VIDES PHILIPPINES

VIDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc. is a duly-registered non-stock,
non-profit, non-government organization (NGO) with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) and is licensed by the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) for its community-based programs.
Established by the Daughter of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) in the Philippines
in 1995, it is an organization of local and international volunteers engaged in
various development, education, and solidarity initiatives for the young people,
mothers ad their families.
Its development projects include hog-raising, goat-raising, sewing machine, and
microcredit. Under the education services, it offers scholarships, educational
assistance, ALS program, Busina Mo, Dunong Ko mobile education project, values
formation, advocacy on children’s rights, environmental sustainability, networking,
and health and hygiene. Its solidarity initiatives include relief operations,
quarterly medical missions and annual mission camps.
VIDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc.
3500 V. Mapa Ext., Sta. Mesa, Manila 1016
Philippines
Telefax:: (02) 715-6740
E-mail: videspinoy@gmail.com
Be a Volunteer
Become One for Others!
and
with
Christmas
December 2016
4th Quarter Issue

National Children’s Month Celebration at HOR with DBS Manila Students 03-04
30
VIDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc. VIDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc.
Contents:
Children participants of the community-based BMDK
Distributed during BMDK at Trece Martires, Cavite
BMDK youth leaders Christmas with the Aetas in Pampanga
Distribution of planners
Distribution of juices
Thank you Rustan Coffee!
A Christmas Celebration with the Aeta Community 02
2016 National Children’s Month Celebration (NCM) 05
Strengthening Civil Society and Children’s Participation in Local Policy & Governance 06
School-Based Busina Mo Dunong Ko (SBBMDK) 07
DSWD Pre-Accreditation Express Review 08
National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children (NBS-VAC) 10
Consultation on the Draft Amended Administrative Order No. 16 Series of 2012 09
ManGrows Mangrove 11-12
A Journey to Tell 13-14
Eat & Meet 2016 15-16
CSC-CRC: Beyond Business As Usual 17
CSC-CRC Annual Assessment and Planning 18
Children Consultation on NPAC 18
Livelihood and Development Center for Women and their Families Blessing 19-20
National Anti-Poverty Commission—Children Basic Sector (NAPC-CBS) 21
Children Talk to Children (C2C) Year-End Meeting 22
Welcome ACTS Singapore! 23
CSO Consultation Workshop on 3rd NPAC 25
ABSNET-WEST 10th General Assembly 24
BCPC Year-End Assessment & Planning 26
VIDES Annual Advent Recollection 27
Thank you Jo Tankers! 28
Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Concepcion! 29
Thank you Rustan Coffee! 30

29 02
A Christmas Celebration with the Aeta Community
Instead of holding the usual Christmas party, more than
100 volunteers of VIDES Philippines spent a meaningful
morning with the participants of the Mary Help of
Christians School's Oratory* from Sitio Monicayo,
Mabalacat, Pampanga last December 4, 2016.
The volunteers were warmly welcomed by the
community with a traditional dance presentation.
Selected mothers from the area also gave a special dance
number.
Sr. Ping gave the welcome remarks and thanked VIDES
for once again choosing to share the joys of the season
with the residents of Sitio Monicayo.
After the prayer and lighting of the advent candles, Sr.
Josefina Carrasco FMA, VIDES Philippines Delegate,
expressed the volunteers' gratitude for the very festive
welcome given by the community. Roberto Manzoni of
VIDES Italy and Carine Cuinet of VIDES France also
greeted the participants and conveyed their happiness
for being given the opportunity to join the Christmas
outreach event.
Simultaneous activities held during the day included
medical consultation, haircutting, fun games for the kids,
arts session, and discussion on children's rights.
Volunteers had fun bonding with the kids and mothers of
the community.
Before saying goodbye, the participants were given
grocery items, school supplies, and gift items such as toys
and clothes. (Thanks to VIDES volunteers and our regular
donors your gifts of love and donations!)
After the event, the volunteers proceeded to Mary Help
of Christians School in Mabiga for lunch and bonding
activity. (Thank you, Sr. Irene Mangabat FMA and the
Mary Help of Christians Mabalacat community, for
welcoming us and for preparing our sumptuous food!)
The early Christmas celebration with the aeta community
in Pampanga started in 2008. Eight years ago, in keeping
with the organization's motto of being one for others, the
volunteers decided to forego the usual yuletide
celebration and deemed it more important to go the
peripheries to share the joys of the blessed season.
Community-based BMDK Christmas with the Aetas
National Children’s Month Celebration at Trece Martires, Cavite
School-based BMDK
With the Aetas Community
At Trece Martires, Cavite
Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Concepcion!

