Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc.

2013 Annual Report

63 Years of Revolutionizing Change

Through Education and
Community Empowerment
From the Board Chairman

63 Years Young and Still Eager for More Challenges

Sixty-three years has passed since the Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc.

(KKFI) was founded as a United Methodist Church-related development
institution, yet it has not lost sight of its commitment that aims to serve
the most underprivileged and economically disadvantaged members of our
society.

Despite changing socio-economic and political landscapes, the KKFI is

still 20/20 in its vision, steadfast in its mission and motivated to reach its
avowed goals.

The KKFI believes that education is one of the most effective tools for
breaking the cycle of poverty. Hence, KKFI focuses on the following:

1. Offering pre-elementary education to children of poor families in Sampaloc

and Sta. Mesa Heights in Manila and children living inside the Manila
North Cemetery.

2. Provision of a residential and community-based holistic and integrated

services to children-at-risk and out-of-school youth, including an Alternative Education System.

3. Provision of community-based education and training to help partner-communities and peoples’ organizations
promote the people’s reliance on their own resources and capabilities for education work and capability-
building.

4. Conducting technical and vocational skills development courses, both center- and community-based classes.

5. Offering a Student Ministry to KKFI Dormitory residents and providing them spiritual and pastoral counselling
and guidance, leadership training, library facilities, sports activities, fellowships and opportunity to serve as
volunteers in KKFI’s Disaster Response/Relief Operations during calamities.

Since 1950, education and training have been the heart of KKFI’s programs and services. This is the main vehicle
and methodology used to transform people, sectoral groups and whole communities, especially among the
underprivileged and economically disadvantaged sectors of Philippine society.

In the words of our Executive Director in her Annual Report: “For the past 63 years, KKFI was able to carry on
its mission, to be an agent of revolutionizing change through education and community empowerment. And it has
not only survived; it flourished.

“KKFI has guided young children in their formative years, assisted school aged children and youth by providing them
opportunities and access basic education and psycho-social needs, provided a home to students at the metropolis,
empowered women through education and livelihood opportunities, trained young adults to provide income to
their families and listened to stories of our senior citizens and engaged with them productive activities.

Page 2
“Through the years, we have witnessed how their lives were transformed. Our earnest attempts to help the dreams
of these children, youth, young women and older persons into reality have achieved a certain level of success.”

In fact, the KKFI recently received a recognition from the Department of Education (DepEd) for its Child
Development Centers and accreditation from TESDA and DSWD for our Livelihood Skills Training Courses and
for the Gilead Center for Children and Youth Welfare, respectively.

The KKFI has forged new partnerships. There was the one with La Grange College. This partnership involves a
yearly activity of La Grange College students for immersion in various social work with the poor and commitment
to support some of KKFI programs and services.

Another is the linking with North Georgia UMC’s Philippine Bridge Work Team, which has committed to support
the projects for out-of-school youth (OSY) and children at the Manila North Cemetery.

There are also new programs, namely the Training for Employment (TfE) and the Anti-Human Trafficking
Project.

The TfE is being implemented in partnership with the Kapulungan ng mga Sirkulong Kapitbahayan, Inc. or
Ka-Sikap, which will extend financial assistance to out-of-school but employable youth who are high school
graduates and aged between 18 and 25 years old.

The trainees that the KKFI will endorse will enter the TESDA-accredited course called “Dual Training Systems
Program for Consumer Electronics.” St. John Bosco Faith Training Center in Noveleta, Cavite will do the in-
classroom sessions for 45 days and the factories inside the Cavite EPZA will be the venues for the in-plant
training for 10 and a half months with weekly sessions of 3-4 hours a day.

Once the trainee passes the TESDA final assessment, he or she will receive a certification and several options, all
of which will help the trainee and his or her family in achieving a higher standard of living.

Meanwhile, the KKFI will implement the Anti-Human Trafficking Project in partnership with the International
Justice Mission (IJM). In this case, the KKFI will provide transitional housing to survivors of trafficking who
have been discharged from a long or short term shelter and are assessed to have the emotional stability necessary
to live with others in a communal environment. They will be provided with the opportunity to have a safe housing
while continuing to learn life skills necessary to establish sustainable employment.

As opportunities come KKFI’s ways, so do challenges. One of them is the possible income tax assessments on
KKFI dormitory fees.

KKFI, for the first time in its history, is now under audit by the Revenue District Office of the BIR which has
jurisdiction in the Sampaloc District. This was an offshoot of our application for revalidation of KKFI Certificate
of Income Tax Exemption as a non-stock, non-profit organization, as required by BIR-RMO 20-2013.

As of this writing, the BIR Commissioner was issued a writ of Preliminary Injunction by a Makati RTC in the case
filed by St. Paul College to cease and desist to implement this Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO).

In the year 2012, we have amended our Articles of Incorporation, specifically its Primary Purpose from basically
social welfare purposes to educational and training purposes. In doing so, KKFI income from dormitories and from
other income-generating properties would be exempt as long as these are “used actually, directly and exclusively
for educational purposes” as per Article XIV Section 4 (3) and (4) of the Constitution of the Philippines.

Page 3
In addition, these revenues and assets, supporting KKFI’s program and services must be specifically mentioned
as core business/program in the Primary Purpose of its Articles of Incorporation.

Despite this, the KKFI leadership is confident that the Foundation will survive such a challenge and even
come out stronger. The strategy of KKFI has been always formulated within a larger corporate strategy that is
based on a realistic foundation of long-term sustainability of its financial and human resources.

In this regard, the KKFI is facing a big challenge that is, at the same time, a huge opportunity – the possibility
of implementing Phase 1 of a Master Plan Development of KKFI P. Paredes Compound.

A consultancy firm has offered to develop Phase 1 in our Master Development Plan for the P. Paredes compound.
It also offered project design, development and construction with financing package; property management of
the new business structure; property maintenance service contract and sales and marketing functions for the
new business structure.

The proposal is to build a multi-storey building of between 15 and 20 floors that would occupy portion of the
area in the compound now being occupied by the row of old apartments to the right side as one enters the main
gate entrance all the way up to the Multi-Purpose Hall, Klepper Hall and the Gymnasium.

KKFI’s contribution to the project is to offer the title of the whole lot at P. Paredes as collateral for a bank loan
equivalent to the total cost to construct the building with all the amenities of a modern mixed-use condominium.
The loan would be amortized and be paid out of the income from the rentalsof the Condominium.

There was a Memorandum of Understanding and a Proposal on Architectural Design and Planning Program
submitted after the meeting of our Infrastructure and Finance Committees with them on March 21, 2014.

Both Committees will do due diligence in studying the proposals before making their recommendations to the
Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees.

Indeed, more exciting times are still ahead and the task of KKFI is not yet complete. The Foundation is still a
work in progress. Amid everything, KKFI remains committed to its Vison, Mission and Goals of serving the
poor.

We give back the glory to God for the chance to celebrate the challenge in working with our partner communities.
They have helped us realize our mission as we move into the future.

To God be the glory!

David D. Gutierrez

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From the Executive Director

The Secret of Regeneration

Experts in the study of organizations will tell you that an institution—

whether business or non-profit—is expected to survive for only 50
years. The latter kind of organization has a much higher mortality rate
by observation alone.

That is why Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI) is a freak, so

to speak. It is now 63 years old going to 64. Yet, it has not demonstrated
any sign of old age, much less dying. Instead, it regenerates. And how
it does it!

Yes, KKFI has outlived the expert’s life expectancy. So, the natural
question is: “How do you do it?”

The question, of course, is an attempt to extract a well-kept secret. But

let us keep the thrill for a while and make the revelation a little bit later.
For now, let us talk a bit of the life and works of the “Kapatiran.”

For decades, the KKFI remained true with its mission of journeying with the poor and powerless in building
communities where the fruits of development are shared by everyone, where the people, particularly the poor,
have life and have it abundantly.

For the past 63 years, KKFI was able to carry on its mission, to be an agent of revolutionizing change through
education and community empowerment. And it has not only survived; it flourished.

KKFI has guided young children in their formative years, assisted school aged children and youth by providing
them opportunities and access basic education and psycho-social needs, provided a home to students at
the metropolis, empowered women through education and livelihood opportunities, trained young adults
to provide income to their families and listened to stories of our senior citizens and engaged with them
productive activities.

Through the years, we have witnessed how their lives were transformed. Our earnest attempts to help the
dreams of these children, youth, young women and older persons into reality have achieved a certain level of
success.

The next pages show the details of KKFI’s efforts in 2013 to effect poverty-stricken communities in a positive
way. Between each line of every paragraph lie the collective efforts and wisdom of the members of the Board
of Trustees who provided a clear vision and direction for KKFI.

The stories of touched lives would never be complete without mentioning the efforts of our staff and volunteers.
I commend their dedication, hard work and commitment to sacrifice anything in order to do their jobs well.

With those things said, let us now return to “the secret,” the Fountain of Youth where the KKFI drinks its daily
nourishment.

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The “secret” is no secret at all. That’s the spoiler, I am sorry to say. The “secret” has always been there, in the
vision, mission and objectives of the Foundation—to serve God through serving the poor and the marginalized
people in the Philippine society.

We gain our strength and inspiration from our beneficiaries’ grateful smiles and their welcoming arms as we
present them “gifts” from our Lord Jesus Christ in the form of our services, our relief goods, our Bible studies,
our religious meditations, and our presence, yes, the mere fact that we are there for them.

Now that the secret is out, let us apply it to our daily lives and we shall all soon see that the Fountain of Youth is
not a myth. It is true and it exists within ourselves.

Nancy C. Nicolas

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PROGRAMS and SERVICES
I. CHILD AND YOUTH WELFARE and DEVELOPMENT

1.1 Early Childhood Care and Development

In the beginning of April 2013, the community learning
center that served as a venue for educating young
minds had undergone renovation in order to cater to the
growing needs of learners. Kindling Kid’s Fundamental
Intelligences (KKFI) Child Development Center is the
new name of the school utilizing, Multiple Intelligence
as an approach to learning. Multiple Intelligence was
introduced by Howard Gardner in 1993, that focuses
on his belief that learners’ intelligence is not a single
structure like IQ but a conglomerate of different types
of “intelligences.”One major aspect of the learner role is
that every learner is unique. The focus is on the learner
and his or her different abilities to learn things. The
Teacher Rex (KKFI OIC Program Director)
learners develop their own personality within the frame
facilitating ECCD session
of the classroom.

We have also introduced new forms and policies such as the Developmental Case History Form, Socialized
Tuition Fee to cater to poor families, our Scholarship Guidelines and Sweat Equity program for parents who
wish to help in maintaining the school and its vicinity. The school also has been repainted including the chairs
and tables. Instructional materials were developed alongside the introduction of KKFI-CDC’s new floor plan to
maximize the space.

Teachers also participated in trainings and capacity building to equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills
and attitude in classroom management, routine, facilitation and curriculum development.

To date, there are two Child Development Centers (KKFI Compound and UMC Sta. Mesa Heights) with 110 pre-
school children enrolled. Feeding program especially for 63 children at Manila North Cemetery was conducted to
normalize their nutritional status.

1.2 Development and Protective Services to Children At Risk from Manila North Cemetery
Manila North Cemetery is home to at least 11,000
individuals. Majority of them are migrants while the
rest are residents of Caloocan, Quezon City and Manila
having limited means to rent a house to stay. Since
they are taking care of tombs, they opted to stay inside
the cemetery as a place to live in. They are confronted
with issues like limited access to basic services, limited
supply of water and electricity, no sewerage system and
majority of the children are school drop outs or have not
educated at all.

Numerous out-of-school youths hang around the

cemetery and are involved in substance abuse, gangs, Alternative Learning System class session at Sta.
Mesa Heights UMC
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vices and even in risky behaviors. With this, KKFI
responded by providing them the opportunity to acquire
basic education through the conduct of Alternative
Learning System (ALS) and non-clinical psycho social
intervention (child friendly spaces, life skills sessions).
ALS is a banner program by the Department of Education
(DepEd) which provides opportunity for drop outs to
study at their own time and pace while being guided
by Instructional Managers. KKFI is accredited as ALS
service provider by DepEd.

