The Nayon ng Kabataan celebrated its 46th founding anniversary recently which was highlighted by the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Deed of Donation between NK and its partners. This effort was done to reinforce the partnership of NK and its benefactors. The celebration carried the theme “NK @ 46: Handa at Nagkakaisang Komunidad, Kaligtasan sa Kalamidad ang Hangad.”
The invocation was done by selected residents of the center where they performed an interpretative dance while Ms. Daisy Mar Mecca recited the prayer in intervals. Our national anthem was seamlessly rendered by the NK Rondalla, the resident string instrument performers. Mr. John Rey Canillas welcomed the guests with his speech of appreciation to all the staff who made his stay at NK very meaningful. Mr. Michael Gison, Division Chief for Planning of MMDA delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of MMDA Chairman, Atty. Francis Tolentino for NK’s utmost dedication to their wards. He also said that he was enlightened about the needs of the children in the center and that he shall raise his observations to MMDA management to augment to the needs of the residents.
On the other hand, Ms. Imelda Baltazar of C.M. Pancho Construction Inc. signed the Deed of Donation for the covered pathway they helped construct. This pathway allows residents and center staff to access other facilities in the compound in a comfortable manner.
Likewise, representatives from Brady Philippines, Mama Mary Trust Resurrection, Lerry J-Garments and MMDC/Lions Street Children Foundation, Inc. signed the MOA with Assistant Regional Director for Administration Delia U. Bawan. The validity of the signed MOA is three (3) years. After which, the partners and their representatives also received a plaque of appreciation for their continuing support to the children of NK.
Sharing his experiences when he was a resident, Mr. King Elword Eglip recalled his struggles and the interventions that NK provided him. While inside the center, Mr. Eglip underwent vocational courses in Electronics and Baking. After his stay at Nayon ng Kabataan, he pursued a degree in Criminology at Bicol University but then transferred to another school and shifted to Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in Novaliches, Quezon City. To support his education, he is now working in Albert Smith Co. signages where he is handling the electrical maintenance and computer troubleshooting. “Habang nasa NK kayo, mag-aral ng mabuti. Mahirap ang buhay sa labas. Maswerte kayo at andito kayo. Magsikap mabuti at laging magdadasal sa Panginoon,” he said.
Meanwhile, in her message of appreciation to the partners, Ms. Asuncion Flores, the NK Head Social Worker said: “pinatunayan nyo pong muli ang inyong walang sawang pagtulong sa Nayon ng Kabataan. Kayo pong mga partners ay katuwang namin sa pagtulong sa mga kabataan na mahubog ang talino at kakayahan nila para maging handa sila sa paglabas nila sa NK at makabalik sa kanilang pamilya.” (“you have once again proven your unending support to Nayon ng Kabataan. You, our partners, assist us in helping our children at NK to hone their knowledge and skills to prepare them to face life after NK and to eventually be reunited with their families.”)
Nayon ng Kabataan, with a bed capacity of 145, is a 24-hour residential care facility of DSWD-NCR that provides temporary care, protection and custody to children 7-17 years of age both male and female who are abused, orphaned, abandoned, neglected and exploited. It is located in Welfareville, Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City. ###