03 28
The congress invited VIDES Philippines Volunteers
Foundation, Inc. in celebrating children’s week. The
event was dedicated for all Filipino children. It
mostly talks about the bill about lowering crime
liability to 9 years old. The congressmen urged us to
disapprove as they do. They told us that children
needs rehabilitation, guidance and love. They do
not need corporal punishments for things they are
forced to do. They asked us to do activities that
will help us to be more aware of how this bill will
affect children’s safety. They offered different bills
that oppose the former. Positive punishment and
1000 days of child support are two of some bills
they wanted to propose to the congress. We
approve to that. It is because this can help children
have a better mental, physical, psychological and
emotional health. This will help make the future
leaders of our country well supported. It can also
defend children against oppression and abuse.
Our dialogue with a congresswoman who was once
a teacher wasn’t that fulfilling. It was due to that
fact that we had time limit and we weren’t even
sure what to say. We were too overwhelmed by the
fact that a government official is talking to us right
now, listening to what we have to say. I was
assigned to open the discussion. I asked her if she
approves of lowering the proposed bill that was
mention above. Thankfully, she disapproves. She
tells us that with her being a teacher from the past,
she’s seen delinquent children who are in need of
love instead of corporal punishments. As what any
mother would say or do, it is normal to show love
(an everlasting one). We asked her different
questions about her say to different issues that
happens to children nowadays. I asked her to open
the argument to strengthen the rehabilitation that
DSWD does to delinquent children instead of
putting up the bill of lowering the minimum age of
criminal responsibility. Our mentor approves to my
statement. He said it was a good idea. Among the
National Children’s Month Celebration
at the House of Representatives (HOR)
with the DBS Students
group, there were only 6 children who decided to
speak up. It was fun though. We had a chance to
speak up to our government. I wish they’d mind to
remember our suggestions. Maybe it will help
strengthen the happiness a filipino child must have
in growing up to produce a well stated citizen of our
society. By being able to do dialogue, we were given
a chance to prove our social awareness especially to
the happenings regarding our (children) state in this
country.
I recommend you Bosconians to speak up and learn
to reason out with the truth and justice. Our
congressmen are doing their best to support us. We
should do our part by proving that we support them
and that we want the change that children also
need for the country. We should show them that we
are ready to act and to make a stand to prove that
we support them. We should help our fellow
brothers and sisters whether rich or poor. We
should learn to be united with our fellow children.
We are the hope of this country. We are the future
that will make our country great when the time
comes. As what our national hero once said, “ang
kabataan ay ang pag-asa ng ating bayan…”.
With the children participants of
the community-based BMDKVIDES Livelihood and Development Center in Cavite
Formation with the mothers during the community-based BMDK BMDK Reading activity
School-based BMDK - Hugo Perez Elementary School, Cavite
BMDK participants in the community
By: John Cedrick R. Pedrigal

27 04
The annual VIDES staff advent recollection was held last
December 16 at St. Augustine Major Seminary (SASMA)
in Tagaytay City. Rev. Fr. Peter Andy Lubi, SASMA
Rector, warmly welcomed the VIDES staff and Sr. Jojo
Carrasco, FMA.
Sr. Jojo facilitated the recollection where she talked
about God’s presence in the actual situations of
everyday life. The group is grateful for the opportunity
given to them for silence and reflection. Aside from
celebrating the Holy Eucharist, Fr. Andy also allotted his
time to hear each of the staff for their confession.
It was indeed a joyful and memorable day for all the
staff. Everyone appreciated the presence of each one.
As they ready themselves for the long vacation, allow
the group to greet all of you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

05 26
BMDK Manila children
enjoying their food.
As part of VIDES Philippines’
commitment to children, the
National Children’s Month is
being celebrated by VIDES in its
communities every year.
For this year, VIDES volunteers
first went to Hugo Perez
community in Trece, Martires,
Cavite last November 12 where
around 150 children joined the
activities prepared by the volunteers for them.
Fr. Peter Andy Lubi of SASMA presided the Eucharistic
celebration in the morning.
The next day, November 13, celebration for the Manila
group was held at the Don
Bosco School in Manila.
Fr. Titus Mananzan, SVD,
joined the NCM celebration
as he opened the activity
through a mass.
Lastly, the group of Don
Bosco School Manila
students from grades 1-8
celebrated the NCM which
was facilitated by Amy Suzara and Sarah
Aguilar on November 16.
November may be the children’s month, but children’s
welfare should always be prioritized everyday.
2016 National
Children’s Month
Celebration
(NCM)
Fr. Andy Peter Lubi, Rector of SASMA in Tagaytay,
presided the mass in the celebration of NCM in
Hugo Perez, Trece Martires in Cavite.
Trece Martirez BMDK participants enjoy the
activities prepared by the VIDES Volunteers.
BMDK Manila youth participate in the sports fest
organized for the NCM celebration held at DBS Manila.
DBS Manila students having their group work
DBS Manila students’ activity for the NCM celebration.
December 12, 2016 was the Barangay Council for the
Protection of Children (BCPC) Year-End Assessment and
Planning held in Ciudad Christia Resort, San Mateo, Rizal.
Child Hope Asia, represented by Mr. Allan Bantasan, was
the main coordinator and facilitator of the event. The
objective is to assess and evaluate the results of the
activities implemented for the year 2016. This year’s end
of the year assessment were participated by three (3)
barangays from Binondo and Tondo Manila. Brgy. 286 in
Delpan was represented by their Brgy. Kagawad
Evangeline P. Alvarez together with 7 other barangay
officers. Laws and Policies on children were also
discussed to the participants. Ms. Sarah Barde-Aguilar,
RSW of VIDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc.
talked about R.A 7610 also known as the Child Abuse
Act.
BCPC
Year-End
Assessment &
Planning

