Hope Above All

Hope
above all
Your gifts give hope to children and communities in Zambales
WorldVision
i n t h e P h i l i p p i n e s
last quarter 2014

BINHI NG PAG-ASA
Hope, above all
Our dear sponsor,
When we first set foot in Zambales in 1991, the effect of Mt.
Pinatubo’s devastating eruption was evident everywhere. Many Aeta
families were affected and displaced. The Zambaleños struggled with
hunger and water-borne diseases. Parents, who subsist on farming,
no longer had land to till and crops to raise. They did not know how
to access government services, much more ask for help from others.
Children had to walk long distances to reach the nearest schools.
As a community, the Zambaleños still had a long journey ahead for
them to fully recover. What was even more challenging than the
physical ruin was the people’s growing hopelessness.
That was the scenario then in Zambales, when we decided to have our first Filipino-assisted Area
Program named Binhi ng Pag-Asa (Seed of Hope) to help them rise up by bringing back a value that was
lost because of their tragic experiences: Hope.
After 17 years, Binhi ng Pag-Asa has gone a long way in its development because of our joint
efforts! Your help enabled us to assist over 101,000 children, which started from a small group of 200
children in 1997. You have inspired them to dream big and to strive, especially in their education. Among
these kids have emerged successful professionals and leaders in their spheres of influence, like Engineer
Ervin Fernandez, whom we featured in this magazine.
One hundred eighty assisted Aeta families were also blessed with a 235-hectare residential and
farming land called “Lupang Pangako” because of our joint efforts. Aside from helping them access a grant
to purchase this land, we have helped them search for the land that could both serve as a new haven for
the Aetas and as a life-long source of income from farming.
You supported us in investing and cultivating the people’s capacity to help themselves and
become accountable partners in the development process. In fact, one of the Aeta farmers you have
helped is now one of Zambales’ highly respected resource person in the Natural Farming movement, as
we have also featured here.
These are just a few of the many miracles that have happened in your sponsored community
in Zambales. As they carry on the projects on their own, please remember that you have helped make
so many children and families truly grateful to God for the lasting changes that were brought in their
communities. And we can truly attest that you have been an important partner in making this possible for
the Zambaleño families.
We offer you this magazine to amplify the children’s joy and gratitude for your kindness and
generous heart. We sincerely thank you for your faithful support. May God bless you for giving Binhi ng
Pag-Asa the opportunity to grow the seeds of hope that we have planted together.
Sincerely yours,
Josaias dela Cruz
World Vision National Director

Thank you
for giving
us hope!
EDITORIAL BOARD
Josaias dela Cruz
WVDF National Director
Filomena Portales
Public Engagement Director
Jun Godornes
NRD Associate Director
Cecile Corvera
Donor Care Manager
Genesis Jeff Lamigo
Media and Communications Manager
Project and Content Editors
Estel Lenwij Estropia
Donor Education Specialist
Lanelyn Carillo
Luzon Field Specialist
Mikhaela de Leon
Media Relations Officer
Layout Artist
Jon Carlo Fortich
Graphic Design Specialist
Photos
Estel Lenwij Estropia
Lanelyn Carillo

time to
give
BACK
Engineer Ervin Fernandez
stands on the lot where
his next project, a public
elementary school for his
fellow Zambaleños, will soon rise. Each
time he goes to the site, he can’t help
but remember his life as a former
sponsored child.
“Life was tough for my family. Sometimes, I went to school with just my transportation allowance. During breaks, I dealt with
my hunger by playing with my classmates or sharing their packed food. Despite that, I always looked forward going to school
because I knew that education would save my family from poverty,” he said. But now at the age of 22 years old, Engr. Ervin is
helping his father in supporting their family of six.
Engr. Ervin became a sponsored child when he was in Grade 3. At that time, his parents were struggling to provide him
and his siblings with complete daily meals, much more in sending them to school. Things became worse when he was diagnosed
with weak lungs, which may lead to Tuberculosis if not properly treated. With the help of World Vision, Engr. Ervin underwent
medication for six months until he recovered.
As he continually received education and medical support from World Vision programs, and especially the support from
his sponsor, Engr. Ervin was inspired to do his best. True to his, when he graduated in high school, he did all that he can to go to
college and finish BS Civil Engineering.
Now that he is a professional, Engr. Ervin’s parents shared how helpful he is to his family, especially he’s generosity to siblings.
His mother comments, “He is very thrifty and seldom buys anything for himself. But when it comes to us or his siblings’ needs,
he is always ready to give whatever he has.”
Engr. Ervin is one of the many former sponsored children who are now leading better lives for their families, through the
consistent help of generous sponsors. With the success that he is now experiencing, Engr. Ervin said, “Thank you, for helping
me become who I am now. You did not just help me finish my studies; you inspired me to dream without limits, without letting
poverty hinder my vision of who I could be.”
“Thank you for helping me become who I am now. You did not just
help me finish my studies. You inspired me to dream without
limits, without letting poverty hinder my vision of who I could be.”
4 Hope above all Stories and images of hope from children and communities in Zambales

