The City Government of San Fernando, the Provincial Capital of Pampanga gave a scholarship grant worth P500, 000 to CJFI-Pampanga beneficiaries.

Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez’s present administration placed a priority on helping poverty-stricken street children roaming around the borders of the province and saw their need of a helping hand.

Thus, the municipality of San Jose, Pampanga gave subsidy to the Children’s Joy Foundation beneficiaries in a form of scholarship grants. The said funding would provide tuition support, books and school supplies of the children and all of their school needs.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was already signed by the City Mayor and CJFI.  And under the MOA, the grant will be released every quarter starting next school year.  It was a great gift and timely blessing from the Almighty Father that came in a time when it was needed most.

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The Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. in Cavite received a new blessing as the said CJFI center and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of the Municipality of Rosario, Cavite entered into an agreement to establish and co-manage a residential center that will house street children in Rosario, Cavite.

Funds for the construction of the children’s residential facility would be provided by the LGU of Rosario. CJFI-Cavite would manage the operation of the facility by providing qualified and able staffs.

The Municipal Mayor of Rosario Hon. Jose Ricaprinte is very serious in pushing through the project to help the street children in Rosario, Cavite and other parts of the Province to prevent them from being involved in illegal activities such as the use of illegal drugs and exploitation by syndicate as accessories to unlawful operations.

This project, once  realized and become operational, it can be a model to both NGO’s and LGU’s as a collaborative effort in helping millions of destitute and neglected children to be receive a better future and become responsible citizens, who could help in solving the country’s juvenile delinquency problem.

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They are small yet very energetic. They are playful yet very active. They are young yet very talented. Truly, no one can judge the power of little kids as they take the stage of an exceptional performance as they showed what they got to another large crowd.

The Children’s Joy Foundation Inc.’s beneficiaries for the second time performed Giovani Talenti, a theater play that was part of the Summer Skills Development Training program of the foundation for its beneficiaries held in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Cathedral in Davao City, Philippines.

Last time, the audience of the said show filled the whole cathedral but this time, the number of crowd even exceeds the capacity of the place. Kingdom leaders from different places and nationalities as well as Kingdom administrators, coordinators, ministers and students of Jose Maria College gathered to watch the said show.

Segments of the show discusses about a kids’ life, their worries, fears and what they feel. It also includes some famous stories such as the tale of how the rainbow was created and the story of Everybody, Nobody, Anybody and Nobody. A musical talent was also hosted in the said show as one of the CJFI-Davao beneficiaries May Joy Valdez gave a rendition of the song “I Feel Good of James Brown” using her saxophone.

The event was especially participated by the Batang Kaharian Kids, CJFI Beneficiaries of Davao and even the CJFI Ambassadors David Axel, Victoria Manaday and Angelique Canada.

The spectators really enjoyed the show as a mixture of tension, suspense, laughter and excitement filled the atmosphere in every performance made. As they said that the show was all worth it.

Giovani Talenti was a huge success but the foundation would never forget to give thanks to the effort of the kids’ trainer Ms.  for her patience in teaching the kids what a great performance required

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Notice to the Public

This is to inform the public that MR. LITO CUVIN is no longer connected with Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. (CJFI) effective JANUARY 30, 2012. Any transactions made by him for and in the name of Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. will not be honored.

Notice to Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. Benefactors

We would like to inform you that we are currently implementing measures to continue strengthening our system and procedures. As such, we are not authorizing our volunteers to collect or receive any donations from our regular benefactors. Because of this, Ms. Connie Venturina, who is one of Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. volunteers based in Project 8 CJFI Center in Quezon City is not authorized to collect  and receive any donations and pledges from CJFI donors and benefactors.

As part of the management direction in strengthening CJFI procedures and system, we encourage CJFI benefactors in Project 8 CJFI Center (Quezon City) to communicate directly to our Project 8 Quezon City office to the following staff:

VIRGIE SEBALLOS – 0916-623-9485

ANGIE LAZARO – 0927-613-9625

ROSE DIMAGNAONG – 0916-480-5227

Landline Number: 920-3272, 453-1704

E-mail add:  cjfimanila@gmail.com

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The CJFI beneficiaries of Imus, Cavite had their summer swimming at Josephine Water Camp in Kawit last May 2, 2013.  The said swimming was given to them for free through the generosity of the management of the said resort under the leadership of Mr. Nonie Punzalan.  It was indeed a refreshing summer activity for the children.  The CJFI Family of Imus, Cavite are very thankful for continually support to the foundation.

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The Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club, Inc. in General Trias, Cavite invited the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. at the CJFI shelter in Imus, Cavite to attend their 1st Summer Camp held in ERGCCI last April 27-28, 2013. The children were so excited to join the camping with the other kids of the Club Members of ERGCCI for this is the first-time experienced they may have for free.

The Management of ERGCCI hired fire marshals, camping teachers and medical team to look over for the welfare of the children on the entire camp.  They provided free transportation, food and tent for the children. The CJFI kids joined with the other groups of children for the different activities like art workshop, bonfire, kite flying, tug of war, amazing race, and obstacle relay.   After the two-day summer camp, certificate of attendance and participation were given to them. Also CJFI give thanks to Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club, Inc.  for the unforgettable learning experience they imparted to the CJFI beneficiaries.

