Author: openheartadmin

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Staff Development

OHF Staff Yearend Get Together

Christmas is not only giving presents but also being present.

Christmas activities bring people together and strengthen their spirits, despite a fast-changing and challenging environment.  After a few tough years, the Christmas party is a great opportunity to celebrate the past year’s successes and remind employees why they enjoy working for the organization.

The Open Heart Foundation held a yearend get-together on December 20 at the main office.  It was attended by the staff and ECCD teachers.  The activity started with an opening prayer led by teacher Miriam Molina.  At the onset, everyone practiced a series of Tagalog and English Christmas songs for the caroling that would take place for the Board of Trustees (BOT).  Then they video a full performance of it to send to BOTs overseas.

At lunchtime, everyone happily shared a hearty meal.  The Executive Director, Ms. Linda Perez, gave a Christmas message and well wishes to all.  When it comes to Christmas, the gifts cannot be left out of the picture, so the program includes the exchange of gifts where everyone gave their own gift. But before giving it to their “monito/monita” they first gave a little description and a Christmas wish for him/her.  It was a joy to see the happy faces while giving the gifts.  Mr. Frank Diaz also rendered a couple of Christmas songs to entertain the group.

After the get-together, the group headed to Tagaytay to carol at one of our BOTs, at the house of Ms. Marlyn Fernando.  Despite the cold weather, the group warmly expressed their gratitude by singing Christmas songs.  We were warmly welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Fernando, they prepared snacks and gifts for us. The group went home full of fun and laughter because of this new experience.

This day reminded us of how Christmas is so much more than just giving gifts. Activities such as this are a great way to bring people together, serve, and share blessings.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Prepared by: Jesusa Bedia, Admin Officer 1

Categories
Outreach Activity

Pamaskong Handog in Bolinao Pangasinan

Last December 15, 2022, the Open Heart Foundation celebrated Christmas thru a service project instead of a Christmas party which the foundation used to have. This was done through a gift-giving entitled “Pamaskong Handog” at Brgy. Binabalian Bolinao, Pangasinan, a joint project with Ms. Nelia Tabios-Bautista for 200 identified families at Brgy. Binabalian, Bolinao, Pangasinan.

Before the program started, the OHF team went to the Municipality of Bolinao to pay a courtesy call to Mayor Alfonso Celeste M.D., and through his help, the team availed the free barge transport to Brgy. Binabalian.

The barangay identified 200 indigent families as recipients of the grocery donation. As the program started, the Executive Director shared her motivational talk with everyone and greeted them with a Jolly Merry Christmas. Right after the intermission number of OHF RSW Frank Diaz, the distribution of the grocery package for selected 200 residents in Brgy. Binabalian Bolinao Pangasinan was distributed with the help of the OHF team and also the barangay personnel. 

You could see through their faces how happy and grateful they were as they received their early Christmas gift. Some expressed their thankful heart by saying “Yes may pang handa na kami sa pasko”.

Truly, giving from the heart fills your life with joy and nourishes your soul. And the experience witnessed today is far more valuable than the gift. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others.”

Prepared By: Maejorie U. Ortega, RSW, Program Area Coordinator 1

Categories
Outreach Activity

Gift Giving in Oriental Mindoro

Every holiday season, it has been a tradition of the Open Heart Foundation Worldwide Inc. (OHFWI) to spread and share its blessings to its chosen beneficiaries. For this year, partnered with the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) in continuing this annual routine.

The last stretch of Open Heart Foundation’s Gift Giving Activity was conducted last December 5-6, 2022 in Oriental Mindoro. Our partner school, Mindoro State University, once again proved our strong partnership. Through close coordination with our very active coordinators, Ms. Evelyn Leynes, OSAS Coordinator, MinSU Main Campus, and Mr. Alexies Fortunato, OSAS Coordinator of MinSU Calapan Campus, and the constant support of both campus’ Executive Directors and the University President, Dr. Levy B. Arago, Jr.

The organization was gladly welcomed in the Main Campus of Mindoro State University in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro last December 5, 2022. In his message, the Vice President for Academic Affairs of MinSU, Victoria Campus, Dr. Nemesio H. Davalos uttered his appreciation to OHFWI and ICTSI for choosing their students as beneficiaries for the activity.

