APCO’s HEAL Project feeds children in Tacloban City Leyte as a humanitarian gesture

 
By Richard J Ford– PRO
with Dian Ford Director for APCO Inc
Sydney-Australia
October 17, 2019
 




The Filipino Community Organisation, APCO (Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations ), decided to participate in a Feeding Program as part of their HEAL (Humanitarian Emergency and Livelihood) Project, by sponsoring such a program in Tacloban City, which started as far back as 2014 itself just after Tyhpoon Yolanda/Haiyan hit in 2013.

On 29^th September 2019 was the day that APCO decided to restore some form of hope in the children of those who have lost Parent/s or any family members during the horrific day on 9^th November 2013, when Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan struck Leyte/Samar and parts of Cebu and so forth.



The President of APCO Inc. Cora Paras and the members of the Board were more than happy to sponsor such a worthwhile Project again for some of the families’ children who suffered terribly suddenly feeling desolate and bereft. The Feeding Program was done through the joint co-operation between the Barangay 59A Councillor Bieman Penalosa and another officer Clemetino “Repadas Jnr and also other Barangay Helpers, with sponsor APCO Inc. being represented by Richard Ford PRO, Dian Ford Director and members of the Salgado Family and Friends.

The setting up of chairs and tables saw the children and families becoming excited with what was put on just for them. Councillor Bieman kicked the event off with question and answer starters, then the new APCO Banner was displayed to show who was responsible for providing the Feeding Program, all the way from Australia just for them especially. The cheers and thanks for some 150-200 children caused me to be humbled with all their expressions of thanks that I requested we start with a word of prayer and give thanks to God for giving us the food laid before us. After doing so I spoke to the families and children present about who was APCO and why they were doing the Feeding Program and how humbled I was to be there today to do this as part of our groups HEAL Project and how much my asawa Dian is glad to be able to spread some hope to her fellow Kababayans whose children has suffered so much. Before the event and I saw how much the city has changed and a new city was being built, I noticed the sign ”I Love Tacloban”  still to be found on many “Waiting Sheds”, with some still showing the effects of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan, that struck in the early hours of the morning. It is that moment that these children and their families must relive each day, so it is a moment like this that makes a helping hand a step towards healing the pain that is still within themselves that only they can deal with.



The important part of the Program was of course the Feeding Program, with two dishes served along with drinks; firstly there was “Lugaw Arroz Caldo” or Filipino Chicken Rice Porridge, then secondly, Spaghetti Bolognese with sauce. The children loved it. The next part of the Program was the competitions involving Word Games, Singing and Dancing, of which the children were awarded prizes like Tim Tams, Chocolate, Toys and ₱20 (Pesos) for every participating winner. I must say I am still surprised how talented these children are and how they are willing to give it a go. The Program ended with some of the children posing for a group picture in front of the new APCO Inc. Banner with hello and thanks to all those who helped sponsor them.



I am extremely proud of Taclobanenos and the Filipino people for their resilience after being wiped out by super typhoon in 2013. So to the children and families, I will say again that the Taclobanenos have proven that they can gracefully rise up from that fall that came to them on that fateful day through the devastated velocity of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan 2013. Today, the people living in Tacloban have gotten back onto their feet, now stronger and braver than ever before.