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The CJFI beneficiaries of Imus, Cavite shelter joined the Philippine Air Force 15^th Strike Wings at Sangley Point, Cavite City on their 66^th Founding Anniversary last May 18, 2013 , with the theme: “Masayang Kabataan, Masiglang Pamayanan.”, under the leadership of Major June Allan V. Sambrano.    All children enjoyed on the programs and games they organized for the said event.  There were slides, clowns, bull rides, photo booth and lots of foods prepared for the children.  They also donated bags and school supplies in preparation of the opening of school days.

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STMicroelectronics, Inc. sponsored dental services to the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. beneficiaries at the CJFI Shelter in Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna last May 8, 2013. STMicroelectronics is already one of the regular sponsors of the CJFI. STMicroelectronics, Inc. in Calamba is a high tech facility for the assembly and test of wafers and integrated circuits. It is part of STMicroelectronics, the world’s fifth largest semiconductor company.

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Last May 29, 2013 – The Philippine National Police conducts an outreach program to the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. at the CJFI Shelter in Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna. It was headed by Regio 4A Calabarzon and Regional Director PC/Supt. Benito C. Estipona, together with them were PC/Supt. Florendo Saligao, PC/Insp. Luis Ramos, PC/Insp. Catherine D. Ramos and PNP’s Ladies Club Officer, who gave the children complete set of uniforms, bags, shoes, school supplies and also gave a delicious lunchtime at the shelter.

The children were very happy for the gifts they receive.  After the gift giving, the kids offer a thank song for them before they leave. They also thanked the Foundation for their warm welcome and for the successful outreach program they’ve made.

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Two years ago I watched the footage of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, willing myself not to start imagining what else was going on that I couldn’t see or read about.  As a Japanese national living in the States, I was struck by the well-meaning experts who discouraged the public from donating to the relief efforts.  Journalists questioned the logic of individuals giving to a wealthy country like Japan, and philanthropic advisors encouraged donors to give to organizations that could redirect funds to other more pressing needs outside of Japan after the initial relief effort. It was understandable, perhaps—the fog of disaster makes it hard to immediately know how much is “needed,” or what help is needed, even where.

A sampling of headlines from the recent Typhoon Haiyan disaster is similarly confusing:

“Worst Storm Ever Kills up to 10,000,” New York Post, November 10, 2013

“Philippine Official Fired for Estimate of 10,000 Dead from Typhoon,” The New York Times, November 14, 2013.

“Typhoon Haiyan Death Toll in Philippines Reduced by Government?”International Business Times, November 18, 2013

With mixed messages like this, the generous soul is stopped dead in its tracks, forced into thinking, “Wait. How do I know what’s going on?” And that’s begun to show in the declining donation rates to the disaster relief efforts, as reported by the Pew Research Center last week. But for many people, the difference between 3,000 and 5,000 confirmed dead is not material. For them the pain is felt in the family and friends each casualty left behind, and they want to do something to help.

So for those Times readers who feel moved to give because they want to play a role in preventing additional deaths as a result of delayed help, I say please give. Here are five ways to do it:

1.     Give money, not goods. It’s always harder to move things other than money, and doubly so after a natural disaster. Even if you could get the goods there inexpensively, the difficulty of ensuring that goods end up with the people who need them is well-nigh impossible.
2.     Give where you get rich feedback. When you give to an organization, it’s reasonable to expect that you can find out where that money went, to whom, for what.  It’s not reasonable to prevent the organization from shifting its efforts as needed, but it is important that they clearly explain why they were originally planning to fund one activity but now have chosen to fund another.  This communication increases transparency and leads to a reasoned evolution–all of which is helpful for the rest of the world to understand.
3.     Give local. I don’t mean give to your local food bank and expect them to get the food to the Philippines. But do follow the instinct that being close matters. Local Filipino organizations were there before the disaster, and they will be there after. They’ll make the community’s transition from recovery to reconstruction to development more seamless. By supporting them now, you’ll also give them a chance to stretch and grow. Your generosity will have a lasting legacy. Local organizations will, in turn, be in a better position to nurture that connection that led you to give in the first place. Some great options right now include Water, Agroforestry, Nutrition and Development Foundation that’s providing low-cost pour-flush toilets for Typhoon Haiyan survivors in Tacloban City, and Children’s Joy Foundation that’s providing food and medicine to evacuees.
4.     If you want to give to big-name relief organizations, give to ones that work closely with local nonprofits. During a disaster, large aid organizations can play a big role–and the best of them will work to ensure that they are ultimately not necessary in the future. How do they do that? They invest in the capacity of local organizations to such an extent that those local nonprofits will someday do the work without the support of international staff on an ongoing basis.
5.     Give more when you care more. If you know the place or the people who have been affected by the disaster, odds are you can trust your gut to judge what aid might or might not work. Even if you have been recently out of touch, you care intimately enough to read the news reports and personal stories and really absorb them. Your experience and your relationships are valuable, and they greatly enhance the targeting of your generosity.

