MANILA, Philippines - True to the spirit of giving this holiday season, the Rotary San Juan Gems, in cooperation with Ridgefield School in Muntinlupa, gave an early Christmas party for children of indigent families who used to live in informal settlements along the railroad tracks.
At the affair held at the Itaas Elementary School in Muntinlupa last December 17, more than 250 children and their parents were given food and a gift bag filled with toys, clothes, school supplies, and groceries. In addition, mothers were also given a livelihood training seminar on how to make soap, which they could sell to augment their income.
The children are part of an ongoing campaign by the government to relocate over 3,000 displaced families to resettlement sites in Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa City. The relocation is necessary to facilitate the ongoing Southrail rehabilitation project of the Philippine National Railways.
“The Gems feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to bring joy and smiles to children, especially children who have very little in life,” says Dolores Cheng, president of the San Juan Gems. “We’re very grateful to the teachers of Ridgefield, especially its directress Elenita Montemayor, for letting us join their monthly visit to the school. It was a pleasure to work with a group so passionate about helping children and making a difference.”
Cheng adds, “Reaching out to people in need and creating a positive change in the lives of others is something that we all should strive for, not just during the holidays but all year round. It’s what the Rotary Club stands for and what we want to do as Gems Going the Extra Mile in Service.”