On that day in 1967, SOS Children’s Villages Philippines established its first village in Banaybanay, Lipa and started providing loving homes for every child since then.
Deputy National Director Romil Rayos del Sol briefly recounted the small beginnings of this village in the Virtual Concert held the night of the anniversary. It was not the just the beginning of SOS Children’s Village in Lipa, but the beginning of SOS Children’s Villages Philippines as well.
“What started as a small group of three houses in Lipa has grown into 87 homes all over the country. Three SOS homes with about 24 children under our care; that’s how we began our work.”
Like other virtual concerts held by the other villages celebrating their respective anniversaries this pandemic, the children showcased their talented performances and conveyed their inspiring messages to donors and sponsors. From songs to dances to poems, the concert was teeming with joy and thanks. But the celebration isn’t just limited online.
SOS Children’s Village in Lipa welcomes two new children into the family. As of writing, the village is taking care of 129 children and youth.
Children, mothers, co-workers, and invited guests gathered around that morning to celebrate SOS Lipa’s 55th anniversary with the theme “Thriving Through Time, Growing with Gratitude”. It was a day that celebrates not just a milestone, but the efforts of everyone to give children a brighter future.
People and groups were given recognition for their contributions to the cause. Awards were given to SOS Lipa’s major donors, which include: Siegwerk Phils Inc., Canon Business Machines Phils Inc., Primera Agro Development Corp., and Tann Philippines Inc.
Companies are not the only ones who shared their support. One of Lipa’s most beloved bakeries as of recent, Ijo Bakery, also turned over their donation on the anniversary.
Oath-taking of the new officers of the SOS Youth Council.
Every village has an SOS Youth Council. The youth leaders that get elected are responsible in leading various village activities that involves developmental skills and learnings to fellow children and youths. As SOS Children’s Villages Philippines reaches another milestone in the first village it established, it’s important to show that our children and youth have a say in their growth.
Living in a home and community where children are heard is a huge step forward in helping them grow to be their strongest selves and ensuring a bright future for them. That life is most possible with people who are willing to help. From a poem written by the children of SOS Lipa:
“Kay sarap gumising sa bawat araw
Na kaming mga musmos ay may pag-asang natatanaw
Pinagdadaanan man namin ay sadyang mabigat
Madaming taong tutulong at sa amin ay mag-aangat”
(It’s so good waking up everyday knowing we children have a future we can see. Though what we go through is tough, there are many people who help us and lift us up.)
We’re very thankful to each and every one who have continuously showed their support and care for children and youth in need. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Contributor: Fund Development Coordinator Lean Sandoval