Isolation is a big issue for the elderly, more so at Christmas. Not everyone has family or friends to spend Christmas with and for many December 25th is just another day. For them, it’s not an exciting time of watching grandchildren open presents under the tree or sharing a meal with loved ones. Nor is it a day to pull a cracker or to give someone they love a Christmas present. Due to Covid-19, their interactions with each other have been restricted, their time with staff has been limited and the volunteers have not been allowed in for most of the last almost two years. During holiday and festive times, loneliness can be amplified by the lack of having anyone to spend time with.

We visited Bahay Pag-Ibig Home For The Elderly in Holy Angel Village, Telabastagan, San Fernando, Pampanga on December 11, 2021 to brighten the holiday season for 14 lolos and 33 lolas.  We brought them supplies of food and rice provision, milk, groceries, diapers, toiletries, slippers and clothes. The objective is to let them know they’re not forgotten during what can be a depressing time of year. Due to strict enforcement of health and safety protocols, we were not able to interact with the lolos and lolas but nevertheless, we have delivered to them your gifts. We received a warm welcome by Fr. Ricarthy Dungo Macalino who celebrated the Holy Eucharist for us. 

We're all blessed to have been part of this mission of bringing joy to others. Thanks to all our generous sponsors who made it possible for us to reach out to the senior residents of Bahay Pag-Ibig. Your work for God does not go unnoticed. God is your exceedingly great reward. Wishing y'all a Merry Christmas.

It is estimated in the 2020 UNICEF report there are about 210 million orphans worldwide. In the Philippines alone, there are approximately 1.8 million of them. Nearly one-third of these children who start primary school do not complete fifth-grade. To make matters worse, COVID-19 pandemic has forced many school students around the world to embrace remote learning. But not all have computers at home. Remote learning makes the situation especially hard for orphans and vulnerable children at Little Angels Home who are at the critical point of student to computer ratio of 1 is to 8. The computer room gifted to the children on December 4, 2021 by Datamatics CMS PH was equipped with 20 computers in like-new condition, new electrical installations and lighting were set up and a new air conditioning unit was installed. This computer room will give orphans and vulnerable children urgent resources to attend online classes like other children hence cutting on the number of children who can not access online classes due to lack of computers. For their part, employees contributed generously by making financial pledges to buy much needed staples like food packs, fresh fruits, milk diapers, toiletries and other grocery items. The kids enjoyed a day of laughter, food, games and gifts. I'm so glad to be part of an organization that takes caring and giving back as core mission.

​Special thanks to ate Edna and Ram for helping us in more ways than one. The provision you sent helped us carry out this mission of mercy for the children. May you be blessed abundantly more than you deserve!

We wish all of you a very Happy Christmas and a smooth start to 2022!