In her message last December 6, 2022, during the gift-giving activity in Mindoro State University, Calapan Campus, Ma. Arlyn M. Redublo, Ph. D., Campus Executive Director also articulated her gratitude to OHFWI and ICTSI for choosing their students as recipients of the gift packs. According to her, this will be a great help for their students.

Two of our very own graduates from Mindoro State University, Calapan Campus, briefly shared their journey of being scholars of OHFWI. Regino Dagos, a graduate of Batch 2022, said, “Being in the OHFWI scholarship will allow you to achieve your goals in life. Be committed to reaching your dreams because OHFWI is always at your back, supporting you until your dreams are within your arm’s reach.  In return for the assistance you will gain, always be kind, and try to extend your helping hands to those in need.”.  Angel Lampasa, also a graduate of Batch 2022, underscored how OHFWI helped her in reaching her goal to graduate from college. According to her, “Open Heart ang isa sa mga naging kaagapay ko sa aking pag-aaral. Lumipas man ang panahon ay mananatili ang aking/aming taos-pusong pasasalamat.” The testimonies of our graduates from MinSU reassured the organization that we are moving forward in empowering the children and youth of today.

Executive Director, Ms. Rosalinda Perez, extended her gratitude for the unending support of the institution to the organization. Because of their support, OHFWI wouldn’t be able to implement its Children and Youth Development Program and activities like this one where we spread the true meaning of this season– sharing gifts, and spreading love.

Prepared by:  Jay Frank A. Diaz, RSW, Program Area Coordinator 1

Categories
Outreach Activity

Thanksgiving Through Gift Giving in North Fairview, Quezon City

“Christmas is giving” so to speak.

‘Thanksgiving thru gift giving’ is a corporate social responsibility project of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) with the Open Heart Foundation.

The initial partnership with ICTSI started in the year 2020 when they conducted the first “PAMASKONG HANDOG” in Brgy. Rosario, Rodriguez Rizal, a barangay supported by OHF. This year, they again granted our project proposal for another gift-giving this Christmas season. This time, Open Heart identified Barangay North Fairview, Quezon City as the recipient of the project.

On November 29, 2022, OHFWI in partnership with ICTSI distributed 250 grocery packages to the families of Brgy. North Fairview, Quezon City. Further, to share the blessings, Open Heart Foundation raffled off for 20 pairs of Vans Shoes from Vans Philippines, while the Rotary Club of Neopolitan Fairview gave the beneficiaries their snacks.

Alone we can do so little. Together, we can do so much. The Open Heart Foundation would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to our Sponsors International Container Terminal Services, Inc. Foundation (ICTSI), Rotary Club Neopolitan Fairview, Brgy. North Fairview and the OHF Staff who generously share their blessings, talents, and time resources for this event to happen.

Prepared by: Maejorie U. Ortega, RSW, Program Area Coordinator 1

Categories
Monitoring

Monitoring Visit in Boac, Marinduque

On November 8, 2022, the Open Heart team went to Boac, Marinduque, and had a chance to meet and know the President of the Marinduque State College named President Diosdado P. Zulueta, the meeting proceeded to get to know each other, give him ideas on what the mission, vision, programs, and Services of the foundation and how can the foundation and the school can work together.

After the meeting with the president the team proceed to the Culture and Arts AVR to meet the 8 OHF beneficiaries at Marinduque. To get to know more about the beneficiaries the assigned coordinator started to give them a short activity “Blob Tree” this activity is a tool that can be used to help students articulate their feelings and help facilitate their development. The beneficiaries first share basic information about themselves, and how the foundation helps them individually, and their family. Most of them express their feelings and attitude as they did the activity some shared their struggles in life. It feels the strong emotions in the room as they started to share, but the Executive Director shared an inspirational message with them and help them to ease the heaviness in their heart.

To cheer them up, since the VANS donated the shoes to the Open Heart Foundation it was decided to give 2 pairs of shoes to every beneficiary of the foundation. All of the 8 Beneficiaries in the Marinduque area and also the Volunteer coordinator received 1 pair of shoes at the same time set of Loreal makeup kits. Then followed by the distribution of allowance.

