The Open Heart Foundation (OHF) took the opportunity to visit and monitor coverage areas when the IATF travel restrictions eased a bit.
On December 2, 2021, the monitoring team (composed of Ma’am Linda, Susie, Jerry and Mark) went to Mati City, Davao Oriental. The team were assisted by CSWD SWO3 April Rabillo. Before they started the lined up activities, they conducted courtesy call first at the office of the honorable Mayor Michelle Rabat. Ma’am Linda discussed the programs and services which OHF has in Mati City as well as its progress. After the courtesy call, the team had lunch with the beneficiaries and Ms. Rabillo.
The meeting began at 1:00 PM which was held at Mati National Comprehensive High School. To start with, Hanni Melecio, OHYM Mati President, led an opening prayer. To give opportunity to know each other, Susie introduced the monitoring team to the beneficiaries. This was followed by an introduction of each beneficiary stating their name, course, and year level.
To address some issues and concerns, Susie initiated a rapport building/kumustahan with the beneficiaries. As stated, almost all of them has already adjusted to the online classes but still prefers face to face classroom setting because online schooling is quite challenging. However, this set up has taught them to be proactive and another advantage of this is that they can complete schooling at the comfort of their home. Most of them are graduating this school year 2021-2022 thus they are willing to do everything and make necessary adjustments to adapt in the new normal. Learning and coping were not easy in the midst of a pandemic but they chose to be optimistic despite the odds because they believe that these are meant to prepare and strengthen them.
The Executive Director, Ma’am Linda, also gave time to talk to the beneficiaries regarding special concerns particularly in getting their grades from the school. Ma’am Linda expressed her support to them regarding any help OHF could extend specifically on the aforementioned concerns as it is one of the requirements for continuing their scholarship support from OHF.
After discussing all the lined up agendas, Mark led the distribution of allowance with corresponding proof of acknowledgment.
At the end of the meeting, the beneficiaries had a group picture with the staff as well as with SWO3 April Rabillo.
There is incredible value in being of service to others that is why OHF is pleased with every visit it makes to the areas where it operates. In this way, we closely monitor the real and current situation of each child we support.
To God be all the glory!
Prepared by: Susie Bedia, Admin Officer
