Hapilan Daycare Center Christmas Party

As the 2009 Holidays approaches, the Hapilan Daycare Center held its Christmas party last December 11, 2009 at the Barangay 105, Vitas, Tondo, Manila. In attendance were the 40 enrollees, their siblings, parents, teachers and the staff of the Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development or IOHSAD.

A program developed by the Parent Teachers Association included speeches by representative from the Samahang Namumulasi, a self-help group of scavengers and from IOHSAD. Games and performances, not only by the students, but as well as their parents filled the 2 hour program. After the merry-making, gifts were distributed to all the children and food was shared by the whole participants.

“We are very please with the parents enthusiasm in supporting the initiatives of IOHSAD to develop a daycare center here in the middle of the garbage dump,” said Rowena Balino, IOHSAD program coordinator for women and children. “Their tremendous support have made the center a growing success and the smile on the faces of the children proves that we are on the righ track.”

Balino also thanked those who have shared their generous support for the children of Hapilan, namely Rina Schoellen and the UPNET who have donated gifts for children. The Hapilan Daycare Center is a project supported by the Australian People for Health, Education and Development Abroad or APHEDA.