The Open Heart Foundation (OHF) conducted a monitoring visit in Mati City, Davao Oriental on August 24, 2022, spearheaded by the Executive Director, Ms. Linda Perez. With her team are Mr. Jerry Rosalejos, Mr. Mark Dapilaga and Ms. Susie Bedia.
The OHF team paid a courtesy call at the office of Ms. Mae Belle Fontillas, the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office Head. OHF team and Ms. Mae Belle discussed the possibility of covering the partnership with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) so as to establish a strong partnership and promote collaborative and strategic engagement with them. The team also provided a copy of the 2021 annual report and brochure for additional information that might be needed in drafting the MOU.
After the courtesy call, the OHF team met with the CYDP Mati beneficiaries. The objectives of the meeting were to get updates, discussed issues and concerns encountered by the scholars, congratulated the new graduates, and released their allowance. Ma’am Linda gave her words of advice and encouragement to everyone. She challenged the graduates to work even harder because graduation is not the end but a beginning of another chapter in one’s life to become more responsible and more responsive to emerging needs. One is to help their families when they find jobs and help support their siblings in their studies. Each graduate also expressed their gratitude to the Foundation for all the financial support and assistance they received since they became OHF beneficiaries. Ms. April Rabillo, SWO3 of the CSWD office, also gave a message of support for the work of OHF for the youth of Mati City. Distribution of allowances and graduation fees followed after all the meeting agenda. The beneficiaries also received their pairs of shoes from the donation of Vans Philippines. The group enjoyed a sumptuous lunch while having tete-a-tete with their seatmates and fellow beneficiaries.
The next item on the team’s itinerary was to interview applicants at the Mati National Comprehensive High School for a new batch of beneficiaries who will be awarded with educational sponsorship. This is to fill in the remaining slots reserved for the area. The team was assisted by the School Principal, Ms. Alicia Astronomo. 13 applicants were interviewed and deliberation will be done at the Fairview office back in Manila.
The team completed the entire lineup of activities and everyone was grateful to all the people who helped to accomplish the planned activities.
Prepared by: Jesusa Bedia, Admin Officer/OIC Mati City
