Cagayan de Oro City: One of the programs of Calabrian Children’s Foundation (CCF) is to visit the family of its clients. This program is made to establish connection between CCF and the family, and to enhance mutual care and support for the welfare and development of the children.

            Last July 25, 2024, staff members and collaborators of CCF went to a remote barangay in the Municipality of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental to visit the family of a CCF kid. It can be recalled that last time they paid a visit to the said family; the mother of a CCF kid was bed-ridden and can hardly move. She too was diagnosed with cancer. But, thanks be to God, in this recent visit, her condition improved a lot. She can now walk and she can even manage to clean her house, do laundry, and cook her food.

            In this visit, a heartwarming encounter took place when this CCF kid handed on his academic medals to his mother. In response, his mother embraced him so tightly and expressed her genuine love to her child.

            Before going back to CCF, staff members and collaborators gave her some goods. Fr. Mark Jonnel Magos, PSDP, a Calabrian priest who came with them, gave her the sacrament of the anointing of the sick and prayed over for her fast recovery.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Today, the CCF joyfully celebrates the gift of life bestowed upon its members and friends for the month of January, extending the celebration to encompass December of the previous year. This signifies the first birthday celebration of the year, shared in the company of children, friends, and family.

Additionally, today we extend our blessings to the boys as we inaugurate their new library. May this space be a source of knowledge, inspiration, and countless adventures for all who enter its doors. Here’s to fostering a love for learning and exploration in the hearts of our young readers.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to all who have joined us for this special occasion. Thank you for being a part of this joyous celebration of life.

The Human Resource Management Department (HRMD) organized its annual outreach program for the Calabrian Children’s Foundation. The event took place on September 15 at the Calabrian Children’s Foundation in Barangay Bayabas, within the city.

The group brought various donations such as hygiene kits, school supplies, preloved clothes, and medicines from the City Health Office and JR Borja General Hospital. Additionally, they contributed cash collected from various departments within the city hall and the proceeds from the #ColorRun4Fun registration fee, which was held on September 3.

A check was also presented to the foundation by the City Hall Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative, also known as CHEMCO. Father Ronnie Lapara, the Executive Director of the Calabrian Children’s Foundation, graciously accepted these donations.

In addition to receiving donations, the children from the Calabrian Children’s Foundation showcased their talents during the outreach program.

This outreach program was part of the celebration of the 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary and was attended by administrative officers from various LGU-CDO departments.

On August 26, 2023, the Calabrian Children’s Foundation celebrated the Holy Eucharist. They actively participated in the celebration by playing guitars, singing, listening to the Word of God, and receiving Holy Communion. After Mass, they played basketball and volleyball, then enjoyed playing by the seashore. They ended the day with dinner and praying the Rosary. The girls then returned to the CCF home for girls.

CSWD-Gingoog (City Social Welfare and Development Office – Gingoog), under the guidance of Margie Rodriguez, has facilitated the admission of two children to the Calabrian Children’s Foundation. This significant step took place on August 22 and 25, signifying a new chapter in the lives of these young individuals.

The Calabrian Children’s Foundation extends its embrace as they become part of our family. The coordinated efforts of CSWD-Gingoog with Margie Rodriguez and CCF have ensured a well transition for these children into an environment that prioritizes their well-being and growth.

As these young hearts embark on this new journey, we honor their resilience, and the commitment of those who have worked tirelessly to provide them with the care they deserve. The Calabrian Children’s Foundation remains dedicated to nurturing their potential and offering them a safe haven to flourish.

This heartening development underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding and uplifting the lives of children in need. As the children settle into their new surroundings, we eagerly anticipate witnessing their progress and achievements, and we stand united in our mission to provide them with a brighter future.

In an effort to ensure a confident and good start to the upcoming school season, the Calabrian Children’s Foundation organized a special haircut event for boys. Understanding the significance of looking and feeling good as they embark on their educational journey, the foundation is taking proactive steps to help the children put their best foot forward.

The event, aimed at boys of all ages, is rooted in the belief that a well-groomed appearance can significantly impact a child’s self-esteem and attitude towards learning. With the goal of fostering a positive mindset and boosting their confidence, the foundation recognizes the power of a fresh haircut in the new school year.

The Calabrian Children’s Foundation works for the growth and well-being of children through initiatives like these and many more.

In a heartwarming outreach endeavor, the College of Arts and Sciences at Liceo de Cagayan University organized a captivating event that left an indelible mark on the young residents of CCF. On the morning of August 23, 2023, at approximately 9am, the university carried out an outreach program that not only fostered a sense of community but also celebrated the richness of the Filipino language due to the ongoing “Buwan ng Wika” celebration.

Reading Bonds Hearts and Minds

The center of the event was the reading session, where students from the College of Arts and Sciences embraced the role of storytellers. Clutching Filipino storybooks, they transported the eager boys and girls of CCF-Bayabas into a world of imagination and learning. As the narratives unfolded, smiles and fascination lit up the event.

Nurturing Curiosity through Dialogue

The event wasn’t confined to just storytelling; it evolved into an interactive experience. During the engaging question and answer segment, the children showcased their inquisitive minds, firing questions at the university students. This dynamic exchange fostered an environment of learning and curiosity, as minds young and old came together to explore the realms of knowledge found within the pages of the storybooks.

Fostering Connection and Celebrating Heritage

The chosen date for the outreach, August 23, 2023, held particular significance. As the nation celebrated “Buwan ng Wika” or “National Language Month,” the event beautifully harmonized with the theme of language appreciation. This initiative echoed the university’s commitment to nurturing an understanding and appreciation of Filipino heritage, encouraging the young minds of CCF-Bayabas to embrace their roots and linguistic identity.

A Ripple Effect of Goodness

The impact of this outreach program extended beyond the confines of CCF-Bayabas. It showcased the potential of educational institutions to catalyze positive change in surrounding communities. The College of Arts and Sciences at Liceo de Cagayan University set a remarkable example of how a simple reading session can sow the seeds of curiosity, knowledge, and empathy.

As the event culminated, the participants departed with hearts full of gratitude and minds brimming with newfound knowledge. The echo of laughter, the sparkle of learning in young eyes, and the bonds formed between Liceo de Cagayan University and the Calabrian Children served as a reminder that collective efforts can indeed illuminate lives and brighten the path toward a more enlightened and connected society.

In a world often dominated by headlines of discord, this outreach program stands as a heartening narrative of unity, cultural celebration, and the transformational power of education.