Today, more than two years after the Japan disaster, it’s a local group, Fukushima Kids Executive Committee, who makes sure that a 12-year-old girl living too close to Fukushima, (where there are still restrictions on time spent outside), has the chance to get outside the city so she can play outdoors and drink fresh water. Fukushima Kids is still providing services to around 500 children each year.

Today, more than two years later, it’s a Japanese organization called Entrepreneurial Training for Innovative Communities (ETIC) that’s thinking about what it takes to rejuvenate the local Tohoku economy. This organization has transitioned from helping young volunteers remove debris to now giving them fellowships to support local social enterprises. Today, ETIC supports 127 local fellows working in areas like community building, public health and energy recovery—all efforts that continue to improve Tohoku long after the disaster relief funding has subsided.

Thank you for giving. Every little bit counts, as long as it’s directed well. And it can be.

 Mari Kuraishi is the Co-Founder and President of the GlobalGiving Foundation. 

Source: http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/26/to-help-typhoon-survivors-go-local/

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                     The Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. a non-stock, nonprofit organization, is established to help the abandoned, neglected and surrendered children in the Philippines. The foundation seeks to assist these children and youth in achieving their dreams through better education, physical and spiritual nourishment, and above all become God-loving and God-centered individuals. Throughout the years, CJFI, through the help of our regular sponsors and partners have reached out thousands of destitute children in need. And as a sign of gratitude, CJFI conducted a nationwide ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO PARTNERS AND BENEFACTORS of the different CJFI shelters all over the Philippines to acknowledge people with a heart of pure kindness. During the said event, what created an immense impact to the CJFI sponsors and donors were the life testimonies of CJFI beneficiaries of how great the change that the foundation created in their lives. These testimonies have touched the heart of our dear sponsors and have encouraged them to continue on supporting the foundation in helping more deprived, destitute and orphaned children in the Philippines.

Cavite Testimony

Good evening to each and everyone!

My name is “Maya”, 11 years old and the 4^th child among the family of 5.  I and my siblings are one of those children who benefited the help of the foundation.   We are a product of a broken family.  Our father is a Muslim and he left us when I was only 2 years old.  We were left to the care of our mother and rented a house in Taguig.  I can still remember when our mother left us for work.  A strong typhoon struck the place where we live I felt so nervous and cried.  To protect ourselves, we crawled and hid ourselves under the table and shouted for help. That strong typhoon had devastated our house leaving us with no shelter to live.

The incident had pushed our mother to seek the help from one of her sisters in church to help us find a temporary shelter.  It was in 2007 then, when our mother brought us to the Children’s Joy Foundation. I was afraid to stay without our mother in our side because I thought being in the foundation is like in prison that I cannot go out or cannot see my mother anymore. But I was wrong then. The staff and the caretakers of Children’s Joy showed us the love and care we never experienced from our father.  They took care of us and molded us into God-fearing children.   I and my other 3 siblings have been sent to school and able to live a normal life with no fear of losing a home again.  We are so blessed that the Children’s Joy provided us with complete basic needs and be able to eat three times a day with snack (merienda) in the morning and afternoon.  We are trained and taught how to play musical instruments and good values in the center.

Presently, I am already in Grade V and I am very thankful to God that He continuously blesses us with generous people like you who never fail to support our needs.  Because of you, surely our future is in the right direction to become successful individuals like you someday.

Thank you so much Sir, Mam, for your big heart to support children like us.  You don’t know how happy and grateful we are for your care and love.  We pray that May God bless you with more success in your career abundance in material blessings, and deepness of love to our Creator, and love that abounds among the members of your family.  Thank you also to staff and to the administrator who give us the love and care that we need everyday.

May the Almighty Father bless you all.  Thank you and good evening.

Laguna Testimony

                     Isang Mapagpalang Gabi po sa lahat ng dumalo. Sa mga sponsors na naging bahagi ng aking paglaki, sa mga bisita na nagbibigay ng pag asa sa aming mga bata dito sa CJF, at higit sa lahat sa mga house parents at staff ng CJF-Laguna, maging sa mga taga CJFI Central Office, pati na rin po sa taga SMNI. Muli, magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat.

Lubos po akong natutuwa sapagkat akoy naging bahagi ng pagtitipong ito. Ako po si Dana. 15 taong gulang. Galing po ako sa isang mahirap na pamilya. Lima po kaming magkakapatid. Ang tatay ko po ay dating nagtitinda ng buko juice. Ngunit hindi sapat ang kanyang kita upang tugunan ang aming mga pangangailangan sa araw araw lalo’t higit ang aming pag-aaral. Dala ng kahirapan, napilitan po ang aming mga magulang na pansamantalang dalhin kaming magkakapatid sa CJF. Dito sa CJF marami akong natutunan; gaya ng wastong pag-aasikaso sa pamamahay,  paggalang hindi lamang sa mga matatanda gayundin sa mga kasamahan, pagbibigay halaga sa mga bagay na natatanggap, at higit sa lahat ang pagkilala sa Diyos. Marami din pong mga oportunidad na ibinigay ang CJF sa aming mga beneficiaries. Una na dito ang malinang ang aming mga kakayahan sa pamamagitan ng pagpasok sa regular na paaralan, makilahok sa mga iba’t-ibang gawain gaya ng Youth Camp, Theater Workshop, Leadership Trainings at kung anu-ano pa. Sa ngayon, kami pong magkakapatid ay nakauwi na sa aming mga magulang at patuloy na nakatatanggap ng mga serbisyo mula sa CJF.