KKFI started its partnership with Sta. Mesa Heights

UMC in 2011 and the latter opened the doors of the
church to be the venue for the ALS sessions and also
for spiritual activities. Learners will then take an
Equivalency Test after finishing the modules, if they
pass, will make them eligible graduates of elementary Massage therapy students during their graduation
or high school. ceremony

For 2013, 49 learners attended the ALS sessions, 29 of them took the Equivalency Test and 4 of them passed and
are now eligible to enter the Technical or Vocational Course or University for a college degree. Non-passers were
given livelihood skills for Massage Therapy and Barista training making them income earners which aids their
families in daily survival.

The DepEd Manila became a partner of KKFI starting June 2013. Two Instructional Managers form DepEd are
teaching ALS learners and assisting them in the conduct of registration and completing their requirements.

Since KKFI believes that it takes a village to raise a child, we educate parents through the conduct of effectiveness
sessions banking on DSWD designed modules. Bible studies and group dynamics are also being implemented by
the Sta. Mesa UMC every week.

KKFI is located in a major thoroughfare. We see a large number of street children and their families in the vicinity.
It is the main reason why KKFI shall extend its services to them by putting up an ALS Center within the KKFI
compound.

Recently, KKFI was recognized by the Department of

Education-Alternative Learning System for the valuable
services and meritorious contribution to the ALS program
in different barangays which greatly contributed towards
the upliftment of the lives of the out-of-school children
and youth in the deprived, depressed and underserved
communities, enabling them to become productive,
self-reliant and morally upright citizens.

The Kalinga Mo, KinabukasanKo (KMKK) project

in Pulilan, Bulacan is a community program that
supports 50 children and their families in economically
insecure areas in Pulilan, Bulacan. The program aims to
ALS learners render a special number during
support these children and their families by providing
Community Chest Foundation, Inc. event
Page 8
educational sponsorship for students, alternative
delivery modes of education, livelihood training
for the parents and capacity building among
members of the local council for the protection
of children.

1.3 Scholarship Program

Alternative Learning System passers are being
provided with scholarship assistance. Two are
currently studying at Manila University while
one is in high school. In Bulacan, 12 scholars
are being assisted with school fees and other
educational needs.

1.4 Gilead Center for Children and Youth

Welfare Community children at Kalinga Mo, Kinabukasan Ko
Gilead Center is a healing haven for children who Program from Longos, Pulilan, Bulacan
were abandoned, neglected and had experienced
violence and abuse. Gilead continues to provide holistic services to 22 children and youth through home care,
educational assistance, medical, psychosocial, leadership and spiritual formation.

Gilead Center has facilities for youth camps, retreats, trainings and other activities. Churches and groups can use
it for a very minimal fee. Income from the use of the center will further the programs for children and youth in
need of special protection.

1.5 Student Ministry

KKFI continues to innovate programs that fit the needs of students and provide a home-away-from-home
atmosphere for its dormitory residents. Regular fellowship and interesting yet spiritually nourishing activities
are implemented to help dormitory residents develop socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

1.6. LikhAral
This program is conducted every summer for
children and youth in various communities through
creative arts. In 2013, 500 children who were
affected by typhoons and floods were provided
with psycho-social support activities. The program
was implemented in Smokey Mountain in Tondo,
Sampaloc, Manila, Manila North Cemetery and
Pulilan, Bulacan.

The children’s resilience and recovery from

Creative summer: LikhAral, a child friendly space session
at P. Paredes, Sampaloc
the stressful experience were also facilitated as
children’s life skills were enhanced. Environment
and climate change issues affecting children in
communities were also discussed among children
themselves.

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II. CAPACITY BUILDING FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

2.1 Community Education and Organizing

KKFI continues to assist community leaders to organize themselves into becoming people’s organization. In
2013, three (3) POs from Smokey Mountain in Tondo,
Manila North Cemetery and Norzagaray, Bulacan,
were assisted in strengthening their organizations
through capacity building activities and development
of their strategic plans.

2.2 Youth 4 Safety

The Youth 4 Safety project aims to organize youth
in various communities and build their capacities
to implement advocacy programs for youth safety,
increase awareness among communities about the
risks of trafficking, substance abuse and other related
violence.

Prior to this, the first children’s congress, attended by

Monrobie delivers his plan for community education 45 youth from Tondo, Manila North Cemetery and
during KKFI’s first Children’s Congress Pulilan, Bulacan was conducted in March 2013. As
a result, children leaders were elected to lead their
groups in their respective communities. ‘The Youth 4
Safety’ project is an initial project that is being implemented.

2.3 Anti-Substance Abuse Project

In partnership with General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) and General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM),
KKFI had coordinated a consultation-workshop on substance abuse and related violence in January that was
participated in by 45 clergy and community leaders from Manila Episcopal Area. It aims to develop the capacity
of local organizations and churches in addressing issues of substance abuse and its related effects. As a result, a
project on community-based, holistic response to address the issue of substance abuse and its related effects was
developed. This project will be implemented in Tondo
and Navotas areas. Specifically, it intends to:
1. Enhance capacities of church and community
leaders, and local government units in focus areas
in implementing and managing anti-substance abuse
initiatives.
2. Develop popular education material resources and
manuals to be adopted by local organizations and
churches in the fight against substance abuse and its
related problems.
3. Improve access of children and youth in the focus
communities, especially those w h o a r e o u t
of school to quality basic education through the
Alternative Learning System (ALS) as a preventive
measure against substance abuse and related Anti-Substance Abuse Seminar
issues.
4. Equip children and youth with life-skills, leadership
training and advocacy skills for them to participate effectively for their own protection against all kinds of abuse,
violence and exploitation.
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5. Enhance participation of families in parenting effectiveness sessions and other activities towards prevention and
protection of the children and youth
6. Increase access of children and youth who are victims of substance abuse to health and protective services such
as psycho-social, counseling, medical assistance and rehabilitation services.

This project will be implemented in 3 years in partnership with GBCS and GBGM and the local United Methodist
Churches in the said areas.

Similar consultation and training for church and community

leaders will be held in Baguio Episcopal Area in July 2014. It aims
to replicate the program initiatives that are initially implemented
in Metro Manila.

2.4 Day Center for Senior Citizens

Weekly devotion and fellowship are being conducted at KKFI
compound to provide senior citizens their much-needed spiritual
nourishment. It is also the opportunity for older persons to share
their insights about life and seek assistance from their support
group. The Day Center for Older Persons program has been
running for 22 years now.

2.5 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Senior citizens during a Day C session
With funding assistance from United Methodist Committee On
Relief (UMCOR), KKFI had conducted a training in March 2013
on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. It was attended by more than 50 community leaders from Tondo
Foreshore, Navotas City and Malabon City. This
project aimed to reduce casualties - including
death - and damage to properties among families
and children living in hazard zones. The trained
leaders echoed the training in their own localities.
As a result, mechanism to respond to emergencies
were established in some localities in Tondo areas.

The Homecoming of ‘Yolanda’ Survivors to

DRRM training facilitated by Philippine Red Cross
Tacloban City
KKFI had mobilized relief goods for the Yolanda
victims. The staff also gave upmost part of its
budget for their annual Christmas fellowship to
donate to this endeavor.

The KKFI management decided to further its work beyond providing relief goods by helping in the return of
65 individuals who stayed at Villamor airbase to Tacloban City. This assistance was made possible through the
funding of concerned individuals and Hugo Boss Company in Switzerland.

Through its Facebook account, KKFI announced this project to assist families to go back to Tacloban City. Some
individuals from Switzerland and Hugo Boss Company responded immediately where they conducted a fund-
raising activity for charity and chose KKFI as their beneficiary.

We praise God for his faithfulness and grace. The Yolanda survivors were given a fresh start to rebuild their lives.

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III. VOCATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL TRAINING

3.1. Livelihood Skills Training and Job Placement

KKFI was granted an accreditation from TESDA making it eligible to provide technical and vocational trainings
and certification to our students. For 2014, we are working into the possibility of making KKFI an assessment
center.

While the TESDA accredited trainings are

conducted in KKFI training center, we still continue
to provide training in communities in partnership
with local organizations and churches.

Livelihood skills courses include:

• Hair Science and Cosmetology Training
• Massage Therapy and Hilot Wellness
• Food and Beverage Preparation
• Food Processing

Upon graduation, the students are referred

to a manpower agency and spa clinics for
possible employment. Training on Massage Therapy at KKFI Training Center

Two hundred thirty three (233) participants, mostly women, attended the following livelihood skills training
in 2013. They have also conducted outreach services like free haircutting and massage in different evacuation
centers and churches.

Course Female Male Total

Massage Therapy 77 15 92
Hilot Wellness 17 - 17
Hair Science and Cosmetology 30 3 33
Dressmaking, High-Speed Sewing, and Tailoring 50 1 51
Food Processing 17 - 17
Food & Beverages Preparation 7 17 24
TOTAL 198 35 233

Hair science, massage and haircutting - some of the trainings offered at KKFI, duly accredited by TESDA

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IV. NEW PARTNERSHIP AND NETWORKING

4.1. Partnership with La Grange

College, Georgia, USA and North
Georgia UMC: Philippines Bridge
Work Team.
In January, LaGrange College had
an immersion with our programs
to gain awareness on issues
confronting children and their
families, specifically the situation
of poverty in our country. For more
than a week, 22 students with their
professors had the chance to be
teachers at the child development
center, a community worker in the
Manila North Cemetery, a caregiver
at the Gilead center and a community
volunteer in a squatter’s area in Pulilan,
Bulacan.The students signified their
interest to make this endeavor to be La Grange College students, Georgia, U.S.A. during their Teacher for a
a yearly activity. LaGrange College Day experience at the Child Development Center
expressed their continuing partnership
with KKFI and committed to support KKFI by financing some of its programs and services.

Through Bishop Rodolfo Juan, MEA Resident Bishop, KKFI had become a partner of the North Georgia UMC:
Philippines Bridge Work Team. The Manila team had visited some of KKFI’s program areas and had the chance
to interact with the program participants. They committed to support the project for the out-of-school children and
youth at Manila North Cemetery.

V. NEW PROGRAMS

5.1. Training for Employment

In response to the unemployment problem, we had partnered with Kapulungan ng mga Sirkulong Kapitbahayan
Inc. (Ka-Sikap) in a project called “Training for Employment” or TfE.

The TfE aims to provide out-of-school but employable youth—those who are high school graduates between
18 and 25 years old—a chance to study and earn at the same time. Qualified candidates will enter the TESDA-
accredited course called Dual Training System Program for Consumer Electronics.

The course requires a student to attend in-classroom sessions for 45 days in St. John Bosco Faith Training Center
in Noveleta, Cavite. In addition, they will undergo 10.5 months of in-plant training with weekly sessions that
will last for 3-4 hours. The in-plant training will take place in a factory called Macro Wirings inside the Cavite
Export Processing Zone. Thereafter, there will be an additional one and a half months of intensive review in
preparation for the final assessment that TESDA will conduct and that a student must pass in order to acquire an
NCII accreditation.

The student will receive a monthly allowance during the in-plant training. This means the student will start earning

Page 13
 after the one-and-a-half month of in-
classroom training.