As the Meeting Adjourned, the Volunteer Coordinator Sir Arnel told us to stay and watched the performance they prepared called “PUTONG” a ceremony occasionally performed in the Province of Marinduque, Philippines, in which visitors are honored and welcomed. The ceremony takes the form of the eponymous song which is a call for “thanksgiving, hope, and prayer for a long, blessed life”

Before we went back to Manila on November 9, 2022 at 11:00 AM we had a chance to conduct a courtesy call with the Mayor of Boac, Marinduque. The Executive Director informed the Mayor that the partnership with Boac, Marinduque would be more binding if there will be an MOU, where the responsibility of each stakeholder will be specified. The Mayor agreed and very much willing to do a Memorandum of Agreement.

Prepared by: Maejorie U. Ortega, RSW, Program Area Coordinator 1

Categories
news-archive Outreach Activity

The Greatest Joy in Life is Giving

Severe Tropical Storm Paeng (Nalgae) made its fourth landfall in Santa Cruz, Marinduque, at 8:40 am on Saturday, October 29. By 10 AM on Saturday, Paeng was already in the vicinity of Santa Cruz’s neighboring municipality, Mogpog, and many families got affected by the severe rainfall caused by flashfloods and landfalls.

The Open Heart Foundation did not miss the chance to grab this opportunity to help other people who are in need. One member of our Board of Trustees, Ms. Rovelita Bermejo who came from the area informed that one of the Barangays of Marinduque devastated by flash flood was Brgy. Nangka 1, Mogpog, Marinduque.

Last November 8, 2022, at 10: 00 in the morning before the monitoring visit at  Boac Marinduque, the Open Heart team went to Brgy. Nangka 1 Mogpoc, Marinduque to give simple relief goods to 100 families. The Executive Director shared her inspiring message that gave to strengthen the resolve of people affected by the calamity and move forward with hope. 

The goods were distributed orderly with the help of the Brgy. Kagawad Lorna O. Marciano, other officials of the Barangay and the OHF Team.

Prepared By: Maejorie U. Ortega, RSW, Program Area Coordinator 1

Categories
Monitoring

Monitoring Visit in Sagay, Negros Occidental

After 2 years, OHF finally met again the CYDP scholars on September 9, 2022 at the Session Hall of the Sagay City Hall.  14 scholars and parents attended the said activity together with Ms. Janice Cajulao, Head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.  The OHF team was led by the Executive Director, Ma’am Linda Perez and the Secretary to the Board, Ma’am Marlyn Fernando. 

The ‘kamustahan’ activity facilitated by the Program Area Coordinator, Ms. Janette Corollo, RSW was an opportunity for OHF to know more about the scholars’ experiences and challenges in transitioning to the hybrid academic set-up at present.  Also, the parents’ thoughts were gathered about how the Foundation’s support /assistance helped sustain the educational needs of their children. 

A newly graduated scholar, Lovernie Remata with a BS in Hospitality Management course from Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology was present.  She gave a message of thanks to the Foundation which has given her inspiration, additional strength, and confidence in pursuing her dream.  She believes that without OHF’s support she will not be able to sustain her educational needs because of the struggle they faced during the pandemic.     

The partnership with the CSWDO, scholars, and their parents, was renewed with the signing of the Kasunduan for the SY2022-2023.  This agreement stated program policies, benefits, and responsibilities of both students and parents under the program.  Ma’am Linda Perez encouraged the students to be diligent with their studies, as their hard work will surely pave the way to their goals.  She confirms OHF’s continued support of their studies until they finish college as long as they abide to the program policies.  Ma’am Marlyn Fernando, after sharing an inspirational message to the students, also encouraged the parents to continue to support their children, as they will surely pay forward to the family when they graduate, just like Lovernie.

The scholars received their school allowances together with a pair of Vans shoes.  Meanwhile, in appreciation of the usual support and assistance of the Volunteer Coordinator, Ms. Janice Cajulao, OHF gave her our token of appreciation – a pair of Van shoes and a bag of Loreal products from OHF’s sponsors.   

After the meeting, the OHF team and the scholars had a courtesy call with Mayor Narwin Javelosa of Sagay City.  He welcomed OHF who had been the city’s partner since 2019 as he looks forward to the expansion of other programs for his constituents.    