Sa gabing ito, hayaan po ninyo na pasalamatan ko ang bawat isa sa mga kontribusyon na naibigay nyo sa CJF. Kung hindi po dahil sa inyo ay hindi matutupad ang aming mga mithiin. Kayo po ang nagsilbing tulay sa katuparan ng aming mga munting pangarap. Naway hindi po dito matapos ang inyong pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan bagkos ay maging daan ng magandang at patuloy na partnership sa CJF. Muli Marami pong salamat at magandang gabi sa inyong lahat.

Pampanga Testimony

Magandang gabi po sa lahat!

Ako po ay si Junarie Morcilla, mas kilala po ako sa aking palayaw na si “Pia”. Ako po ay masayahing bata  dahil po sa mga pangarap ko sa buhay na gusto kong matupad. Wala na po akong mga magulang. Hindi ko po nakilalala ang aking Tatay at nawalan po ako ng Nanay noong ako’y labing-tatlong taong gulang. Noong namatay ang aking Nanay wala po akong kamag-anak na mapupuntahan kasama ang isa kong kapatid. Hanggang sa may isang kapit-bahay kami na nagmagandang loob na ipagbigay alam sa DSWD ang aming kalagayan. Kami po ay dinala sa isang orphanage na syang maging pansamantalang  tirahan namin. Doon po ay naging mas lalong mapait ang naging karanasan namin dahil kami po ay minaltrato at hindi pinapakain ng wasto. Nagtiis po kami doon dahil sa wala rin kaming ibang mapuntahan. Laking  pasasalamat namin nang dumating ang araw na matapos din ang aming paghihirap sa loob ng orphanage dahil sila po ay ipinapasara ng DSWD dahil natuklasan na ang kanilang programa ay hindi sumasang-ayon sa patakaran ng DSWD. Ako po at ang aking kapatid ay nabigyan muli ng bagong tirahan sa Children’s Joy Foundation dito sa Pampanga sa pamamagitan po ng DSWD Regional Office sa katauhan po ni Mam Edna Manalo na isang Social Worker. Isa pong napakagandang karanasan ang pagtira namin dito dahil po lahat kaming mga bata ay nabigyan ng pribilihiyo na makapag-aral at madevelop po ang aming mga talento sa pagtugtog ng mga musical instruments. Nagpapasalamat din po ako sa Founder ng Children’s Joy Foundation na si Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy na naging instrumento ng Panginoon na gamitin para mapangalagaan ang mga batang kagaya ko na nangangailangan ng tulong. At sa lahat po ng mga sponsors na may kagandahang loob na tumutulong sa Children’s Joy Foundation, hindi nyo lang alam kung gaano nyo kami napasaya sa inyong mga tulong na dahil sa inyo ay natupad po ang aming mga munting pangarap.

Maraming salamat po!

Magandang gabi po sa lahat!

Ako po si Jessa Millen Alonzo. Ako po ay labing-apat na taong gulang. Dati po akong nakatira sa Caloocan City bago po ako napunta sa Children’s Joy Foundation, Pampanga Center. Iniwan po ako na aking Nanay noong bata pa po ako at hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa sya nakita, sa picture ko lang po nakilala ang aking Nanay. Ang Tatay ko naman ay namatay na po dahil sa stroke at nahiwalay po ako sa kaisa isang kapatid ko na lalaki na hanggang ngayon ay wala po akong balita kung saan po sya napunta. Noong namatay po ang aking Tatay ay wala a po akong kamag-anak na mag-ako ng responsibilidad na mag-alaga sa akin kaya nilagay po ako sa isang orphanage. Mahirap po ang naging karanasan ko doon dahil naranasan ko ang pagmamaltrato, na ang inaakala kong lugar na kukupkop sa akin ay pinagkaitan po ako ng respeto sa pagkatao ko at pagmamahal na hinahangad ko bilang isang bata. Hanggang sa dumating sa kaalaman ng DSWD Regional Office at ang nasabing orphanage ay ipinasara at kami pong mga bata na nakatira po doon ay inilagak sa ibat-ibang institusyon na angkop po sa aming pangangailangan. Maswerte po ako at dito po ako napunta sa Children’s Joy Foundation dahil dito ko po natagpuan ang pagmamahal at pag-aalaga na hinahangad ko bilang isang bata. Ako po ay masaya dahil marami pong mga sponsors na nagbibigay ng tulong, lalo na po sa mga pangunahing pangangailangan namin gaya ng pagkain at mga gamit namin sa pang-araw araw pati na rin po sa  mga kagamitan namin sa pag-aaral. Dito po sa Center ay naging isang pamilya po kami kasama po ng mga kapwa ko bata at mga staff na nag-aalaga po sa amin. Maraming salamat po sa lahat na naging bahagi ng Children’s Joy Foundation na nagtulong para po sa ikabubuti po naming lahat.

Maraming salamat po!

Magandang gabi po sa lahat!