25 06
Strengthening Civil Society and Children’s
Participation in Local Policy and Governance
This forum was focused on Child-Rights Centered Policy
Assessment of the Mechanism for Off-City Resettlement of
Informal Settler Families held last November 11, 2016 in
partnership with Save the Children Philippines, Zone One
Tondo Organization (SM ZOTO), and VIDES Philippines
Volunteers Foundation, Inc. It was conducted to validate the
findings and recommendations harvested during the training
and consultation activities covering the project areas in
Cavite, Bulacan, Malabon and Navotas. The Program started
with the welcome remarks of Atty. Marie Hazel E. Lavitoria,
SALIGAN Executive Director. Atty. Juan Karlo B. Silva followed
in giving a brief about the project’s objective which is to
mainstream children’s rights in a safe and resilient
communities which will then result to an increased
knowledge and understanding of Convention on the Rights of
the Child; collaboration with CSOs and government actors
(national, local government); assessment of policies; solicit
recommendations from stakeholders and government actors
through participatory policy mapping and analysis. Atty.
Lavitoria then proceeded with a presentation of analysis of
national policies as follows:
 Objectives – review off-city housing and relocation
framework of OPLAN Likas Program, assess local policies
 National Housing Policy: resettle 3 million in easements
(right of way; danger areas); mandate is to provide
adequate housing
 OPLAN Likas – extreme weather conditions/flooding; a
people’s covenant was formulated in 2010 and brought
by writ of mandamus in 2008 mandating MMDA to
relocate 104, 219 ISFs situated in 8mm rivers; prioritize
60,000 ISFs living in top and along waterways easements
(36,000 of which are children); with Php50 billion fund.
 Analysis – agencies should be comprehensive; HLURB
should be included in the mandate; Children
participation process was not given due regard and
attention; Policy guidelines too broad involving many
agencies; Belated crafting of significant matters for
implementation; No monitoring and evaluation
mechanism
Atty. Silva came next to present the case studies involving 2
sending LGU (Malabon City; Navotas City) and 2 receiving
LGU (Bocaue, Bulacan; Trece Martires City, Cavite) where
Local housing policies and plans, Children’s Code, DRRM
policies and plans, Community Development Plan and
Comprehensive Land Use Plan were assessed and resulted to
the following findings:
 No child rights impact assessment/child needs
assessment in local policies and plans
 No genuine and adequate consultation of children local
policies and plans
 No specific provision on child participation in local
policies and plans
 Legislative and executive actions/measures are not
cognizant of children’s rights
 Formulation and implementation of policies and plans
are not mindful of children’s rights
 No specific monitoring and evaluation mechanism in
policy, program, plan implementation
 Hazard impact and climate change impact assessment
not integrated in policies and plans, e.g., Resettlement site in
Batia is near piggeries, children are complaining of bad smell;
houses in the resettlement site in TMC does not appear to be
capable of withstanding intensity VIII ground shaking
 No specific provision for adequate resettlement and
access to basic services of children relocates
Thereafter, the reactors gave their comments and insights
about the results of the assessment as presented. Vice
President Leni Robredo in her capacity as HUDCC
Chairperson, Director Gavino as head of DILG PMO, and
Donna Nano as representative of Senator Rissa Hontiveros
attended the Forum as reactors.
On the final part, the floor was opened for questions and
suggestions where the participants aired additional concerns.
The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) called for a 3
-day Non-Government Organizations (NGO) Consultation
Workshop on the Development of the 3rd
National Plan of
Action for Children (NPAC) which was participated by their
partner agencies, both government and non- government
organizations that work primarily for the enrichment of
Filipino children, including VIDES Philippines Volunteers
Foundation, Inc. represented by Ms. Jackelyn S. Ortua on
14 -16 November of 2016 at the Orchid Garden Suites, lo-
cated at Pablo Ocampo Sr. St., Malate, Manila.
On day one, was the presentation of 2nd
NPAC Final Report
which serves as an opportunity for the NGOs to analyze
which has to be done still for the next six years and for the
betterment of the 3rd
NPAC in light of the Sustainable De-
velopment Goals (SDGs).
Second Day’s focus was on the presentation of Rights and
results-based programming through human rights-based
approach which recognizes human beings as rights-holders
and establishes obligations for duty-bearers to prioritize
the most discriminated and marginalized groups, especially
children, in the national plans/agendas, policies and pro-
cesses of development anchored in a system of rights and
corresponding obligations established by international law.
The third and last day was quite heavy, having the following
discussions:
- The legislative and Research Agenda;
- Child Participation/Criteria/guidebook;
- Overall Role of NGOs in the 3rd
NPAC; and
- Ways forward and follow up actions.
Before the Consultation ends, NGOs pledged to work to-
gether in the attainment of the 3rd
NPAC in accordance with
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and assured to
prioritize the vulnerable groups’ concerns and agendas.
CSO
Consultation
Workshop on
3rd NPAC

07 24
SCHOOL-BASED
BUSINA MO, DUNONG KO (SB-BMDK)
Bacood Elementary School grade 4 students
Hugo Perez Elementary School grade 3 students P. Burgos Elementary School grade 4 students
DBS Manila Students at P. Burgos Elementary School
The AREA BASED STANDARDS NETWORK (ABSNET) West
Cluster –Manila held its 10th
General Assembly on October
21st
2016 at La Consolacion College, 8 Mendiola Street, San
Miguel, Manila. There are about 48 Civil Society,
Non-Government and Faith Based Organizations that
participated in the event including VIDES Philippines
Volunteers Foundation Inc. represented by Ms. Jackelyn
Ortua, VIDES Social Worker. The event had the theme: ”
From Zero to Hero” which aims to support all SWDAs and
the DSWD in promoting faster, better, smarter service and
together in suppot to its “ Tunay na Malasakit sa
mahihhirap, Maagap at Mapagkalingang mga Serbisyo sa
Mamamayan”.
Also, the event was a call to all the CSOs, NGOs and Faith
Based organizations, especially the new ones, to
immediately apply and consider the DSWD Registration,
Licensing and Accreditation (RLA’s) processes as mandated
by the law before their operation, to further strengthen the
function and networking of Civil Society, Non-Government
and Faith-Based organizations to work as one in combating
poverty and alleviation of all forms of abuses against
vulnerable sectors of the society.
It was in the school year 2015-2016 when VIDES
Philippines Volunteers Foundation Inc. first started its
partnership with P. Burgos Elementary School through
its program “Busina Mo Dunong Ko”, where grade 4
students were given values formations and learning
sessions on their rights as children, like having a
discussion on United Nations Convention on the Rights
of the Child or UNCRC where the Philippines is a
signatory.
For school year 2016-2017, aside from P. Burgos
Elementary School, VIDES were also able to secure
partnerships from Hugo Perez Elementary School in
Trece Martires, Cavite and Bacood Elementary School in
Sta. Mesa, Manila. It was in August when VIDES had its
initial meeting with Ms. Anna Marie Aranzaso, Principal
of Hugo Perez Elementary School. It was during this
month when we also had the orientation of their
teachers on who and what is VIDES. For Bacood
Elementary School, It was in September when VIDES
first met with its principal, Mrs. Helen Bautista.
School-based BMDK for both schools began in
September.
Aside from providing values formations and learning
sessions on the UNCRC, the students from P. Burgos
Elementary School and Bacood Elementary School are
also being provided with tutorials through the
partnerships of VIDES, Don Bosco School Manila (DBS)
and the two elementary schools. Students from DBS
provide the students of both P. Burgos and Bacood
Elementary Schools peer to peer tutorials on subjects
such as English, Science and Math. Through this,
students from P. Burgos and Bacood elementary
schools are not the only ones learning. Having this kind
of healthy interaction, DBS students also learn from
them.