We build a brighter future by sending children to
school and we build a stronger nation by giving
them opportunities to lead.
Danny Son, a former sponsored child from Zambales,
is a testament of how much a child can contribute to his
community if given the tools and opportunities to become a
leader.
Growing up, Danny Son was unfortunate to have to
go through a lot of painful experiences. But thankfully, by
attending several World Vision initiated children’s activities
in his barangay, Danny Son was able to move on and adopt a
positive outlook in life.
Apart from the learning sessions, Danny Son relishes his
experiences as a participant, most especially during learning
trips to different parts of the country, which he says he would
not have experienced if not for the sponsors and World Vision.
“Through World Vision, we are encouraged to participate
in activities, from planning to execution. They told us that even
as children, we too have a voice in our community. We do not
only receive material help from them, but leadership trainings
as well.
Danny Son said that having the attitude of a leader, above
his skills and experiences, helped him become the a barangay
secretary at the age of 22. Also, by serving as a church youth
leader, he is also a role model to the children of his church by
serving as a church youth leader.
With the closing of the ADP, Danny Son shares this lesson:
“You must never lose hope. Instead, always remember to
dream high because as long as you are hopeful and there are
people willing to help you, nothing is ever impossible. Thank
you for helping us achieve our dreams!”
Hope
Your lives on
through Danny Son
“You must never lose hope. Instead, always
remember to dream high because as long as
you are hopeful and there are people willing to
help you, nothing is ever impossible. Thank you
for helping us achieve our dreams!”
Stories and images of hope from children and communities in Zambales
Hope above all
5

In 1991, Mt. Pinatubo violently
erupted, causing 800 casualties
and more than a million displaced
people in Northern Luzon.
Among the most affected were the
indigenous Aetas of Botolan, Zambales.
They were the first recipients of World
Vision’s relief and development efforts
after the eruption.
Knowing that farming is the main
source of living of the Aetas, World
Vision sought a resettlement area
that could accommodate 185 families.
After five years of immense search, the
235-hectare farming land was found for
the relocatees to live on and manage.
This land was aptly named “Lupang
Pangako”.
AETA Community:
From Ashes to Healthy Harvests
6 Hope above all Stories and images of hope from children and communities in Zambales

“We, Aeta families, went from church to church to share
our life testimonies. I can’t believe how generous and goodhearted
people are. People left the church crying after hearing
our story. In time, we helped raised enough to finally purchase
Lupang Pangako,” said Ka Arting, a community leader from
Lupang Pangako since World Vision started there.
Seventeen years after they acquired the land, not only
did the Aetas relocate and build a safer community. They also
worked hard to cultivate the land through sustainable means.
Ka Arting said that the World Vision led organic farming
seminars he attended educated him on the advantages of
sustainable agriculture. Like the other families who attended
the seminars, initially, he was hesitant to go organic with his
farm. But when he tried it, he realized that he should not
return to chemical-dependent farming anymore. Just last
year, he made a harvest of watermelon at his personal farm
amounting to P100,000, with just P22,000 as capital because of
organic farming.
“Organic farming is hard work. But if you come to look at
it, all the hard work pays off in the end. I have smaller capital
and bigger income because the products are much better
than those I had with chemical-dependent farming,” said Ka
Arting while showing off some of his best plants. He now uses
organic farming from watermelon to root crops and even
palay. He also shared how happy he is to sustain all his children
schooling because of this. He is now even helping other Aeta
children go to school because his continuous farming success.
With this, Ka Arting, with his most delightful smile on,
said on behalf of the families in Lupang Pangako, “World Vision
has helped equip us with what we needed to rise from our
nightmare and we know that this was made possible by the
sponsors who support World Vision in their projects. So to all
sponsors, thank you for all the help that you gave us. Even as
World Vision is moving on, we will always remain grateful to
you.”
[ ]
“Thank you for all the help that you gave us.
Even as World Vision is moving on, we will always
remain grateful to you.”
Stories and images of hope from children and communities in Zambales
Hope above all
7

