The continuing challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic did not deter the Open Heart Foundation from continuing its mission of advocating and promoting the rights and welfare of children. This year is another milestone in its history…30th founding anniversary.
On August 6, 2022, the Open Heart Foundation (OHF) celebrated its 30th Founding Anniversary and also commemorated the 22nd death anniversary of its generous founder, Atty. Robert LeGore through a Thanksgiving mass. This was held at the North Fairview Subdivision Clubhouse in Quezon City and was attended by the Board of Trustees, the OHF staff, ECCD teachers, Open Heart Youth Movement (OHYM) alumni, college beneficiaries, network partners, and friends.
The theme of this year’s celebration: “OHF’s 30th: Reliving the Bayanihan Spirit Amidst the Pandemic.
The first part of the program honored the memory of Mr. Robert LeGore by marching his portrait near the altar with a flower offering. Following this was the Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Noel Tatoy when he challenged the OHF workforce to do the best they could with open hearts and open minds and spread the mission left by the Founder.
The second part of the program was led by Frank Diaz and Maejorie Ortega who served as masters of ceremony. The program started with an opening message by OHF Executive Director, Ms. Linda Perez, and included in her speech are the upcoming medical and dental mission projects of OHF as a service project to celebrate the 30th year of the Foundation’s existence. These medical and dental missions will be conducted in identified venues, one in Luzon, another in Visayas, and one more in Mindanao in the months of August and September.
The CYDP beneficiaries rendered an intermission/dance number entitled “Kabataang Pinoy” where some OHF staff also joined them in dancing.
The celebration at the North Fairview was highlighted by the launching of the OHYM Hymn entitled “Salamat Open Heart” and the Open Heart Foundation Hymn.
The lyrics of the OHYM Hymn was drafted after a Song-Writing Workshop which was conducted by the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde and was attended by some of the OHF college beneficiaries and OHF program area coordinators. To show appreciation for the hard work of these beneficiaries, OHF allocated resources to improve their output. The OHYM Hymn was launched at the anniversary and the reaction of the people who watched it was rewarding. After the launching, the Executive Director gave a token of appreciation to the three CYDP beneficiaries (Wowie Mapakit, Jayson Tapong, and Lovely Tutor) who sang the OHYM hymn.
As for Open Heart Foundation Hymn, this depicts the dream and aspirations of the Foundation. This song is dedicated by OHF to the beneficiaries and communities it serves. It can be said that this is the realization of a dream that has been dreamed for a long time even during the leadership of OHF’s former executive director, Ms. Nory Tabios.
Another anticipated part of the program was the awarding of prizes. An award was given to Janette Corollo who got the most number of votes for her theme entry entitled “OHF’s 30th: Reliving the Bayanihan Spirit amidst the Pandemic. She received a cash award for this. Years of Service Awards were given to two OHF staff for their years of dedicated and committed service for the realization of OHF’s vision, mission, and goals. The awardees were Nemencio Maloles for his 15 years of service, and Ma’am Linda Perez for her 10 years of service. Both Awardees received a Plaque of Loyalty and a cash reward.
Open Heart believes in the proverb that “All work and no play makes Juan a dull boy”; the reason why the Foundation opened the OHF 4th Bowling Tournament which started in March and ended in July this year. Winners were awarded trophies and cash prizes (runners-up, MVPs, and champions) to recognize their sports prowess.
A slide presentation was also prepared for the awarding of Certificates of Appreciation to OHF’s network partners all over the Philippines who generously share their expertise and resources with the foundation.
For added enjoyment, OHF raffled off shoes and household items courtesy of Vans Philippines, Mr. and Mrs. Danilo and Linda Perez, and of course, the Open Heart Foundation.
Before the program ended, the OHF Board of Trustees, Ms. Lilet Bermejo, and Atty. Taya Guinto, gave inspiring messages and challenges for the workforce.
Indeed, the Open Heart family is so grateful for the legacy of its founder, Mr. Robert LeGore, whose spirit lives on thru the foundation. In this milestone that OHF has achieved, rest assured that the foundation will remain committed to achieving responsible and excellent service for the empowerment of children and youth.
Happy 30th Anniversary, Open Heart Family!
Prepared by: Jesusa Bedia, Admin Officer
