamantalang sila ay
laboy doon. Hiwalay ang kanyang Nalaman niya sa mga kalaro na manirahan. Isa siya sa nakasama
mga magulang at may iba nang kapwa niya street children na me sa maraming bata na nagmula sa
pamilya ang kanyang ama. Ang programa ang Asuncion Perez Luneta. Ika-28 ng Mayo 2007 noong
kapatid niya ay maagang nagkaroon Memorial Center na feeding at street na-admit si Mon-Mon sa Gilead.
ng sariling pamilya. education. Naging interesado siya
dahil may pameryenda na ayon sa Labag man sa kalooban ni Mon-
Ang kanyang ina ay kumikita lang kanya sagot sa kumakalam niyang Mon na mahiwalay sa ina, tiniis
ng konti sa pagbebenta ng load sa sikmura. Hanggang nagkaroon ng niya ito upang magkaroon ng pag-
Page 24
kakataon na makapag-aral. Nalaman niya na maganda pa rin sa pagtuturo sa kanila. Masaya ang pakiramdam
sa Gilead, tahimik. kapag galing sa school excited silang umuwi para
ipakita ang mataas na marka pati sa mga proyekto nila
Napag-alaman din niya na mga pastor ang mga na hinangaan ng kanilang guro.
houseparents at Christian ang social worker kaya Talagang nagpapasalamat si Mon-Mon sa mga staff sa
nakakasiguro siya na magiging safe siya. Nangako siya tulong nila sa mga school projects. Ayon sa kanya “may
sa sarili na magiging responsable siyang bata. talent ang mga staff. “
Ayon kay Mon-Mon, maraming activities sa Gilead. Laking pasalamat ni Mon-Mon sa housemother na si
Nakakakilos sila ng maayos at nakakapag-relax. Mercy Familara na nangunguna sa evening devotion.
Masaya sila kasi palagi silang nai-invite sa Kapitolyo Lalo napatibay sa kanyang pananampalataya sa Diyos.
pero higit sa lahat puno siya ng kasiyahan pag may mga Natuto siyang manalangin at magbahagi ng salita ng
bisita na nagbibigay donasyon. Dios. Na-inspire din siyang mag-aral maggitara kay
Mommy Mercy.
Pero ang lubos niyang ikinatutuwa ay ang mga life skills
training, kung saan nahubog ang kanilang kakayahan Si Mon-Mon ay kasa-kasama ni Mercy sa pamamalengke
maging isang lider. Mayroon silang children’s council at natuto siyang magbudget. Laking tuwa niya kung
taon-taon kung saan lagi siyang napipili na vice nakakatawad siya. Natutunan niyang mag-ayos sa
president. Natutunan nilang magplano at mag-meeting sarili, at maging responsable sa mga gawain. Naging
kung paano sila makakatulong sa mga decision-making marunong siyang magluto at maglinis.
ng samahan.
Dahil sa tulong ng KKFI nakapagtapos si Mon-Mon ng
Natutuwa rin siya sa mga tutorial sessions. Nakita niya elementary. Anim na taon siya sa Gilead at nagsimula
ang sipag at tiyaga ng mga staff na kahit gabi na tuloy siya sa unang baitang.
Page 25
kanyang pangarap ay hinding-hindi niya kakalimutang Ito ang gustong iparating ni Mon-Mon sa KKFI,
tumulong sa mga kapus-palad sa mumunting paraan, staff, donors and stakeholders: “Maraming maraming
kagaya ng ginagawa ng KKFI na nagiging instrumento salamat po sa tulong ng KKFI hindi ko makakalimutan
para tulungan ang mga mahihirap. ito kung loloobin at ako’y pagpalain tutulong din ako
sa KKFI pagdating ng panahon. Sa mga staff sa Gilead,
Natulungan ng KKFI si Mon-Mon na maging matatag ang Diyos na po ang magpala sa inyo, naging huwaran
kahit dumaan man ang mga pagsubok sa buhay, siya po kayo sa buhay ko, naging pangalawang magulang
ay magpapatuloy. Alam niya na dahil sa mga pagsubok ko, ramdam ko ang pagmamahal nyo hindi ko po kayo
titibay ang kanyang loob.Umaasa siya na aangat din makakalimutan lalo na yung mga turo nyo sa amin,
ang kanilang buhay. kung pwede nga lang hindi malayo sa inyo, napamahal
po ako sa inyo hanggang pagtanda ko hahanapin ko rin
Ang wish niya sa KKFI as sana marami pang kayo. Pati na rin sa mga batang nakasama ko, naging
matulungang kagaya niya. Mas lalong palawakin ang kapatid ko rin sa Gilead. Sa mga Donors, pagpalain po
mga programa sa pagkalinga. Wish niya na sana pang kayo ng Dios, sana ipagpatuloy nyo po ang pagtulong.
