Categories
calendar gallery news news-archive

Anniversary Celebration cum Outreach 2019

As part of the anniversary celebration, Open Heart Foundation (OHF) conducted an outreach cum psychosocial activities for children.

It was held on August 15, 2019 at Saclag Settlement, San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro. It was attended by OHF staff, board of trustees, volunteers and ECCD cluster coordinators.

Beneficiaries of the outreach activity were 150 children from daycare, kindergarten and grade 1 pupils for the psychosocial activities, fun games and prizes; and 150 families who received gift packs.

The team travelled five hours to reach the venue. When they arrived in San Teodoro, they immediately headed to the venue and conducted the outreach activity.

The team were divided into two groups; one group who organized the re-packing of grocery items and another group who conducted the psychosocial activity for children.

As one group busy on the repacking, the children’s group are enjoying the psychosocial activity cum play prepared by the staff. The children became more excited because each set of game has corresponding prizes. Prizes composed of cookies, cupcakes, toys and school supplies.

Even though the long travel, preparation and parlor games were tiring, it is not visible to the team because their hearts were filled with joy seeing the gratefulness displayed not only by the children who played with them but also by the adults who received the gift packs. This kind of happiness which money can’t buy -the joy of giving sacrifices and extending help for others.

Article prepared by Susie Bedia

*****

Categories
calendar gallery news news-archive

OHF 3rd Bowling Tournament 2019

To improve health and well-being and to boost employee engagement, the Open Heart Foundation conducted its annual bowling tournament.

In 2019, OHF was on its 3rd year in conducting this activity. The tournament had four teams composed of five team members from staff, ECCD teachers, volunteers and guests.

  • Team Blue Bird: Rosalinda Perez, Davilyn Fajardo, Farisa Baniaga, Dinaflor Basal, John Perez
  • Team Tweety Bird: Jerry Rosalejos, Abner Garote, Marivic Lucion, Mark Ben Dapilaga, Hanna Laganzon
  • Team Angry Bird: Nemencio Maloles, Jesusa Bedia, Jerry Tudtud, Criselda Talinga, Earl Castasus
  • Team Thunder Bird: Visimar Mimay, Cheryl Ocampo, Saleah Joy Uclusin, Miriam Molina, Jorem CagampanThe tournament was held at Puyat Bowling Lane, Ever Gotesco Mall, Commonwealth on March 14, May 9, July 3 and July 26.

    The Awarding of winners was held during Open Heart Foundation’s anniversary celebration on August 3, 2019 at Alex III Restaurant, West Fairview, Quezon City. The awarding was headed by the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees. Open Heart prepared cash prizes and trophies for the winners.

  • Best in Uniform: Team Blue Bird
  • 2nd Runner Up–Male Division: Jerry Rosalejos
  • 1st Runner Up–Male Division: Mark Ben Dapilaga
  • MVP–Male Division: Nemencio Maloles
  • 2nd Runner Up–Female Division: Jesusa Bedia
  • 1st Runner Up–Female Division: Criselda Talinga
  • MVP–Female Division: Rosalinda Perez
  • 3rd Runner Up–Team Division: Team Thunder Bird
  • 2nd Runner Up–Team Division: Team Angry Bird
  • 1st Runner Up–Team Division: Team Blue Bird
  • Team Champion: Team Tweety BirdArticle prepared by Susie Bedia

    *****

Categories
calendar gallery news news-archive

OHF 27th Founding Anniversary Celebration

To recognize the hard work of the workforce and all the people behind the success in the implementation of the vision, mission and goals of the Foundation, Open Heart Foundation (OHF) celebrated its 27th Founding Anniversary and in commemoration of the 19th Death Anniversary of its founder, Mr. Robert LeGore.

The celebration was held on August 3, 2019 at Alex III Restaurant, West Fairview, Quezon City with a thanksgiving mass, a short program and lunch.

It was attended by OHF staff, Executive Director (ED), Board of Trustee (BOT), ECCD teachers, volunteers, two German interns and invited guests. Mr. Rick Rey, one of OHF benefactors, also participated in the celebration.

The thanksgiving mass was officiated by a Priest from Good Shepherd Church in Quezon City.

After the thanksgiving mass, the ECCD teachers showcased a dance number. In between of the program, Ms. Saleah an OHF registered social worker offered a song number followed by Mr. Ginno Dizon with a couple of old songs which enjoyed by the audience. While Ginno was singing, the staff, ED, teachers and guests went on stage and dance.

To give some words of encouragement, Ms. Lilet Bermejo-OHF Vice Chairman of the Board, Ms. Linda Perez-OHF Executive Director, and Mr. Rick Rey-OHF Benefactor gave their messages of inspiration. Their words were about the expansion and promotion of OHF’s services to children and communities it serves. They also gave commendations to the workforce of the Foundation.