23 08
The 2nd
CSO Pre-Accreditation Express Review of
DSWD Standards Bureau was held on October 24,
2016 at the Matapat Building, DSWD Compound,
Constitution Hills, Quezon City. This was
participated by the group of NGOs, CSOs and
Government Agencies including VIDES Philippines
Volunteers Foundation Inc. represented by the
Social Workers Jackelyn S. Ortua and Amalia L.
Suzara.
The event was in line with the joint resolution of
the Commission on Audit (COA) and the
Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) issued on December 29, 2014. The joint
resolution 2014-001 entitled “Guidelines for the
Accreditation of Civil Society Organizations as
implementing entity/ies of Government Public
Funds” and was later supplemented by Joint
resolution 2015-001 to include CSOs
beneficiary/ies issued on November 27, 2015,
which provided that only CSOs accredited by
DSWD are eligible to receive public funds from
Government Agencies.
Express Review Aims to provide a brief
orientation on the process and procedure of the
said guidelines on the documentary submissions
required for accreditation. It also raised
awareness of the CSOs on the importance of
Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA’s)
for legal operations. Also, it opens the
opportunity for the CSOs and NGOs to raise their
concerns on the requirements and for the delayed
processing of their application for (RLA’s).
Every year a group of volunteers from A Call to Share (ACTS) Singapore generously
share their blessings to different communities, especially children and mothers. This
year, from November 29 to December 3, 30 Singaporeans combined their efforts and
resources to continue their good deeds in helping these people. 80 mothers from NIA
Road, Quezon City were gathered to attend a formation given by the Singaporeans. It
was a good opportunity for the mothers to hear inspiring stories on how women were
empowered and held on to their dreams. Volunteers and mothers were both thankful
for the chance that they were able to listen to the volunteers’ experiences and in
exchange, share their own stories.
On their second day, they went to San Roque in Quezon City and met with the children
of BMDK there. 100 kids were happy and thankful to the group for the time that they
spent with them and for the gifts that they prepared for them. Kids enjoyed the games
and the opportunity to meet with the volunteers and have a conversation with them.
The third day of their visit was in Hugo Perez Elementary School. They handled 45
students from the 6th grade. ACTS Singaporean facilitated the activity. They discussed
the importance of dream, they taught the student to have a goal plan. During the
activity, students enjoyed and show their full participation. They also appreciate the
groupings because for them it was an opportunity to meet other people from another
country. They had a memorable experience. The students were also thankful for the
gifts given to them by the visitors. Gratitude were extended to the faculty, most
especially to the school principal Ms. Marie Sarmiento Aranzanzo for accommodating
the ACTS volunteers and for always allowing VIDES to do activities for their students.
Thank you ACTS Singapore for making all the children and mothers you have
encountered truly happy.
DSWD

09 22
Consultation on the Draft Amended
Administrative Order No. 16 Series of 2012
Last October 25, 2016, DSWD-Department of Social Welfare and
Development invited one representative from VIDES Philippines
for a consultation on the Draft Amendment of Administrative
Order No. 16 Series of 2012, at Richville Hotel, EDSA Crossing,
Mandaluyong City. The said consultation were composed of
Registered and Licensed Social Welfare Agency.
Dir. Marites M. Maristela, CESO III of Standard Bureau gave the
welcome remarks and inspirational message. Ms. Maria Aquili-
sa Mancile-Ongleo, the facilitator for the day presented the ob-
jectives and program of activities to the participants.
Salient Provision of RA No. 10847 to SWDA-Social Welfare De-
velopment Agencies “An Act of Lowering the age requirement
for applicants taking the Board Examination for Social Workers,
providing for continuing social work education, and upgrading
the sundry provisions relative to the practice of Social Work
were also discussed by Dir. Maristela.
She emphasized on the following:
Sec 26. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of all
registered Social Workers.
Sec 23. Registration with the Department of Social Welfare
and Development of social welfare and development
agencies where list of requirements were also stated.
Sec 29. Penal Provisions – amount to be paid and the num-
ber of months (years) of imprisonment of those who
will violate the rules and regulations of the said Act.
After the discussion of Director Maristela, a workshop followed
which was facilitated by Ms. Cynthia V. Illano, Social Welfare
Officer V of Standards Development Division. The participants
were divided in small groups for the workshop. After a thor-
ough group discussions, the presentation of Group Output was
presented by one representative from each group.
Closing remarks and evaluation followed, before dinner was
served. The experience at this consultation was so enriching.
Children talk to Children (c2c) – Bata Muna as an active
advocacy Organization of Children’s Rights had its fruitful and
meaningful year indeed. For Child members from different
islands of the Philippines (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, ARMM
and NCR), it was not that easy to enact those initiatives
undertaken, more so to inform the public and remind the
Philippine lawmakers and leaders that the Philippines is a
signatory of the UNCRC and that every Filipino children
should have received its proper implementation specifically,
the provisions of their Rights to Survival, Development,
Protection and Participation and should include them in the
National Plan and Budget of the state.
Children with their adult supports, NGOs, CSOs POs and
Community People were able to hold advocacy events like
“MINI PINAS DEBATE” as a call to the National Electoral
Candidates to prioritize Children’s Agenda when they are
already elected.
Legislative lobbying, dialogues with the legislators, follow-up
actions, and strategic planning has also been enacted by
C2C-Bata Muna Child members.
Lastly, the C2C- Bata Muna Year-End Meeting and Evaluation
which was held on November 18-20, 2016 at Viewpark Hotel,
3500 Calamba Road, Sungay East, Tagaytay City where
children had accomplished several evaluations - their
activities, the blocks/hindrances to their steps, their individual
and overall performance, outcomes of their hard works and
even the degree of support they received from their adult
supports and the organizations where they belong.
After which, Children came up with the planning for the Year
2017. And after doing so, Children took time to celebrate a
year of meaningful works as they organized their fun and
recreational solidarity night. Everybody had fun and enjoyed
the night including their adult supports. It is a way of helping
children understand that there should always be a balance
between work and recreation so that they would grow up
having enough knowledge on how to be responsible.
Also, before parting ways, children grabbed the opportunity
to mingle with other children at Picnic Grove, also in
Tagaytay, to share their advocacies, which they promised to
share with their parents too.
NCR representatives, Ma. Ericka B. Quilos and Angelo Alisna
of VIDES Philippines were proud of their achievements just
like how their organization is proud of the both of them too.
This ends C2C-Bata Muna’s year 2016!