“I won’t let my fears
eat away my dreams.”
This is what Efren keeps repeating
to himself while trying to convince his
father to sign the waiver for his first
track-and-field competition. He was in
grade 6 then, and he knew that it was
time to conquer his fears.
After one long day at school during
his second year in Elementary, Efren
went home limping. His parents didn’t
understand how their once active child
was suddenly losing control of his legs.
Over months, it became harder and
harder for him to walk. But despite
this he refused to stop schooling.
His mother recollects, “I could
not bear to see my youngest
son suffering like that, but I
did not know what to do.
We already consulted with
our local therapist and even
with our folk healer but they
could not determine what
was wrong with him. I was
so afraid that we would lose
him.”
With the aid of World
Vision, Efren was examined by
a reputable physician and was
diagnosed with Tuberculosis of the
bone (A debilitating disease affecting
the joints and spine). Within months of
his year-long medication, the support of
World Vision and his family helped Efren
be able to move his legs again.
Four years after recovery, Efren
unexpectedly became attracted to
playing in his school’s track-and-field
program. “I don’t know why, but I felt
sure that this is the sport for me,”
said Efren. His father, severely worried
about his son’s health, was reluctant
at first. It took Efren days to convince
him to finally sign the waiver and let
him compete. Efren did not only come
out uninjured after the track-and-field
meet— he came out as the fastest in his
class during the sprint competition.
RUNNING
WITH
HIGH
HOPES
Efren’s family did not expect that
this was the start of his many amazing
successes in track-and-field. From
barangay to municipality, then to the
national levels, Efren, who is now in
Grade 9, competes to the best that
he can. Just recently, he was trained
to compete in the National Games
representing Zambales with much pride
and confidence.
“Without World
Vision, and my
sponsor who has
been helping me
since I was in
grade 2, I do
not think
I would
bounce back
to being as
healthy as
I am today.
Thank you for
all the help and
I hope to make
you proud and
happy for helping
children like me,”
8 Hope above all Stories and images of hope from children and communities in Zambales

The
Community
Managed Savings
and Credit Association
(CoMSCA) of Binhi ng Pag-
Asa gave families the chance
to use their savings for their
livelihood. Here are just a
few of their livelihood
investments.
Sharon was able to purchase these fishing
nets one by one because of CoMSCA.
[ ]
Cristita Galindez, an active
member of CoMSCA, recently
put up a sari-sari store from
her CoMSCA savings.
Members of
CoMSCA are enjoying
the fruits of their
bagoong project which
they started through
their CoMSCA fund.

A mother’s
leadership
beyond her home
“
They call me Madame and I’m not even a teacher,”
Marissa Arlega, a volunteer community leader in ADP
Zambales says in between laughs.
Marissa, or better known in their community as Ysa, was
once contented spending her days running the household for
her husband and three sons. Her daily routine changed when
one of her friends invited her to volunteer for World Vision.
Gradually, Marissa went from a stay-at-home mom to one of
the most active members of her community.
Ysa, who has been an active World Vision community volunteer
for 13 years shares “I am honored to be part of World
Vision’s activities. I always feel empowered each time people
recognize me as part of how their life changed because I am
a community volunteer.” She even jested how delighted she
feels when people recognize her participation in community
activities. Ysa’s involvement as a community volunteer started
from the standard filing and documenting reports, to being the
secretary and treasurer of the Board of Trustees from 2004
onwards. She is now even the official leadership trainer for
other soon-to-be leaders of the community.
Ysa recounts, at first, her sons and husband were not
used to seeing her outside the home, socializing and meeting
up with various community people. But, slowly, they became
interested of her activities to the point when they too, would
look forward to learning about her leadership trainings and
seminars. They would often ask Ysa to share what she learned.
“My sons have grown to be responsible and I am very
proud of them,” said Ysa with a warm smile. “My eldest son
is finished with his studies and is now looking for work. My
second son is studying Education and my youngest is in his high
school. All of them have been very supportive of my role as a
community worker. In fact, I think it had a positive impact on
them as I also discuss with them my everyday role in World
Vision.”
Now that World Vision is moving on from their community,
Ysa has nothing but gratitude to all sponsors. She said, “To all
World Vision sponsors, thank you for helping make our community
a better place for children. You have given me and other
members of the community a chance to develop the leaders in
us. For that, I will always remember you in my prayers.”
“You have given me
and other members
of the comamunity
a chance to develop
the leaders in us.”
10 Hope above all Stories and images of hope from children and communities in Zambales

ON TO A BETTER FUTURE WITH
ORANGE BIKES
For five years, I have been walking
to and from school. Since I was
in Grade 3. I walk for more than
30 minutes every day,” said Totoy, an
eight-grade student. Totoy wakes up as
early as five in the morning just to get to
school, 3 kilometers away from his home.
When Totoy learned that he and
his friends, who also walk far to go to
school, will be receiving bicycles, they
felt very blessed, “I’ll not walk through
dirt and mud anymore. I’ll get to school
early”, Totoy expresses.
Orange Bike is a project of ING
Bank, a Dutch Financial Institution, in
partnership with World Bicycle Relief
and World Vision. The project aims to
improve children’s school performance
by providing them a bicycle for easier
and faster transportation to and from
school. To keep them safe during their
travels, the children were also provided
with helmets, reflective vests, knee and
elbow guards and even raincoats to
protect them against rainy weather. 592
Orange Bikes were given to families in
World Vision-assisted areas in Zambales.
During the launch of the project,
World Vision National Director Josaias
dela Cruz left this reminder: “For the
parents, the greatest gift that you can
give to your children is education
because it opens their door to a lot of
opportunities. With education, you can
help transform your children’s life for the
better,” he said.
“For the parents, the
greatest gift you can
give to you children is
education.”
- Josaias dela Cruz, World Vision National Director
Stories and images of hope from children and communities in Zambales
Hope above all
11

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