KKFI will extend assistance

for interested youth, with
preferential option for young
women from our communities to
access this opportunity by providing
their needed fund for two and a
half months amounting to P10,000.
This will cover the school registration,
food, dormitory, shuttle, etc. for
two months. This amount will
be extended as loan to the
student. Once the student starts earning,
he or she will be able to pay back in
affordable terms the loan and the
tuition.
Orientation of students at St. John Bosco Faith Training Center
Upon completion of the course and
after passing the TESDA’s final assessment, there are several options a student may take:

1. Work as a regular worker of the plant where the student had his or her in-plant training with the six-month
provision period waived.
2. Work as a regular worker in the plant BUT at the same time continue studying for a TESDA diploma course
that would qualify the student for a supervisory position.
3. After earning a diploma course, continue studying for the three years more in the same school (St. John Bosco
Faith Training Center) and earn a degree in industrial engineering.
4. After finishing any of the above levels and acquiring at least two years of work experience in the plant, work
as overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in countries where similar plants or partner-factories are located
5. Set up his or her own entrepreneurial venture (for example, repair shop)

5.2. Anti-Human Trafficking Project

Children and women from far flung provinces are being enticed to work in Manila, highly urbanized cities or even
abroad only to end up being abused and exploited. The plight of trafficked children and women are being hidden
for decades and there is a growing need to effectively respond to the issue.

The KKFI compound can be a safe haven for young women who survived trafficking. While they are in the
process of rebuilding their lives and future, KKFI will be their home away from home.

KKFI, in partnership with the International Justice Mission shall provide transitional housing that serves survivors
who have been discharged from a long or short term shelter and are assessed to have the emotional stability
necessary to live with others in a communal environment. They will be provided with an opportunity to have a
safe housing while continuing to learn the life skills necessary to establishing sustainable employment.

Page 14
FEATURE STORIES
Ghosts at the Manila North Cemetery
by Nitz E. Nicolas

“
Transformed ghosts. Transformed
spirits.” As a mother to four children, Mrs.
Tita U. Villarosa, also known as
Yes, this is how Nanay Tita describes “Nanay Tita,” has realized that she
the 11,000 individuals living inside has to do something to protect and
the Manila North Cemetery (MNC), change the lives of her neighbors,
most of them are children and youth, especially the disadvantaged
today. children and youth.

For the past many years, the childrenIn 1996, she was elected president
and the young people living inside of their organization, the Samahang
the Manila North Cemetery had Mangagawa at Tagapangalaga sa
been bullied. Norte (Samantaganor). The
main objective of the organization
“You live with the dead, you are is to protect the people living inside
ghosts, and you are bad people!You MNC against illegal demolition
don’t know anything, you are spirits and the protection on the rights
without sense,” many would say. of children and youth, and the Manila North Cemetery’s Mother
improvement of their lives. Leader, Nanay Tita Villarosa
Since 1990, when Nanay Tita and
her family transferred to Manila As president of Samantaganor, she Social Work from the University of
North Cemetery, she has seen and made connections with different Rizal in Montalban and some KKFI
experienced the bullying. churches and organizations. She staff were deployed to live with the
asked for help and support for the people, and experience the day-to-
When MNC children attend formal families living in the Manila North day life struggles of the people living
classes in public school, most of Cemetery. inside the Manila North Cemetery.
them are bullied because they could
not write nor draw. They could not One of these organizations is The All In 2011, KKFI launched its Day
even say their own names. They Together in Dignity (ATD) Fourth Care Program for the children and
were shy and helpless. World Movement, an international Alternative Learning System (ALS)
non-governmental organization for the young people.
The MNC youth are discriminated dedicated to overcome extreme
whenever they go out and mingle poverty. It has helped foster learning These programs are in cooperation
with other young people of their and empowerment activities in MNC with the Sta. Mesa Heights United
age. They could not find jobs, even through tutorial classes to children Methodist Church, which provides
menial one, because of the stigma 6 years old and above, reading, the venue for the classes, and Hope
that goes with living with the dead. storytelling and cultural activities Ry Foundation, a Finnish foundation
and values formation. represented by Mr. Juha Kauppinen,
Because of their hopeless situation, and the General Board of Global
the children did not attend classes On the other hand, since 2007, Ministrties of the United Methodist
anymore, while most of the young KKFI has been making connections Church, U.S.A. which provides
people where dragged to substance with Nanay Tita through its field financial assistance.
abuse. works program, where students of

Page 15
According to Nanay Tita, since the children started and in college. Four ALS students in the second batch
studying at Day Care, they learned how to write, who took the test last December 2013 have passed the
draw, and recognize different colors. They are test. Three would be enrolled in college this coming
not speechless anymore. They can talk and can June 2014 and 1 for high school.
appreciate things around them. They are not ghosts
anymore. The children’s condition and appearance Nanay Tita was amazed when she learned that the MNC
have changed. ALS students won third place during the Community
Chest 63rd Annual Anniversary last October 2013.
One of Nanay Tita’s daughters, Marrianne Villaroza- They presented a short play depicting the lives of the
Cruz, now married, is a volunteer teacher at the KKFI young people inside MNC. It was the young people
Day Care program in Sta. Mesa Heights UMC. Nanay themselves who conceptualized the play with the
Tita saw in her daughter’s eyes that she enjoys teaching. guidance of the KKFI staff.
She saw herself through her daughter, her dream of
becoming a teacher was fulfilled by Marrianne. Lots of changes had happened to them. They are not
shy anymore to show their talents and abilities. Their
Nanay Tita’s dream for her people of having a decent behavior and character have changed. They feel closer
life, better education, and becoming skilled workers to God and to their families now. They learned to shun
especially the children, the youth and their family, away from the bad influence of drugs and alcohol. They
is now turning into a reality. The KKFI through the know now what is right and what is wrong.
Alternative Learning System (ALS) have inspired our
young people to pursue their education. Nanay Tita said that KKFI is like a mother who has a
Six of the first batch of ALS students in 2012 have big heart. The Foundation has not been selective whom
passed the Accreditation and Equivalency Test given by it would serve. Instead, it accepts people as they are,
DepEd and are continuing their studies in high school even the people at the Manila North Cemetery who are
called Ghosts. KKFI have helped nurture them both in
education, spiritual nourishment and livelihood.

Nanay Tita is thankful to God for using KKFI as an

instrument to touch their lives and change their ways.

At the end of the interview, she said: “My people at the

Manila North Cemetery are not ghosts. They are people
with hearts and souls, people with dreams, seeking new
beginnings.”

A community education session at Manila North Cemetery

Magandang Pagbabago
ni Glenda B. Gutierrez

G
aya ng karaniwang bata,
si Lorenz Enriquez ay
madalas maglaro. Ayon
sa kanyang ina na si Nikki, ang
madalas na inaatupag ni Lorenz ay
paglalaro at pagkain.
Page 16
Madalas din siyang pumunta
sa kanyang lola. Pagkatapos ay
naliligo na siya. Marunong nang
maglinis ng katawan si Lorenz.
Ganito karaniwang tumatakbo ang
araw para sa bata.
Nalaman nila sa kanyang kalaro na
si Louis Nadonga, isang dating mag-
aaral ng Child Development Center
(CDC), ang tungkol sa programa ng
KKFI. Di na sila nagdalawang-isip
na i-enroll si Lorenz sa CDC.
Ayon kay Nikki, nakitaan niya ng
magandang pagbabago si Lorenz
nang makapag-aral ito sa CDC.
Marunong na itong magsulat,
magbasa at magbilang. Marunong
na ring itong makisama sa ibang
bata.
Bukod sa klase sa CDC, natutuwa
si Lorenz the Christmas party-gift
giving activities na isinasagawa ng
mga partners ng KKFI. Natutuwa rin
silang mag-ina pag me activities sa
KKFI Main Office, gaya ng United
Nations celebration kung saan
masaya si Lorenz na nakikipaglaro
sa mga batang CDC-Main Office.
Sa murang edad, gusto ni Lorenz
ng maging doktor paglaki upang
makagamot siya ng mga sugat.
Nagpapasalamat ito sa KKFI sa
maraming pagkain at laruan na
natatanggap.
Gaya ni Lorenz, maraming batang
taga Manila North Cemetery ang
natutulungan ng KKFI. Ang mga
programang CDC at Alternative
Learning System (ALS) ay
nagbibigay daan upang unti-unti
silang umangat sa buhay at maabot
ang mga pangarap na umahon sa
kahirapan
Lorenz during United Nations
Celebration of the KKFI-CDC

A Journey Appreciating Oneself

by Vicente V. Eliver

S
ince Benzar Miralles, 16, which he gave to his mother. He
lost his scholarship, his also helped repack chocolates in
mother had grown to dislike his sister’s business to earn more
him. She considered the teenager a income.
disappointment and a burden.
He has always been concerned about
Then, Benzar’s father died. After a the welfare of his family and wants
while, his mother started to live in the best for them.
with another man.
Benzar learned about the KKFI ALS
She also refused to support his program when he tagged along with
studies. She said Benzar only has the ALS learners in preparation
himself to blame, saying he should for the Peace Corps Volunteers’
have worked harder to keep his immersion activity in the Manila
scholarship. North Cemetery last September.
Benzar Miralles
The things that happened to his
life in a short span of time and the The learners were tasked to ensure he overheard comments that
way his mother treated him made active participation of smaller homosexuality is a taboo.
Benzar a confused young man. He children and to serve snacks,
“Not all homosexuals are sinners.
was hopeless and with a low self- activities that Benzar enthusiastically
esteem. participated in. Anyone can commit a crime which is
even worse than what homosexuals
Benzar took a job as a dishwasher in He was quite shy, that is why are doing,” Benzar protested.
a small canteen in Muñoz. He was everyone was surprised when
very happy to earn some money, he joined in an argument when He also added that, “You should not
Page 17
judge homosexuals as sinners just
because of their sexual orientation
and preferences.”
The argument went on, even to the
point when Benzar’s opponent was
already provoking him. But Benzar
kept his temper.
The day after the incident, Benzar
started attending the ALS classes.
He was warmly accepted by the
other learners and KKFI staff.
He performed well in class and
became one of the leaders being
elected as vice president. He
carried out his responsibilities with
enthusiasm like recruiting out-of-
school youth to ALS, preparing
special dance presentations,
securing the cleanliness of the
church, serving snacks and cleaning
up after eating.
Benzar received the leadership
award during ALS closing ceremony
held last December 2013. He was
Benzar, third from left, standing
Bearer of Countless Possibilities
T
he Kapatiran-Kaunlaran
Foundation Inc. (KKFI)
has brought countless
Page 18
instrumental in leading their group
to win the third place in the dance
competition in the Community Chest
Annual Anniversary in September
2013.
He underwent training in massage
therapy under KKFI Job and Skills
Training Program. He graduated
from the course last February.
Believing in his potentials, KKFI
sent him as representative to youth
advocate seminar under the program
of Philippines Children’s Ministries
Network where his skills as a youth
leader in the community were
further honed. From these activities,
he regained trust and confidence in
himself and now thinks positively
about life.
He considers his experience in
the ALS program the greatest
opportunity he ever had in his life.
His dream of becoming a teacher is
achievable.
He considered ALS as an avenue to
by Vicente V. Eliver
opportunities to Joan Vergara, 15,
orphan.
increase his awareness about values
that motivate him to pursue his
education, not just for himself and
family but for the street children
like him. He said that he is happy
because KKFI did everything to
accommodate them to the program
and gave them another chance to
know God better.
From KKFI he learned that he lead
and handle his group better. He is
proud to be known in this community
people as “leader kabataan.” Finally,
he earned the respect of his family
and neighbors. He continues to
contribute to the family expenses.
He said, he keeps praying that KKFI
would expand its programs and
services. He hopes more benefactors
would partner with KKFI to reach
and serve more children inside and
outside the cemetery.
He hopes KKFI would become
successful in its programs for MNC
and bring them out of the cemetery
in the near future. He thanked the
KKFI staff for teaching them to
be strong and carry on with all the
challenges that comes their way.
Indeed, Benzar has changed and
is making the most of his second
chance. He is confident he can reach
his dream.
“KKFI is leading me through the right
path,” he says. “Praise be to God!”
Joan lives with her grandmother
along with her younger siblings
inside the Manila North Cemetery
(MNC) compound. Her grandmother
makes a living by taking care of
tombs.
The latter took the responsibility
of shouldering her grandchildren’s
educational needs but financial
constraints made Joan stop her
studies when she was in the second
year of high school.
Joan decided to attend to household
chores and take care of her younger
siblings, instead.
She learned about KKFI ALS when
the staff of KKFI started to recruit
students in MNC. She attended the
orientation and she pre-enlisted.
She attended the ALS classes at Sta.
Mesa Heights United Methodist
Church from February to October
2013.
Joan is one of the most active
learners. She attended ALS sessions
and activities religiously. Like her
fellow learners, she was busy with
her cell phone during class. She has
a tendency to interrupt the teacher
to make comments on the lessons.
Despite these childish behaviours,
she is very bright getting a high
score in Functional Literacy Test.
She expresses her thoughts well
in writing and recitation. After a
few months, her improvements
in behaviour and academics were
noticeable.
She gained a lot of friends and
showed leadership potentials
performing well in life skills, values
education and leadership activities.
She is very much happy that KKFI
gave her another chance to continue
her education through ALS. She Joan Vergara
has done her best from the start.
She achieved her dream by passing to provide for her grandmother and
the Accreditation and Equivalency her siblings, send them to school
Examination given by the and have a comfortable home.
department of Education December
10, 2013. She said KKFI is an instrument in
achieving her dreams and in giving
Passing this examination gave her her almost endless possibilities.
great joy. She believes it would She said she always includes KKFI
open doors to brighter opportunities in her prayers so that it could help
that would change her life for the more children.
better.
She is very thankful that KKFI
She aspires to finish her education brought her closer to God and
so that later on she would be able promised she will always adhere to
His Word.

