Primer Group of Companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm Center for Outdoor Recreation and Expedition (CORE) extended a hand to underprivileged children under the care of non-profit, non-government organization Virlanie Foundation and brought them on a fun-filled summer adventure at The Park in Silang, Cavite last May 28 to 31, 2018.
Forty underprivileged children housed in the Herrod Homes for Young Children- one of Virlanie Foundation’s Homes where underprivileged children ages 7 to 12 years old live and grow up with house parents- learned from Coach Manny Batungbacal and his team from UP Mountaineers how to prepare for the outdoors, including the basics of first aid, how to pitch tents, and how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. To top off the experience, the children slept inside the tents throughout the night.
The children also got down and dirty, as they jumped in to learn about farming from The Park staff.
On the last day of the activity, Team Posible’s Coach Gado Pelingo and “The Blind Runner” Aga Casidsid inspired the kids as they shared their stories of friendship and passion in running and journeying through life.
“Dream big, at kumilos ka para ito ay matupad. Ang tagumpay ay pinaghihirapan dahil walang short cut. ‘Pag naabot mo na ‘yung target mo, ulitin ulit yung proseso. Dream big ka ulit,” Coach Gado said.
(“Dream big, and work to fulfill it. Successes are hard-fought because there are no shortcuts. Once you reach your target, keep repeating the process. Dream big again.”)
“Maliban po sa mga itinuro ni Coach Gado [na] kung papaano po ako magtatagumpay sa larangan ng pagtakbo at pati na sa buhay, gusto ko lang po ibahagi sa inyo ang tatlong bagay na napakaimportanteng salita na para sa akin, kaya po si Aga ay naging si Aga. Una, Trust: Tiwala sa ibang tao, Tiwala sa proseso ng buhay at higit sa lahat po ay ang tiwala sa sarili. Pangalawa, Respect: bigyan mo ng respeto ang lahat – may buhay man o wala – at higit sa lahat ay bigyang halaga at respeto ang sarili mo. Pangatlo at panghuli, Believe: maniwala ka palagi sa sarili mo na kaya mong magtagumpay ano mang pagsubok o balakid ang ibato ng buhay sayo. ‘Yang mga salitang ‘yan ang bumuo kay Aga na di humihintong mangarap,” Aga Casidsid emphasized.
(“Other than what Coach Gado taught me on how to succeed in running and in life, I would like to tell you three important words for me, which are why Aga became Aga. First, trust: trust in others, trust in the process of life, and overall trust in yourself. Second, respect: be respectful to everybody – alive or not – and above all give importance to respecting yourself as well. Third and last, believe: believe that you can succeed in whatever trial or obstacle that is thrown your way. Those are the words that formed Aga, who never stopped dreaming.”)
“On behalf of Primer Group of Companies and CORE, we are very thankful to partner with Virlanie Foundation to hold this Summer Camp Activity. Every year, ginagawa namin ito as our support to non-government organization na nangangalaga sa mga orphaned, abused and neglected children. Muli po, it was truly a humbling experience to be part of your activity here at The Park,” Kristine Villaflor, CORE Program Manager, said.
(“On behalf of Primer Group of Companies and CORE, we are very thankful to partner with Virlanie Foundation to hold this Summer Camp Activity. Every year, we do this as our support to this non-government organization that takes care of orphaned, abused and neglected children. Once again, it was truly a humbling experience to be part of your activity here at The Park.”)
Virlanie Foundation’s Residential Program Manager Maria Theresa Ynion closed the activity by expressing her gratitude for the support of everyone.
“Maraming maraming salamat po sa mga staff ng The Park sa pag-aasikaso sa mga kailangan namin at pagbabantay sa mga bata. Salamat din sa aming partner sa CORE at sa Primer sa pagbibigay ng pagkakataon na dito ganapin ang activity na ito. Sobra pong nag-enjoy ang mga bata.”
(“We are incredibly thankful to the staff from The Park in taking care of our needs and watching the children. Thank you also to our partner CORE and to Primer for giving us the opportunity of accomplishing our activity here. The kids enjoyed it a lot.”)
The Park staff also enjoyed the experience being able to spend time and help the children.
“Mula po sa akin kasama ng aking mga kasamahan ko dito sa The Park, maraming salamat po ulit dahil naging bahagi kami ng inyong apat na araw na Summer Camp. Sana po ay nag-enjoy kayo dito. Sa uulitin po muli.” Madel Kasilag, The Park staff, said.
(“From all of us here at The Park, we’d like to thank you for letting us become a part of your four-day Summer Camp. We really hope you enjoyed your stay here. We look forward to seeing you again.”)
Other activities included banner making, forming a cheer, treasure hunting, an Amazing Race, talent shows, storytelling, role playing and many more.
While these kids are taught and guided in their respective learning homes, this four-day Summer Camp Activity indeed offered them another unique area for growth, which allowed them to become independent and self-confident, while socializing and making new friends, and even learning new skills. All of these contribute to the development of a child as they make strides from being a kid to a strong, considerate, competent adult.
For more information about the Virlanie Foundation, Inc., visit their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.
To know more about CORE, check out their website, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.
You may also contact Patrick Damasco at patrick.damasco@primergrp.com or at local 504/520.