Hooray for our new graduates…

Education has been a priority of The Greg Secker Foundation in reaching its goal of empowering people and helping them live a better life. 

We congratulate our new Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduates Cristine Ann Pamplona and Raul Ojero Jr. 

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The Alternative Learning System is offered by the Department of Education to those people who have missed the regular schooling process but are till willing to study for a diploma in either Elementary Level or Secondary Education. 

Our two beneficiaries who were successful in passing the standard exams to get a diploma in Secondary Levels both have families already. Even though they have a family to tend, this reason did not hinder them from taking the ALS course and finishing it. ALS has been an advantage for people alike Cristine and Raul who does not have the capability to attend regular school due to their age and family status. 

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The Greg Secker Foundation is always proud with every achievement that our beneficiary acquire. We make sure that we show them our support and appreciation. Our social worker on-site, Ms. Alya, attended the graduation ceremony at the Municipality of Ajuy. 

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We also would like to extend our appreciation to the two ladies who are big factors to this milestone in Cristine and Raul’s education life. Mrs. Gelma Anatan and Ms. Marivie Fiebre, ALS Implementer in the District of Lemery. 

As such, we will tirelessly find ways to promote the importance of having proper education and its value towards ones life. 

#GSFPH #BAHBAH #Brighterfuture

 

The Learning Continues…

It is the start of school year 2019-2020 for our students here at the village. Today started as a normal day but this day serves as a fresh beginning for more fun, learning and new friends at school. 

Yes! The learning continues…..

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Our driver is back to his daily job which is making sure that our kids from the village are brought safely to school and in the afternoon brought back again to their homes here in the village.

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First day of the week means starting the week with an assembly before class starts to raise the flag of the Philippines. 

Our mission in the foundation is to “BUILD BRIGHTER FUTURES” for this beneficiaries. One way is giving this kids the chance to learn and be interested in exploring the wonders that life can offer so that they could choose which path they will walk through. 

Come and join us witness transforming lives of these people. 

A year flys by ….

A year flys by ….

Can you believe that a year has already gone by since the families moved into their new homes?  The village is thriving with the community spirit stronger than ever. 

Throughout the year many competitions have been held in the village – from sporting achievements, to talent competitions, a search for Super lolo and Super lola and more. To celebrate a year of living together in the village it was the turn of the teenagers to hold their contest. Who would win best in sports attire, best in production attire and best in talent?

The day began with a thanksgiving mass to celebrate the anniversary of moving into the GSF Village. In the afternoon the village filled up with neighbouring villagers who travelled to come and watch the finals of the Teen Competition.  People travelled from miles around to see who would win.

It was a close competition as all the girls took great pride in making their costumes but there has to be one winner, and she was Mitchelle Bermudez.

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Runner up was Athea Lozare and second Runner up was Via Olayon.

Well done girls you all did so well and we are so proud of not only what you achieved today, but what you have achieved throughout the year. heart

What competition do you think should be next? … we’d love to hear your thoughts …..

Miss GSF Teen Competition ….

Miss GSF Teen Competition ….

It’s competition time again in the GSF Village and this time it is the turn of the teenage girls.  The finals will be held on January 5th in the village so if you are in the area please feel free to come along. 

Please vote in the comment section of Facebook who you think should win……

Good luck to our lovely teenagers. 

ATHEA LOZARE – Block 6 (below)

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BABELYN CASIPE – Block 1 (below)

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CLEAR AURECENCIA – Block 2 (below)

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MICHELLE BERMUDEZ – Block 8 (below)

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NADJA BEDOY – Block 11 (below)

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REAN DELA CRUZ – Block 4 (below)

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RENA DE JESUS – Block 3 (below)

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RENALYN AZUELO – Block 5

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ROSEMAE AROSTIQUE – Block 7

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VIA OLAYON – Block 10

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It’s competition time: Who has created the best Belen?

It’s competition time: Who has created the best Belen?

After the success of last year’s Christmas tree competition, the families decided that this year they would get together in teams and see who could create the best Belen. (otherwise known as the “Nativity scene”).  We have five official entries this year, and the categories given to the families were: creativity, workmanship, use of recyclable materials and impact to the Greg Secker Foundation Village. 

Here are the five entries:

BELEN NUMBER ONE: Created by the Deploma Family and made of plastic bottles, dried leaves, nipa and plastic cut outs.

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BELEN NUMBER TWO: Created by the Cordero Family and made of plastic bottles, plastic wrappers and coconut husks.

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BELEN NUMBER THREE: Created by Nelia Adrigado and friends and made of coconut leaves, dried leaves and plastic bottles.

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BELEN NUMBER FOUR: Created by Nemia Arban and friend and made of bamboo, plastic bottles, dried clay and dried husk.

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BELEN NUMBER FIVE: Created by the Casarmil Family and made of bamboo, plastic bottles, dried leaves and plastic wrappers. 

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Please let us know which Belen you think should win by commenting on Facebook. Good luck to our entries – the winners will be drawn at the GSF Village Christmas party on the 21st December.  heart

 

 

The children celebrate Children’s Month with a party in the GSF Village.

The children celebrate Children’s Month with a party in the GSF Village.

On Wednesday, 112 of our GSF children celebrated the end of Children’s Month by having a big party in the village.  There were songs, a short film, some delicious chicken porridge served by the mothers, and then finally one of their favourite games, known as Pabitin.

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Pabitin is a wooden lattice frame tied with various goodie bags suspended mid air and lowered up and down. The children then jump up as high as they can to grab the goodies.