Ako po si Mary Jane Calma, labing-tatlong taong gulang at panganay po ako sa limang magkakapatid. Dati po ay nakatira kami sa Porac, Pampanga. Galing po ako sa mahirap na pamilya na naging dahilan kung bakit ako at ang apat kong kapatid ay napunta sa Children’s Joy Foundation. Hindi po nagampanan ng mga magulang namin ang pag-aalaga sa amin, kami po ay napabayaan nila hanggang sa may nagtulong na kami ay madala sa Children’s Joy Foundation dito po sa Pampanga. Dito po sa Center ay masaya po kami kasama ang ibang mga bata. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga staff dahil sila po ang naging pansamantalang magulang namin kahit minsan po ay matigas ang ulo namin at hindi sumusunod sa mga alituntunin sa loob ng Center ay hindi po sila nagsawang mag-alaga po  sa amin. Nagpapasalamat din po ako sa mga sponsors na pumupunta po dito sa Center dahil kami po ay binibigyan nila ng atensyon sa pamamagitan ng mga ibinibigay nilang tulong na nakapagbibigay ng kasiyahan sa aming mga bata. At lalo po akong nagpapasalamat dahil sa Children’s Joy Foundation ay natutunan ko pong maging responsible at magiging magalang. Tinuturuan po kami kung paano maging mapagmahal at pangangalagaan an gaming sarili. At maraming salamat din po sa mga sponsors na nagbibigay po ng libreng gamut, pagkain, damit at marami pang iba. Sana ay patuloy kayong pagpalain at patuloy nyo rin kaming bigyan pansin dito po sa Children’s Joy Foundation.

Maraming salamat po!

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In Davao City, several houses were razed in a fire which began past 8 p.m., Friday, (April 4, 2014) and lasted several hours. This caused approximately 3, 700 families to be displaced in three coastal barangays. After hearing of the news, the Children’s Joy Foundation Inc instantly arranged and planned immediate assistance to these displaced families.

April 7, 2014 – Before the dawn breaks, CJFI volunteers started the cooking and packing of a hearty meal for every victim, And just in time for lunch the volunteers distributed the meals to three evacuation centers within Davao City – Quezon Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School and Sonta Elementary School.

As soon as they saw us, fire victims immediately gathered around CJFI vehicles, all eager and hoping to receive help and assistance.

Kagawad Mitoy Caldungog, Barangay 23-C, Isla Verde, Davao City Kagawad, said that most of the victims are still in distress for the fire was unexpected, many are still upset for the loss of clothes to wear, properties and most especially a home to stay in.

He added that most of the affected families come from Barangay 23-C. He also expressed his thankfulness to CJFI especially to its founder Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy for the assistance that they have provided.

Many constituents of  the affected areas are Muslims but CJFI extended help to them with open arms, a proof that love knows no boundary.

Once recovery and immediate relief assistance work is complete, CJFI anticipates transition some funds for other sustainable programs for the victims to support longer-term recovery efforts.

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“Salamat jud kaayo sa bag-ong building Children’s Joy Foundation (Inc.) kay tungod ani, dili nami mabalaka inig abot sa ulan. Dili nami mabalaka na mabahaan ang among eskwelahan. [Thank you so much for the new building Children’s Joy Foundation for because of this, we will no longer worry about the rains. We will no longer worry about flooding in our school.]” – Luriana Basino, the Sitio Kalonbarak Day Care teacher, said in an interview.

Luriana Basino had been working as the sitio’s Day Care teacher for 9 years. She said that the old day care center was constructed in 2007. But before its construction, they had endured staying at the stage of a nearby elementary school for two years. And now, due to the day care’s 7 years of existence, it has been experiencing constant flooding during rainy seasons and has become vulnerable to the elements.

“Makahilak nalang jud ko inig ulan kay sudlon man mi ug tubig ug mangabasa ang tanan namong mga gamit. [I always feel teary whenever rains come because waters come rushing inside our day care soaking all our school stuff.],” Ms. Basino shared her distress.

Sitio Kalonbarak in the Municipality of Malungon, Saranggani Province is a home for one of the Philippines indigenous community, the B’laan Tribe. It houses more or less 200 villagers and the old day care center is their only day care in the area. The Children’s Joy Foundation Inc. saw their need and immediately offered help and support.

Earlier March 2014, the CJFI team composed of staff, volunteers, engineers and skilled workers scheduled the construction of the Day Care Center for the indigenous people (IPs). Soon after its completion, on March 22, 2014, the Day Care was officially turned over to the sitio villagers.

“Nagapalasalamat jud ko ug dako sa dakong panalangin na gihatag sa Ginoo. Kay sa taas na panahon na nag-antos mi aning daang Day Care, natagaan na jud mi ug bag-o na mas gwapo ug mas lig-on. [I am really thankful for this great blessing that we have received from God. After enduring staying in the old day care for a long time, we were finally given a new one which is better and more stable.],” Ms. Basino conveyed her thankfulness to CJFI.

During the Turning over Program, community leaders also expressed their gratitude to CJFI. They were Arlou Liray, the Barangay Kagawad for Education and Sitio Leader, Liza Tamolon who even described the structure as the best one in the whole area.