long term ang educational assistance hanggang college. Masasabi ko po hindi nasasayang ang inyong pagtulong
Marami pa kasing responsableng bata ang gustong sa amin. Sana lalo pa dumami ang magbigay.”
magpatuloy hanggang college.
T
here’s no hassle living at FEU. Her family resides in Taytay,
KKFI dorm!” Rizal. She has three siblings, two
boys and a girl.
“It’s so convenient! It is just a few
meters away from my school, the Gayle says she loves to stay at
Far Eastern University (FEU). KKFI dorm. She learned to be an
When I get to my classes, I still independent young woman while
feel fresh and inspired from the there.
morning walk! While most of my
classmates are already sweaty and “At KKFI dorm, I can have a sound
haggard-looking from various rides sleep even though I have three
and traffic,” says Gayle Klaryssen roommates. I don’t feel homesick
Dorm Resident, Gayle Klaryssen
C. Ostoy. at all. The room is spacious. There
C. Ostoy.
are no distractions. You can have
“When I get back after classes, all the time to study…in your room, You don’t worry about dirty comfort
I don’t need to rush and join the in the library or even in the lawn rooms either, it’s always clean with
crowded alleys and streets just to inside the compound. continuous water supply.
get a ride back home,” Gayle quips.
Food is not a problem. There are Gayle said that what she likes most at
“This is my life for the past two canteens inside KKFI that offer KKFI dorm is the morning devotion
three years at KKFI dorm,” she affordable nutritious food. Many aired through PA system. The Bible
concludes. swear the food tastes like those their reading, the short reflection and the
mothers cook at home! intercessory prayers of the KKFI
Gayle is in her third year in taking up Chaplain inspires us to start our day
Page 26
with thanksgiving to the Lord. comfort I found in KKFI, I also feel Belt.
secured here. My parents enjoy a
Various activities are held at KKFI peace of mind because they believe “I only pay P2,420 monthly
compound like Bible Study, student that at KKFI dorm, I have surrogate including utilities with complete
fellowship, sports fest, “but sad to parents, the dorm assistants, who amenities: library, green lawn, gym,
say, because of my busy schedule are always there to assist us,” Gayle chapel, and canteen plus nearby
at school, I cannot come and attend adds. computer shops and water station.”
these activities on a regular basis,”
she says. KKFI dorm is also affordable. The Yes, KKFI is really a “home away
rate is cheaper compared to other from home!”
“Aside from the convenience and dormitories around the University
At Home at KKFI
by Glenda B. Gutierrez
Eureka Joy Bueno is one of the “big in the person of housemothers and
sisters” at the KKFI dormitory. She dorm residents,” she said.
came to Manila in 1993 to continue
her studies at the Philippine Christian
The dorm had a lot of activities to
University. She was a transferee offer, such as acquaintance parties,
from Saint Paul University. Christmas parties, and most of all
the weekly cell groups that started
In 1995, she worked as a secretary in 2004 and lasted up to 2008.
for a Chinese couple who owns a “It opened doors and increased my
hardware business. It was in May network of friends,” she pointed
1997 when she decided to reside at out.
KKFI to be with her younger sister,
who was a resident from 1996 to Joining KKFI program and activities
2000. strengthened her passion to reach
out to the community.
Joy was taking up a master’s degree Eureka Joy Bueno, bringing
in counseling at the De La Salle Her personal dream is to be a happiness at KKFI dorm
University (DLSU) when she was channel of blessing not just to her
admitted to the KKFI dormitory. own family but to the community. Her message to KKFI: “I would
She also wishes that her family will like to commend the efforts that
Her family learned about KKFI also feel the same passion she has in KKFI staff put into their work --
dormitories from their pastor’s wife reaching out to people in need. their going beyond the call of duty
whose daughter had a reservation to serve and to be excellent in their
at KKFI. Since she was accepted at “KKFI has helped me see others as work and for providing a warm
Mary Johnston College, they thought I see myself. To be more giving and and friendly accommodation for
of transferring their reservation to to think of others’ needs first before residents like myself. To the donors
Joy’s sister. one’s self,” she said. and stakeholders, I say, ‘thank you
and may you be richly blessed for
Joy said she likes KKFI because it She expressed hope that KKFI will your generosity’.”
gave her a safe place to stay. continue its mission and vision
“It has been home for me and she to empower the people in the
also found my second family here community.
