Love flows at Camp Pag-ibig

MANILA, Philippines - Every Valentine’s Day, Manila Water Co. Inc. and the Quezon City government organize a huge camping party for nearly 2,000 differently-abled children which they call “Camp Pag-ibig” where love flows abundantly to shower these kids and their families with the care and affection that they deserve.

“Camp Pag-ibig is a demonstration of our social commitment to give help to those who need it most. It is a wonderful project where we are able to empower people and that is what we always aspire for at Manila Water,” said Jose Rene Almendras, president and CEO of Manila Water.

“We are happy to see the outpouring of love and concern for the differently-abled year after year here at Camp Pag-ibig. For 33 years now, we are seeing in this annual activity the boundless limits of the human spirit,” said Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte.

The two-day camp held every year at the Balara Filter Compound serves as the highlight of the National Retardation Week being celebrated from February 14 – 20 which was declared under Presidential Proclamation 1385.

According to Education Assistant Secretary Teresita Inciong, Camp Pag-ibig aims to provide activities to the differently-abled which are not commonly done inside the classroom. Thus, most special education students look forward to this annual event where there are swimming, nature exploration, games, arts, music, and dancing.

Under the theme “Going Beyond Barriers: Bringing People Together”, this year’s Camp Pag-ibig brought together nearly 2,000 differently-abled students, more than 800 parents, 80 teachers, 315 volunteers from different schools, and 30 organizers from the different supporting organizations.

Aside from Manila Water and the Quezon City government, Camp Pag-ibig is also organized by the DepEd, Philippine Association for the Retarded Inc., and the Quezon City Capitol Jaycees.

“We are truly happy to be part of Camp Pag-ibig and we are committed to support this activity as long as we can. We are a company, which by virtue of the service that we provide, cannot detach ourselves from the community that we serve,” said Almendras of Manila Water. “Our commitment to Camp Pag-ibig goes beyond corporate as I have also brought my family to this annual gathering. Our commitment to Camp Pag-ibig demonstrates our commitment to society.”