While working on a project in Daro recently, I chanced upon what appeared to be a school. My curiosity forced me to check it out and to my surprise, I found one of the most dynamic and successful NGOs in the country: the Little Children of the Philippines.
I found the story of the NGO so rich that I immediately invited its director Carmenia Berosa on my Friday afternoon radio show called Kapihan Radio Energy on 93.7 FM.
The Little Children of the Philippines was organized in 1989. They currently serve over 1,000 children (and their families), aged three years old until they are well in to college, in the struggle to educate children from low—income families.
From having girl and boy dormitories, to their daily classes for special needs students, the work they do for our community is pervasive and obvious.
What happens to children who are taken from homes that are linked to drugs and crime here in Dumaguete? Often, the LCP is called upon at any hour to provide emotional and economic relief for the neediest among our innocent children.
That includes on-site medical clinic, and the services of countless volunteers who are required to function even at odd times of the day.
So where’s the rub? Although LCP is active right here in our local community, keeping the youth who are at-risk in positive environments, providing a bridge to the future through high school and college diplomas, 99.9 percent of their funding comes from church groups in America.
The problem here in Dumaguete is that there’s never enough money for the number of needy families when it comes to uniforms, backpacks, pens and pencils, lunch money, etc.
The LCP is requesting from the community being helped and impacted for corporate or personal sponsorships of P1,500 each month. For only P1,500 per month, you will be supporting one student and his family.
For corporate sponsors, the company can get local radio plugs and TV advertisements in exchange for their support to the LCP.
This project by the LCP, operating right here locally, has opened my eyes.
Volunteers or donations are always needed. You can enjoy the Sunday service there, and see the thousand-plus attendees every Sunday at their property in Daro (behind Ace dormitories hospital site).
Bring a bag of rice, an open heart, or your own idea on how to support a vital and successful charity that helps solve problems in our own community that has a tremendous impact on us each day.
Let’s help. Where’s the love?
Jeff Davis
thesolarguyjeffdavis@gmail.com