Page 27
Ang Kapsula at Adbokasiya
ni Rev. Fernando Bawan
S
i Geneal “Jean” Santiago ay ng mga militar. Iyon ang dahilan ng
isang biyuda at isang cancer pagkasira ng kidney niya -- nagka
survivor. acute kidney failure siya na malaking
dahilan ng kanyang kamatayan.
Tulad ng kapsula, ang buhay niya “Umiyak ako, at di napigilang
ay inaalay niya upang maghatid ng masabi,“Bakit po nila kami
quality life sa mga miembro ng Day ginaganito, O Dios, kami na walang
Center for Older Persons (Day C) kaalam-alam.
ng KKFI.
“Kinausap ko ang Panginoon.
Isang sekretarya sa family planning Duon ko nalasap ang kapanatagan
program siya noong 1971, kaya’t para magpatuloy sa paglilingkod at
siya ay naniniwala sa family pananatili sa pananampalataya.”
planning at ito ay personal niyang Jean Santiago, Day C President
ginamit. Tatlo ang kanilang anak Di na naghanap ng iba si Ate
gaya ng napagplanuhan nilang mag- Jean pagkamatay ng mister niya ang serbisyo pagdalo sa mga ibat-
asawa. kahit maraming nagparamdam. ibang activities ng simbahan, ika
Pinanindigan ang pangako sa asawa nga bahagi ng kasipagan iyong
Naikot nila ang buong bansa sa na siya lamang ang mamahalin. “Ka-women-an.” Pinanindigan ang
pagle-lecture ng mga pamamaraan Ibinuhos sa pamilya ang kaligayahan kasabihan na kapag nasa United
ng family planning. Nagsimula siya at panahon. Methodist Church ka, natural na
sa Lucena Luzonian University ang sipag at paglilingkod ay hindi
diretso sa University of the East. Habang nasa NCCP, naranasan mapaghihiwalay.
niyang mangibang bansa gaya ng
Pagkatapos ay nagtrabaho siya sa sa Bombay sa India, Sri Lanka, at Bago pa man lumahok si Ate Jean
National Council for Churches in Switzerland. Itong mga exposure sa Day C, malapit na ang puso
the Philippines (NCCP) ng 32 taon. trips, trainings, at seminar on niya sa KKFI dahil sa ugnayan
Doon ay dumaan siya sa maraming spirituality for women at iba pa ay kina Mrs. Ruth Prudente at Mrs.
pagsubok. Pinagkamalan silang nakatulong upang lalong siyang Nellie Mercado na parehong naging
mag-asawa na mga komunista at maging malakas, maalam at Executive Director at siyempre dahil
ikinulong sila, pati ang kanilang makayang makatulong sa iba. na rin ay Bishop La Verne Mercado.
pitong-buwang anak, noong Duon namulat ang kaisipan sa mga
panahon ng Martial Law. Pagkatapos ng NCCP, naging programa ng KKFI na nagtataguyod,
Presidente siya ng Women’s Society nagpapatibay, tumutulong sa
Pinilit silang paaminin na komunista of Christian Service (WSCS) hanay ng mga walang wala, may
si Bishop La Verne Mercado. ng United Methodist Church ng kapansanan at naghihirap.
