Provide Protection Through an Education Program

MANILA HIGH SCHOOL, JULY 30, 2023 - On this day, the venue was filled with delight and fulfillment, Childhope PH hosted its 2023 Recognition Day event following up on the remarkable success of last year’s recognition day. The extraordinary achievements of the 113 young participants were honored, making them beacons of inspiration for their peers.

To formally start the event, Dr. Herbert Carpio, Childhope’s Executive Director proudly went up on stage to congratulate all graduates and awardees for their remarkable academic excellence. Dr. Carpio also extended his gratitude to the generous sponsors who have been instrumental in uplifting the lives of Childhope beneficiaries. He talked about how their help changed the lives of the children in Childhope. Dr. Carpio's words showed how much he cares about the children and how important it is to keep supporting them.

After Dr. Carpio's welcoming remarks, one of the Senior High School graduates, Genesis Anne Rose Chido, a proud teenage mom, took the stage with a heart full of gratitude. She expressed her heartfelt thanks to Childhope for the financial assistance they provided, which enabled her to realize her dream of graduating and marching proudly at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). With a smile, she shared her journey of overcoming challenges as a single mother and how Childhope's support served as her guidance in life. Genesis' story touched the hearts of everyone present, as she stood as a living testament to the positive impact Childhope has on the lives of individuals in need.

With a special video message, Ms. Hannah Arnold, Bb. Pilipinas International 2021 and Childhope PH Ambassador, with grace and warmth, extended her heartfelt congratulations to all the beneficiaries. She emphasized the profound significance of education in shaping a brighter future and opening doors of opportunities. She passionately shared her belief that education is the key to making a big difference in one's life. She encouraged the young minds to recognize that learning is not confined to a classroom; rather, it surrounds us in every aspect of life. With inspiring words, Hannah highlighted the potential of the beneficiaries to become significant change-makers in their communities and beyond.

GRATITUDE SPEECH FROM THE TWO CHILDHOPE PH BENEFICIARIES WHO ARE NOW DEGREE HOLDERS

Almario Gutierrez, a Childhope beneficiary who graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, is also a living testament to the transformative power of Childhope's support. He expressed profound thanks to Childhope for the life-changing assistance they provided him when he was just a young boy struggling in the harsh realities of street life. With genuine warmth, he shared his inspiring journey of becoming a beneficiary and how Childhope's belief in his potential ignited a fire within him to strive for a better life.

Another Childhope beneficiary and a college graduate with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Office Administration, Rossann Obina, also took the stage to express her gratitude through a speech. With tears of happiness in her eyes, she expressed her sincerest thanks to Childhope for the invaluable support they provided throughout her journey. Rossann proudly shared that, with the help of Childhope, she successfully graduated from college. She recounted the challenges she faced as a young individual, but with the unwavering belief and assistance of Childhope, she was able to achieve her dreams.

AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES AND DISTRIBUTION OF GIFTS

Once the gratitude speeches were done, the program moved on to the awarding of certificates to the 113 participants. These academic achievers and graduates were from different levels particularly: elementary, junior high school, senior high school, and college. The handing out of certificates were led by Dr. Carpio, Ms. Dez Buenaventura from TELUS International Philippines, Mr. Christian Limyuen and a representative from Jin of BTS. While the awardees were receiving their well-deserved certificates, they were also being given slippers, school supplies, a school bag, loot bag, liquid hand soap and a sack of rice which were all given by various sponsors.

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE FROM “TATAY KIKO”

After handing out the certificates and gifts to the graduates and awardees, former Childhope PH beneficiary and Street Educator and a Licensed Professional Teacher, Mr. Francis Aquino also graced the occasion with an inspiring message that touched the hearts of everyone present. He emphasized the importance of never forgetting one's humble beginnings and always staying connected to where we came from. Francis expressed how his heart is deeply devoted to teaching and nurturing children, and he shared his vision of a better future, where one day, a police officer and a teacher would emerge from the streets. His words served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education, and offered hope to those who might have faced adversity in their early years.

APPRECIATION FOR THE SPONSORS WHO MADE THE EVENT POSSIBLE

Following the inspirational message from Francis, he was given a certificate of appreciation handed out by Dr. Carpio. The social workers and street educators led the stage to acknowledge the generous contributions given by all the sponsors presents. TELUS International Philippines, Representative from Jin of BTS and Mr. Christian Limyuen were all called on stage to be given a certificate of appreciation for their unwavering support for all the beneficiaries of Childhope PH. Mr. Amor Dugay,Principal of Manila High School was also called on stage to be given a certificate of appreciation and a donation of two monitors. Ms. Dez Buenaventura, the recipient of TELUS International’s Meteor Award (Emerging Leaders) was also recognized for choosing Childhope PH to receive a $1,000 (Php 55,595) donation. Although not present, the generosity of the following sponsors were still recognized as they also made a significant contribution on the event: Citibank NA for the loot bags, Bigas ng Buhay for the sacks of rice, The Camua Family for the school supplies, Courage to be Kind for the school supplies and bags, The Class of 2023 from International School Manila for the school supplies and Inner Wheel Makati East for the Nutribun.

The event ended with the closing remarks of Ms. Mylene Lagman, Resource Mobilization and Communications Manager and EAP Project Head. Her heartwarming speech filled with gratitude and congratulations for everyone involved. She expressed her heartfelt thanks to all the individuals who contributed to the success of the event. She acknowledged the essential role played by the sponsors, students, parents, street educators, social workers, staff, and interns, recognizing that their collective efforts made the day truly special and memorable.