Sumptuous buffet lunch was served to everyone. While eating, the group took advantage of the time for fun and conversation. Enough time for such an opportunity.

After the sumptuous lunch, the group advanced to awarding. The ED and BOT awarded the Child Development Centers (CDC) who celebrated their years of partnership with OHF.
* Gospel Remnant CDC – OHF Partner since 2003
* Guardian Angel CDC – OHF Partner since 1997
* Libis CDC – OHF Partner since 1999
* Mabadan CDC – OHF Partner since 1999

OHF provided classroom equipment as reward to the center-awardees which they could use in their day care centers. Awarding of bowling winners followed wherein OHF prepared cash prizes and trophies for the winners. And of course, groupie will not be absent after every activity.

Congratulations to Open Heart Foundation and More Power!

Article prepared by Susie Bedia

*****

Categories
gallery news news-archive

Program Expansion in Eastern Visayas

Open Heart Foundation Worldwide, Inc. extends its services in Catarman, Northern Samar through partnership with its Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. This expansion is part of the foundation’s move in helping to alleviate poverty in the Philippines as Northern Samar is one of the poorest provinces. Believing that education is a powerful tool to overcome poverty, Open Heart Foundation open its services through the Children and Youth Development Program (CYDP) by giving educational assistance to incoming college students this school year 2019 – 2020.

Part of the visit in the area was monitoring the CYDP beneficiaries in neighboring municipalities like Lavezares in Northern Samar and Bulusan in Sorsogon.

Article prepared by Saleah Joy Uclusin, RSW

*****

Categories
gallery news news-archive

Romblon Monitoring Visit 2019

The Open Heart Foundation Worldwide, Inc. (OHFWI) conducts its regular monitoring in Sibuyan Romblon last April 10 – 11, 2019 now with, our partner and benefactor Rick and Mely Rey Foundation (RMRF) and together with two of our board members. Through the generosity of our benefactor, OHFWI opens 30 new slots for the deserving students who will enter college. The slots opened to the students of Romblon State University – San Fernando Campus and Lumbang East National High School. A total of 37 students will be supported in their college studies through Children and Youth Development Program.

Another highlight of the visit is the turnover of the donation to Lumbang East National High School. Rick and Mely Rey Foundation donated a cash for the completion of the school’s building that will accommodate senior high school students. Lumbang National High School is located in the middle of the mountains which caters hundreds of students so that they will no longer go to the municipality centre for their schooling. As Ms. Repiso, Principal of Lumbang East National High School, said that RMRF’s donation that was coursed through OHFWI is one of the great moves in the completion of their school project.

Article prepared by: Saleah Joy Uclusin, RSW

*****

Categories
gallery news news-archive

CYDP Expansion in Sarangani

In the pursuit of reaching out to more disadvantaged children and youth in the Philippines, the Open Heart Foundation Worldwide Inc. coordinated with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Saranggani Province last May 2018. In September 2018 the Open Heart team headed by the Executive Director, Ms. Rosalinda T. Perez, went to visit the provincial office for courtesy call to the PSWD – OIC Ms. Raquel S. Panal. She was very accommodating and happy for possible services that would be extended to the area. She has recommended the Municipality of Alabel and Malapatan and coordination in both municipalities were done.

On the same day, the OHF team were able to interview twenty seven (27) applicants for educational support. In Malapatan, most of the applicants belong to the Blaan tribe.   Blaan is a coined word “bla” and “an”.  “Bla” means counterpart or pair and suffix “an” expressing ownership or possession.   When joined together, Blaan, means our counterpart tribe.

Out of the 27 applicants, fifteen (15) of them got to the final list and have met the requirements of the Foundation: 5 from Alabel and 10 from Malapatan.

Last December 17, 2018, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office facilitated the MOA between the beneficiaries together with their parent/guardian and OHF.  The release of the monetary assistance was done by the PSWDO Sarangani as seen through attached photos.

Article by: Saleah Joy Uclusin, RSW

*****

Categories
gallery news news-archive

Outreach Project of Living Waters Church

The Open Heart Foundation Worldwide, Inc. (OHFWI) successfully welcomed a new year with a back to back outreach project through the initiative of Living Waters Church – Pennsylvania and Let’s Share Foundation Inc.

This has been the tradition of the team to bring joy to the children every January. For this year, the team’s main agenda for the visit is to share the love of God to the children and victims of injustice. They also advocate in promoting health through education awareness of proper hygiene with the children.

The team distributed school supplies to 35 children in Payatas, 75 children in Reception and Study Center for Children in Quezon City, 75 Aeta children in Palauig, Zambales, and 200 in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. They also shared their time with the victims of sexual exploitation, who are in the in custody of ECPAT Philippines.