Pinanindigan nila na siya ay isang NorthWest Manila District ng apat
lingkod ng Diyos. na taon na ng lumaon ay naging Ang ugnayan na ito ay nagpatuloy
Presidente ng Philippines Annual noong siya ay miembro ng ECLOF
Ani Ate Jean: “Ang asawa ko ay Conference WSCS ng apat na taon. NCCP na nag-approve ng loan
binugbog at sapilitang pinaaamin ng KKFI para sa maipatayo ang
na si Bishop ay komunista kasama Ibinuhos ni Ate Jean ang lakas, oras dormitory ng KKFI.
ang ibang naka-detained. Nawalan at ibinunton sa Dios ang kanyang
ng ulirat ang aking asawa sa tindi kawalan. Nasabi niya, “God is Kung kaya’t noong naimbitahan siya
ng paghampas ng baril sa tagiliran my everything.” Inilagak sa Dios noong 2008 ni Mariette Asedillo, na
Page 28
kapwa WSCS na sumali sa Day C estado ng kabuhayan ng kayang tanggapin mo, at pagkatapos muli
di siya nagdalawang-isip at dumalo buong pamilya at mga anak. Ang ibalik mo sa kanya.” Iyon nga nag
sa mga activities. Para kay Ate Jean, maipagpatuloy ang kanyang kapasidad kanyang ginawa. Nagpa-opera sa
ang mga gawain sa Day C tulad ng ng pagbabagi ng wastong kalusugan, atPGH na mag-isa. Walang bantay
devotion, Bible Study, fellowship, maitranslate sa iba ang gawain ng DayC
dahil maliliit pa ang kanyang mga
Lakbay–aral, outing, Anibersaryo, para sa mga komunidad. Pangarap rin anak na edad, 8,10 at 12. Ako bilang
at seminar, ay nakapag-uplift sa niyang mas mapalago at maikalat ang pasyente ang bumibili ng gamut at
kanya. Na-e-enhance ang kapasidad alternatibong medisina sa pamamagitannagbabantay sa sarili ko aniya niya.
niya bilang leader, at na-de-develop ng isang alternatibong botika sa kanyang
Nag-undergo siya ng chemotheraphy
ng malaki sa kanyang sariling pamamahala sa pakikipagtulungan ng ng anim ng buwan. Sinunod ang
pagkatao. Day C at KKFI. payo ng doctor na baguhin ang
pagkain -- walang baboy at iba
Ayon kay Ate Jean, kulang ang Bilang panghuli, nagpatotoo si Ate pang karne. Hanggang ngayon,
isang lingo kung walang Friday Jean na noong Enero 1987, ilang isda, gulay at prutas ang kanyang
kasama ang Day C. Hindi balakid buwan pa lang na mamatay ang kinakain kung kaya’t makalipas ang
yung walang masakyang bus at kanyang kabiyak na si Ricardo 27 ng taon napaglabanan ang sakit
traffic upang siya’y makapunta sa Magno Santiago, nagkaroon na cancer.
KKFI. Hindi rin malaking hadlang ng Paramedic- sa NCCP. Siya
sa kanya ang minsa’y mabalya, nagpatingin at may nakapang bukol Ayon kay Ate Jean, “Di hadlang
maitulak at makipag-agawan sa bus, sa ilalim ng kanyang left breast. Ng ang cancer upang i-give up ko ang
kahit nakatayo mula sa sinakyang makita ng doctor ang nakuhang lump aking pananampalataya. Bagkus
lugar hanggang sa pagbaba. Sa o laman, pinabiopsy at ang resulta pagsisikapan kong unahin pagharian
damdamin niya “KULANG ANG Carcinoma kaya kailangan ang ako ng Dios at inuna ang Kaniyang
ISANG LINGGO KUNG WALANG mastectomy. Kinunsulta niya ang katuwiran. Ngayon ang buhay ko’y
FRIDAY” NCCP General Secretary, Bishop puspos ng kaniyang kalwalhatian.
La Verne Mercado, na nagsabi na, Purihin ang Dios!
Pangarap niyang maiangat ang “Jean, ibinigay ng Dios iyan, kaya
Page 29
Mother Against Haiyan
by Ida Tan
A
mother’s love for her family where they stayed was roomy that
can be the greatest source of the children were still able to run
courage in desperate times. around and play at the third floor of
Rachel Adriano, a mother of four the building.
children, and her husband arrived
at Manila, one of the families who Their joyful times ended abruptly
survived the wrath of Typhoon when the typhoon struck the city.
