#communityprogram

I started writing this blog during my first day here @ Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV), a registered non-profit, non-organization based in Tacloban City. A registered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to distribute planned and professional services to assist underprivileged and undeserved local communities. The very reason why I wrote this blog was not about me how I got into but to share with you  how I got inspired on the very first day of my job here at VFV and how they help this young child before and now my colleague made his life souped up and his journey towards perseverance after a roller coaster.

            Jeremy B. Picardal, Assistant Sponsorship Program Coordinator

  His name is Jeremy B. Picardal, one of the Sponsored Children under the Dumpsite Project of the Volunteer for the Visayans and currently working at the organization as an Assistant Sponsorship Program Coordinator assisting the lead coordinator in providing social welfare support to the sponsored children from the neighboring towns of Tacloban City. He also assists with the activities of the children and as well as helping the subsidy distribution. But his life before the organization helped him was far more different, he was a former sponsored child for 11 years, a former VFV college scholar and a former scavenger or (batang nangangalakal ng basura) who worked day and night at Tacloban City Open Dumpsite for almost 9 years. The first time VFV went to the landfill, Jeremy and his younger sister were scavenging  garbage at the dumpsite but when they saw that VFV staff were approaching, they ran over to it and hide because they were afraid to be caught and be scolded but only to find out, VFV was there to look for children whom they can help and be part of the Sponsorship Program because at the very first place they believe that these young children do not deserved this kind of life  or living especially at their young age.

            Tacloban City Open Dumpsite : Finding a Hidden Treasure                        Photo Courtesy: http://www.visayans.org/sponsor-a-child

Then, after two (2) days,  VFV went to their school and conducted some random interview and he was one of the pupils who got interviewed by one of the volunteers and this was the brand new start of the many good things that happened in his life.

Every month, he received subsidy from the Dumpsite Project in the form of groceries like canned goods, noodles, toiletries, biscuits and including rice. He also received clothes, toys, pair of shoes, schools supplies and uniform and not only that, he even received cash for school contributions, projects and other school concerned. Every Saturday, VFV always conducted community feeding and let the children eat some delicious and nutritious food but also, this is to fight hunger and improve food security of the children. Helena Claire A. Canayong, the current Director of VFV or Ate Wimwim as we called her, was the former Coordinator of the Dumpsite Project who also faced  tough challenges, impediments and success. Few months after, VFV  was able to build a Community Center where it serves as an area for feedings, meetings and other  VFV activities but for Ate Wim, it was more than that, it served as a testament to what can be achieved through the long periods of time of devotion and hard work.

The VFV firmly believes that through flourishing the education of their Sponsored Children particularly in their Project Area can break the cycle of poverty and can make impact in the lives of its people. It continues to provide varied services and takes pride on its unique multi-faceted structure providing children and families receive many additional benefits.

 Jeremy flushes his most winning smile after his testimonial interview.

Thus,  VFV's continued support helped Jeremy finish his studies in college with a Degree Program in Bachelor Science in Secondary Education - Major in Filipino and through Child Sponsorship Program, his younger  brother is already in college taking up Hotel and Restaurant Management in Leyte Normal University.

And now, Jeremy is very much happy of the many good things happened in his life and he is now working at the organization as an Assistant Sponsorship Program Coordinator and soon to be licensed teacher. He wants to teach someday in his hometown and impart his knowledge and share the importance of education in our lives especially to the young kids. According to him, if not for the help of VFV, he was not sure about his future and maybe he's still at the dump site area as a scavenger but now that he has been given the opportunity, he will strive to do his best in reaching out to the poor and achieve his dreams in life.

VFV was able to build Three (3) Community Centers and Two (2) On-going Build-A-Home Project which renovates and secure good foundations for a safer structure for the beneficiaries  of the Child Sponsorship Program under the Dumpsite Project. Moreover, VFV's  Adapt-A-School Project under Community Program helps schools renovate or build school facilities in a safer and disaster free structure and provide school supplies both for the pupils and teachers.

On behalf of the Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV), he would like to say thank you for all the undying support and endless help that the organization extends to him and to his family. It was the best thing that happened to his life which he always treasures. It was fun and inspirational working with him at the organization and right now, we're just laughing at the things that he went through in life. Although I can't keep myself from imagining  his situation before  getting food from the dumpsite like chicken, hot dogs and even box of an ice creams. "Well, how can you possibly eat those food that are being thrown  already especially at the dumpsite?". Truly, a man with perseverance through the rough and tumble of life. And finally, being with the organization for few days or one week to be exact, I felt the fulfillment and satisfaction working with the community and be able to witness the lovely smiles on their lovely faces are enough for me to stay longer in the organization and be part in making a difference in the lives of the community.