Day Care kids happily received new school supplies inside new school bags during the program. And they were all smiles as they entered their new day care where they enjoyed a small feast as celebration for all the blessings that they have received.

CJFI gives emphasis on the welfare of the children, making sure that they live their life to the fullest through their innocence. And the construction of Day Care Centers is just one of the many projects and programs of the foundation in creating greater change in the lives of many.

In Davao City, several houses were razed in a fire which began past 8 p.m., Friday, (April 4, 2014) and lasted several hours. This caused approximately 3, 700 families to be displaced in three coastal barangays. After hearing of the news, the Children’s Joy Foundation Inc instantly arranged and planned immediate assistance to these displaced families.

April 7, 2014 – Before the dawn breaks, CJFI volunteers started the cooking and packing of a hearty meal for every victim, And just in time for lunch the volunteers distributed the meals to three evacuation centers within Davao City – Quezon Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School and Sonta Elementary School.

As soon as they saw us, fire victims immediately gathered around CJFI vehicles, all eager and hoping to receive help and assistance.

Kagawad Mitoy Caldungog, Barangay 23-C, Isla Verde, Davao City Kagawad, said that most of the victims are still in distress for the fire was unexpected, many are still upset for the loss of clothes to wear, properties and most especially a home to stay in.

He added that most of the affected families come from Barangay 23-C. He also expressed his thankfulness to CJFI especially to its founder Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy for the assistance that they have provided.

Many constituents of  the affected areas are Muslims but CJFI extended help to them with open arms, a proof that love knows no boundary.

Once recovery and immediate relief assistance work is complete, CJFI anticipates transition some funds for other sustainable programs for the victims to support longer-term recovery efforts.

Early morning of March 28, 2014, Children’s Joy Foundation Inc. staff and volunteers travelled through steep hills and very rocky roads onboard a habal-habal (The Philippines’ modified motorcycle that can transport as much as 4 persons) to reach Sitio Upian – the location of the newly constructed and colorfully painted CJFI Day Care Center.

In partnership with the local government and the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO), the formal turnover of the said Day Care Center took place on March 28, 2014, and was attended by a CSSDO Representative Ms. Evelyn Amion and the Barangay Captain, Ms. Purificacion Suyco. Both expressed their sincerest thanks and gratefulness to CJFI for choosing Sitio Upian among other places that are much more accessible.

The Indigenous community of Sitio Upian, Barangay Poblacacion, Marilog District, Davao City, Philippines, with happy faces and thankful hearts, received this special gift from the Children’s Joy Foundation Inc.

Sitio Upian is a small community inhabited predominantly by the Matigsalug Ethnic Group. It is located along the hillside of Marilog District, Davao City.

The Sitio Upian villagers would like to address to the CJFI Family, especially to our partners, supporters, donors and volunteers who have invaluably supported the foundation’s cause, a warm greeting of “Mupiya ne salamat kaniyu langun!” [Thank you so much everyone!].

By:  Melanie S. Remolleno, Social Work Intern

April 12, 2014 , Davao City, Davao Del Sur, Philippines – Volunteers and staff of Children’s Joy Foundation Inc. fetched the fifty (50) fishing boats from its dry dock in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), loaded the boats to a ten-wheeler truck and proceeded on to their twenty-hour long journey toTacloban, Philippines to conduct series of implementations for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Day 1 of the Implementations – April 14, 2014, Municipality of Dulag, Leyte, Philippines – This Municipality has suffered several lost lives due to its distance from the city proper which made relief operations difficult to reach their place. This municipality used to have fishing as their source of income before the devastating Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck their place. After the typhoon, they survived through renting fishing boats to somehow sustain their daily needs, however due to the high cost of rentals; they could hardly make both ends meet.

The Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. learned about this plight of the people in Dulag, Leyte and so it sent a representative to coordinate with the town officials and see how the foundation can send help after which it mobilized its resources to send long term assistance to the victims through giving them thirteen (13) fishing boats. Finally, CJFI in cooperation with GlobalGiving and its generous donors financed the production of fishing boats to be given to the fishermen of the town. When the fisher folks received their boats their faces flashed a spirit of joy.

The boats were officially turned over to the beneficiaries through a short program organized by CJFI and the Local Government. Local Officials and town people were present to witness the turn-over.

Day 2 of the Implementations, April 15, 2014, Municipality of Mac Arthur, Leyte – Today marks another helping endeavor, this time in a town more or less 45 kms away from Tacloban, Leyte. This town like many other towns in province, also suffered a lot and waited patiently for reliefs. The town people lived mainly through fishing and after the typhoon, it was really hard getting up on their feet to keep on with life until the Children’s Joy Foundation came and listed them for a fishing boat livelihood grant.

The Children’s Joy Foundation volunteers in coordination with  the Municipal officials of the town, turned-over to the fisher folks fifteen (15) fishing boats to somehow give them the livelihood enabling them to once more face life full of hope and inspiration.

In the afternoon, the Children’s Joy Foundation team visited two Day care centers located at Brgy. 74 Nula-Tula (Lower), Tacloban City and Brgy. 77, Fatima , Tacloban City , these Day Care centers are being constructed by the CJFI for the benefit of the children of the two localities. The construction is on its finishing stage and the turn-over schedule is set a date sooner.