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The GSF team made sure that everyone received a goodie at the end of the evening. It was a lovely end to Children’s Month celebrating all together. heart

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The GSF children arrive in Iloilo City to celebrate Children’s Month.

The GSF children arrive in Iloilo City to celebrate Children’s Month.

On Friday the children from the GSF village travelled to Iloilo City ready for their performance on Saturday. For most of them, this was not only their first time ever in a big city, but also the first time they had ever left the Barangay of Lemery. 

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The children were treated to a delicious meal at Jollibee which was kindly sponsored by, Norman Agbas. Thank you Norms. heart

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It was then time for a little tour around SM City Iloilo which is one of the biggest malls in the Philippines. All the Christmas decorations were up which got everyone very excited. 

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The children then had the chance to go grocery shopping to buy their breakfast for the morning. This was the first time many of them had ever been grocery shopping and the selection of food for them was just overwhelming. 

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We look forward to hearing how you got on at the parade … pictures and story to follow….. 

 

The children from the village represent GSF at the Children’s Month Celebrations in Iloilo.

The children from the village represent GSF at the Children’s Month Celebrations in Iloilo.

There is a huge amount of excitement in the village as fifteen of our children make their last rehearsals before heading to Iloilo tomorrow morning. 

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On Saturday, the children will be representing GSF in a performance for the Children’s Month Celebrations held by the Department of Social Welfare and Development at one of the biggest malls in Iloilo, the Sm City Iloilo.  The program will have performances from different social welfare and development agencies where the children will be able to showcase their talents.

For many of these children, this is the first time they will leave Lemery to travel to the big city. Very exciting times. We wish you all the luck and can’t wait to see and hear how you get on. heart

 

 

“Portia En Shakespeare” writes us another story from the GSF Village …..

“Portia En Shakespeare” writes us another story from the GSF Village …..

Success and downfalls are probably the most poignant and important ones in our life. We experience them to help us to create who we become. We can really learn even when we have a bad experience. Sometimes we experience someone who hurts us, betrays us, or breaks our heart, however forgive them, for they have helped us learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when we open our heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.

This is the story of Jocelyn Villariz Delacruz and is all about loving unconditionally despite the obstacles of life.

Jocelyn Villariz Delacruz was born out of wedlock. Her father had two wives that included her mother and the other woman. They lived in the same roof in the mountainous part of Lemery.  In her young mind she wondered why their family was different to the others in their neighbourhood and as she grew up together with her other sisters and brothers she kept on thinking the same question.

 When she was nine years old she got sick with poliomyelitis that required her to have an operation that left her leg to be physically imbalanced. Both her physical and family condition affected her wellbeing. She never finished her elementary grade and when she was still just a teenager she got married to Noli Dela Cruz and they were blessed with nine children. The couple made a living by what they got from their hard work and they made a life by what they can give to their children. Their married life was full of trials and difficulties but they remained strong and had a real realization that overcoming those obstacles will prove their potential, strength, willpower, and heart.

 One of the big obstacles that hit their family is when Noli had a stroke. However, despite him being paralyzed he found ways to help Jocelyn sustain their family needs. He tried hard to go to their farm to help harvest corn crop. Anybody could shed a tear and feel pity for Noli’s condition yet he never let himself be a family burden. Years have past and still the family keep striving in their living cycle.

However, it was November 8, 2013 when a horrible, painful and unfair Typhoon hit the Philippines. It was Haiyan’s day that stole and devastated their chances, opportunity, property and their life.  Jocelyn’s’ family was drastically affected by the super typhoon. During the typhoon Jocelyn wrapped Noli with plastic to protect him from the cold. She could do nothing but pray to stop Haiyan. Their house was totally destroyed and they had to carry Noli and flee to the evacuation center in their Barangay.

 The typhoon left them with nothing but devastation. Jocelyn’s family tried hard to bring their life back to normality. Years had past when they heard that the Greg Secker Foundation were launching a Build a House Build a Home project in Lemery and that they were helping victims of Haiyan by building then a safe house to live. Jocelyn was very excited to hear so quickly applied. After several interviews her wish was granted, and her family were chosen as one of the beneficiaries. Jocelyn was so happy and thankful for the blessing and opportunity that came to her family.

 According to Jocelyn everything happens for a reason. All the trials that happen are to test the limits of her soul. And for her without these small tests, her life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.

 Today Jocelyn’s family are now living happily in the Greg Secker Foundation Village and they are full of hope with the realization that they are now running through towards a brighter future.  

 

by Portia En Shakespeare

Queen of Barangay Capinahan, is our very own “April Rose”.

Queen of Barangay Capinahan, is our very own “April Rose”.

In celebration of Children’s Month in the Philippines, all the Barangay’s of Lemery took part in a parade of floats that went around the town. We are so proud of one very special little girl, April Rose Barcemo, who was the Queen of Barangay Capinahan. April Rose is the sister of Fatima and the daughter of Annabelle and Raffy.  She looked so beautiful sitting on the float amongst all the colour.    

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The night before the parade, the mothers in the village all helped until 1am making sure that the GSF float really stood out. The flowers were picked from Annabelle’s garden, DR sponsored the lovely dress and yet again, this lovely community all rallied together. 

Five years ago today, our families were all going through the most terrifying night of their lives as Typhoon Haiyan hit their community – rain, darkness, wind and noise, but today, thankfully, we see a very different day, sunshine, vibrant colours, laughter and above all happiness.  heart

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