Calbayog spring 2016

The city of Calbayog, on the western coast of the island of Samar, is the third location where SOS Children's Villages became active in the Philippines. Calbayog is one of the bigger cities of Western Samar and is a commercial centre in the region. Traditionally the people have lived off agriculture and fishing, but there is also some industry. Samar is one of the poorest regions in the Philippines. Life, especially for those living in rural areas, is full of hardships. Many people do not have adequate housing, and they live in either makeshift shelters or in informal settlements.

Main important achievements in 2015:

• This year, with the help of Pedagogy Team, children learnt the process and essence of sewing. 
• The SOS soccer team returned with a bang in 2015, reclaiming the championship title once more.
• The village welcomed new additions to family. Three SOS Mothers became mothers to the children who unfortunately lost their mothers. Each of them gained three offspring, a total of nine.
• The family strengthening programme strengthened the awareness program of SOS and other Government Agencies to our 345 families and their 1,755 children and young adults. 
• Orientations on Child Protection Policy, Anti-Child Labor Law or RA 9231, Disaster Risk Reduction Management focusing on preparedness, good personal hygiene and healthy lifestyle, and the Anti-Violence Against Women were given to the caregivers.
• A career guidance orientation was given to 41 aspiring 4th year high school students under the family strengthening program. 
• Program beneficiaries produced eco-friendly and recycled products that were sold to consumers - from the beautiful flower decors made out of used plastic bottles to recycled bottle caps as keychains which were excitedly sold by SOS young adults in school as part of their entrepreneurship activity.

Renato’s story

At the age of eight, Renato has been working hard in order to provide food. It was not an easy task to replace his parent’s responsibility, who sadly, had neglected him and his siblings.

“When Renato came under my care he kept on asking me if he’ll return home. I would always reply to him, SOS is your new home,” Mama Wilma, his SOS mother, says.

Living in the village has given Renato a lot of good memories. This includes the first birthday celebration for him. “Mama Wilma let me play the entire afternoon. When I came home, my home was in darkness. I remember getting worried first. The lights were out. As I opened the front door, I called out to my mother. I reached to the light switch on the wall next the door,” Renato said with a smile. “Surprise! The lights came on without me having to turn on the switch. There in the corner of the room were my family and they were singing Happy Birthday. I couldn’t help but cry,” said Renato. “Mama Wilma quickly hugged me and wipe my tears,” he added. The smile comes back to Renato’s face. “It was a tear of joy, to hear my family singing happy birthday and celebrating my birthday for the first time”.

Renato has many friends. “In the Youth Boy’s home, we are all on the same page and help each other in terms of school work and house chores. It’s a good thing that most of my friends here are also my schoolmates,” he says. “During my high school graduation, I was really pressured since school life is not easy. There were many challenges that I faced. I was proud that I overcame them. Mama Wilma accompanied me to the stage to get my diploma; it was one of the happiest moments in my life.” Renato adds.

“I never thought that I could be a child – play – go to school or stop worrying about taking care of my little brother and sister. I am happy that I had a good time with Mama Wilma and my family,” said Renato, with a sigh of relief.

Renato is now a first year college student studying industrial technology.