The SOS Children's Village Tacloban is located at Brgy. Tigbao, Tacloban City, with 11 Family Houses. It is about six kilometers from the city proper of Tacloban. It was February 1969 when the first five family houses were constructed. The village was inaugurated last December 1969, and it was in April 1970 when the village was occupied by five SOS Mothers. After a month, the first seven year old kid was entrusted to its care, and on the same year, 21 orphaned and abandoned children were admitted. SOS Tacloban has three auxiliary facilities, namely the Hermann Gmeiner School Tacloban, Youth Houses, and the Hermann Gmeiner Social Center for Mother and Child. Hermann Gmeiner School was constructed in cooperation with the City Mayor and the then Ministry of Education in order to provide better learning facilities for all the children in the area. On the other hand, the Youth Houses are two facilities in the City Proper of Tacloban that are being rented and facilitated temporarily as Youth Houses for 34 youth boys along with two youth co-workers. Hermann Gmeiner Social Center for Mother and Child (HGSCMC) was inaugurated in 1985 and provides dental, medical and nutrition services to the people of Tacloban. Seminars and skills trainings are offered all throughout the year to families who are interested to learn new livelihood skills.
Beginning with the end in mind, so to speak, all children that are admitted to SOS receive the love and care they need in order for them to lead responsible adult lives in the future. It is only through personal experiences of what it feels to have a family that they will be able to be responsible and mature parents someday. Such is the vision of the founder: To restore the sense of family that these needy children may have lost or have never experienced from their biological parents. The brand name of long-term family care sets SOS apart from other child welfare organizations, and is one of the reasons why SOS is not an orphanage.
And so, forty (40) years after its founding in the country, SOS Children Villages Philippines has already sent back to society 964 former SOS Children. We invite you to read some of their colorful and inspiring stories...
SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGES PHILIPPINES
STORRIES OF HOPE
EVANGELINE OROSCO
"A Doctor from the Children's Village"
Her parents were highly devoted to Christian teachings and moral values, whose efforts seemed to center mainly in making their home happy and ideal despite poverty and simplicity in the farm. But at the age of two, she lost her mother and was totally orphaned when her father died only after five days. From one relative to another, she and her older brother went for foster care until finally in November 1985, they happily found a permanent home and family in SOS Children's Village Davao. This is the story of Evangeline Orozco who finished a course in Medicine and passed the Physician Licensure Examination. A young girl who was always determined to get ahead and earn a degree while in the Children's Village. She related well with peers and showed maturity in her dealings with others. She even became a varsity player in their school's kickball and volleyball and possessed special abilities in drawing, cooking and needle works. Truly, her stay in the Children's Village was a very fruitful one. With enough confidence and capabilities, Evangeline is now ready to face life's struggles and be of service to those who are in need.
"I was admitted to the Village at the age of 11 and that was in November 1985. When I was a child I thought I can only finish grade six because of financial constraints. But upon entering SOS everything became possible. I finished Medical Technology in March 1996 then I worked for a year. Wanting to pursue Medicine I solicited support from SOS. Now I can't imagine that I would finish my Medicine course and become a Doctor. My heart and soul is full of thanks and I would like to express my gratitude to the SOS Children's Villages all over the world. To our founder, Lolo Hermann, love and affection, as well as to Uncle Helmut and the other co-workers of SOS who pursue the work of Lolo. Thank you very much to everyone for giving me this opportunity! God bless you all!"
HARRIS MAGALLANES
"My Dream to Become a Pilot is Now a Reality"
"We used to have a happy family despite of my parents' disability - both of them are blind - until one day they decided to separate for some reason. My sister Shelo and I decided to be with our father and our youngest with our mother. "Home" to us was the Quirino Grandstand, where we were also selling cigarettes as our means of living".
The NAYON NG KABATAAN, a government agency, referred us to SOS Children's Village Manila. SOS accepted us and showed us how to live a decent way of life. I was ten years old when I was admitted at SOS Children's Village Manila in October 1989, while my sister Shelo was 12 years old. House four or the "House of Understanding" became our home. Nothing compares to my new home, I though to myself, I have a bed of my own, my sister has too, food on the table every meal that would not require us to sell cigarettes, brothers and sisters, and above all a mother who takes care and love us even though I know that she is not our real mother. Oh yes, I miss our father, but with the presence of the Village Director, "Papa Noel", who hugs, talks to and encourages us, somehow the longing that I felt to my father turned into joy, thinking that I have two fathers."