In this particular locality, the foundation gave both livelihood and the gift of education for the children who survived a great ordeal in their lives which is the Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Day 3 of the Implementations, April 16, 2014, Municipalities  of Tolosa and Mayorga, Leyte – Excited residents of this coastal town line the seashore for the much awaited turn-over and eventually witness the first voyage of their sailors aboard the blue fishing boats courtesy of Children’s Joy Foundation and the generous donors of the GlobalGiving. It was a sight beaming with hope as fifteen (15) boats with CJFI and GlobalGiving seal went sailing for the first time promising a bountiful catch for the fisher folks.

The beneficiaries expressed their profound gratitude to the Children’s Joy Foundation and GlobalGiving for an answered prayer that has restored what super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) took away from them.

In the afternoon, the CJFI team went to Mayorga, Leyte another town in the same province, also for the purpose of distribution of fishing boats. The team was met by town officials and residents who are all enthusiastic to receive their fishing boats purposely made for them by Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc and GlobalGiving.      The gratefulness and appreciation can be seen from the eyes of the residents.

There was an unexplained feeling of joy in our hearts as CJFI volunteers who have taken part in this mission knowing that we have been instrumental in the restoration of hope and life to this once stricken locality.

Day 4 of the Implementations, April 18, 2014, Brgy 77, Fatima, Tacloban, Leyte – After a series of livelihood project implementations, this time, it’s the Children’s Education that the Children’s Joy Foundation and GlobalGiving had worked on. We are turning-over a newly constructed, fully-furnished, Day Care Center for the benefit of the children in this chosen Barangay. A short turn-over program was done. The Barangay Captain and the Day Care worker who were both very happy about the project were there to finally receive it.  There were eighty children enrolled in the Day Care Center who will benefit from the project.

Day 5 of the Implementations, April 19, 2014, Brgy 74, Nula-Tula (Lower), Tacloban, Leyte –

Another turn-over ceremony of a newly constructed, fully furnished Day Care Center for the education of the children of this Barangay. Once again, the smiles of hope and gratitude flashed on the faces of beneficiaries as the never ending expression of thanks are expressed for the Children’s Joy Foundation and GlobalGiving. A sense of fulfillment filled our hearts as volunteers, we never felt tired, and we had a full day filled with joy.

Day 6 of the Implementations, April 20, 2014, Brgy. Sabang Daguitan, Dulag Leyte– The third building of newly constructed Day Care Center was officially accepted by the Barangay Council and the Day Care worker of this locality. Again a river of joy flows through hope filled faces of this once devastated area.

Aside from the Day Care Center, CJFI and Global Giving gave fishing boats to each of the three families who were identified to have dire need of livelihood assistance.

This is the end of our mission here, but it definitely is not the last because for as long as there are generous donors, GlobalGiving and the Children’s Joy Foundation, we will never tire becoming volunteers to extend our hand in helping out and giving hope, love and joy to our fellowmen.

A new day care center was constructed at Sitio Contract, Brgy. Salumay, Marilog District, Davao City last March 14, 2014, Friday.

It was established for free for the indigenous children of the said area and for them to gain more knowledge in learning despite of the financial problems they are currently facing.

“My eyes got teary when I saw people were constructing that school and realizing that it will be used by our children for free,” a mother, Joy Martorillas said.

The parents felt really happy and thankful for the construction of this day care center in their small village for the benefit of their children.

“They don’t need to wake up early anymore and walk for a few kilometers to reach their school. I’m very thankful to CJFI for this.” she added.

As an added present, CJFI gave more joy to the people around Brgy. Salumay when the foundation gave new slippers, toys, and school supplies to the children for the coming school year. CJFI even prepared a small feast that everyone present enjoyed.

By: Hannah Jane Calderon

Just recently Dell Giving announced that Children’s Joy Foundation Inc. is the recipient of a Dell Powering the Possible Learning grant of $181,487 US Dollars comprised of $56,081 US Dollars in funding and $125,406 of Dell computer products and accessories. Dell computer brand is one of the top 5 leading computer brands in the world today.

Mr. Richard Teo, the President of Dell Philippines relayed the information through his letter emailed to CJFI. He said that Dell is proud to continue to partner with Children’s Joy Foundation to reduce the digital divide and bring technology literacy and 21st century skills to more young people. Last year, CJFI was awarded by Dell Philippines to implement computer literacy project for CJFI beneficiaries and youth in the nearby communities. Two computer laboratories fixed with high end computer desktops and accessories connected to internet were set up in two child caring residential facilities of Children’s Joy located in Quezon City and Davao City in the Philippines. The project is very successful which has impacted to more than 1,200 students and youth as participants of regular computer classes. It also benefited to more than 2,000 students who availed the services of the 2 comlab for free for internet services. The success has paved the way for another grant awarded by Dell Giving.

The second grant has wider scope. It will cover the five (5) child caring residential facilities of CJFI located in 5 different cities of the Philippines to be able to reach out more number of youth and children in the countryside. Computer laboratories will be set up in CJFI centers which are expected to be launched in early September 2014. The project will directly benefit to 6,000 students and out of school youth as participants of regular computer classes in a span of 10 months. In addition, the project will impact also to more 2,000 students who will be given opportunity to use the comlab for research.

