Most young adults nowadays have varied interest and are itching to try new things and gather experience that may prove useful later in life… But for these girls from Spain: Maria Portillo, Isabel Marin, Maria Quiralte, Leticia Camuñas and Mariola Medina; nothing beats helping disadvantaged persons. It is on this premise that they visited Elsie Gaches Village as part of their volunteer engagement. The following texts are excerpts from their letters expressing gratitude to EGV for the experience.
“EGV is an example to the world of humanitarian living, it gives every opportunity that a kid may not have elsewhere.”
– Isabel Marin
Thankful for her close to four (4) weeks stay at EGV, Ms. Marin describes her experience as memorable as they are incredible. According to her, during the first two days, they were “in a shock” as they get acquainted with the atmosphere and environment. But as the day progressed, she got to know the children, EGV staff and the nuns of Sisters of Charity of St. Anne better. While at EGV, Ms. Marin learned many new things that one may appreciate only if you were there and saw it for yourself. To her, EGV has something special, a charm perhaps that encourages you to stay behind there. She admires the love and dedication that the sisters of charity of St. Anne have for EGV as they encourage the residents to become good people while bring out the best in them and sharing this to others. Her suggestion is for EGV to have a music device as she observed the residents’ appreciation to music by dancing to the beat whenever they hear a music playing.
“…the nuns of St. Anne and all the staff of EGV have become a big family and a home to all the loving children.”
– Maria Quiralte
For Ms. Quiralte, her time spent at EGV taught her to value the simplest things in life, like hugs and kisses which are important to show love and care for the person. She acknowledged the dedication of the house-parents in providing much-needed attention to their wards and the sisters of charity of St. Anne who are very caring for the children. She was really thankful for the experience of staying at EGV, which were an eye opener and a great opportunity to help other people.
“From my experiences, I have received much more love than I would have imagined. I made them happy by just hugging them, but I felt much more happier seeing them smile and laugh. I experienced that when you give love, you receive double.”
– Leticia Camuñas
Ms. Camuñas feels that the experience she had with EGV is one to be remembered. It showed her how young residents of EGV long for a bit of love, kisses and to be part of a family. She had a great time feeding the children and spending quality time like dancing, singing and going for walks within the compound of EGV. These heart-warming experiences made her see that with whatever it is you give to those who are deprived, they would take it whole heartedly. She said that the children of EGV loved to be around people, longing for company. They are smart children and showed her what they have learned in school.
She lauds the way that EGV is very organized in all its transactions and that management is attentive to the needs of the children. Capping her letter is her realization that her week spent at EGV has taught her to value everything you have, no matter how much you have because you are fortunate to have had them rather than be like those deprived, either with material on intangible belongings. Furthermore, she realized that nothing is of value without people to share them with. Ms. Camuñas never imagined that she could make other people happy with just a hug but she felt happier seeing them smile and laugh. She saw the hard work that the staff of EGV and sisters of charity of St. Anne put up to take care of the children. She is thankful for showing her all the good things that EGV has to offer.
“Elsie Gaches Village is the perfect place to realize that giving is receiving… EGV remains as an enormous “house” of love, generosity and help.”
– Maria Portillo
Privileged to have been given the experience, Ms. Portillo discovered that a simple hug, smile or greeting can do wonders and go the extra mile. She found the hard work of the staff and sisters quite amazing as they integrate their tasks with tenderness and love. EGV has shown her that with a little effort, hope and faith in God, anything can be done. Everyday was a learning experience for Ms. Portillo, from the boys and girls to the staff and sisters, which make her very happy to have served her purpose. She is thankful and proud of the days she spent in EGV and that she will not hesitate to go back in the future, if given the opportunity.
Elsie Gaches Village (EGV) is the only government residential care facility for mentally challenged persons. Under DSWD-NCR, EGV is located along Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa City. EGV has a bed capacity of 470 and provides care and rehabilitation to children with special needs who were either abandoned or neglected. This includes cerebral palsy, visual and hearing impairment, autism, mental retardation and other related conditions. ###