Category: Monitoring

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

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

Just like a smooth sail after the heavy rain, the same feeling we felt after almost 3 years of waiting to conduct this monitoring visit in San Fernando, Romblon. It’s always smoother to conduct an activity in face-to-face mode.

The baby faces whom we interviewed before are now on their last year in tertiary education and some are about to graduate.

During the visit which was held on May 24, 2022, preliminary activities were done. A short activity of human bingo brought a lighter mood among the beneficiaries for they were all eager to know more about the talents and experiences of their fellow scholars. Seeing them face to face and interacting with them in the same environment bring a different level of interaction and communication.  

One of the purposes of the monitoring visit is to gather students’ and parents’ feedback/evaluation for the School Year 2021-2022. This is one way of knowing what aspects we need to improve on and aspects to continue. Some scholars shared their struggles and how they survived the crucial times. It has been a challenging year for those who had their practicum and on-the-job training off-campus. But all hardships paid off when 2 from the Graduating batch got the award of  Cum Laude, Ms. Meljoy Ticala and Cindy Romlon. Also, Ferlyn Monton and Rocelyn Rino got the award With Distinction and our 3rd-year scholars, Mr. Mark Encinares, Carra Shanen N. Rezano, and Claudine R. Banzuelo are Dean’s Listers.

The parents also shared the struggles and challenges they encountered and how they overcame them for they became stronger and more ready to face whatever comes.   They acknowledged the financial assistance and the learnings of their children from the organization during the virtual meetings and activities. All parents and graduates of Batch 2022 shared the joy they feel with a thankful heart.

The Program Area Coordinator shared a motivational story entitled “The Group of Frogs”. The moral value of the story is: there is no gain without pain. So always try harder to achieve success despite what life offers you. Always remember as well that yourself is your greatest enemy when you feed yourself with negative thoughts. If you feel discouraged, take time to talk to yourself and be motivated to do more. Never get tired to reach your goal.

Mark Encinaries shared his thoughts and learning insights as well. Also, he suggested that they would love to invite some friends and requested leadership training for the next webinar of Open Heart Foundation.

The selection of new officers for the Open Heart Youth Movement for Romblon was conducted since most of the officers are about to graduate. Officers are, President: Mark Angelo Encinares,V-President: Janette O. Rago,Secretary: Carra Shannen N. Rezano,Treasurer: For San Fernando: Claudine Banzuelo,For Cajidiocan: Gabrielle Hannah Rey,Auditor: Christine Jane Rey and P.I.O. : Jun Carlo Regla.

Ms. Rosalinda Tabios-Perez, the Executive Director of the Open-Heart Foundation cited that she wants all the scholars to become successful someday, finish their studies and find decent jobs so that they may be able to help their families in the future. That was the goal of the Open Heart Foundation, to help one student in a family and that scholar will alleviate her family from the clutches of poverty. They must pay it forward to their siblings and other families as well. To the graduating batch, she challenged them to strive further, because finishing their college education is just the beginning of their life’s journey. They are expected to lead their communities in the future.

After the activity, OHF Finance Staff, Markben Dapilaga disbursed their monthly allowance and distributed also the small token for the volunteer coordinators of San Fernando and Cajidiocan Romblon.

The Open Heart Scholars of San Fernando and Cajidiocan Romblon with their parents and OHF Volunteers and from Left (sited) Ms. Wilhelmina Molo, Dr. Emelia B. Ramos-The RSU Campus Director, Ms. Rosalinda Perez-OHF Executive Director and Davilyn Fajardo-Program Area Coordinator.

The 10 college beneficiaries from Catarman, Northern Samar together with their parents finally met with the OHF team led by ED Linda Perez and Program Area Coordinator (PAC), Janette Corollo in a face-to-face meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at the MSWD Office of Catarman.  This meeting is the first since the students’ admission to the program because of travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic. 

The scholarship started in Catarman, Northern Samar in June 2019 through the coordination with the LGU and Ms. Irmina Delorino, Municipal Social Welfare Development Officer.  10 deserving students are supported in their studies through monthly school allowances.  Most of them are studying at the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), a state university located in the municipality. 

Though there were no monitoring visits conducted for the 2 years, OHF’s support for their studies continues.  Communication is maintained through social media platforms and virtual meetings.  The beneficiaries’ commitment to the Foundation is shown in their cooperation, determination, and perseverance despite facing challenges to adapt to new normal learning. 

The meeting is also a celebration for the recently concluded school year where two of the scholars graduated.  Maria Rosalina Tanzo finished BS Community Development while John Renz Lawrence Alfonso graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Bachelor in Secondary Education major in Filipino.   Both shared about their journey as students and plans for their future as they are expected to enter the workforce.

Parents and beneficiaries expressed overwhelming feelings of happiness, relief, and gratitude to the Foundation.  Their words of appreciation and the tears of joy shed as they share the journey are deeply felt.  This inspires the Foundation to continue to serve more deserving children and families to have better opportunities ahead. 

This is not only OHF’s success but more so, to the beneficiaries who worked hard to sow their future, and their parents, who walked hand-in-hand and supported their children’s endeavors. Cheers to this first face-to-face meeting, that is surely one of the best experiences worth sharing!