21 10
December 6, 2016, two Social Workers from VIDES
Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc. attended the
Launching of the Results of the National Baseline
Study on Violence Against Children (NBS-VAC) from
8:00am to 5:00pm at the Centennial Hall, Manila
Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila.
After the registration, singing of the National Anthem
and Invocation, Ms. Patricia B. Luna, Executive Director
of Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) welcomed
the participants. Messages were given by Ms. Judy M.
Taguiwalo, Secretary of Department of Social Welfare and
Development and Chairperson of CWC, Ms. Lotta
Sylwander, Country Representative of UNICEF and Ms. Susan
Bisell, Director of Global Partnership to End VAC.
After some video presentations, the key finding of the National
Baseline study on Violence Against Children (NBS-VAC) was
then presented by Dr. Laurie S. Ramiro, Principal Scientific
Investigator of NBS-VAC from the University of the Philippines.
Together with Dr. Ramiro, Dr. Bernadette J. Madrid, Executive
Director of Child Protection Network Foundation, Inc.,
presented the key findings of the systematic literature review
of the drivers of violence affecting children in the Philippines.
The results of the children’s consultation on the development
of National Plan of Action on Violence Against Children (VAC)
was deliberated by the children delegates, Ms. Sara Mae Tom
and Mr. Marco Villarico, to the ASEAN Children’s Forum.
After the heavy discussions of the speakers, Mr. Ogie Alcasid
rendered a beautiful advocacy song to give the participants a
break.
In the afternoon, Undersecretary of DSWD, Ms. Mae Fe
Ancheta-Templa, shared the Overview of the National Plan of
Action on VAC. Before the signing of commitment of the
government and NGO Declaration, the cultural presentation of
the Sama Bajau was presented. Dr. Enrique A. Tayag,
undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH), invited the
participants to join him in dancing to energize the participants
since it was a holy hour of the day. The participants enjoyed
dancing with Undersecretary Tayag. Speakers in the afternoon
were from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of
Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG), Department of Justice (DOJ), Dangerous
Drugs Board (DDB), National Youth Commission (NYC), Sama
Bajau Youth Group, Philippine National Police (PNP), Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Save the
Children, Consuelo Zobel-Alger Foundation, World Health
Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
One representative from the children sector, Ms. Cleopatra
Pingay of the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Child Basic
Sector (NAPC-CBS) rendered a very inspiring and beautiful
response.
The event become more alive when Mr. Gary Valenciano
graced the event and rendered also a beautiful advocacy song
which made the audience to be more engrossed and attentive.
Mr. Adelino B. Sitoy, Secretary of the Presidential Legislative
Liaison Office delivered a keynote address. After the talk, he
called the participants to voluntarily come in front and join the
signing of Declaration of Commitments. It was followed by the
closing remarks of the Undersecretary of DepEd, Atty. Albert
Muyot.
The flow of the event was very organized because of the good
work and coordination of the masters of the ceremony, Ms.
Vivienne Gulla and Mr. John Emil Palacio. Our gratitude goes
to them. It was indeed a great and very enriching day for all the
participants. God bless us all!
On October 1st
-4th
2016, The National Anti-Poverty
Commission held its third quarterly meeting at Madison 101
Hotel, Aurora Blvd. New Manila, Quezon City. Ma. Ericka B.
Quilos, Youth Leader and advocate of VIDES Philippines once
again participated on the said event being a Council Member
responsible for the advocacy and promotion of the elimin
ation of Early Pregnancy issues of the Youth. As for this third
quarter council meeting, the twenty four (24) council
members works altogether for the re-filing of the POSITIVE
DISCIPLINE Bill to the Senate. Children as they are, worked
hard to have a remarkable dialogue with the senators in the
Senate to discuss about the said bill. Each of the Council
member shared their respective views on pushing through
the Bill to be passed as a Law.
Luckily, Sen. Rissa Hontiveros acknowledged their effort and
views, claiming to re-file the bill by herself and pledge to help
children in encouraging her co-lawmakers to be champions of
the bill too.
Positive Discipline Bill is still in the hearing process at the
Senate House, while child-focused organizations, advocates
and children themselves continuously exert efforts for the
legislators to favorably consider the bill.
Whereas on November 10th
-11th
2016, another invitation
from the NAPC – Commission and Coordination Planning
Service for the two days OPEN DATA PROJECT WORKSHOP
conducted at the B Hotel, 14 Scout Rallos, Laging Handa,
Quezon City and was once again represented by Council
Member Ericka. B. Quilos from NAPC-Children Basic Sector
The above mentioned project was a grant project of the
National Anti-Poverty Commission with World Bank which
aims to develop an IT-
Enabled platform for warehousing and processing
government databases that are useful for fulfilling its
oversight and advisory mandates. The Project was about to
end by November, thus, the final collation of inputs from the
Basic Sectors for the enhancement of the project output was
the focused.
The project will soon benefit the public through accessing
“accurate” National Data. Once finalized, it will be called the
“TALAMBAYAN” short for Talaan ng Bayan.
Moreover, November 26th
- 28th
2016, there have been the
NAPC-CBS Executive Committee Meeting again at Madison
101 Hotel, Aurora Blvd. New Manila, Quezon City. The said
meeting also demanded the active participation of Ma. Ericka
B. Quilos as Executive Committee member as well.
The main Agenda/s of the Executive Committee (Execom)
Meeting were as follows:
 Strategic Planning
- Review of Sectoral Agendas and committee Plans
- Indicative Work Plan and Financial Plan for 2017
 Dialogue with the DILG on the passage and issuance of
ordinance o Anti-corporal Punishment Bill other wise
known as the Positive Discipline Bill.
 Updates from the Council For the Protection of Children
to relative agenda of Children Basic Sector.
 Drafting of resolutions and Ways Forward.
Before parting ways, NAPC-CBS Execom Members call on for
the support they needed from all the people, organizations,
government agencies, and Support staff to help them push
their agendas as they look forward to ensure a better
protection for Children Nationwide.