Prepared by: Janette C. Corollo, RSW,  Program Area Coordinator 1

Categories
Uncategorized

Monitoring Visit in Murcia, Negros Occidental

On September 8, right after OHF’s service mission (Medical and Dental Mission) in Barangay Blumentritt concluded, OHF had a meeting with the 8 CYDP scholars and their parents/guardians. 

The meeting was held at 1:30 pm in their Municipal Library.  LGU Murcia has been its partner in monitoring the scholars since the program started in their municipality in September 2019.  OHF was very happy to meet them again after 2 years of strict community quarantines and travel restrictions due to the pandemic. 

Program Area Coordinator, Janette Corollo congratulated the group for surpassing another academic year with their hard work and perseverance in their studies.  She also welcomed the 3 newly admitted to the program for SY2021-2022. 

OHF Executive Director, Ma’am Linda Perez, encouraged everyone to continue pursuing their dreams while OHF continues to guide and support their education by providing a monthly school allowance.  She reassures 3 of 5 graduating students this school year of continued support for their supplemental units for a term in preparation for taking the licensure exam for teachers. Moreover, she encouraged them to enjoy the fruit of their hard work and help their respective families when they work in the future, their way of paying forward to OHF’s support. 

The scholars received their allowances together with a pair of Vans shoes.  All were excited as they fit and posed for the camera with the new pair of shoes – something they can use in school now that face-to-face classes resume.   

OHF appreciates the partnership with LGU Murcia for 3 years through the unwavering assistance of the Volunteer Coordinator, Ms. Nesaleh Peraren.  She was also given a pair of Van shoes and bag of Loreal products.  These are donations to Open Heart Foundation. 

Prepared by: Janette C. Corollo, RSW, Program Area Coordinator 1

                                                                                                              

Categories
Medical Mission news-archive

Medical/Dental Missions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in celebration of OHF’s 30th Founding Anniversary

The Open Heart Foundation Worldwide Inc. celebrated its 30th Founding Anniversary this August 2022.  With the theme, ‘OHF’s 30th: Reliving the Bayanihan Spirit Amidst the Pandemic,’ Medical and Dental Missions were conducted in the three main groups of islands in the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These missions were undertaken in partnership with the respective local government units in the three identified locations. 

For Luzon, it was held at Barangay Madatag, Kabugao, Apayao on August 11, 2022 benefitting 300 residents (150 adults and 150 children). Residents from Bgy Madatag and four other barangays were identified by the Health Workers of the Rural Health Unit as recipients of said services. Medical personnel from Apayao Provincial Hospital and Conner District Hospital, together with OHF volunteer physicians Dr. Daniel John Perez, Dr. Janica Caye Posadas, and Dr. Janela Aubrey Palce served as physicians during the missions.

For Visayas, the medical and dental mission was held at Barangay Blumentritt Murcia, Negros Occidental on September 8, 2022.  The Municipal Health Office, headed by Dr. Raymund Antonio Maguad served together with their medical team composed of 2 physicians, 15 nurses, and 4 midwives.  The Provincial Health Office thru Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Dr. Ernell Tumimbang tapped six volunteer dentists and one dental aide. Three hundred recipients (150 adults and 150 children) from Barangay Blumentritt, the largest barangay in the municipality benefitted from the activity. 

For Mindanao, the service project took place in Barangay Magkalungay, an Indigenous People’s community in San Fernando Bukidnon on August 31, 2022.  A total of 200 residents (100 adults and 100 children) were the recipients of the medical mission.  The Provincial Health Office, headed by Dr. Maria Algerlina Edma served during the mission together with their rural and barangay health workers.

Local Government partners in the three areas provided medical and dental volunteers including transportation. Military armed men also accompanied the Open Heart team in San Fernando, Bukidnon to ensure their safety.  Free medical consultations and medicines were provided to those in need.  Dental services include free dental examinations, tooth extraction, and oral health education.  

The LGUs thanked the Open Heart Foundation for choosing their areas in the conduct of the medical and dental missions. These activities reflected the “BAYANIHAN spirit,  a ‘spirit of civic unity and cooperation among Filipinos.  The Open Heart Foundation worked closely with these government agencies/ offices in bringing basic health services to children and their families.

All for God’s glory.

Categories
Monitoring news-archive

Monitoring Visit in Mati City, Davao Oriental

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