“We are family. Sa pamilya maraming pagsubok, pero kinakaya, thank you sa mga sponsors na walang tigil sa pagtulong. Ang foundation ninyo ay napakalaking tulong sa amin.” Ms. Herminia Arcanghel, Office-In-Charge of Marillac Hills (MH) stated as she gives heart-warming appreciation to everyone who made the event a success.
Marillac Hills celebrated their 50th year founding anniversary through a week-long celebration which started last March 12-15, 2018 with different activities which are participated by the staff and clients held at Marillac Hills Northgate Avenue Alabang Muntinlupa City with the theme “Limampung- Taong walang Humpay at Maagap na Serbisyo sa Makabagong Paglilingkod tungo sa Paghilom”.
On March 12, 2018, staff and clients showed their talents through their street dancing with their warrior outfits while on March 13, cultural night took place wherein the staff had the chance to celebrate their hard work. The staff wore costumes and also showcased their talents; some even dressed glamorously for the occasion and looked like stars of the 60’s. The just-for-fun cultural night was an avenue for the staff to unwind and celebrate friendships and years of untiring service to the residents. The search for Ms. Marillac Hills, one of the most awaited highlights of the celebration wherein the beautiful, intelligent, and talented residents wore elegant gowns and cocktails was held on March 14. On March 15, Thanks giving, awarding, and acknowledgement of sponsors, partners and benefactors were conducted.
On the last day of the celebration, the program started with an opening prayer by the selected residents of Marillac Hills followed by the singing of the National Anthem led by Ms. Myrna Valencia, staff of MH and an opening remarks from Ms. Dionesa Serojihos, Teacher-In-Charge in MH. A special number was performed by the residents and CAPOIERA Angola.
DSWD-NCR Regional Director Mr. Vincent Andrew T. Leyson gave his speech through acknowledging the hard works both of the clients and staff of the center. “Noong huling nagpunta ako rito ay noong 48 years celebration, ngayon 50 na at nakita ko ang magandang pagbabagong dulot hindi lamang sa facilities pero lalo’t higit ay sa mga residenteng at kliyenteng pinagsisilbihan. Maraming salamat sa ating mga donors at sponsors, marami sa ating mga bata dito ang nakinabang sa mga ipinabot ninyong tulong na siyang nagbigay-daan upang makapaghatid kami ng mas magandang serbisyo. Maraming salamat mula sa kaibuturan ng aming mga puso. Sa ating mga staff naman na walang sawang naglilingkod, sana po ay ipagpatuloy pa natin ang ating pakikipagtrabaho at pakikitungo sa ating mga kasamahan dito lalo’t higit sa ating priority, ang ating mga kliyente. Sa mga mahal naming pinagsisilbihan, YOLO (You Only Live Once). Nawa’y pahalagahan ninyo ang bawat oras na nandito kayo sa Center upang magamit sa inyong “self-development”. Lagi niyong isaisip ang mga ibinabahagi ng ating mga social workers at houseparents. Ituring ninyo silang pamilya na walang hinahangad kundi kayo ay mapabuti. Nawa ito’y maging aral upang paglabas ninyo rito ay mapabuti ang inyong pagtakahak at pagtuloy sa buhay. Kayo sana ay maging mas mabuting anak at kasapi ng inyong komunidad.
The celebration also served as a venue to recognize the partners as well as the staff of the Center for their dedication in helping young girls who are victims of abuse, neglect and difficult circumstances.
Ms. Vivien Bayas was awarded as the best social worker for 2018 while Mr. Jason Hernandez was given the Best Administrative Staff award, Ms. Gina Serjo was the best MOA employee for serving the Marillac girls for 18 years as Contract of Service worker, Dr. Wilhelmina Berroya was the Best Technical Staff and Ms. Herminia Archangel was awarded as the Best Supervisor.
Ms. Kris Yabes, one of the partners from Asian Hospital shared her story and how inspired she was when she became part of the team coordinating with the Marillac Hills.
“I believe in order to make things happen in the Center, there is a need for a special element in order to achieve whatever goals or missions that we have. Alam ninyo po ba ang special element na iyan? It is the heart…our hearts. Hearts that work together to make an impact to the lives of these girls. It is not only about providing the material things but most of all, understanding what they need and equip them with the values and attitudes that will make them ready to face the reality. They need a sincere and generous hearts which can move mountains. We can make the impossible, possible. We your benefactors, donors, and partners will act as your change agents. Our help will go beyond what is tangible, hopefully we play bigger roles in MH and share the responsibility of providing continuous improvement in all aspects of their lives. Cheers to your celebration and thank you very much,” Yabes said.
To officially end the program, Ms. Arcanghel gave her speech of gratification and appreciation to all who made it possible for the success of the event.
Marillac Hills is one of the Residential Care Facilities under the management of DSWD- NCR which caters young girls ages 17 years old and below who are youthful offenders, sexually abused, exploited and unwed mother. ###