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

On June 1, 2022, the Open Heart Foundation (OHF) team led by its Executive Director, Mrs. Rosalinda T. Perez, went to Bangued, Abra and had a meeting with beneficiaries in the area. Due to the pandemic and travel restrictions for two years, online communication has been a great help for the continuous monitoring of these beneficiaries. The strong partnership between the LGU of Bangued and the Open Heart Foundation resulted in well-monitored program implementation. OHF is grateful for the assistance of the LGU  MSWD Officer, Ms. Aiza Borgonia and volunteer coordinator  Ma’am Myrna Borgonia who supervised them. It was only during this time that the OHF team had a chance to meet with them again face to face.

During the meeting, the beneficiaries shared updates on their studies and the challenges they encountered during their online and modular classes. Two of the beneficiaries were expected to graduate on June 24. We also discussed their plans to conduct a community project as members of the Open Heart Youth Movement.

Moreover, one of the agenda of the meeting was to gather student’s feedback of their experiences in the program for the SY 2021-2022. Through this evaluation, we will know what areas that need improvement and aspects to continue.

Highlighting the activity was the words of encouragement from Ma’am Linda. It was also during the meeting where the student-beneficiaries received their monthly allowance facilitated by OHF’s finance bookkeeper Mark Ben. Likewise, a token of appreciation was given to the volunteer coordinator.

Prepared by: Cheryl P. Ocampo, Program Area Coordinator 1

True to its mission, vision, and goal, the Open Heart Foundation admitted ten new Children and Youth Development Program beneficiaries. These students are from a new partner Local Government Unit, Municipality of Luna in the province of La, Union.

In a visit conducted on May 31, 2022, the new set of CYD Program Beneficiaries had an orientation on the background of the Foundation, the Children and Youth Development Program, and the Agreement or “Kasunduan”. Parents and the students were oriented about their roles and responsibilities while they are part of the CYD Program. Beneficiaries are expected to study hard and avoid getting failing grades or GWA below 83%; Parents shall support the needs of their children, not only financially but also to provide guidance morally; and the Foundation to give monthly educational support in the form of monthly allowances and conducts training or seminars to empower them. The latter part of the orientation was the election of officers for the Open Heart Youth Movement…the nationwide organization of OHFWI beneficiaries.

In her closing remarks, our Executive Director, Ma’am Linda Perez, posed a challenge to all the new beneficiaries. They should aim to finish school and seek employment after graduation in order to help their parents support the financial needs of their families. Helping in the education of a sibling is a way of paying forward the benefits and support given by the Open Heart Foundation.  

On the other hand, seeing the beneficiaries graduate and be successful in life is enough inspiration and motivation for the Foundation to continue its programs and services for children.

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

Open Heart Foundation’s partnership with the Jaybanga Integrated National High School started way back in 2007.  Under the Children and Youth Development Program (CYDP), OHF supports Senior High School/College students from Jaybanga Integrated National High School for the academic year 2021-2022, a total of 15 students are being supported.

Before the actual visitation, careful coordination with the volunteer coordinator and school Head of Jaybanga Integrated National High School was done.  They helped the OHF team to inform and gather the students since signals/connection is one of the problems in the area.

On April 27, 2022, the Monitoring Team of Open Heart Foundation consists of the following:  The Executive Director Ms. Linda, 2 of the Admin Finance Jerry and Mark, and 2 of the Program Area Coordinators (PAC) Mae and Frank went to Jaybanga Integrated National High School and assisted by the School Head and the Volunteer coordinator.

The PACs conducted a face-to-face first learning session in Lobo Batangas for this year 2022 entitled Mental Health Resilience. The objective of this session is to heighten the participants’ understanding and awareness on how to adapt to environmental stress based on conscious or unconscious choice and that enhances control over behavior or gives psychological comfort.

As the attendees are in the room, the PACs started the program with a getting to know you portion, since this is the first meeting of the PACs and the Beneficiaries of Lobo. The Session turned to discussion and sharing of their experiences.  The School head participated and shared to everyone her experience on how she became resilient in life.

The PAC shares 5 tips on how to become mentally healthy, thus, resilient while there are challenges encountered in life. The 5 tips are being self-aware, being nice to yourself, create a good habit, practice gratitude/optimism, and reach out for help.  Under the number 1 tip, the participants were encouraged to have a self-reflection and ponder the question presented to them. What am I trying to achieve in my life, what am I doing that slowing me down and what can I do to change.  Most of the participants wants to achieve their dreams like being able to graduate and help their families at the earliest possible time. One thing that slowing them down was having low self-esteem and the problem of internet connection that affect their online submission of requirements.  They challenged themselves to be more optimistic and remain focused on their studies.

In the latter part, they were grouped into 2 to share their good habits that strengthen their mental health. Most of the good habits were playing sports games, praying, exercising, and dancing. They challenged themselves to establish good habits like sending inspirational quotes and having kamustahan to each other.  The PAC encouraged them to apply all of those 5 tips to help them be more resilient in their mental health.

Challenges are what makes life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes a life meaningful.

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