Many members of the New Apostolic Church in Southern Germany have made a 1 Million Pesos Project feasible through the “MISSIONSWERK NAK Deutschland Sued” This was the purpose of a NACSEARelief courtesy and due diligence visit at the MARIPHIL Children’s Village in Panabo City, Davao del Norte on 6th November 2015.

The Typhoon Shelter for Children is a construction with steel roll ups to protect  the windows and the entrance door. 100 children can be sheltered here in case of a super typhoon. This is quite vital for the survival, considering not too long ago such storms have brought much loss of life to the country.

MARIPHIL CHILDREN VILLAGE was founded by Martin Riester from Germany. Presently it cares for some 70 abandoned street children in 8 houses each one staffed by a “Mama” who looks after the children. Managed by Ms Nadia Gloeckler who is assisted by 5 volunteer workers from Europe. Young enthusiasts who for the love for children, interrupt their studies and give one year to their vocation.

We interviewed Ms Shyanne Bacalso  (34) who serves at the village since 2012 and is now its Manager of Operations. A remarkable personality.

She has  passion and contributes strongly to the family atmosphere of the village which she states is one of the greatest strength in the organization. “To give children a future and a destiny is worth the sacrifice” she further elaborates. The potential for future growth is still evident given the fact that the village is now only 10 years old and the children population is still growing. Sadly also the social problems and that makes such an institution very much needed.

Challenges are unending. So far only 50 % of the children have sponsors for education. Another negative trend is that it becomes more and more difficult to find social workers because the DSWD I (the Department for Social Welfare and Development)  meanwhile paying very good salaries, which of course is for good reason, but organisations like MARIPHIL based on vision of charity, can simply not afford it. The biggest threat now is the inability of the Panabo Municipality to fulfill its contractual obligation of a committed yearly budget support.

All of this does not discourage persons like a Ms Shy. She has faith and will fight for the good. She believes in what is right and one is inspired listening to her. MARIPHIL deserves the empathy and support of good people from here and abroad.