Haiyan. They were terrified of the torrential
rains and harsh winds as the storm
Rachel, known as Chack, worked as raged outside of the building.
a dressmaker, often sewing uniforms According to Rachel, the winds
for her clients in a nearby school were so strong that it shook the walls
at Sagkahan, Tacloban, while her of the center. With her back against
husband worked as a driver. Diligent the shaking walls, she held on to her
and industrious, Rachel does all four children, praying to the Lord Rachel Adriano: A Haiyan survivor
of the work on her own in the tiny for their safety. The staff inside the and evacuee at Pasay Tent City
store. She would sometimes enlist center tried relocating them into
the help of an assistant her workload the lower floor, because they fearedfrom the local government. She was
was more than she could handle. that the strong winds might cause able to sustain her children with a
Together with her husband, they the collapse of the roof. As they small bottle of water and a pack of
were able to earn enough money and descended the open-air staircase, biscuits for more than four days.
finally build up a house they could Rachel and her children were forced In that small room, four mothers
call their own last October 2013. to return to the upper floor because
and their children were cramped in
the second floor was close to beingas their husbands guarded outside
“Parang walang bagyo. Masaya pa completely submerged by flood the house because of the news of
kami noon. Nagkakantahan pa nga waters brought about by the storm escaped prisoners from the Tacloban
kami.” (It was as if there was no surge. At the third floor they stayed, City jail. That was the second time
storm. We were still happy at that waited, and prayed for safety as the Rachel felt fear, because it came
time. We were singing too.) storm had passed. to a point where she had to hold a
blade in order to fend for her life.
According to Rachel, the sky was “Wala kaming madaanan. Puro Fortunately, no danger came to their
clear and blue and it was cloudless kahoy, natumbang gusali, at iba’t little sanctuary.
until night time. Through the ibang gamit nakakalat lang sa
persuasion of her parents, she and kalsada.” (We couldn’t find a way. Eventually, Rachel and her husband
her children headed towards the Wood, fallen buildings, and other felt the need to escape from the
evacuation center at the Tacloban things are scattered around the city. They resorted to slaughtering
Astrodome. Her husband stayed streets.) their only livestock, a pig, earning
behind, along with her parents in P3,500.00 from selling the meat.
their respective homes, to guard There was destruction everywhere It was just enough for her family
their belongings. Rachel and her as they made their way home. to ride a bus towards Luzon. Even
children were denied entry into Rachel was relieved to see that though she was able to assure her
the evacuation center because it her husband was safe, even though family’s escape from Tacloban,
was already at maximum capacity, their house sustained great damage they still experienced struggles
so they headed towards the center from the typhoon. They opted to along the way. The bus that they
of the Ang Dating Daan. Unlike stay in their neighbor’s house while rode was stranded for a short while,
the crowded Astrodome, the place waiting for any form of assistance extending what was a usual 24-hour
Page 30
ride to Manila into a 36-hour travel. her memory, she had no idea what she could do left
for her family. Their house was damaged, her sewing
A week after their arrival to Luzon, that was the moment machines were destroyed by the flood, and her children
Rachel felt hopelessness in herself. Her sibling had been were cold and hungry. When she heard of the news of
admitted to the Philippine General Hospital because of a tent city for the Tacloban survivors, they immediately
a kidney problem, so her parents decided to stay with made their way there. Upon arriving at the tent city, that
the sibling to look after him. With the trauma fresh in was when Rachel was slowly regaining hope.
Cup of Life
by Nitz E. Nicolas
“
Never stop learning” has been learn new skills. He enjoys
the lifetime motto of James mentoring his students.
Nino Pamitaan Budy since his
childhood. He finds joy whenever his students
land jobs. He keeps monitoring
This motto has changed his life, and them in Facebook.
he wanted to help change the lives
of people, whether young or old. Nino felt good when he learned
that his 23 students and graduates
Nino, as he is fondly called by of Food and Beverages Services
friends and relatives, is a trainer NCIII (Barista Training) passed the
of the Mindbank Training and assessment test given by TESDA
Skills Corporation, Department of last December 11, 2013.
Education (DepEd) and Technical
Education and Skills Development The Barista training at KKFI is only
Authority (TESDA) for almost a one of the various trainings he has
year. He has been a call center agent facilitated. A perk to his being a
before with a higher pay. trainer is the free coffee. Nino loves Sir Niño at KKFI Programs Office
coffee.