Our house is sponsored by SwissAir, and one day, a visitor came to our house. She was a former flight attendant of the said airline and her husband is a pilot. Mrs. Messmer approached and asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I smiled that she had probably expected me to reply "A Chef" or "Own a restaurant!" seeing me preparing food for my family. But imagine her delighted surprise when I replied "A pilot!"
Now, most young boys of around 10 usually change their ambitions from day to day, but not Harris. According to him, his determination to become a pilot was instilled in him during an educational tour in Philippine Air Lines.
"At the age of 20, I graduated in college with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance. After I graduated my college, I worked in a well known burger shop, until one day the SwissAir once again sponsored my flying school expenses in order for me to obtain a license to become a commercial pilot. Finally in 1998, I finished my bachelor's degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology. I further took up more Flying Courses at the Philippine Airlines Flying School. That year, my dream became a reality as I became a Second Pilot Officer of Philippine Airlines of an International Flight, Manila-San Francisco, California route."
"I feel so blessed now! With the help of my SOS family, I have finally reached my dream to sour up in the sky. Not only that, I am now starting to have a family of my own. Together with my beloved wife, Misty, we will be building our own family with dedication and unconditional love."
"Memories... memories we have lots of them in SOS our home, I will never forget the people who mold our characters, and the benefactors who is continuously supporting."
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
AT SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGES,
KIDS GET A REAL FAMILY.
Here, orphaned, abandoned and neglected children find a home filled with brothers and sisters and a woman who's dedicated her life to being their mother. Together, the family grows up supporting each other with the love and care that every child deserves. I find that it makes a difference that these children are raised with real families. They learn significant values because of the love and security they experience from the home that they share.
This is why we are compelled to support SOS Children's Villages so that more children can experience the healing power of the SOS Family. It doesn't take a lot to give to these children and help them change their lives. Together, let us support the SOS Children's Villages and give more children in need a chance at a brighter future.
GET INVOLVED!
With your support we can secure a future for those who are unable to help themselves. Children need our help every day - people in need cannot wait until tomorrow.
Any donation, large or small, will help us to give children the chances in life they deserve.
• Individuals can choose to be an Education Sponsor at P350 per month;
• or a Village Sponsor at P500 per month.
• Companies can choose between Education Sponsorship at P5,000 a month;
• or Village Sponsorship at P7,500 a month.
CONTACT US
For further information and inquiries, please call 0063.28.070764
or 0063.28.509654
OR SEND US AN EMAIL: home@sosphilippines.org
ADDRESS SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGES PHILIPPINES National Office
P.O. Box 196 Mindanao Drive
Ayala Alabang Village 1799 Muntinlupa City
Philippines
COMMENTS ON
SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGE TACLOBAN
By Gi Federizo SOS Children's Village Philippines Jul/24/2008
I'm Gi Federizo. I am working for the SOS Children's Village Philippines which is under the SOS Kinderdorf International in Austria that was founded in 1949. SOS Philippines began in 1967. If you watched the recent Ms. Universe, they featured SOS Vietnam there which is also of course under SOS Kinderdorf.
Many of you probably don't know what SOS is so here is a direct quote I'm lifting from the brochures: "SOS is an international non-government organization that provides alternative family-based care for orphaned, abandoned and neglected children ... SOS Children's Villages worldwide provide families and homes with a safe and secure environment for children.
Each village has an average of 8 to 14 family houses, with each house run by an SOS Mother who cares for about ten children. Thechildren are provided with their needs as well as their education. They live together forming the bond of brothers and sisters. SOS Mothers are unique. They remain single and devote their lives, until they retire at age 60, to care for the children as their own."
That's the gist of it. But really, there is more to SOS. I'm new (just one month on the job) but I'm already proud of being part of it. The Mothers are so dedicated to the children whom they come to call their own. It's funny because you may come across, for example, a 35-year-old Mother and ask her how many kids she has and she'll tell you "Twenty." Twenty! Not one of them her own but she is their mom, forever.
