RAFI grants P4 M for MoP center

To shelter abandoned and neglected mentally and physically disadvantaged children in Cebu, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), through the Jose Miguel Aboitiz Trust Fund, has granted P4 million to the Missionaries of the Poor (MoP).

Fr. Charles Maria Susai Arumaiselvam, MoP Mission Superior based in Naga City, signed the grant agreement with RAFI president Roberto Aboitiz last Feb. 17.

The P4-million financial grant will be used for the construction of the 480-square meter Little Lamb Center (LILAC) in Sawang Calero, Cebu City.

The center will house abandoned and neglected mentally handicapped and physically disabled children in the area.

The MoP is a Catholic religious community of brothers and priests founded in Jamaica. It established its first mission house in Naga City in September 2003.

The MoP responds to the needs of the poor, particularly in caring for physically disabled and mentally handicapped children, abandoned babies and the elderly, and providing a safe environment for the street people, the homeless, and the discriminated AIDS victims.

For this LILAC project, the MoP provided a 1,076-square meter lot where the center will be located.

Aside from this, it will contribute unskilled labor, monitor and co-manage the construction phase, and will be entirely responsible for the upkeep and maintenance once the center is completed.

RAFI remains true to its mission of extending financial assistance to partner development organizations in carrying out programs aimed at improving human life and conditions in communities.