Dell and CJFI have agreed to bring the benefit of this project to Typhoon Yolanda victims in Tacloban City as a response to disaster victims as well as helping the local government in its recovery efforts. The project is aiming to serve more than 300 day care kids and more than 2,000 elementary and high school students who will attend the computer classes during Saturdays in a span of 10 months.

Ms Cherry Maliwanag, the Program Specialist of Dell Philippines is excited to be involved in this project, and to meet the new beneficiaries in the project areas. On the other hand, Madeleine Obsunar, a Day Care Worker in Tacloban City is also much excited because her day care center is among the recipient day care centers. This is a unique initiative and approach in helping the Yolanda victims, she told us.

The US Embassy in Manila (Philippines) in association with NBA Cares organized a basketball clinic for CJFI kids lead by Ex-NBA and WNBA players in August 15, 2014 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Rizal Sports Complex, Manila, Philippines. Sixty (60) CJFI kids of boys and girls coming from various child caring residential facilities of Children’s Joy have attended the clinic.

The day was a great and memorable day for CJFI kids who were fortunate to attend the basketball clinic with NBA and WNBA legends. The kids’ enthusiasm and joy were on a very high level that none of them felt the tiresome clinic activities that lasted for four hours without a halt. The kids enjoyed all the clinic plays and games. David Pagapulangan, a 10 year old CJFI kid said “masaya ako dahil first time ko makasali ng basketball clinic. Nakita ko mataas masyado na NBA player. (I am happy because this is my first time to join a basketball clinic. I met very tall NBA player.)

Giving the kids with fun was Derrick Alston, a 6’11” former NBA player who has played 3 NBA seasons with Philadelphia 76sers from 1994-1996. He has also played with Atlanta Hawks, after which Alston played several teams abroad, in Spain, Turkey, Russia, France, Argentina, and New Zealand which he was instrumental in helping the New Zealand Breakers Team to reach the play offs for the first time of the club history.

With Derrick Alston was ex-WNBA top player in her time, Allison Feaster who was the number 5 overall draft in 1998 who has played with Los Angeles Sparks, Indiana Fever and Charlotte Sting of WNBA. During her collegiate years with Harvard University, her Crimson Team became the first number 16 team to knock off the number 1 team in NCAA history where Crimson defeated Stanford 71-67 in 1998 where Feaster had 35 points and 13 rebounds.

Attended and supervising the activity was Ms Jenny Foltz, the Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in Manila. She said that the activity was part of the week-long series of activities organized by the US Embassy to promote sports to marginal children in the country. After the clinic, the US Embassy donated books, and basketball balls to CJFI.

CJFI was grateful to US Embassy for the opportunity giving the kids with a unique and a lasting memory that they would treasure in their lives. CJFI is looking forward for another avenue for kids to adventure with US Embassy. CJFI convey its sincere appreciation to Ms Pong Aureus, the Cultural Affairs Specialist for organizing the activity for Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc.

Just recently, GlobalGiving, a US based Foundation, headed by Ms Britt Lake, the Director of Programs and Ms Alison Carlman, the Senior Unmarketing Manager of GlobalGiving visited the CJFI assisted projects and communities affected by the typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda in Tacloban City and Leyte Province on October 17, 2014.

GlobalGiving has been supporting Children’s Joy Foundation in its relief operation in Tacloban and Leyte Province after Typhoon Haiyan made severe destructions to lives and properties when it landfall in Nov 8, 2013 in Tacloban City. A week after Haiyan, CJFI made massive relief assistance to victims of the typhoon. GlobalGiving provided crucial support to CJFI in its relief activities by extending financial assistance which enable CJFI to implement both immediate and long term assistance to affected families, children, and communities.

CJFI is now concentrating on its long term recovery program to Haiyan victims. As part of the long term recovery program, CJFI has constructed four day care centers to provide a sustainable avenue where small kid’s age 2-4 years will continue to attend mental and physical exercise in preparation for a formal schooling. CJFI also distributed fishing boats to several fishing families helping them regain back their lost livelihood after typhoon Haiyan turned their fishing boats to pieces wrecked by the powerful storm surge.

GlobalGiving visited all the project sites. They were impressed of the projects’ outcomes and impacts to the lives of Haiyan victims. The Day Care Centers have been in operation supporting hundreds of young kids. Britt Lake and Alison Carlman were so happy mingling with the small kids upon their visits in the Day Care Centers. GlobalGiving personnel also were delighted of the stories of success shared by the fishing boats recipients.

During the wrap up meeting after the visit, Britt Lake, the Director of Programs of GlobalGiving, has expressed their support to the long term recovery plan of CJFI to typhoon Haiyan victims. The recovery plan was packaged in a project proposal presented to GlobalGiving by CJFI. In this initiative, CJFI will continue to build 20 more day care centers, distribute additional 600 fishing boats, and conducts massive education and advocacy on risks reduction, disaster preparedness, and climate change to affected communities and families living in 8 municipalities including Tacloban City facing the Gulf of Leyte.

for more photos:
GlobalGiving Visited CJFI action Center Photos (facebook photos)
GlobalGiving Visited CJFI action Center Photos

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