THANK YOU SAN MIGUEL PACKAGING DEPARTMENT

Christmas parties have been enjoyed by more than 200 children and their families this year; different groupings at different times. Monday it was the 'Packaging department of San Miguel Corporation' who visited and gave out gifts to over 50 children. ( They had decided to do this instead of giving gifts to their clients this year. ) A very good time was had by all. The children sang Carols and danced. they received their gifts and stayed to enjoy their Jolibee lunch while the visitors went on to the Livelihood who were the recipients of 5 new sewing machines and an assortment of new tools. They admired the work of those workers who were present, before taking 2 sisters off to lunch with them!

Thank you 'San Miguel Packaging Department for your great generosity in time and resources. We know that a great deal of planning, organising, and hard work went into this event.

COMMUNITY CHANGES

The Malibay Community has 5 sisters now since Mary returned to Ireland last year. However since Srs. Alisi and Enasi are in France for a prolonged stay leading up to time for their Final Vows, we are only 3 sisters in the Philippines at present.

Many thanks to you all for the prayers which are of course the cornerstone for all we are doing here.

LIBRARY PROJECT

Our latest development is the transfer of the library from the Centre to the old Barangay Hall, which is beside the Basketball Court.

The Parish in which we work, ‘Mary Comforter of the Afflicted’, Maricaban, has been ‘twinned ‘ with a Parish in the UK, St. Vincents, Knutsford, Cheshire, England. The people in this Parish have raised funds to enlarge and revitalize our library. The Kagawad of Barangay 180 in which our Centre is placed, offered us premises that had been used as Day Care Centre. It is the upstairs portion of the old Barangay Hall and although it is right on the bank of the river, being on the second floor, it is safe from flooding. This was a great bonus for us as we lost all in the Early Learning Centre during Tropical Storm ‘Ondoy’. Had the library not been moved we would have lost all the books there! The room is much larger than our space in the Centre. It has been cleaned, repaired, painted and has many new shelves. A librarian has been appointed and she is spending much time sorting and repairing books. It will mean that books will be accessible to many more people in the area. Previously, the library has been used mostly by the children and their parents who attend the Centre.

Tropical Storm Ondoy left chaos in its wake ! Much help and hard work have us well restored now. We had a gift from schoolchildren in London to replace some of the books that were destroyed.. We were able to share with 7 other flooded schools.

SAVINGS/LOANS PROJECT

This is a venture that has been ongoing for some time now. It started as an opportunity, for those who are working with us, to save a little money when they received their weekly wage. It is not possible to save small amounts in a bank.

There are now 59 workers and their family members in the scheme. 81 children bring their pocket money to be saved, and since it was enlarged to include parents of the children attending the centre, 33 more have joined.

Those who save regularly are able to obtain a small loan from time to time. At the present time, 44 have been given loans. Savings must continue as the loans are repaid.

LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM

This program continues to be busy, busy, busy! Many orders were given for souvenirs and ‘pasalubang’ for families going abroad for their holidays. Several of the staff have taken part in a conference for those involved in co-operatives and small businesses.

SAVINGS / LOANS PROJECT

This is a venture that has been ongoing for some time now.  It started as an opportunity, for those who are working with us, to save a little money when they received their weekly wage.  It is not possible to save small amounts in a bank.

There are now 59 workers and their family members in the scheme.  81 children bring their pocket money to be saved, and since it was enlarged to include parents of the children attending the centre, 33 more have joined.

Those who save regularly are able to obtain a small loan from time to time.  At the present time, 44 have been given loans. Savings must continue as the loans are repaid.

CLINIC

The clinic continues its regular work without Sr. Mary and Sr. Alisi. In the absence of these sisters, a presence of the LSA is kept there by a weekly visit of Sr. Liliana, and the good work of the clinic continues. The trained Community Health workers, Olive, Rosemary, Joy, Emely, Lorena and Judith are assisted weekly by Dr. Ben and Dunea, our latest volunteer nurse who was born in Palestine, but has lived in many parts of the world. Dr. Lee, a gynaecologist also attends for women’s health issues and training seminars for both the staff and the general public. The Health Care Workers have been asked for a second time to do a First Aid seminar for Youth Groups.

CHILDREN

The children are now well settled in the Nursery and kinder classes for the new school year. Both children and staff are very enthusiastic in spite of the many rainy days. They have missed several days already due to flooding and the need to dry out afterwards ! We have two new members of staff, Angelo and Lenny, but Sr. Ena is sadly missed. The transfer of the library gives extra space for the kitchen, and the children are able to have their snacks there. Yuan , who is part of the group for children who have ‘special needs’ is enjoying the companionship of his peers in the kinder Class.

The other children’s groups of children from birth to 3 years old are so well attended that we have opened a ‘Mother and child play group’ in the space at the side of the chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz . This is more informal than the other groups and it is also well attended.

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP

The parents and children with their siblings continue to meet weekly on a Saturday. Their therapy and medical investigations continue. There is good news of Sam, a child aged 2 yrs who is blind. Investigations are underway to ascertain the extent of his problems. It is hoped that laser treatment or surgery, in the future could give him sight. Jerome has had Open Heart Surgery for his Atrial/ Septal defect. He has made a great recovery.

REMEDIAL EDUCATION GROUP

This group continues to meet on Saturday afternoons.  There are 45 children in the group.  In the absence of Sr. Ena, our devoted volunteer Fe, is in charge of this group assisted by some of the teachers of the Kinder and Nursery classes and volunteer Seminarian students from the Marist Congregation and the Columban Society.  The students are from India, Fiji, Korea and the Philippines...  also some members of the youth group help.

YOUTH GROUP

This group continues to meet every Sunday led by Regine who is a ‘longtime’ member. They share gospel reflections and have various activities. They obtained school supplies for those in need of them. Many are in the Parish choir

Please continue to PRAY FOR US & OUR INTENTIONS.