Elsie Gaches Village celebrated 54 years of providing care and rehabilitation to abandoned and neglected children with special needs with the theme, “Sama samang pagkalinga sa mga Natatanging Bata” which was held on February 6, 2018 at the Elsie Gaches Village Covered Hall.

The program started with the thanksgiving mass with the help of Sisters of Charity of St. Anne, a long-time partner of the Center. Cultural presentations by Himig Muntinlupa and Muntinlupa Yaman ng Kalinangan Dance Co. entertained the guests, staff and children. Wellness activities were also conducted and actively participated by everyone.

On the afternoon, respective guests such as Honorable Chairman Ariel J. Gonzaga of Brgy. Alabang, OIC ARD for Operations Ms. Edna J. Sacedor, Center Head of EGV Ms. Teresita Valentino and EGV benefactors joined the celebration. The group of Mga Natatanging Bata ng EGV composed of selected residents of the Center showcased their talents through dancing and singing.

One of EGV residents was also given an opportunity to share his story. Niño Lloren gave his speech of gratification saying, “Ako at ang mga kapwa ko  bata ay saludo sa bawat indibiwal na nagtulong tulong sa pagtataguyod ng EGV na mas inuunang tugunan ang aming pangangailngan kaysa sa kanilang sarili. Hindi nila isinasawalang bahala ang aming kapakanan bagama’t may sarili silang pamilya at personal na buhay. Sa higit limang dekada na pagkakataguyod ng EGV,  libo- libong mga bata ang nabigyan ng isang tunay na mapagkalingang tahanan na hindi naibigay sa amin ng aming mga tunay na magulang.  Muli, kami ay nagpapasalamat sa walang humpay na pagkalinga at pag aalaga ninyo sa amin.

The celebration also served as a venue to recognize the partners as well as the staff of the Center for their untiring support and dedicated passion to serve the mentally challenged persons. The following outstanding employees were awarded during the celebration:

• Best Private Staff

3^rd place- Ms. Vilma Bonde

2^nd place- Mr. Adriano Tadem

1^st place- Ms. Roselyn Emlan

• MOA Category

3^rd place- Mr. Michael Gaylan

2^nd place- Mr. Raymond Ramos

1^st place- Ms. Arnie Acbang

• Regular Position

3^rd place- Mr. Alfredo Sarte

2^nd place- Mr. Domingo Ocbina Jr

1^st place- Ms. Ma. Concepcion Mallapre

 

On the other hand, partners particularly the EGV Donor’s and Benefactors were also given recognition. Mr. Sherwin Salunga was given a Certificate of Appreciation for being the Resource Person in the Integrity Management Program of EGV which inspired the staff to uphold transparency and honesty in their work.

De Leon family was also recognized for providing food to EGV residents every Monday for ten years now and for sponsoring ten (10) houseparents on selected cottages. Meanwhile, EGV also awarded the JCI Manila for its program for Cerebral Palsy and the expanded provision of the medical needs of the residents.

“Hindi mangyayari ang lahat ng tagumpay na ito kung hindi dahil sa mga mabubuting empleyado ng Elsie Gaches Village at maraming salamat sa donors/benefactors for the support. Ipagpatuloy natin ang paglilingkod ng may malasakit sa ating mga kliyente. Without your help, EGV would not be what it is now,” said OIC-ARDO Edna Sacedor in her closing message.

This momentous celebration ended with the Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement which sealed the establishment of playground at Sitio Pag-asa, Muntinlupa City for the children of EGV and the community. It is also the extension of the Productivity Training Center of EGV.

Elsie Gaches Village is the only government residential care facility for mentally challenged persons. It provides care and rehabilitation to abandoned, neglected children with special needs such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, visual and hearing impairment, mental retardation, autism and other related conditions. ###