This was a coordinated project with OHFWI, Living Waters Church and Let’s Share Foundation. Their annual visit to the country is significant and plays a huge role in promoting the welfare and empowerment of children in fulfillment of OHFWI’s mission.

Article prepared by Saleah Joy Uclusin, RSW

*****

Categories
gallery news news-archive

Children’s Month Celebration in Romblon

[widgetkit id=”59″ name=”Children’s Month Celebration in Romblon”]

Because of the cooperation and strong relationship of each beneficiaries, we Open Heart Youth Movement Romblon came up with an activity for the children and their parents, as celebration for children’s month. Early morning of November 17, 2018, we started preparing, by doing our assigned tasks: some prepared the gifts, the games, and the food that we would give to our participants. Every one of us did our tasks happily that’s why we finished the preparation early, then proceeded to our venue, in Lagting. We were even accompanied by our beloved guidance counselor, Ms. Molo. While we were on our way, we encountered children who are malnourished and with no clothing, we also invited them to join our activity because we want them to feel happy though our gifts.

When we arrived at the venue, the chieftain, who is a father of one OHF beneficiaries, warmly welcomed us together with many children and their parents. One of the elders showcased their tribe dance as a sign of our acceptance in their area. Lagting is a place which is far from civilization of the municipal center of San Fernando, Romblon. It is located 3km away from the barangay Poblacion. It is a place where the indigenous people live, called Mangyan. We have seen how the tribe respected each other, their culture and their beliefs.

When we officially started the program, Jessica Roda opened it with a prayer then followed by a simple speech by Ms. Molo. Marvin Iyas then gave the lecture about disaster preparedness during an earthquake. Everyone is interested about the topic and even asked questions and also shared their ideas about the topic. During our games activity, the children enjoyed their experience that even their parents joined the games too. After the games, we gave our simple gifts and some food. Everyone in the community was really happy and thankful, specially their chieftain saying it is their first time to experience it and that a foundation came to visit them, it is a great help to their community.

The Open Heart Youth Movement Romblon is really thankful to all the staff and people behind the foundation who supporting and helping us more than just financially but to pay back and help other community. This experience is memorable and incomparable.

Article by:  Jessica Roda, OHYM Romblon

*****

Categories
gallery news news-archive

Simultaneous Cleanup Drive by OHF Youth Movement

[widgetkit id=”53″ name=”OHYM Cleanup 2018″]

A day of a simultaneous cleanup drive was conducted in three different areas on October 28, 2018. This is an initiative of the officers and members of the Open Heart Youth Movement; an organized children and youth group of the Open Heart Foundation.

For Quezon, in Palawan they have identified the bliss site. This area is similar to the slum area in the metro. It is rarely cleaned by concerned individuals. The Open Heart Youth Movement then decided to extend their free time to do a cleanup in the area especially the road canals.

For Manila beneficiaries, Dakota and Quirino streets in Malate, Manila, was the place they have reached out. This place is near their respective communities. The area is often cleaned by street sweepers but during this day while the street sweepers were on rest day, they have taken the responsibility to do the task.

For Binan, Laguna beneficiaries, the flooded prone area in Barangay Dela Paz was their place for the community cleanup. It is near the vicinity of school which was long submerged in water. Several streets where also cleaned up. Together with some parents and staff the activity transpired.

Kudos to all these young men and women of the Foundation. More community outreach to extend in our respective communities. We always got your back!

Article by: Visimar Mimay, CYDP Program Manager

*****

Categories
calendar gallery news news-archive

Coastal Clean Up in Romblon

[widgetkit id=”62″ name=”Coastal Clean Up in Romblon”]

Ocean provides us lot of things. It is vast, wide, and deep that nurture different kind of living things. Its beauty captivated our naked eyes. Therefore, it needs care, love and protection to make it clean and beautiful up to the next generation.

Last October 18, 2018, the Open Heart Youth Movement in Romblon conducted an activity held at Pantalan of Poblacion, San Fernando, Romblon. This activity was coastal clean-up. We heard the cry of nature that it needs us to protect, love, and care. To show our love to our mother nature we conducted this activity. This was a small activity with the purpose of awakening youths and the people nearby the coastal area that even a simple way of cleaning the seashore makes a big impact to the nature. Cleaning plastics and plastic containers along the shore will help and rescue the sea to make it hospitable for the creatures living in it. There are news that endangered species of sharks and whales die because of plastics they accidentally swallowed from the sea.

The Open Heart Youth Movement – Romblon started the clean-up at 7:00 in the morning. We gathered garbage like plastic cans, tin cans, plastic cups, plastic bags, dried leaves, and etc. we put it in sacks and segregated for disposal. The clean-up ended at around 11:00 in the morning. As we finished the activity, we feel very happy and fulfilled seeing the clean seashore and realizing that in the simple way we already helped our environment.

A simple move makes a big impact if you have a team that helps and supports you all the time.

*****