Nino left his privileged job and last November 22 to December 9,
pursued his dream of helping Nino was grateful to Kapatiran- 2013. The 23 students were high
people. Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc. for school graduates and came from
He feels fulfilled seeing students conducting the first Barista Training varied background ages 18 to 54
Page 31
years old. rise above their circumstances. Joseph R. Baclayon, who lives in
R. Papa, Sampaloc, Manila, is now
The training was in partnership with KKFI on the other hand has continued working as food server at Cowboy
the Mindbank Training and Skills supporting the 23 graduates either Grill in Ermita, Manila.
Corporation of the Department by finding jobs for them or giving
of Education (DepEd) and the continuous skills training. Mr. Ariel Villanueva, also a graduate
Technical Education and Skills of the Barista training was happy that
Development Authority (TESDA) Two of the graduates, Mr. Jon after the training, his perspective in
Raeginald C. Vega and Mr. John Mar life has changed. He said he was
During the two-week intensive V. Balderas of the Del Monte United an “easy go lucky” person but now
training, Nino observed that all Methodist Church have landed a job. even though jobs are hard to find
of the students were excited, Mr. Vega is now employed at Manila in Cavite, he keeps on looking for
cooperative and helpful. The spirit Polo Club as banquet waiter and Mr. job. The training has taught him to
of camaraderie reflects on the faces Balderas is a food server at the Food be patient and persevere in times of
of each student. They are family. and Nutrition Department of St. difficulties.
Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon
Nino believes that the programs and City. They are thankful to KKFI for KKFI just like Nino, would keep
services of KKFI would transform the skills they have acquired. Both inspiring people of all ages to keep
the lives of people. He is hopeful that are enjoying the new opportunities on learning… find new hopes, new
KKFI would continue its mission given them. jobs and new beginning.
and goal of helping indigent people
The other graduate, Mr. Carlo
A
side from my academic Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI)
pursuits in college, the while browsing different websites
volunteer work or socio- in search of an organization for our
civic activities always have a place on-the-job training in the field of
in my heart. clinical psychology.
Page 32
I didn’t back out from it, because I still believe that the psychological profile of one of the students.
skills to be trained in the field of clinical psychology
can still be implemented in one of their programs. Here, I was able to learn more about each individual
inside the ALS classes. It was amazing at how far they
Along with my colleagues, I was able to participate were able to go, I could see the dedication in their eyes
in the Typhoon “Yolanda” reintegration program. We that they truly wanted an education that would help
traveled all the way to the Villamor Air base tent city them rise above poverty.
for us to conduct one-on-one interview sessions with
the survivors. From the duration of my stay in that program, I was able
to share my own experiences with some of the students
It was a different kind of experience to be able to hear and I hope it would help inspire them to do better and
first-hand accounts of how these individuals became dream higher.
survivors from the typhoon’s wrath. I was able to
observe the tears flowing down from the survivors’ Spending my OJT time at KKFI was a fruitful experience,
eyes as they recounted their tales. because I was able to create new connections with
different kinds of unique individuals.
I am not ashamed to admit that I did shed a couple of
tears when I heard their stories. From this experience, I had always dreamed of being a doctor, and it entails
not only was I able to utilize my interviewing skills, I establishing relationships with different kinds of people.
was able to get a glimpse, a feel of that fateful event. I think I was able to do that during my stay at KKFI.
Another program I was able to be a part of was the Not only was I able to start a connection between my
KKFI’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) for the out- alma mater and KKFI, I believe that I was able to make
of-school youth living in the Manila North Cemetery. a contribution to their education program by being an
inspiration to the students.
I believe I was able to do a lot more in this program
of the KKFI because I was able to contribute my Also, my stay at KKFI helped me realize that I have
skills in conducting group dynamics and in creating a to share a part of myself in order to make every new
relationship meaningful, even if I had just only met and
stayed with these brave individuals for a short period
of time.
Psychology in KKFI
by Jay Tusing
efore I entered KKFI, I my classmate who inquired whether The KKFI answered, “yes,” so our
B honestly didn’t have any idea or not it offers a practicum program group immediately went to the
what it’s all about. It was for B.S. Psychology students. office of the Kapatiran-Kaunlaran
Foundation Inc. (KKFI) sealed the
Page 33
arrangement. and lessons to the Alternative
Learning System (ALS) students of
We were there to have our OJT in KKFI.
the clinical aspect of psychology,
and my practicum experience was We taught them about self-
somehow different with that of my awareness, self-esteem, and conflict
other classmates who had the chance resolution.
to have their practicum in clinical
institutions or hospitals. We also visited and made
observations in the community
I had my practicum in a foundation living in MNC.
that provides development and
charity services to the poor, Lastly, we were able to administer
especially to the out-of-school a psychological assessment/case
youth. So I became a student- study to some students of ALS to
volunteer instead of being an intern aid in the understanding of their Jay Tusing: UST student and
inside a psychological ward or clinic personality and behavior. KKFI volunteer
of a hospital.