11 20
We started our travel from Don Bosco School Sta. Mesa to
Barangay Pulantubig, Baco, Oriental Mindoro in the wee
hours of the morning of October 22. The volunteers had
very little or no sleep at all so we tried to take advantage
of the travel time to catch some shuteye. After almost two
hours of land travel, we reached Batangas Port where we
broke our fast by sharing a simple meal of rice, boiled
eggs, and hotdogs. Thank you to Stanley and Suzanne for
cooking the food. By sunrise, we excitedly hopped on a
fast craft to Calapan. We reached the pier on or about
8:00 am where we were met by our Italian volunteer,
Roberto, Tatay Lito Suzara, and Leng, our youngest
volunteer. We immediately headed off to our mangrove
planting site so we can reach the area before the tide
went up. We had to endure a bumpy, muddy ride to get to
Barangay Pulantubig. Despite the lack of sleep, the
volunteers seemed to have a boundless source of energy
as there was endless chatter and a chorus of laughter
every now and then. We reached the mangrove planting
site at around 9:00 am. From where we parked our
vehicle, we walked for about 300 meters, crossed a
makeshift bamboo bridge, waded into thigh-deep water
(almost waist-deep for vertically challenged volunteers
like me!), and trod through mud. Since it was already
scorching hot and we had just about an hour or so before
the water went up, we immediately started planting the
mangrove propagules. We finished in no time since the
volunteers already knew the terrain and the drill. Most of
us, even the two kids, Vhon and Leng, had joined previous
mangrove planting activities. After planting all the propa-
gules, we took the opportunity to inspect the mangroves
previously planted by the volunteers. We were pleased to
see that the trees that survived were already taller than
some of us. We took souvenir photos and then proceeded
to head back to the mainland as the water was already
rising. After rinsing the mud off our clothes and legs at the
community well where the locals gather to wash their
clothes and do their daily cleansing chores, we proceeded
to travel to Puerto Galera for some R&R and VIDES
bonding time. We passed by the iconic Tamaraw Falls to
take obligatory group photos and selfies. Since we were
all hungry by the time we reached the place, we decided
to just eat our lunch there. We reached Bulabod Beach at
around 1:30 pm. We proceeded to the rest house where
Blessing of the VIDES Livelihood and
Development Center for Women and
their Families at Gen. Trias, Cavite

19 12
we were welcomed by Tiya Ester. The volunteers took a rest
and soon after got their dose of much-needed "vitamin sea".
After an entire afternoon of frolicking at the beach, the
volunteers helped each other out in cooking supper.
Everyone enjoyed the feast of rice, grilled fish, fiddlehead
fern cooked in coconut milk, and fresh green salad. Since the
volunteers had very little sleep the night before and were
tired from travelling, planting mangroves, and swimming,
almost everyone retired to bed early. (By early I meant
seven in the evening!) We happily headed off to dreamland,
lulled to sleep by the sound of crickets and rustling leaves
that whispered in the night breeze. We woke up refreshed
and recharged the next morning. We started the day with a
community prayer led by Sister Jojo Carrasco FMA and a
reflection on our vocation as VIDES volunteers. Thereafter,
we shared the simple breakfast prepared by our
chef-volunteers, "dulangan style". It was swimming,
kayaking, and frolicking in the sun, sea, and sand time once
again after breakfast. Those who knew how to swim had a
grand time chasing colorful fishes, the kids enjoyed building
sand castles. We also headed to the enchanted stream to
swim and rinse the sea water, salt, and sand off our bodies.
(I described that body of water as enchanting because it
certainly is! I thought of fairies and Tolkien's elves when I
was at the place. Too bad my waterproof camera was not
with me at that time so I wasn't able to take photos.) We
started to travel to Calapan City just before noon because
we were intending to take the 2:00 pm fast craft trip to
Batangas. Unfortunately, we learned that the trips of one of
the faster sea vessels were cancelled due to mechanical
problems. We were not able to secure tickets for the only
other fast craft available because there were too many
passengers wishing to get on the same boat. We had no
other choice but to take the slower Roll On, Roll Off (RORO)
vessel which left mid afternoon. The volunteers passed the
time away by chatting, taking photos, watching television,
and napping. We reached Batangas Port before 6:00 pm,
where we all witnessed the splendid explosion of colors as
the sun set in the horizon. We immediately started our way
back to Metro Manila. We aimed to catch the 8:00 pm mass
at St John Bosco Parish so we just opted to order supper via
a fast food's drive through facility. Fortunately, we made it
to Makati just before the mass officiated by Fr. Armand
Robleza, SDB commenced. I believe that it was providential
that we were able to attend the Eucharistic celebration led
by Fr Armand. His homily about serving, loving,
offering one's self to others, and letting God's will be
done was quite opportune. His message was truly
spot on. It served as an added inspiration and
motivation for the volunteers to carry on with their
commitment to serve and to be true to VIDES
Philippines' motto and service philosophy, which is to
always be "One for Others". It was certainly a
weekend well-spent for VIDES Pinoy volunteers and
our friends from Italy and France.
On November 20, 2016, ten months after we
inaugurated the VIDES Livelihood and
Development Center for Women and Their
Families (LDCWF) and broke ground for the
construction of the VIDES Bakery, we held the
blessing of the completed facility.
The Center, which stands on a 107 square meter
lot area, seeks to provide a venue for women
empowerment, especially in the field of economic
independence and sustainability. The two-storey
building houses a bakery, a sewing room, and a
small office which will cater to microcredit and
other livelihood projects.
The LDCWF shall provide livelihood opportunities
for the former informal settlers from Barangay 143
in Pasay City who were relocated to Trece Martires
in Cavite. The more than 1,500 households have
been bereft with viable sources of income due to
the remoteness of the relocation site and the
unavailability of job opportunities in the community.

