The Plight of 2 Million Filipino Orphans
According to the Philippines Orphanage Foundation, there are over 2, 000, 000 orphans in the Philippines. That equates to about 1.5% of the Philippines’ population. Despite their small percentage, the fate of these children is still laced with significant challenges.
Most of them are orphaned mainly due to poverty, natural disasters, health issues, armed conflict, domestic violence and parental abandonment. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Orphans are the most vulnerable members of society”, and that is undeniably true. These vulnerable kids need a healthy and loving environment to grow and live wholesomely.
Understanding this need, our Philippines team recently conducted a community engagement (CSR) activity with the children from the Asociacion de Damas de Filipinas (Association of Filipino Ladies) Orphanage in Manila last 22 July.
Background of the Asociacion de Damas de Filipinas Orphanage
Asociacion de Damas de Filipinas is an association established by the wives of the members of the Philippines Colombian Club, hence the name, “Association of Filipino Ladies”. Created in 1913, the Women's Auxiliary Club housed various people in need at the settlement home. From orphans and widows, the home also extended its arms to homeless people throughout the years.
However, the 80-year-old establishment was once caught in a deadly fire in 1998 that claimed 28 lives, mostly children. Thanks to donations from fellow philanthropists, the home was rebuilt and was back on track to support the aiding communities. In the recent decade, the home now caters specifically to children who are either abandoned, neglected, orphaned, or in need of special care. Currently, the orphanage now houses 70 children from the ages of 6 months to 6 years along with their 10 caretakers.
CSR Outreach Programme
Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by one of the caretakers and she introduced us to the children. Excited to meet one another, we started our day with fun games and activities with the kids. During lunchtime, we prepared a special meal, knowing how important a good meal is for their growth.
After break time, the kids lined up on stage to prepare a little intermission number for us. They danced adorably and quickly caught our hearts with their entertainingly endearing performance.
As the next schooling season is starting for them on 29 July, we also donated school supplies to prepare for their studies. The excitement was contagious, and some of them immediately started using their new supplies right then and there. Besides the supplies and a sack of rice, we also contributed monetary aid as we heard that the orphanage was renovating.
WeTrade’s Aims and Hopes for the Orphanage
Edward Sinco, Country Manager of WeTrade Philippines expressed, “The orphanage is a safe haven for these innocent children. With so many in need, they truly deserve a spacious and well-maintained home with constant maintenance. We hope this aid will help with the reconstruction process of the orphanage.
As Mother Teresa once said, ‘It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving’. We sincerely hope our presence here today accompanied by our contributions will help lighten the burden of this orphanage and at the same time, put constant smiles on these little innocent faces.”
When it was time to bid farewell, we commemorated the day with a group picture. The caretaker thanked us for the uplifting day and the kids waved their tiny little hands enthusiastically when we parted ways. It was a memorable day for both of us and the children of the Asociacion de Damas de Filipinas Orphanage.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
WeTrade has always upheld corporate social responsibility. Since our establishment nine years ago, we have engaged in similar philanthropic initiatives across all the regions we serve, including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and many more coming in the future. Join us in opting for a change. Register for an account with us and join us in creating a positive difference in society >>> https://bit.ly/3yVwYs5