Through these tasks, I realized that what I have learned as a student, my
But to my surprise, I was still able aside from the knowledge and skills stay in KKFI and the interactions
to carry out tasks that we should be that I possess and have learned as that I had with its beneficiaries has
doing in our OJT. During our stay a psychology student, as well as certainly taught me how to value the
in KKFI, we were able to interview the services that it may bring, my kind of life that I was lucky enough
and profile the Typhoon “Yolanda” commitment and compassion to to have. I felt contented.
survivors, who were staying in Tent help certainly became my major
City, Villamor. contributions during my OJT in I can also say that my stay has just
KKFI. not been about learning or being
We also helped and assisted in sending exposed, but it was also fulfilling,
them off back to Tacloban City. In a hundred hours, I was able to learn being able to help and reach out to
and realize the value of education, the poor in my own little ways.
We were also able to implement patience, family, and love.
group dynamic activities and Before I started with the practicum,
facilitate self-development skills Aside from being able to apply my notion of clinical psychology
is all about mental disorders and
patients diagnosed with one, and
clinical cases. I was like the others
who held this kind of stereotype to
the course.
Jay interviweing a Haiyan survivor at Pasay Tent City It can also be about social work
Page 34
and community service. Moreover, and commitment in helping the to have the drive to unconditionally
KKFI opened my eye to the hard unfortunate of our society. help those in need. And because of
way of life. this, He will also continue to bless
I believe that God has placed you you with more grace and sense of
For the staff, donors and stakeholders where you are right now because purpose in your life. Thank you for
of KKFI, I just hope that they He knows your capability and will the fulfilling OJT experience.
continue to show compassion
T
he Kalinga Mo, Kinabukasan
Ko (KMKK) project in concern in their community and using
Pulilan, Bulacan is a the pair wise ranking chart (a PACA
community program that will tool) they were able to discuss which
support children and their families challenges they could address. They
in economically insecure areas in were also able to express their feelings
Pulilan. on those topics.
R
ev. Sonny G. dela Peña is the partnership between SMHUMC and
administrative pastor of the KKFI. During that time, talks with
Sta. Mesa Heights United the barangay council on partnership
Methodist (SMHUMC). His church did not materialize and so KKFI
had been a partner of KKFI since requested SMHUMC church council
2011 in the implementation of the to provide their facilities as venues
Child Development Center (CDC) for CDC and ALS.
and Alternative Learning System
(ALS) for the children and youth of Pastor Sonny had been very gracious
the Manila North Cemetery (MNC). and supportive to KKFI. He and
the SMHUMC staff and youth helped
Pastor Sonny had been in the ministry implement the programs by leading
for 26 years. Previously he had been devotion, Bible studies and chapel
a pastor and district superintendent services. They had always provided the
in the Palawan Philippines spiritual component of the programs. Ptr. Sonny dela Peña
Provisional Annual Conference
differences between the church
before transferring to the Philippines
He had always had a heart for
youth and the MNC youth. Despite
Annual Conference in 2003. He had mission. When he was in Palawan,
the initiatives of the church youth
been the administrative pastor of he was privileged to attend KKFI
to involve the MNC youth in the
SMHUMC since 2010. management seminars. He was
activities, the latter are shy and
able to attend five of the six phases
inhibited. They plan to initiate
He learned about KKFI through their of seminars. He learned about
programs for MNC youth but they
ministry in MNC which was started community organizing and project
need the support of the council.
by the previous administrative development and management.
pastors of SMHUMC. They have
He wishes that the council would
conducted Bible studies and taught Because of these learnings he was
personally be involved in the ministry
the children there. able to continue with his ministry
in MNC. He wishes that they can
for the poor and marginalized.
also attend management seminars
Pastor Corpuri Boongaling, then
to light the flame volunteerism. He
KKFI chaplain, facilitated the Pastor Sonny is aware of the
hopes that through an orientation
of KKFI’s programs and services,
the council would be encouraged to
volunteer and be directly involved
in the programs.