13 18
The International Institute Maria Ausiliatrice (IIMA)
Human Rights Office (NGO in special consultative Status
with the Economic and Social Council of the United
Nations) hold the 17th
Course on Education & Human
Rights on 14th
-28th
September 2016 in line with the 33rd
Session of the Human Rights Council (13-30 September
2016).The course has been participated by FMA
communities’ representatives all over the world namely:
Sr. Maria Alzira (Portugal), Sr. Marisol (Myanmar and
Cambodia), Sr. Isabelle (India), Sr. Kunthida( Thailand),
Sr. Noelle (Ireland), Sr. Lolia (Rome) and Sr. Teresita
Padron (Philippines) together with Ms. Jackelyn S. Ortua,
Social Worker, represented VIDES Philippines Volunteers
Foundation Inc. The said course was organized by
Sr. Mariagrazia Caputo, FMA, together with Ms. Maria
D’Onofrio and the Interns: Christian Ruehling, Sofia
Pieuch , Nuria Iglesias and Eugenia Emili. It was an
incredible training for they have planned it very well.
How was my Experience??
…Being in Geneva feels like watching an action movie. I
really hope and pray that it was. But NO! Everything I’ve
seen, I’ve heard and testimonies I watched were all for
REAL!
It feels even more heartbreaking compared to any other
pains we could ever feel watching people’s video of
By: Jackelyn Ortua
Children Consultation for the Third National Plan of
Action for Children (NPAC) happened last November
26-27, 2016 at Ciudad Christia Resort, San Mateo Rizal.
58 children from all over the Philippines attended the
NPAC to discuss issues on children especially from their
own localities. Children were also involved in the
planning and made specific recommendations to the
government on how they should respond when it comes
to children’s issues. The activity was organized by the
CSC-CRC (CRC Coalition) with the partnership of Save the
Children and Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).
Youth facilitators from CWC are the ones who facilitated
the activity for three days. It was the first time for VIDES
Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc. to attend to a
consultation regarding NPAC and it was a big opportunity
for the organization that children of Busina Mo Dunong
Ko (BMDK) were able to be involved in this kind of
activity. Roberto Vitonio and Hazel Perez from Brgy.
Hugo Perez, Trece Martires Cavite represented VIDES
children in the consultation, together with their mentor
Ms. Sarah Barde-Aguilar, RSW.
Year End Assessment and Planning of Civil Society Coalition
on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CSC-CRC)
happened last December 7 to 9, 2016 at Rockpoint hotel and
Spa, Pansol, Laguna. 13 member organizations attended the
assessment and planning. Everyone worked together to
evaluate and assess the coalition’s previous activities and
accomplishments. The activity was also a venue for the
team to identify the issues and gaps from all the activities
that they had held and implemented. The assessment went
well, everyone participated well as they shared brilliant
ideas and opinions came out spontaneously. Through
collaborative efforts, the team had a good plan for the next
3 years, which will serve as their guide in the implementa-
tion of all their activities.
on the National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC)
Children Consultation
Annual Assessment and Planning
CSC-CRC

