The Balay Pasilungan Foundation established a shelter to address the plight of street boys in Davao City, Philippines. Balay Pasilungan is a Marist Fathers project and AMS is involved with it through our partnerships with Marist Mission Centre and Lenity Australia.
The last quarter of 2017 proved a very busy time for the shelter. From school activities to re-accreditation preparations and approvals from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Across the quarter the shelter received visits from over 400 volunteers, immersion groups and professionals. In November, six (6) of the boys participated the ASEAN Jamboree in Tagum City which included delegates from many different South East Asia countries as well as the local community. All Souls day and All Saints Day was also celebrated November. These celebrations are a call to remember and honour deceased family members. Lastly, the shelter held Christmas and New Year celebrations. For one student this particular festive period marked a special occasion as he was reunited with his family.
Rain was away from his home since April 2017. He did not run away from home but he just wanted to explore a bigger city, Tagum City until he lost his way home which was two (2) hours away. Instead, he ended up in Davao City, an hour from Tagum city. His family searched for him until his mother fell ill and they were no longer able to continue. After months of investigations the workers at the shelter were finally able to track down Rain’s family and reunite them in time for Christmas.
The Balay Pasilungan provides shelter for approximately 30 underprivileged boys aged between 5-15, who have been orphaned from disasters, abandoned as a consequence of poverty and/or are homeless and vulnerable. This program provides full care, meals and accommodation. The children attend State Schools during the day.
For more information on our work in the Philippines please visit our website: http://bit.ly/2DRE1rV