Batong Matatag
ni Lilia O. Bejer
bago ang KKFI?

“
Sa trials o problemang
dumarating ako ay mananatiling
matatag sa pinanghahawakang
pangarap na maging architect,”
wika ni Eloisa “Lois” de los Reyes.
Si Lois ay sumisimbolo sa isang
bato na kahit tamaan ng malakas
na hangin o tubig ay mananatiling
matatag. Eto ang panayam ko kay
Lois.
Lilia: Pakikwento ang iyong buhay
Lois: A k o p o s i L o i s d e l o s
Reyes ,17, panganay sa tatlong
magkakapatid. Broken family po
kami. Si mama ay may bagong
asawa, at si papa ay may asawa na
din. Ang papa ko po ay isang meat
dealer at ang aking mama naman
ay isang worker sa isang luncheon
meat factory.
Dati po ay nakatira kami sa
Manila North Cemetery dahil
ayaw iwanan ng papa ko ang
puntod ng lolo ko at marami na
rin kaming mga kakilala doon.
Hanggang sa napunta kami sa
Novaliches kinuha na kami ni
lola.Pero madalas pa rin kami sa
MNC dahil doon ko po nakilala
ang Church at ang KKFI.
Lilia: Paano mo nakilala ang KKFI?
Lois: Dati po nag-aaral ako sa
formal school. Nagkaroon ng
konting problema dahil wala
Page 19
 akong birth certificate. Sinabihan sa mabuti ay di mananakaw. Gawin
ako ng teacher na “makapasa o ang makakayanan ng buong puso
hindi, ibabagsak kita.” Dahil dun at ialay sa Diyos.
nawalan ako ng ganang mag-
aral. Lilia: Ano ang pangarap mo para
sa sarili at pamilya?
Isang araw nakilala ko si Malows
at sinabi niya na may programang Lois: P a n g a r a p k o p o n g
ALS ang KKFI. Makakapagtapos makapagtapos ng pag-aaral sa
ng high school pag nakapasa at kursong architecture at magkaroon
magkokolehiyo agad. Dahil dito ng magandang trabaho. Gusto kong
lumakas ang loob ko. Nagkaroon mabigyan ng magandang buhay
ako muli ng pag-asa kaya di na ako ang aking pamilya at maiahon
nagdalawang-isip ay lumahok sa sa kahirap tulad ng pangako sa
ALS. kanila. Gusto ko ring maipagawa Lois delos Reyes
ang aming simbahan. Diyos. Na hindi lang ako kundi
Lilia: A n o a n g m g a g a w a i n / marami pang mga kabataan na
activities ng KKFI na nasalihan Lilia: Paano ka natulungan ng ma-encourage na mag-aral at wag
mo? Ano ang pakiramdam mo sa KKFI para gumanda ang pananaw sayangin ang kakayahan. Wish ko
paglahok ng mga gawain? sa buhay? din po na wag magsawang mag-
participate ang bawat isa.”
Lois: Marami akong activities Lois: Natulungan po ako ng KKFI
na sinalihan. Naging facilitator, dahil nakakuha ako ng accreditation Lilia: Ano ang gusto mong sabihin sa
leader at teacher ng Likha –Aral and equivalency exam kahit staff, donors, at partners ng KKFI?
ako. Lumahok din ako sa mga nabigo ako. Alam ko may plano
iba’t ibang pagsasanay tulad ang Panginoon para sa akin. Di ko Lois: Maraming salamat sa lahat
ng massage therapy at outreach po akalain na sa ganitong edad ay ng staff at donors na sumusuporta
ministries. Nakakahalubilo ko ang makakapagtraining at gagraduate sa marami pang kabataan. Lahat
mga staff at mga iba’t ibang bisita ako ng call center at nakapag- po kayo ay naging instrument sa
mula sa iba’t ibang bansa. training din ng P.T. lahat ng bagay at kakayahan na
meron ako. At thankful din po
Lilia: Ano ang naitulong ng KKFI Napaginipan ko na nag-a-aral uli ako sa mga taong nagpapalakas
sa buhay mo? ako sa formal school kaya balak ng loob ko isa na po dito si Ma’am
ko mag-enrol sa formal school sa Nancy Nicolas ang Executive
Lois: Napalawak ng KKFI aking Bulacan sa June 2014. Inaayos na Director, na laging sinasabi sa
kaisipan tulad ng salitang, “Try ang aking birth certificate. Balak akin na “Go Lois, do your best!
and try until you succeed.” kong mag-aral ng Consumer Kaya mo ‘yan”. At ganun din kay
Masaya po ako kasi tinuring Electronics pagkagraduate ko. Ma’am Lilia O. Bejer na hindi
nila akong pamilya. Dahil doon Kaya thankful ako kay Lord napagod na i-share ang kaalaman
naging masaya ako kahit na broken dahil ginamit niya ang KKFI at kakayanan sa skills na massage
family kami. Binigyan niyo ako ng para mas maging matiyaga at na sa ngayon ay nagbigay ng
bagong pag-asa. mas magpursige ako sa aking income na aking nagagamit sa
pangarap. aking pansariling pangangailangan
Lilia: Ano ang pakiramdam sa at naitutulong sa mama ko at mga
natutunan mo sa paglahok sa mga Lilia: Ano ang wish mo para sa kapatid ko. Ganundin ,sa lahat ng
gawain? KKFI? mga nasa office na hindi ko man
nabanggit ay naging inspirasyon
Lois: Natutunan ko na ang bawat Lois: Wish ko po na maging ko at nagpatatag sa pagkatao ko.
kakayahan at talino, bastat gamitin maunlad at pagpalain sila ng Maraming salamat!
Page 20
 Coloring the Children’s Lives
by Glenda B. Gutierrez

L
ike poster paints, she adds assistant teacher of the KKFI day-
colors to the lives of the care center, the then Community
children of the Manila Learning Center (CLC) now called
North Cemetery (MNC). Marrianne Community Development Center,
Villarosa Cruz, lovingly called (CDC) in 2009 until she was hired
Teacher Maia in the community, as para-teacher in 2011. Since
used to be a plain housewife to serving the KKFI, Teacher Maia has
husband Joel and mother to three become well-known in MNC.
children.
She was able to go to the National
She had known about KKFI from Teachers College (NTC) for her first
her mother, Tita Villarosa, president year of BS Elementary Education
of Samahan ng mga Tagapangalaga through All Together in Dignity
ng Nitso sa Norte (Samantaganor). (ATD), which facilitated her
Samantaganor is one of the project scholarship.
partners of KKFI.
She was one of the volunteers of Marrianne V. Cruz, KKFI-CDC
She had been the volunteer ATD in MNC. She had to drop out of Para Teacher
college due to financial constraints.
They lived in MNC and her parents continue implementing programs
were both jobless. She narrated how for MNC and that donors like Juha
difficult it was to go to classes on an Kauppinen of Hope Ry would
empty stomach and walk to school encourage other donors to support
due to lack of money. these programs.
She dreams of having a normal life Among her dreams is another vehicle
with a stable job. She wishes her for KKFI that would transport the
children could finish their studies. children to and from Sta. Mesa
She is hoping to have a helper to Heights United Methodist Church
help her manage her home. where the CDC holds classes.
Teacher Maia said her honorarium Teacher Maia is enjoying her work
helps their family financially. She as teacher. She loves molding the
is hoping that she would be able to minds of the young children. Her
finish her studies. mission of helping her community
gives her joy and the respect given
KKFI had helped her gain her self- to her by the parents gives her great
confidence. She is thankful to CDC pride.
Teacher, Margelyn Aguiran, for
mentoring her in her initial years. Indeed, her life is like poster color
KKFI-CDC children during the She is now confident in teaching, paints, she adds color to the lives of
Day In Camp at the Parks and managing the classroom, and talking her family, MNC children, and to
Wildlife with the parents. the people in the community.
She is hoping the KKFI would

Page 21
 Pursigidong Mag-aaral
ni Glenda B. Gutierrez
kanyang ina ay nagtitinda ng saging
at naglalaba. Sa tulong ng KKFI, lalong lumakas
ang tiwala sa sarili. Nalaman niya
Si Hazel ay kabilang sa unang batch na kaya pala niyang gawin ang lahat
ng ALS sa Sampaloc noong Agosto basta pursigido siya. Bilang iskolar,
2011. Labing-anim na taon na noon nag-vo-volunteer siya sa preschool
si Hazel at nag-aaral siya noon ng ng KKFI na Child Development
unang taon sa high school. Center.
 
Huminto siya sa pag-aaral dahil Dito nag-e-enjoy siya kasama ang
sa kapos ang kanilang pamilya mga bata kahit minsan na-i-stress
sa pinansiya. Tatlo kasi silang siya sa kakulitan nila. Natuto siyan
magkakapatid na sabay-sabay mag- makisama sa iba-ibang ugali ng mga
aral. bata.

Tumulong na lamang siya sa mga Pangarap niyang maiahon

magulang niya sa pamamagitan at matulungan ang kanyang
Hazel Dungog: KKFI scholar and ng pagtratrahaho. Nabalitaan niya pamilya. Sa tulong ng KKFI may
CDC volunteer ang programa mula sa para-teacher pagkakataon na siyang maabut ang
ng KKFI na si Judith Ramirez. mga pangarap.

S
i Hazel Dungog ay isa sa mga Nagustuhan niya ang ALS dahil
iskolar na nagtapos na ng sa pagkakataon ng makagradweyt Nais niya na mas marami pang
Alternative Learning System agad sa high school. mga bata ang matulungan ng KKFI
(ALS) program ng Kapatiran- at lalong tumagal pa ang mga
Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI). Medyo nag-alangan siya kung programa.
kakayanin niya ngunit pinalakas
Minsan ay inasam niyang maging ni Teacher Judith ang kanyang Nagpapasalamat siya sa mga staff
social worker gaya ng kanyang loob. Laking pasasalamat niya ng KKFI na sina Ma’am Nancy,
guro sa ALS na si Michael Orcullo. sa Panginoon dahil kahit di siya Teacher Judith at Sir Michael sa
Di niya nakamit ang pangarap dahil
regular nakakapasok sa klase dahil lahat ng tulong nila. Nangangako
walang kursong social work sa sa trabaho ay pumasa siya agad sa siya na lalong pagbubutihin ang
University of Manila, kung saan Accreditation & Equivalency exam kanyang pag-aaral.
siya pinag-aral. ng Department of Education.
Dahil dito, kumuha na lamang
siya ng kursong criminology. Sa
ngayon, nag-e-enjoy na si Hazel sa
kurso niya. Sa katunayan ay naipasa
niya ang lahat ng kanyang subject
sa unang semetre. Bukod dito ay
ipinagmamalaki niyang natuto na
siyang humawak ng baril.