17 14
testimonies calling for help to somehow ease their situation,
sharing how they really suffered from cruelties, abuses, terror-
ism, wars, slavery, tortures, and abduction/enforce disap-
pearances. And who suffers a lot from these unfavorable cir-
cumstances? The Children, who are supposedly enjoying the
WORLD.
Before and during my travel to Geneva, I have these questions
in my mind, “Why am I supposed to be there, how VIDES will
benefit from it and how huge the responsibility that I have to
carry on after?” I thought I will just have to learn something
new as part of my career development. To my surprise, it was
more than what I have expected. Sitting inside the Palais des
Nations (United Nations Office) session hall, listening to the
representatives’ discussion on what is happening to their
respective countries brought me to the situation like watching
the whole WORLD just right in front of me, enduring the
wounds caused by all forms of negative circumstances around
it and it makes me feel helpless too.
However, I am grateful to VIDES for such an experience which
shown me the purpose why VIDES and other socially organized
groups do exist. I have learned a lot of new things during the
training course and from our participation to the discussions at
Palais des Nations, but there’s only one thing I can summarized
from those learnings; a call for an ACT and slowly seeing the
difference. Fighting against violence now a days is like “taking
steps on a deep muddy path, it’s difficult and we have to walk
slowly in order to reach our destination” amidst impossibilities
if the Nations takes responsibilities of chasing peace instead of
disparity what a greater world we would have live in. Now, in
order to make it possible, it is a challenge for us all to continue
to use our voices to spread the very core value of every person,
that each of us are with WORTH & DIGNITY and those are the
essence of LIFE. To share every single act of volunteerism, to
hear every single voice calling for the respect of their rights as
human, to be a message channel on relaying and delivering
good intensions and to be at least a single medicine to cure
hatred and anger, causing violence against the life of every
person, can be the greatest contribution/s we could share the
WORLD and I was there to see how every single act of VIDES
affects the whole world.
VIDES primarily existed for children, the most vulnerable sector
of the society. With the existence of modernization, it is a
challenge for us all, volunteers, how we can insert the Human
Rights Education as part of these children’s lives, amidst
technologies and exposure to extreme life abuses. Let us all
take the responsibility of molding them to become better
individuals as the prime resolution to STOP violence against
Human Rights. Together, I believe WE CAN:)
Thank you all for your prayers & support. Also my sincere
thanks to the following for making it all possible for me.
 Sr. Mariagrazia Caputo, FMA (IIMA office) for the invite and
for always being proud of VIDES Philippines.
 VIDES family (Sr. Jojo, Volunteers, Staff, Parents & Youth
leaders and Busina Kids ) for the trust & for believ-
ing in me that I can represent VIDES well. For a
101% “Kaya mo yan” cheers.
 Sr. Rachel Melissa Flor, FMA & Provincial
Economer’s office for the acquisition of my VISA
and Plane Tickets.
 Ate Ciel Estacio and Amy Suzara for my allowance.
 Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA, for the accompaniment
all throughout our stay in Geneva.
 International Sisters and Interns for the friendship
& a worthwhile journey I had with them. We shared
different cultures, dialects, interests and point of
views but we made it all as ONE.
On November 21, 2016 – Beyond Business as Usual was
organized by the CSC-CRC in time with the celebration of
the National Children’s Month (NCM). It was held at the UP
Diliman, Bahay ng Alumni in Quezon City. Members of the
coalitions were present in the said event. Two offices from
government agencies such as NEDA and DEpEd attended
the activity. Students also from University of the Philippines
were invited. On that day the coalition presented the first
of its six-point agenda which is Inclusive Quality Education.
They highlighted the importance of accessibility and quality
education. The appearance of two Chief from bureau of
education in Research Division, Ms. Gretchen Cordero and
Student Inclusion Division, Jose D. Tuguinayo Jr., was an
opportunity for the coalition to present the issues and
concerns on education. Also part of the event is to present
the Public Spending for Children, it was discussed in here
the importance of allotting funds for children. The next
topic that were discussed was about the Universal Periodic
Review (UPR) - 3rd
Cycle Philippines. During the discussion,
they presented the identified issues and gaps in realizing
children’s rights. The event was a venue for all the
participants, especially for the government agencies and
civil society organizations to raise their awareness on the
real situation of the Filipino children. This is an opportunity
for them to help each other take actions on how everyone
can respond to the needs of the Filipino children. This is
also a call to the government to double their efforts in the
creation of programs and services for children and
realizing that their rights should become their top priority.
Thank you to all the speakers who generously shared their
knowledge on the topics:
 Ms. Nerissa Dimapilis, Research and Quality Manager
of Fundacion Educacion y Cooperacion (EDUCO) -
presented “On Access to quality of Education. The
perennial problems of education and how do we go
beyond business as usual”
 Ms. Hazel Bitana, Advocacy and Communication
Manager of Children Rights Coalition Asia, presented
General Comment (GC) 19, “On Public Budgeting for
the Realization of Children’s Rights”
 Marcela Donaal, Partnership Effectiveness Manager of
ChildFund Philippines presented the CSC-CRC’s joint
submission to the 3rd
Cycle of Universal Periodic
Review (UPR) of the Philippine Government

15 16
The VIDES Eat and Meet: Volunteers’ Fair was held last
Sunday, 27 November, at the Don Bosco School Sta.
Mesa. The said event was a triple celebration held in
connection with the 21st Anniversary of VIDES in the
Philippines, the annual gathering of VIDES Pinoy
volunteers, friends, and benefactors, and the advance
observance of the International Volunteers’ Day. VIDES
Delegate Sr. Jojo Carrasco welcomed all attendees and
related the significance of holding the annual Eat and
Meet event. An audio visual presentation about VIDES
was shown, which was followed up by a quick
discussion on the history of the organization, as well as
its programs and activities. Opportunities for
volunteering in countries where there is Daughters of
Mary Help of Christians or FMA presence was also
introduced. Atty Anna Theresa Cruz shared her
experiences during her three-month internship at the
VIDES International Human Rights Office in Geneva,
Switzerland. Ms. Rosylyn Arnigo reminisced about the
fun and enriching experience she had with the
volunteers who attended the VIDES International
Convention in Rome, Italy. A video presentation made
by international volunteers, Ryan and Halle from
Canada, and Judith from Germany, who are currently in
Palawan was also shown. Volunteers Carine Cuinet
from France and Roberto Manzoni from Italy also went
on stage to share what they are doing for the
marginalized sector in the country through VIDES
Philippines. Sr Jojo Carrasco also gave an update on the
recently completed Livelihood and Development
Center for Women and Their Families in Trece Martirez,
Cavite. The facility, which stands on a 107 square meter
lot area, seeks to provide a venue for women
empowerment, especially in the field of economic
independence and sustainability. The two-storey
building shall house a bakery, a sewing room, and a
small office which will cater to microcredit and other
livelihood projects. During the event, VIDES also
launched the “Raffle for a Cause” fundraising project
for the procurement of baking equipment and supplies
for the VIDES Bakery as well as sewing machines and
other equipment for the Livelihood and Development
Center. Sr Jojo explained that the sooner the equip-
ment are provided, the sooner the center can operate
to provide livelihood opportunities for the former
informal settlers from Barangay 143 in Pasay City who
were relocated to Trece Martires in Cavite. She said
that around 1,500 households have been bereft with
viable sources of income due to the remoteness of the
relocation site and the unavailability of job
opportunities in the community. She enjoined the
attendees to support the fundraising project for the
center. That afternoon, volunteers and guests enjoyed
bonding and hopping from one booth to another.
Among the booths set up were the following: teddy
bear making kiosk, paper flower-making and block
stamping booth, DIY photo booth, gift booth, and VIDES
history booth, and various food kiosks. VIDES volunteers
also had an enjoyable time reminiscing and walking
down memory lane as they pinned photos on places
they have been to because of VIDES on the Philippine
map and the world map. They also wrote their
commitment on the VIDES Freedom Wall. Lucky
volunteers and guests who joined the question and
answer game also took home Starbuck gift certificates
and merchandise. It was certainly not a lazy Sunday
afternoon, but an afternoon of fun, bonding, sharing,
learning, and making a difference.
EAT & MEET 2016

VIDES PHILIPPINES

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