I really salute their dedication. And they're not just from anywhere,. They are professionals and trained (they start as "aunties" preparing to be "Mothers"). Anyway, I joined the SOS National Office's Public and Fund Raising department not for the money (what money?), but more for the advocacy. Which is why I am posting this. I want in my own way to be able to help as many children as I can.
There are actually seven Villages already--Manila (which is actually in Alabang), Lipa City, Tacloban, Calbayog, Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo. We are now starting one in Bataan (due to open December 2008) and we need all the help we can get. Contrary to some people's belief, SOS is NOT a rich organization.
We recently launched our SOS Friends campaign in Glorietta, by the way. Do you know, for as low as PhP100 a month, your money can go a long way? Also, we have been active recently in helping out neighboring barangays in Iloilo after typhoon Frank devastated the province. Plus, through my own initiative, I started a Multiply and Friendster account for SOS Philippines (they're still "under construction," though especially Multiply).
What I'm just saying is I hope you can help us help these children. Maybe we can help each other help them. There are many ways through which you can help:
1. P100/month (or more) sponsorship
2. Support-a-family project� in case you opt for this, please email me or call me at 807-0764 loc. 103 or text 09216060550� it may be a
P100/mo. sponsorship as well except the donation goes directly to
specific houses� you may even choose which house.
3. The upcoming October Fun Run/Walk�participate or even sponsor, especially if you have a business.
4. Make us the beneficiary of your events (contact the Publicity and Fund Raising department...that includes me as well).
You are welcome to visit our Villages announced or unannounced and we can show you around, visit houses and meet SOS Mothers and their children (they are many on weekends when they don't have to go to school; there are the littler kids on weekdays, though).
The SOS Friends Campaign actually aims to raise 20,000 Friends for 26,800 children. If you are living abroad, for instance the U.S., if you can spare just $2.00 a month, that will already help provide for SOS kids in the Philippines.
Please help us provide for their basic needs and education. If you want to know more, kindly visit
http://www.sosphilippines.org
Our spokesperson, by the way, is Ms. Jamie Rivera.
Anyway, sorry for this long post. I just really felt the need to share with you. Thanks for reading and I hope you are all well!
Comment posted by eduard yano, 22.11.2018 um 02:48 (UTC): gusto po naming mag adopt ng baby pano po ba ang proses txt po ako itu num ko thank you...
09121624828
Comment posted by Jenifer Guilangue, 27.01.2018 um 01:33 (UTC): Gusto ko po mag adopt ng baby 2 to 3mos old po kindly contact me po 09216415325 thank u po.
Am leaving in tacloban city
Comment posted by Jade orgel, 22.10.2017 um 23:15 (UTC): Gusto po namin mag adopt ng baby,, pwede po ba?? Anu po ba proseso ang gagawin..text nyo nalang po ako 09107215326.. Godbless
Comment posted by joelito mendros, 03.08.2016 um 01:55 (UTC): i want to help..can i visit the place? plz, contact me 09075959187.
Comment posted by Grace Tuazon, 29.05.2016 um 17:13 (UTC): I want to adopt an infant. .email me at lil_saver22@yahoo.com
Comment posted by Marie, 09.03.2016 um 03:44 (UTC): I am looking for a child to sponsor, but I want to see any faces..age and status if you have. Especially at yolanda victim..Thank you
email me at hard4977@yahoo.com
Comment posted by larry, 21.12.2013 um 23:20 (UTC): my phillipina wife and i want to adopt an infant. mainc123@yahoo.com
Comment posted by Mherapril Gravador, 14.12.2013 um 07:29 (UTC): I am looking for some orphans to be my pen pals. Especially those children who were victims of Yolanda.This is my email address mheraprilgravador@gmail.com
Thank you very much.
Comment posted by Fe Procesa Picaso - Pante, 19.11.2013 um 19:54 (UTC): SOS Children from Ormoc & Tacloban pls. give me some information about Foster parenrs. thank you.
Comment posted by mark, 25.07.2011 um 07:27 (UTC): do you hav an available floor plans, site plans and perspetive of the childrens village?...pls post....tnx