Marillac Hills celebrated their 51^st founding anniversary through a week-long celebration last March 11-15, 2019 with the theme, “Tuluy-tuloy na Pagkalinga sa mga Kabataan Tungo sa Kalinangan ng Sariling Kakayahan”.

“Maraming salamat sa suporta ng ating mga partners at donors na patuloy sa pag-aaruga sa ating mga residente tungo sa ikauunlad ng kanilang pagkatao. Pinasasalamatan ko din ang mga empleyado na walang sawa sa pag-aaruga at nagsisilbing magulang sa ating mga residente, na minamahal at inaaruga sila ng higit pa sa tunay na anak”. Ms. Farrah A. Cabrera, Head Social Worker of Marillac Hills (MH), stated as she gave her opening remarks and heart-warming appreciation to everyone who made the event a success.

Different activities were participated in by the staff and clients, which took place at Marillac Hills, Northgate Avenue, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. These activities include:

1. March 11, 2019 – Kick-off parade of DSWD-NCR’s Centers from the South Clustter, in celebration of Women’s Month;
2. March 12, 2019 – Zumba and Wellness Program which includes massage and haircut for the Center’s staff and residents, sponsored by Save the Kids PH and Tesda;
3. March 13, 2019 – Invitational Sports partcipated in by South Cluster Centers;
4. March 14, 2019 – Ms. Marillac Hills, the most-awaited highlight of the celebration, wherein the beautiful, intelligent, and talented residents wear elegant gowns and cocktail dresses; and
5. March 15, 2019 – Closing activities, such as the thanksgiving mass, the awarding ceremony, and the acknowledgement of sponsors, partners, and benefactors were conducted. A special number was also performed by selected residents of Marillac Hills.

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 recover from being victims of abuse, neglect and difficult circumstances.

Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the following partners and donors of Marillac Hills for their undying support, namely:

1. Rotary Club of Metro Aurora
2. Rotary Club of Bagumbayan
3. Asian Hospital Charities, Inc.
4. EMS Resources Technology, Inc.
5. Lighthouse Christian Ministry
6. Prof. Cynthia N. Manalo-Bedanz Dance Troupe
7. Catholic Women’s League
8. God’s Big Backyard
9. San Beda College Alabang
10. Legion of Mary
11. International Justice Mission
12. Save the Girls.PH
13. Manila Travellers Club
14. Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking Operation Center
15. Milagrosa H. Fabian-Ayala Alabang Health Center
16. De La Salle Santiago Zobel Social Action 

“Alam ko at alam natin na mahirap bumangon sa ibat-ibang pagsubok sa ating buhay, ngunit ang bawat pagsubok ay ibinibigay sa atin upang tayo ay mas lao pang tumatag at maging matibay. Mahirap bumangon pero kaya natin at magagawa natin, kailangan natin tulungan ang ating mga sarili pagkatapos ng lahat ng nangyayari. Kaya ninyong bumangon. Laban lang. Dahil ayon nga sa isang kasabihan na aking iiwan sa inyo, ‘Our past does not define our Future.’ Kaya natin at ninyo na magbago sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan sa isat-isa,” said Ms. Mildred Pragante of Rotary Club Metro Aurora, as she inspired the residents of the Center to become a better member of the community.

Selected staff of the Center were also given Certificate of Appreciation for their service and dedication to the residents. The following received recognition along with their corresponding length of service:

1. Awarded for their 10 years of service were:
   1. Ms. Veronica Gracilla,
   2. Ms. Rosalia C. Ramos, and
   3. Ms. Melchora F. Nullar;
2. Awarded for their 15 years of service were:
   1. Ms. Gina P. Sergio, and
   2. Ms. Wilma E. Evangelista;
3. Awarded for their 20 years of service were:
   1. Ms. Evelyn K. Agapay,
   2. Ms. Lolita A. Hapin,
   3. Ms. Lea A. Bartolome, and
   4. Mr. Rico V. Soledad;
4. Awarded for her 30 years in service was:
   1. Ms. Marilyn M. Flores.

 “Fifty percent ng buhay ko ay nagserbisyo na ako sa mga bata, dahil kapag minahal mo ang mga bata, mamahalin ka din nila. Kaya (naman), ako ay inspired sa aking pagbibigay ng serbisyo at pag aalaga sa mga bata. Natutuwa ako dahil alam ko na hindi nasayang ang aking pagseserbisyo sa institusyong ito.” Ms. Marilyn Flores, staff of Marillac Hills who served the children for 30 years, shared her story of how inspired she was when she became part of the Center.

Ms. Veronica Gracilla, staff of Marillac Hills who has been serving for 25 years, also shared her inspiring story: “Ang araw na ito ay napakahalaga sa akin at sa ating lahat dahil ito ang araw na ang bawa’t isa sa atin ay paparangalan sa ating serbisyo sa institusyong ito. Sa aking pagtigil sa Marilalc Hills, hindi ko akalain na mamahalin ko ang trabahong ito. Ito na ang naging bokasyon ko. Mahal ko ang mga bata at ang mga tumutulong dito. Sa aking pag uwi, dala-dala (ko) ang aking trabaho at ang aking pagmamahal sa mga kabataan. Ang Marillac Hills ay habambuhay na mayroong lugar sa aking puso at aking buhay.”

To officially end the program, Ms. Arcanghel gave her message of gratification for all those who made the event possible: “Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa inyong presensya sa pagdiriwang na ito. Ang Marillac Hills ay hindi magkakaroon ng ganito kagandang pagdiriwang kung hindi dahil sa inyong lahat. Maraming salamat sa inyong mga ibinabahagi na tulong sa aming mga residente at sa walang sawang pagmamahal sa lahat ng kabataan ng Marillac Hills.”

Marillac Hills is a Residential Care Facility managed by DSWD-NCR, which caters to female minors who are youthful offenders, unwed mothers, and sexually abused and/or exploited. ###