Si Hazel ay 18 taong gulang na may

apat na kapatid. Ang kanilang ama
ay isang construction worker at ang Hazel, right with CDC Para Teacher, Marrianne V. Cruz

Page 22
 Teaching as Community Outreach
by Vicente V. Eliver

T
he commitment of both
Teachers Gillan Fatima
Atienza and Susan Magnaye
as implementers of the Alternative
Learning System was unquestionable
right from the start.
Both are Department of Education
(DepEd) mobile teachers in Manila
assigned at P. Gomez Elementary
School’s Bureau of Alternative
Learning System.
from August to September 2013.
They conducted reviews and trained
the learners in writing, especially
sentence construction and paragraph
formulation.
Their dedication inspired and
motivated the ALS learners. Soon,
Gillan and Susan were able to earn
the trust and confidence of the young
people, who, in turn, devoted their
time and efforts to studying.

One day, they passed by the Gillan and Susan also helped
compound of the Kapatiran- facilitate the application of the
Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI) learners for the Accreditation and
and saw the signage that says the Equivalency (A&E) Exam.
Foundation offers ALS.
They kept the KKFI staff updated on
They offered their services as their DepEd requirements and schedules.
way of community outreach. Of They also linked KKFI with DepEd
course, the KKFI immediately and and Mindbank Training and Skills
thankfully accepted the offer. Corporation in the implementation
of the Food and Beverages Service
Gillan and Susan taught ALS III (Barista) Training.
learners in Manila North Cemetery
every Friday at the Sta. Mesa Gillan said, “it’s a great pleasure to
Heights United Methodist Church serve and share my knowledge and
skills especially to the poor out-of-
school youth (OSY) in the Manila
North Cemetery.”
She added that teaching widens her
understanding. She appreciated the
way KKFI provided free education
for these children coming from
MNC which is different from what
they do in public schools.
Vincent Eliver, KKFI Social Worker,
said he appreciated her sincerity
when Gillan said she values her
experiences with KKFI.
Gillan Atienza, DepEd Mobile
Teacher and KKFI volunteer Susan hopes that KKFI would
Susan Magnaye, DepEd Mobile
Teacher and KKFI volunteer
continue with its mission of helping
the poor and marginalized. She
thanked the KKFI staff, donors and
stakeholders for the opportunities for
adults and OSY to gain knowledge
and technical skills.
Both Gillan and Susan are hopeful
that the partnership with them
will last long. They hope that the
harmonious working relationship
would be maintained in the
realization of our country’s goal in
providing education for all.
Gillian’s and Susan’s dreams of
helping coincided with KKFI’s
mission. Both benefited from the
rich experience.
The ALS learners and KKFI would
always be grateful and remember
them as being instrumental in their
passing the A&E exam.

Page 23
 Tagapangalaga ng Templo
ni Glenda B. Gutierrez

S
i Joel R. Fuentes, 26, ay fan at rice cooker, na ayon sa kanya
Temple Keeper ng Sta. Mesa ay isa niyang sideline.
Heights United Methodist
Church (SMHUMC). Siya ay Natutuwa si Joel sa pagbo-volunteer
isang volunteer ng KKFI sa Child niya sa CDC. Ayon sa kanya,
Development Center para sa mga tinutulungan niya sina Teacher Maia
bata ng Manila North Cemetery. sa pagtuturo ng mga bata at sa pag-
maintain ng kalinisan ng klasrum.
High school pa lang siya nung Nagbo-volunteer din siya bilang
nagsimula siyang magtrabaho sa teacher sa LikhAral.
SMHUMC noong taong 2006.
Ayon sa kanya, lumaki siya sa isang Ayon kay Joel, masaya at maganda
katamtamang pamilya na di naman ang pakiramdam kapag kasama niya
mahirap. ang mga bata. Nadaragdagan ang
aniya ang kanyang kaalaman, mga Joel R. Fuentes: CDC Volunteer
Ang tatay niya ay nagtatrabaho sa kaibigan at kakilala. Natutuwa siya
isang machine shop at ang nanay ay na ma-expose sa iba’t ibang gawain Wish niya na lalong tumagal ang
tumatanggap ng labada paminsan- ng KKFI at nagiging mas outgoing KKFI at mas maraming batang
minsan. Pangalawa si Joel sa pitong at hindi na gaanong mahiyain. matulungan at maiahon sa kahirapan.
magkakapatid. Pangarap ni Joel na magkaroon Nagpapasalamat siya at naging parte
ng maayos na buhay, magandang siya ng KKFI.
Isang computer techinician si Joel. pamilya, sariling bahay at lupa. Nais
Marunong din siyang magkumpuni din niyang magkaroon ng sariling Nagpapasalamat siya sa mga staff at
ng mga appliances, gaya ng electric electronics business. donors.

Medalya
ni Mercy Familara
Luneta habang si Mon-Mon ay kasa- pagkakataon na nakalahok siya sa

L
umaki si Monrobie Martin
Salvador, mas kilala na
palayaw na Mon-Mon, sa
Luneta kasama and kanyang ina.
Halos pitong taon silang nagpalaboy-
laboy doon. Hiwalay ang kanyang
mga magulang at may iba nang
pamilya ang kanyang ama. Ang
kapatid niya ay maagang nagkaroon
ng sariling pamilya.
Ang kanyang ina ay kumikita lang
ng konti sa pagbebenta ng load sa
kasama nya. Naranasan ni Mon- youth camp sa Gilead.
Mon mamalimos sa mga banyagang
namamasyal sa Luneta pangdagdag Doon nagsimulang makipagtulungan
man lang sa pambili ng pagkain. ang Asuncion Perez sa mga staff ng
Gilead para pansamantalang sila ay
Nalaman niya sa mga kalaro na manirahan. Isa siya sa nakasama
kapwa niya street children na me sa maraming bata na nagmula sa
programa ang Asuncion Perez Luneta. Ika-28 ng Mayo 2007 noong
Memorial Center na feeding at street na-admit si Mon-Mon sa Gilead.
education. Naging interesado siya
dahil may pameryenda na ayon sa Labag man sa kalooban ni Mon-
kanya sagot sa kumakalam niyang Mon na mahiwalay sa ina, tiniis
sikmura. Hanggang nagkaroon ng niya ito upang magkaroon ng pag-

Page 24
kakataon na makapag-aral. Nalaman niya na maganda pa rin sa pagtuturo sa kanila. Masaya ang pakiramdam
sa Gilead, tahimik. kapag galing sa school excited silang umuwi para
ipakita ang mataas na marka pati sa mga proyekto nila
Napag-alaman din niya na mga pastor ang mga na hinangaan ng kanilang guro.
houseparents at Christian ang social worker kaya Talagang nagpapasalamat si Mon-Mon sa mga staff sa
nakakasiguro siya na magiging safe siya. Nangako siya tulong nila sa mga school projects. Ayon sa kanya “may
sa sarili na magiging responsable siyang bata. talent ang mga staff. “

Ayon kay Mon-Mon, maraming activities sa Gilead. Laking pasalamat ni Mon-Mon sa housemother na si
Nakakakilos sila ng maayos at nakakapag-relax. Mercy Familara na nangunguna sa evening devotion.
Masaya sila kasi palagi silang nai-invite sa Kapitolyo Lalo napatibay sa kanyang pananampalataya sa Diyos.
pero higit sa lahat puno siya ng kasiyahan pag may mga Natuto siyang manalangin at magbahagi ng salita ng
bisita na nagbibigay donasyon. Dios. Na-inspire din siyang mag-aral maggitara kay
Mommy Mercy.
Pero ang lubos niyang ikinatutuwa ay ang mga life skills
training, kung saan nahubog ang kanilang kakayahan Si Mon-Mon ay kasa-kasama ni Mercy sa pamamalengke
maging isang lider. Mayroon silang children’s council at natuto siyang magbudget. Laking tuwa niya kung
taon-taon kung saan lagi siyang napipili na vice nakakatawad siya. Natutunan niyang mag-ayos sa
president. Natutunan nilang magplano at mag-meeting sarili, at maging responsable sa mga gawain. Naging
kung paano sila makakatulong sa mga decision-making marunong siyang magluto at maglinis.
ng samahan.
Dahil sa tulong ng KKFI nakapagtapos si Mon-Mon ng
Natutuwa rin siya sa mga tutorial sessions. Nakita niya elementary. Anim na taon siya sa Gilead at nagsimula
ang sipag at tiyaga ng mga staff na kahit gabi na tuloy siya sa unang baitang.

Siya ang valedictorian noong March 2013 sa Segundo

Esguerra Memorial Elementary School . Siya ay may
mga medalya at awards na: Best in Science, Leadership
Awardee, Scout of the Year, Class President, SBO
President at President - Elementary all over Pulilan.

Na-realize niya na kahit gaano man kahirap ng buhay

kung ikaw ay pursigidong makatapos ng iyong pag-
aaral, gagawa ka at gagawa ng kahit na anumang
paraan makamit mo lang ang pangarap mo sa buhay.
Malaking hamon sa kanya ang natutunan niya sa mga
Bible studies na sabi ng Panginoon manalig lang lagi sa
kanya,hindi ka Niya tatalikuran at pababayaan.

Ayon kay Mon-Mon, kahit malayo pa ang tatahakin

niya sa buhay, panghahawakan niya ang kanyang mga
natututunan at kanyang isasapamuhay.

Pangarap ni Mon-Mon na makatapos sa pag-aaral at

Nagtapos ng unang karangalan si Mon-Mon
noong Marso 2013
maging isang engineer. Gusto niyang mabigyan ng
maayos na buhay ang kanyang Mama. Nais rin niyang
mabigyan ng puhunan ang kanyang mga kapatid.
May pangako siya sa sarili na oras na maabot niya ang

Page 25
kanyang pangarap ay hinding-hindi niya kakalimutang
tumulong sa mga kapus-palad sa mumunting paraan,
kagaya ng ginagawa ng KKFI na nagiging instrumento
para tulungan ang mga mahihirap.
Natulungan ng KKFI si Mon-Mon na maging matatag
kahit dumaan man ang mga pagsubok sa buhay, siya
ay magpapatuloy. Alam niya na dahil sa mga pagsubok
titibay ang kanyang loob.Umaasa siya na aangat din
ang kanilang buhay.
Ang wish niya sa KKFI as sana marami pang
matulungang kagaya niya. Mas lalong palawakin ang
mga programa sa pagkalinga. Wish niya na sana pang
long term ang educational assistance hanggang college.
Marami pa kasing responsableng bata ang gustong
magpatuloy hanggang college.
Ito ang gustong iparating ni Mon-Mon sa KKFI,
staff, donors and stakeholders: “Maraming maraming
salamat po sa tulong ng KKFI hindi ko makakalimutan
ito kung loloobin at ako’y pagpalain tutulong din ako
sa KKFI pagdating ng panahon. Sa mga staff sa Gilead,
ang Diyos na po ang magpala sa inyo, naging huwaran
po kayo sa buhay ko, naging pangalawang magulang
ko, ramdam ko ang pagmamahal nyo hindi ko po kayo
makakalimutan lalo na yung mga turo nyo sa amin,
kung pwede nga lang hindi malayo sa inyo, napamahal
po ako sa inyo hanggang pagtanda ko hahanapin ko rin
kayo. Pati na rin sa mga batang nakasama ko, naging
kapatid ko rin sa Gilead. Sa mga Donors, pagpalain po
kayo ng Dios, sana ipagpatuloy nyo po ang pagtulong.
Masasabi ko po hindi nasasayang ang inyong pagtulong
sa amin. Sana lalo pa dumami ang magbigay.”