T
hree decades ago, my family communities. This opened my eyes to
was one of those who struggled the struggles that other people faced
through a life of poverty in a each day just to survive.
remote island in Bulacan.
I saw myself in the lives of the children
My parents found it hard to sustain I worked with and learned to appreciate
the needs of their children. I, together that God may have given me this task to
with my 11 brothers and sisters, tried to pay it forward.
make both ends meet by catching fish
at Manila Bay or by gathering floating Working in a non-government
garbage to be sold as junks, by drying organization is a blessing in a sense that
fish during summer and by taking on you are earning money while helping
odd jobs despite our tender age. others. Many individuals are fortunate Rex Dayao, KKFI OIC-
to earn a lot but most of them feel empty Program Director
My fate took a drastic turn when some inside. Somehow, a part of them are
workers from the United Methodist unsatisfied and long for that opportunity country and being exposed to different
Church invited me to study as a to help people. situations is to think creatively and find
kindergarten pupil in the church. My strategies to bridge the gap in the lives
parents did not agree at once for They say that if you are blessed, you of others by sharing the knowledge and
education is not a priority in the family. should be happy. And certainly, one experience that I had while growing up.
But with daily visit and encouragement, way to achieve happiness is by being a
they allowed me to attend morning blessing to others. For the past 63 years, KKFI worked
classes held at the back of the church. with thousands of children by educating
I accepted the challenge of being a Child them, hundreds of parents and helped
There, I was able to experience how to and Youth Welfare Project Coordinator them realize their worth and earn for
play. I was fed and taught about hygiene and worked with the people of Manila a living, organized and empowered
and good manners, and I got to know North Cemetery last January 2013. people’s organization and communities
about Christ through Bible stories and During a site visit at the Sta. Mesa and introduced Christ to believers and
by attending Daily Vacation Church Heights UMC, I saw children and their even non-believers.
School. parents while a class was ongoing.
This noble task will not be possible
Harris Memorial College, together My mind had a flashback because said without the dedication of the staff,
with Pamarawan UMC and Lingap scenario is the same as what I had during volunteers and partners who selflessly
Pangkabataan Inc., a non-government my kindergarten years. Educated, fed, served others. Our endeavors of bringing
organization, sustained my education nourished, and taken good care by kind- hope to those in need were made possible
up to college. hearted individuals at the back of the by the generosity of donors here in our
Methodist church. God brings me back country and overseas.
Words could not describe the road to where I started, and it’s my time now
I traveled just to earn a degree. My to help children and their families to The road to a better life might be long
journey to a better life became easy with achieve their dreams. and tedious. We may not be able to see
the aid of kind-hearted individuals who the result immediately. But if we remain
handed their hard-earned money to help My nearly 12 years of experience in faithful, steadfast and entrust all our
children and families in need. development work opened my eyes about endeavors to Christ, he will lead us to
issues confronting children and their the right path.
Immediately after graduating from families in various contexts. Probably,
college, I served as a community the reason why I had the opportunity For now, it is about time for me to pay
development worker in urban and rural to study in two best universities of the it forward!
Page 37
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Board of Trustees
Officers Members
Treasurer
Mrs. Nellie L. Mercado
Assistant Treasurer
Mrs. Goodwill Y. Mercado
Auditor
Mrs. Fiona A. Molina Ex-Officio Members
Executive Director
Ms. Nancy Caluya-Nicolas
Assistant Auditor
Mrs. Damiana B. Exiomo
Page 41
Executive Director - Nancy Caluya-Nicolas
GILEAD CENTER
Administrator
Lorna Pradillada
House Parents
Jose Bonifacio D. Clar
Mercy F. Familara
Farm Consultant
Mario Marquez
Farm Assistants
Roberto Galanga, Jr.
Robert Lopez
VOLUNTEERS
GBGM Intern
Christian Love Daroy
KKFI Facilities
Dormitories
Dormitories for ladies & gentlemen
With aircon & non-aircon rooms
Gymnasium
for
sports
Hugh Wilson
activities
Hall
Main
Building
Multi-purpose
Hall that can
accommodate
up to 200 persons
Hugh Wilson
Hall
Annex 1
for men
Seminar Hall
that can
accommodate
up to 80 persons
Nellie L.
Mercado
Ladies
Dormitory