KKFI DORM: A SAFE HAVEN AWAY FROM HOME

by Nitz E. Nicolas
AB Mass Communication course in

T
here’s no hassle living at FEU. Her family resides in Taytay,
KKFI dorm!” Rizal. She has three siblings, two
boys and a girl.
“It’s so convenient! It is just a few
meters away from my school, the Gayle says she loves to stay at
Far Eastern University (FEU). KKFI dorm. She learned to be an
When I get to my classes, I still independent young woman while
feel fresh and inspired from the there.
morning walk! While most of my
classmates are already sweaty and “At KKFI dorm, I can have a sound
haggard-looking from various rides sleep even though I have three
and traffic,” says Gayle Klaryssen roommates. I don’t feel homesick
Dorm Resident, Gayle Klaryssen
C. Ostoy. at all. The room is spacious. There
C. Ostoy.
are no distractions. You can have
“When I get back after classes, all the time to study…in your room, You don’t worry about dirty comfort
I don’t need to rush and join the in the library or even in the lawn rooms either, it’s always clean with
crowded alleys and streets just to inside the compound. continuous water supply.
get a ride back home,” Gayle quips.
Food is not a problem. There are Gayle said that what she likes most at
“This is my life for the past two canteens inside KKFI that offer KKFI dorm is the morning devotion
three years at KKFI dorm,” she affordable nutritious food. Many aired through PA system. The Bible
concludes. swear the food tastes like those their reading, the short reflection and the
mothers cook at home! intercessory prayers of the KKFI
Gayle is in her third year in taking up Chaplain inspires us to start our day

Page 26
with thanksgiving to the Lord. comfort I found in KKFI, I also feel Belt.
secured here. My parents enjoy a
Various activities are held at KKFI peace of mind because they believe “I only pay P2,420 monthly
compound like Bible Study, student that at KKFI dorm, I have surrogate including utilities with complete
fellowship, sports fest, “but sad to parents, the dorm assistants, who amenities: library, green lawn, gym,
say, because of my busy schedule are always there to assist us,” Gayle chapel, and canteen plus nearby
at school, I cannot come and attend adds. computer shops and water station.”
these activities on a regular basis,”
she says. KKFI dorm is also affordable. The Yes, KKFI is really a “home away
rate is cheaper compared to other from home!”
“Aside from the convenience and dormitories around the University

At Home at KKFI
by Glenda B. Gutierrez
Eureka Joy Bueno is one of the “big in the person of housemothers and
sisters” at the KKFI dormitory. She dorm residents,” she said.
came to Manila in 1993 to continue
her studies at the Philippine Christian
The dorm had a lot of activities to
University. She was a transferee offer, such as acquaintance parties,
from Saint Paul University. Christmas parties, and most of all
the weekly cell groups that started
In 1995, she worked as a secretary in 2004 and lasted up to 2008.
for a Chinese couple who owns a “It opened doors and increased my
hardware business. It was in May network of friends,” she pointed
1997 when she decided to reside at out.
KKFI to be with her younger sister,
who was a resident from 1996 to Joining KKFI program and activities
2000. strengthened her passion to reach
out to the community.
Joy was taking up a master’s degree Eureka Joy Bueno, bringing
in counseling at the De La Salle Her personal dream is to be a happiness at KKFI dorm
University (DLSU) when she was channel of blessing not just to her
admitted to the KKFI dormitory. own family but to the community. Her message to KKFI: “I would
She also wishes that her family will like to commend the efforts that
Her family learned about KKFI also feel the same passion she has in KKFI staff put into their work --
dormitories from their pastor’s wife reaching out to people in need. their going beyond the call of duty
whose daughter had a reservation to serve and to be excellent in their
at KKFI. Since she was accepted at “KKFI has helped me see others as work and for providing a warm
Mary Johnston College, they thought I see myself. To be more giving and and friendly accommodation for
of transferring their reservation to to think of others’ needs first before residents like myself. To the donors
Joy’s sister. one’s self,” she said. and stakeholders, I say, ‘thank you
and may you be richly blessed for
Joy said she likes KKFI because it She expressed hope that KKFI will your generosity’.”
gave her a safe place to stay. continue its mission and vision
“It has been home for me and she to empower the people in the
also found my second family here community.

Page 27
 Ang Kapsula at Adbokasiya
ni Rev. Fernando Bawan

S
i Geneal “Jean” Santiago ay ng mga militar. Iyon ang dahilan ng
isang biyuda at isang cancer pagkasira ng kidney niya -- nagka
survivor. acute kidney failure siya na malaking
dahilan ng kanyang kamatayan.
Tulad ng kapsula, ang buhay niya “Umiyak ako, at di napigilang
ay inaalay niya upang maghatid ng masabi,“Bakit po nila kami
quality life sa mga miembro ng Day ginaganito, O Dios, kami na walang
Center for Older Persons (Day C) kaalam-alam.
ng KKFI.
“Kinausap ko ang Panginoon.
Isang sekretarya sa family planning Duon ko nalasap ang kapanatagan
program siya noong 1971, kaya’t para magpatuloy sa paglilingkod at
siya ay naniniwala sa family pananatili sa pananampalataya.”
planning at ito ay personal niyang Jean Santiago, Day C President
ginamit. Tatlo ang kanilang anak Di na naghanap ng iba si Ate
gaya ng napagplanuhan nilang mag- Jean pagkamatay ng mister niya ang serbisyo pagdalo sa mga ibat-
asawa. kahit maraming nagparamdam. ibang activities ng simbahan, ika
Pinanindigan ang pangako sa asawa nga bahagi ng kasipagan iyong
Naikot nila ang buong bansa sa na siya lamang ang mamahalin. “Ka-women-an.” Pinanindigan ang
pagle-lecture ng mga pamamaraan Ibinuhos sa pamilya ang kaligayahan kasabihan na kapag nasa United
ng family planning. Nagsimula siya at panahon. Methodist Church ka, natural na
sa Lucena Luzonian University ang sipag at paglilingkod ay hindi
diretso sa University of the East. Habang nasa NCCP, naranasan mapaghihiwalay.
niyang mangibang bansa gaya ng
Pagkatapos ay nagtrabaho siya sa sa Bombay sa India, Sri Lanka, at Bago pa man lumahok si Ate Jean
National Council for Churches in Switzerland. Itong mga exposure sa Day C, malapit na ang puso
the Philippines (NCCP) ng 32 taon. trips, trainings, at seminar on niya sa KKFI dahil sa ugnayan
Doon ay dumaan siya sa maraming spirituality for women at iba pa ay kina Mrs. Ruth Prudente at Mrs.
pagsubok. Pinagkamalan silang nakatulong upang lalong siyang Nellie Mercado na parehong naging
mag-asawa na mga komunista at maging malakas, maalam at Executive Director at siyempre dahil
ikinulong sila, pati ang kanilang makayang makatulong sa iba. na rin ay Bishop La Verne Mercado.
pitong-buwang anak, noong Duon namulat ang kaisipan sa mga
panahon ng Martial Law. Pagkatapos ng NCCP, naging programa ng KKFI na nagtataguyod,
Presidente siya ng Women’s Society nagpapatibay, tumutulong sa
Pinilit silang paaminin na komunista of Christian Service (WSCS) hanay ng mga walang wala, may
si Bishop La Verne Mercado. ng United Methodist Church ng kapansanan at naghihirap.
Pinanindigan nila na siya ay isang NorthWest Manila District ng apat
lingkod ng Diyos. na taon na ng lumaon ay naging Ang ugnayan na ito ay nagpatuloy
Presidente ng Philippines Annual noong siya ay miembro ng ECLOF
Ani Ate Jean: “Ang asawa ko ay Conference WSCS ng apat na taon. NCCP na nag-approve ng loan
binugbog at sapilitang pinaaamin ng KKFI para sa maipatayo ang
na si Bishop ay komunista kasama Ibinuhos ni Ate Jean ang lakas, oras dormitory ng KKFI.
ang ibang naka-detained. Nawalan at ibinunton sa Dios ang kanyang
ng ulirat ang aking asawa sa tindi kawalan. Nasabi niya, “God is Kung kaya’t noong naimbitahan siya
ng paghampas ng baril sa tagiliran my everything.” Inilagak sa Dios noong 2008 ni Mariette Asedillo, na

Page 28
kapwa WSCS na sumali sa Day C
di siya nagdalawang-isip at dumalo
sa mga activities. Para kay Ate Jean,
ang mga gawain sa Day C tulad ng
devotion, Bible Study, fellowship,
Lakbay–aral, outing, Anibersaryo,
at seminar, ay nakapag-uplift sa
kanya. Na-e-enhance ang kapasidad
niya bilang leader, at na-de-develop
ng malaki sa kanyang sariling
pagkatao.
Ayon kay Ate Jean, kulang ang
isang lingo kung walang Friday
kasama ang Day C. Hindi balakid
yung walang masakyang bus at
traffic upang siya’y makapunta sa
KKFI. Hindi rin malaking hadlang
sa kanya ang minsa’y mabalya,
maitulak at makipag-agawan sa bus,
kahit nakatayo mula sa sinakyang
lugar hanggang sa pagbaba. Sa
damdamin niya “KULANG ANG
ISANG LINGGO KUNG WALANG
FRIDAY”
Pangarap niyang maiangat ang
Day C Senior Citizens and KKFI staffs
estado ng kabuhayan ng kayang tanggapin mo, at pagkatapos muli
buong pamilya at mga anak. Ang ibalik mo sa kanya.” Iyon nga nag
maipagpatuloy ang kanyang kapasidad kanyang ginawa. Nagpa-opera sa
ng pagbabagi ng wastong kalusugan, atPGH na mag-isa. Walang bantay
maitranslate sa iba ang gawain ng DayC
dahil maliliit pa ang kanyang mga
para sa mga komunidad. Pangarap rin anak na edad, 8,10 at 12. Ako bilang
niyang mas mapalago at maikalat ang pasyente ang bumibili ng gamut at
alternatibong medisina sa pamamagitannagbabantay sa sarili ko aniya niya.
ng isang alternatibong botika sa kanyang
Nag-undergo siya ng chemotheraphy
pamamahala sa pakikipagtulungan ng ng anim ng buwan. Sinunod ang
Day C at KKFI. payo ng doctor na baguhin ang
pagkain -- walang baboy at iba
Bilang panghuli, nagpatotoo si Ate pang karne. Hanggang ngayon,
Jean na noong Enero 1987, ilang isda, gulay at prutas ang kanyang
buwan pa lang na mamatay ang kinakain kung kaya’t makalipas ang
kanyang kabiyak na si Ricardo 27 ng taon napaglabanan ang sakit
Magno Santiago, nagkaroon na cancer.
ng Paramedic- sa NCCP. Siya
nagpatingin at may nakapang bukol Ayon kay Ate Jean, “Di hadlang
sa ilalim ng kanyang left breast. Ng ang cancer upang i-give up ko ang
makita ng doctor ang nakuhang lump aking pananampalataya. Bagkus
o laman, pinabiopsy at ang resulta pagsisikapan kong unahin pagharian
Carcinoma kaya kailangan ang ako ng Dios at inuna ang Kaniyang
mastectomy. Kinunsulta niya ang katuwiran. Ngayon ang buhay ko’y
NCCP General Secretary, Bishop puspos ng kaniyang kalwalhatian.
La Verne Mercado, na nagsabi na, Purihin ang Dios!
“Jean, ibinigay ng Dios iyan, kaya
Page 29
 Mother Against Haiyan
by Ida Tan

A
mother’s love for her family where they stayed was roomy that
can be the greatest source of the children were still able to run
courage in desperate times. around and play at the third floor of
Rachel Adriano, a mother of four the building.
children, and her husband arrived
at Manila, one of the families who Their joyful times ended abruptly
survived the wrath of Typhoon when the typhoon struck the city.
Haiyan. They were terrified of the torrential
rains and harsh winds as the storm
Rachel, known as Chack, worked as raged outside of the building.
a dressmaker, often sewing uniforms According to Rachel, the winds
for her clients in a nearby school were so strong that it shook the walls
at Sagkahan, Tacloban, while her of the center. With her back against
husband worked as a driver. Diligent the shaking walls, she held on to her
and industrious, Rachel does all four children, praying to the Lord Rachel Adriano: A Haiyan survivor
of the work on her own in the tiny for their safety. The staff inside the and evacuee at Pasay Tent City
store. She would sometimes enlist center tried relocating them into
the help of an assistant her workload the lower floor, because they fearedfrom the local government. She was
was more than she could handle. that the strong winds might cause able to sustain her children with a
Together with her husband, they the collapse of the roof. As they small bottle of water and a pack of
were able to earn enough money and descended the open-air staircase, biscuits for more than four days.
finally build up a house they could Rachel and her children were forced In that small room, four mothers
call their own last October 2013. to return to the upper floor because
and their children were cramped in
the second floor was close to beingas their husbands guarded outside
“Parang walang bagyo. Masaya pa completely submerged by flood the house because of the news of
kami noon. Nagkakantahan pa nga waters brought about by the storm escaped prisoners from the Tacloban
kami.” (It was as if there was no surge. At the third floor they stayed, City jail. That was the second time
storm. We were still happy at that waited, and prayed for safety as the Rachel felt fear, because it came
time. We were singing too.) storm had passed. to a point where she had to hold a
blade in order to fend for her life.
According to Rachel, the sky was “Wala kaming madaanan. Puro Fortunately, no danger came to their
clear and blue and it was cloudless kahoy, natumbang gusali, at iba’t little sanctuary.
until night time. Through the ibang gamit nakakalat lang sa
persuasion of her parents, she and kalsada.” (We couldn’t find a way. Eventually, Rachel and her husband
her children headed towards the Wood, fallen buildings, and other felt the need to escape from the
evacuation center at the Tacloban things are scattered around the city. They resorted to slaughtering
Astrodome. Her husband stayed streets.) their only livestock, a pig, earning
behind, along with her parents in P3,500.00 from selling the meat.
their respective homes, to guard There was destruction everywhere It was just enough for her family
their belongings. Rachel and her as they made their way home. to ride a bus towards Luzon. Even
children were denied entry into Rachel was relieved to see that though she was able to assure her
the evacuation center because it her husband was safe, even though family’s escape from Tacloban,
was already at maximum capacity, their house sustained great damage they still experienced struggles
so they headed towards the center from the typhoon. They opted to along the way. The bus that they
of the Ang Dating Daan. Unlike stay in their neighbor’s house while rode was stranded for a short while,
the crowded Astrodome, the place waiting for any form of assistance extending what was a usual 24-hour
Page 30
ride to Manila into a 36-hour travel. her memory, she had no idea what she could do left
for her family. Their house was damaged, her sewing
A week after their arrival to Luzon, that was the moment machines were destroyed by the flood, and her children
Rachel felt hopelessness in herself. Her sibling had been were cold and hungry. When she heard of the news of
admitted to the Philippine General Hospital because of a tent city for the Tacloban survivors, they immediately
a kidney problem, so her parents decided to stay with made their way there. Upon arriving at the tent city, that
the sibling to look after him. With the trauma fresh in was when Rachel was slowly regaining hope.

Now, Rachel and her family are able to fulfill basic

needs through the different donations they had received
from the government and other charitable institutions.
The tears she had shed out of hopelessness became tears
of joy upon hearing the news of their reintegration back
to Tacloban. She looks forward to return and rebuild
their damaged house, and to jump start once again her
dressmaking business. Although she still hopes to return
to their old life, she knew within herself that they have
to continue moving forward – towards a better future
for her husband, her children, and herself.
Ida (UST student/KKFI intern) interviewing Rachel

Cup of Life
by Nitz E. Nicolas

“
Never stop learning” has been learn new skills. He enjoys
the lifetime motto of James mentoring his students.
Nino Pamitaan Budy since his
childhood. He finds joy whenever his students
land jobs. He keeps monitoring
This motto has changed his life, and them in Facebook.
he wanted to help change the lives
of people, whether young or old. Nino felt good when he learned
that his 23 students and graduates
Nino, as he is fondly called by of Food and Beverages Services
friends and relatives, is a trainer NCIII (Barista Training) passed the
of the Mindbank Training and assessment test given by TESDA
Skills Corporation, Department of last December 11, 2013.
Education (DepEd) and Technical
Education and Skills Development The Barista training at KKFI is only
Authority (TESDA) for almost a one of the various trainings he has
year. He has been a call center agent facilitated. A perk to his being a
before with a higher pay. trainer is the free coffee. Nino loves Sir Niño at KKFI Programs Office
coffee.
Nino left his privileged job and last November 22 to December 9,
pursued his dream of helping Nino was grateful to Kapatiran- 2013. The 23 students were high
people. Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc. for school graduates and came from
He feels fulfilled seeing students conducting the first Barista Training varied background ages 18 to 54

Page 31
years old.
The training was in partnership with
the Mindbank Training and Skills
Corporation of the Department
of Education (DepEd) and the
Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA)
During the two-week intensive
training, Nino observed that all
of the students were excited,
cooperative and helpful. The spirit
of camaraderie reflects on the faces
of each student. They are family.
Nino believes that the programs and
services of KKFI would transform
the lives of people. He is hopeful that
KKFI would continue its mission
and goal of helping indigent people
rise above their circumstances. Joseph R. Baclayon, who lives in
R. Papa, Sampaloc, Manila, is now
KKFI on the other hand has continued working as food server at Cowboy
supporting the 23 graduates either Grill in Ermita, Manila.
by finding jobs for them or giving
continuous skills training. Mr. Ariel Villanueva, also a graduate
of the Barista training was happy that
Two of the graduates, Mr. Jon after the training, his perspective in
Raeginald C. Vega and Mr. John Mar life has changed. He said he was
V. Balderas of the Del Monte United an “easy go lucky” person but now
Methodist Church have landed a job. even though jobs are hard to find
Mr. Vega is now employed at Manila in Cavite, he keeps on looking for
Polo Club as banquet waiter and Mr. job. The training has taught him to
Balderas is a food server at the Food be patient and persevere in times of
and Nutrition Department of St. difficulties.
Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon
City. They are thankful to KKFI for KKFI just like Nino, would keep
the skills they have acquired. Both inspiring people of all ages to keep
are enjoying the new opportunities on learning… find new hopes, new
given them. jobs and new beginning.
The other graduate, Mr. Carlo

Familiar Perceptions, New Experiences

by Ida Mae Tan

A
side from my academic
pursuits in college, the
volunteer work or socio-
civic activities always have a place
in my heart.
Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI)
while browsing different websites
in search of an organization for our
on-the-job training in the field of
clinical psychology.

As part of a college-based socio- The directory I used listed KKFI

civic organization, I was exposed as a drug rehabilitation center. It
to the reality and lifestyle of the got me excited because I believe
disadvantaged sector of our society. that my skills could be of use in
I was able to participate in different helping the clients they cater in the
activities, in hopes of improving the organization.
life of our partner community.
It was during the orientation that
I have an idea of how an organization I learned more about KKFI and
can help a specific disadvantaged it changed my initial impression
community. At KKFI, I was able to of it. I eventually learned that the
learn one of the many ways of how organization is geared towards Ida Mae Tan: UST student and
to help a community. community development and KKFI volunteer
empowerment through education.
I came across the Kapatiran-

Page 32
I didn’t back out from it, because I still believe that the psychological profile of one of the students.
skills to be trained in the field of clinical psychology
can still be implemented in one of their programs. Here, I was able to learn more about each individual
inside the ALS classes. It was amazing at how far they
Along with my colleagues, I was able to participate were able to go, I could see the dedication in their eyes
in the Typhoon “Yolanda” reintegration program. We that they truly wanted an education that would help
traveled all the way to the Villamor Air base tent city them rise above poverty.
for us to conduct one-on-one interview sessions with
the survivors. From the duration of my stay in that program, I was able
to share my own experiences with some of the students
It was a different kind of experience to be able to hear and I hope it would help inspire them to do better and
first-hand accounts of how these individuals became dream higher.
survivors from the typhoon’s wrath. I was able to
observe the tears flowing down from the survivors’ Spending my OJT time at KKFI was a fruitful experience,
eyes as they recounted their tales. because I was able to create new connections with
different kinds of unique individuals.
I am not ashamed to admit that I did shed a couple of
tears when I heard their stories. From this experience, I had always dreamed of being a doctor, and it entails
not only was I able to utilize my interviewing skills, I establishing relationships with different kinds of people.
was able to get a glimpse, a feel of that fateful event. I think I was able to do that during my stay at KKFI.

Another program I was able to be a part of was the Not only was I able to start a connection between my
KKFI’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) for the out- alma mater and KKFI, I believe that I was able to make
of-school youth living in the Manila North Cemetery. a contribution to their education program by being an
inspiration to the students.
I believe I was able to do a lot more in this program
of the KKFI because I was able to contribute my Also, my stay at KKFI helped me realize that I have
skills in conducting group dynamics and in creating a to share a part of myself in order to make every new
relationship meaningful, even if I had just only met and
stayed with these brave individuals for a short period
of time.

To the people behind KKFI, I wish you more power and

that you will be able to render more services to your
chosen clientele.

To the stakeholders and donors of the organization, I

wish for your continuing support and trust in the people
of KKFI because I strongly believe that they have what
Ida assisting ALS students it takes to make the change in the community.

Psychology in KKFI
by Jay Tusing
efore I entered KKFI, I my classmate who inquired whether The KKFI answered, “yes,” so our

B honestly didn’t have any idea or not it offers a practicum program group immediately went to the
what it’s all about. It was for B.S. Psychology students. office of the Kapatiran-Kaunlaran
Foundation Inc. (KKFI) sealed the
Page 33
arrangement. and lessons to the Alternative
Learning System (ALS) students of
We were there to have our OJT in KKFI.
the clinical aspect of psychology,
and my practicum experience was We taught them about self-
somehow different with that of my awareness, self-esteem, and conflict
other classmates who had the chance resolution.
to have their practicum in clinical
institutions or hospitals. We also visited and made
observations in the community
I had my practicum in a foundation living in MNC.
that provides development and
charity services to the poor, Lastly, we were able to administer
especially to the out-of-school a psychological assessment/case
youth. So I became a student- study to some students of ALS to
volunteer instead of being an intern aid in the understanding of their Jay Tusing: UST student and
inside a psychological ward or clinic personality and behavior. KKFI volunteer
of a hospital.
Through these tasks, I realized that what I have learned as a student, my
But to my surprise, I was still able aside from the knowledge and skills stay in KKFI and the interactions
to carry out tasks that we should be that I possess and have learned as that I had with its beneficiaries has
doing in our OJT. During our stay a psychology student, as well as certainly taught me how to value the
in KKFI, we were able to interview the services that it may bring, my kind of life that I was lucky enough
and profile the Typhoon “Yolanda” commitment and compassion to to have. I felt contented.
survivors, who were staying in Tent help certainly became my major
City, Villamor. contributions during my OJT in I can also say that my stay has just
KKFI. not been about learning or being
We also helped and assisted in sending exposed, but it was also fulfilling,
them off back to Tacloban City. In a hundred hours, I was able to learn being able to help and reach out to
and realize the value of education, the poor in my own little ways.
We were also able to implement patience, family, and love.
group dynamic activities and Before I started with the practicum,
facilitate self-development skills Aside from being able to apply my notion of clinical psychology
is all about mental disorders and
patients diagnosed with one, and
clinical cases. I was like the others
who held this kind of stereotype to
the course.

But this experience made me see the

other side of clinical psychology,
which meant behavioral assessments
and observations, and services for
the community. KKFI made me
realize this --- that being a student
of psychology is not just all about
assessments, therapies and mental
disorders.

Jay interviweing a Haiyan survivor at Pasay Tent City It can also be about social work
Page 34
and community service. Moreover, and commitment in helping the to have the drive to unconditionally
KKFI opened my eye to the hard unfortunate of our society. help those in need. And because of
way of life. this, He will also continue to bless
I believe that God has placed you you with more grace and sense of
For the staff, donors and stakeholders where you are right now because purpose in your life. Thank you for
of KKFI, I just hope that they He knows your capability and will the fulfilling OJT experience.
continue to show compassion

The Things I Learned from the Kids of KKFI

by Jeffrey Sierra

opportunity to identify five areas of

T
he Kalinga Mo, Kinabukasan
Ko (KMKK) project in
Pulilan, Bulacan is a
community program that will
support children and their families
in economically insecure areas in
Pulilan.
concern in their community and using
the pair wise ranking chart (a PACA
tool) they were able to discuss which
challenges they could address. They
were also able to express their feelings
on those topics.

The program intends to support After a healthy discussion, the

these families and children by youth voted in favor of creating a
offering educational sponsorships project that would address the lack
for students and livelihood training of access to education within their
programs for parents. community.
Throughout the pair wise ranking
I began my Peace Corps Service process, three students were able to
with KKFI on September 20, 2013. articulate why things like livelihood, Jeffrey Sierra: Peace Corps
Since then, I can confidently say that education, and home ownership are volunteer
parts of my life have been changed important.
for the better. communication and leadership
I felt that the youth were able to skills. Similarly to Day One, three
I have had the opportunity to employ and strengthen their critical students came up with very well-
interact with children and youth thinking and public speaking skills. thought-out ideas and, through their
from many different backgrounds. I also felt they were able to gain self- leadership, the group was able to
One experience that I was especially confidence because they were the write a plan that is realistic given
proud of was a project design ones that dictated the direction of the resources they have available
management (PDM) workshop I co- the discussion during this activity. within their community.
facilitated with a fellow volunteer
for youth from the Manila North On Day Two, the youth were taught I feel like my life has been changed
Cemetery Community. about designing a project. They since starting my service at KKFI
started by writing their own vision because I have learned so many
I was especially proud of this project statement for their community and lessons from the youth I worked
because it created an opportunity for ended the day creating objectives with.
the youth to learn new skills during for their project.
both the PDM workshop. They are smart, funny and brave, and
The youth worked together and they remind me every day to take time
On Day One, the youth had the were able to strengthen their to laugh at yourself and try your best.
Page 35
 Touched by KKFI
by Glenda B. Gutierrez

R
ev. Sonny G. dela Peña is the partnership between SMHUMC and
administrative pastor of the KKFI. During that time, talks with
Sta. Mesa Heights United the barangay council on partnership
Methodist (SMHUMC). His church did not materialize and so KKFI
had been a partner of KKFI since requested SMHUMC church council
2011 in the implementation of the to provide their facilities as venues
Child Development Center (CDC) for CDC and ALS.
and Alternative Learning System
(ALS) for the children and youth of Pastor Sonny had been very gracious
the Manila North Cemetery (MNC). and supportive to KKFI. He and
the SMHUMC staff and youth helped
Pastor Sonny had been in the ministry implement the programs by leading
for 26 years. Previously he had been devotion, Bible studies and chapel
a pastor and district superintendent services. They had always provided the
in the Palawan Philippines spiritual component of the programs. Ptr. Sonny dela Peña
Provisional Annual Conference
differences between the church
before transferring to the Philippines
He had always had a heart for
youth and the MNC youth. Despite
Annual Conference in 2003. He had mission. When he was in Palawan,
the initiatives of the church youth
been the administrative pastor of he was privileged to attend KKFI
to involve the MNC youth in the
SMHUMC since 2010. management seminars. He was
activities, the latter are shy and
able to attend five of the six phases
inhibited. They plan to initiate
He learned about KKFI through their of seminars. He learned about
programs for MNC youth but they
ministry in MNC which was started community organizing and project
need the support of the council.
by the previous administrative development and management.
pastors of SMHUMC. They have
He wishes that the council would
conducted Bible studies and taught Because of these learnings he was
personally be involved in the ministry
the children there. able to continue with his ministry
in MNC. He wishes that they can
for the poor and marginalized.
also attend management seminars
Pastor Corpuri Boongaling, then
to light the flame volunteerism. He
KKFI chaplain, facilitated the Pastor Sonny is aware of the
hopes that through an orientation
of KKFI’s programs and services,
the council would be encouraged to
volunteer and be directly involved
in the programs.

He admits that despite the

partnership with KKFI, some of
the council members are not aware
about the CDC and ALS.

Like Pastor Sonny, we hope to touch

the hearts of the church council so
that like the KKFI founder, Ms.
Madaleine G. Klepper, we will light
Ptr. Sonny (second from left) with visitors from North Georgia UMC the torch of faithful service to the
poor and marginalized.
Page 36
 Paying it Forward
by Rexan Dayao

T
hree decades ago, my family communities. This opened my eyes to
was one of those who struggled the struggles that other people faced
through a life of poverty in a each day just to survive.
remote island in Bulacan.
I saw myself in the lives of the children
My parents found it hard to sustain I worked with and learned to appreciate
the needs of their children. I, together that God may have given me this task to
with my 11 brothers and sisters, tried to pay it forward.
make both ends meet by catching fish
at Manila Bay or by gathering floating Working in a non-government
garbage to be sold as junks, by drying organization is a blessing in a sense that
fish during summer and by taking on you are earning money while helping
odd jobs despite our tender age. others. Many individuals are fortunate Rex Dayao, KKFI OIC-
to earn a lot but most of them feel empty Program Director
My fate took a drastic turn when some inside. Somehow, a part of them are
workers from the United Methodist unsatisfied and long for that opportunity country and being exposed to different
Church invited me to study as a to help people. situations is to think creatively and find
kindergarten pupil in the church. My strategies to bridge the gap in the lives
parents did not agree at once for They say that if you are blessed, you of others by sharing the knowledge and
education is not a priority in the family. should be happy. And certainly, one experience that I had while growing up.
But with daily visit and encouragement, way to achieve happiness is by being a
they allowed me to attend morning blessing to others. For the past 63 years, KKFI worked
classes held at the back of the church. with thousands of children by educating
I accepted the challenge of being a Child them, hundreds of parents and helped
There, I was able to experience how to and Youth Welfare Project Coordinator them realize their worth and earn for
play. I was fed and taught about hygiene and worked with the people of Manila a living, organized and empowered
and good manners, and I got to know North Cemetery last January 2013. people’s organization and communities
about Christ through Bible stories and During a site visit at the Sta. Mesa and introduced Christ to believers and
by attending Daily Vacation Church Heights UMC, I saw children and their even non-believers.
School. parents while a class was ongoing.
This noble task will not be possible
Harris Memorial College, together My mind had a flashback because said without the dedication of the staff,
with Pamarawan UMC and Lingap scenario is the same as what I had during volunteers and partners who selflessly
Pangkabataan Inc., a non-government my kindergarten years. Educated, fed, served others. Our endeavors of bringing
organization, sustained my education nourished, and taken good care by kind- hope to those in need were made possible
up to college. hearted individuals at the back of the by the generosity of donors here in our
Methodist church. God brings me back country and overseas.
Words could not describe the road to where I started, and it’s my time now
I traveled just to earn a degree. My to help children and their families to The road to a better life might be long
journey to a better life became easy with achieve their dreams. and tedious. We may not be able to see
the aid of kind-hearted individuals who the result immediately. But if we remain
handed their hard-earned money to help My nearly 12 years of experience in faithful, steadfast and entrust all our
children and families in need. development work opened my eyes about endeavors to Christ, he will lead us to
issues confronting children and their the right path.
Immediately after graduating from families in various contexts. Probably,
college, I served as a community the reason why I had the opportunity For now, it is about time for me to pay
development worker in urban and rural to study in two best universities of the it forward!
Page 37
Page 38
Page 39
Page 40
 Board of Trustees
Officers Members

Chairperson Dr. Florangel R. Braid

Mr. David D. Gutierrez

Mrs. Krishna V. Buenaventura

Vice-Chairperson
Atty. Armando L. Suratos

Atty. Carlos S. Cao, Jr.

Secretary
Mrs. Ruth R. Flores

Mr. Eduardo C. Jimenez

Assistant Secretary
Atty. Lourdes M. Gayao

Dr. Betty I. Molina

Treasurer
Mrs. Nellie L. Mercado

Mrs. Ruth G. Prudente

Assistant Treasurer
Mrs. Goodwill Y. Mercado

Mrs. Rosella Jean M. Puno

Auditor
Mrs. Fiona A. Molina Ex-Officio Members

Executive Director
Ms. Nancy Caluya-Nicolas

Assistant Auditor
Mrs. Damiana B. Exiomo

Resident Bishop, MEA

Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan

Page 41
 Executive Director - Nancy Caluya-Nicolas
ADMINISTRATION AND
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Executive Assistant
Juanita E. Nicolas
Part-time Accountant
Editha C. Ambay
Communications, Information &
Social Media Coordinator
Glenda B. Gutierrez
Cashier
Anidel T. Villanueva
Bookkeeper
Sophia Charmaine M. Muego
Maintenance Man
Ronald B. Diaz
Maintenance Assistant
Melchor S. Roque
Messenger/Driver/Mechanic
Jomar C. Abana
PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT REVENUE DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT
Acting Program Director
Rexan M. Dayao Revenue Development Director
Evelyn T. Alfonso
Community Development Worker
Lilia O. Bejer
Dorm Manager
Arvin Reyes
Eda D. Acierto
Social Worker
Dormitory Assistants
Vicente V. Eliver
Marilou T. Angoluan
Teacher Rowena A. Gaffud
Margelyn D. Aguiran Fatima D. Leoncio
Danilo G. Tangonan
Para Teachers
Hessel Domingo Janitors / Janitress
Judith S. Ramirez Fedela Mendiola
Charmaine Ravago Lourdes Aballa
Marrianne V. Cruz Agunene Cañete
Ryan Mateo
Instructional Managers Alfredo Villanueva, Jr.
Rev. Daniel Francisco
Allan Bantasan
PASTORAL CONCERNS
Livelihood Skills Trainers
DEPARTMENT
Antonio B. Almonte
Carmela E. Isuela Chaplain
Rev. Fernando R. Bawan
GILEAD CENTER
Administrator
Lorna Pradillada
House Parents
Jose Bonifacio D. Clar
Mercy F. Familara
Farm Consultant
Mario Marquez
Farm Assistants
Roberto Galanga, Jr.
Robert Lopez
VOLUNTEERS
GBGM Intern
Christian Love Daroy
United States Peace Corps
Jeffrey Sierra
 Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc.
937 P. Paredes Street, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines
Tel. Nos.: +63-2-7354661 to 64, 2544454, 7354153
Telefax: +63-2-7351465
Email addresses: kkfi@pldtdsl.net, kkfi1950@yahoo.com
Website: kapatiran-kaunlaran.org

Photos by: Mark Thomas Duggan

 Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc.

KKFI Facilities

Dormitories
Dormitories for ladies & gentlemen
With aircon & non-aircon rooms
Gymnasium
for
sports
Hugh Wilson
activities
Hall
Main
Building
Multi-purpose
Hall that can
accommodate
up to 200 persons
Hugh Wilson
Hall
Annex 1
for men
Seminar Hall
that can
accommodate
up to 80 persons
Nellie L.
Mercado
Ladies
Dormitory

Spa & Beauty Center Library

Spacious rooms & toilets

Spacious
Garden
Please inquire at: 937 P. Paredes Street
Sampaloc, Manila
Tel. Nos.: 7354661 / 7354663 / 2544454 / 7354153
Email: kkfi@pldtdsl.net or kkfi1950@yahoo.com
Website: kapatiran-kaunlaran.org