ORGANISATIONAL NEWSLETTER
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OCTOBER - DECEMBER FY15
insights
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
inform. involve. inspire. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Starting It Right, Doing it Right.........................1 OCTOBER World Vision sets a day to pray........................2 World Vision, Rappler ink partnership..............4 Heroes in our Midst..........................................5 NOVEMBER Remembering #AfterYolanda...........................7 World Vision, AFC ‘kick off’ One Goal..............8 DECEMBER World Vision observes World AIDS Day...........8 The Joy of Spaghetti........................................10 Christmas Around the Corner..........................10 One Month-On: Updates After Typhoon Ruby.........................................11 Whatever Floats Your Boat: What are you grateful and hopeful for?............9 HAPPENINGS.................................................12
Following Jesus: Starting It Right, Doing It Right
As shared by our National Director Josaias “Jody” dela Cruz during the Chapel Devotion in the National Office last January 5, 2015 When I was asked to speak on how to start the year right, the first thing that came to mind was, “How did we end 2014?” At the end of every year, my family sits together and we recall the things that happened during the year, both good and bad. By God’s grace, every single year, the blessings always outnumber the sad days. I hope all of you could also identify with that. Our church starts the every year with a week of prayer and fasting. It’s not really intended for people to go on diets after the feasting during the holidays. The reason for it is to start anew, to start the year the right way. And just how do we start right? By putting God first. In Matthew 6:33 we are assured, “But seek first His Kingdom and and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Do we start the year with fears? Is it normal to be afraid of disasters or accidents? Some of our colleagues figured in an accident during a response in Samar after Christmas. Their boat figured in a collision and a couple of them needed to undergo surgery. Yet the Lord is faithful; they have fully recovered and are doing well today. Or do you have financial concerns? You might have heard the news that the prices for water, electricity and even the MRT fees were increased on January 1. Indeed, there are many concerns as we start this year. It is natural for man to worry. God gave us the ability to think, and because we think forward and do not know what is ahead, we worry. Even though it is natural, must we worry about what to eat or drink or wear? One of the most often quoted passages in the Bible is, “Do not fear.” When Matthew says that we are to put God first, why does he start with the word “But”? Because God knows that we have fears, but because our Father is faithful, we need not worry! Scripture talks about how the birds survive and thrive because our Father takes care of them. Even Solomon in his best finery was never dressed as well as the lilies on the field. So how much more are you worth? Definitely more than birds and lilies! So, do not worry. The Lord is our loving Father; He is our Abba. 2 Chronicles 20:15 reassures us that while we say we are powerless and do not know what to do, the Lord says in return, “Do not worry, this battle is not yours. I will fight for you; I will take care of you.”
At the start of this year, we have a very special guest, Pope Francis. He surprised everyone right after being elected Pope by going back to his hotel to pay the bill. He says that we can win people over to Christianity by showing them the example of our lives rather than by arguing them into it. He also stated that science and faith are not contradictory, but are actually complementary. For many years, I’ve been trying to validate what I read in the Bible by finding the proof in science, and I’m excited to share with you something I found out about this last Christmas Season. After many generations of discoveries, the greatest minds in science today all agree that everything in the universe is made of matter, and that all matter is defined as points within a continuum of time and space. The reason I’m excited is because this “new” understanding just validates the very first verse of the Bible -- Genesis 1:1 – which states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
“Do not worry, this battle is not yours. I will fight for you, I will take care of you.”
These words are amazing because they were written more than 3,000 years ago, and yet they state that in the beginning (the start of TIME), God created the heavens (SPACE) and the earth (MATTER). Today’s foremost scientists are just confirming the words of Holy Scripture, inspired by the Lord, which was written thousands of years ago! Another thing agreed upon by the world’s most brilliant astrophysicists today is that all time, matter and space emanated from one point, which scientists call a “Singularity”, and scientists agree that at the moment of the Big Bang, BOOM! – everything in the universe emanated from that Singularity. For us Christians, that is something we have known and believed in for ages. The Singularity is not a thing or a force. The Singularity is a Person. Scripture says that the Lord Jesus was there from the very beginning,
and that everything in heaven and the earth was created through Him. John 1:1-4 states, “In the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” Isn’t Scripture amazing? I love the illustration that Chairman Chato shared with us during our Christmas celebration when she asked those who are married “How much do you love your spouse?”
POPE FRANCIS VISITS TACLOBAN CITY
(from right-left): Executive Director Josaias dela Cruz, Public Engagement Director Minnie Portales, Chairman Atty. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato, HEA SAPO Director Angel Theodora, HR Head for Robinsons Malou Vargas and Communications Manager G-Jeff Lamigo, taken during the Papal Visit in Tacloban
And to those who said, “Very much,” she asked, “If your spouse falls into a septic tank, will you jump in after him/ her? Most people would reply, “No, I will throw a rope or a ladder,” which is a very reasonable answer. But the message is, while we were in the septic pit of humanity and the Lord knew that we were in peril of eternal death, He jumped without counting the cost and gave us everything. And that’s the difference between an earthly love of a spouse and the love of our Father for us. He sent us His only Son, and He became one of us. It has been 21 centuries since the Lord walked among us, and the world has never been the same since. Let me share with you the beautiful “One Solitary Life”, written in 1926 by Dr. James Allen Francis: “He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant. He grew up in another village, where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was 30. Then, for three years, he was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He didn’t go to college. He never lived in a big city. He never traveled 200 miles from the place where he was born. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but himself.
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OCTOBER He was only 33 when the tide of public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied him. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for his garments, the only property he had on earth. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave, through the pity of a friend. Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race. I am well within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned -- put together -- have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one, solitary life.” Let me also share with you excerpts from the very powerful message “That’s My King!” written in 1976 by the African-American preacher Dr. S.M. Lockeridge: “He’s the loftiest idea in literature He’s the highest personality in philosophy He’s the fundamental doctrine in true theology He’s the cardinal necessity of spiritual religion He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him Do you know Him? My King is the key of knowledge; He’s the wellspring of wisdom He’s the doorway of deliverance; He’s the pathway of peace He’s the roadway of righteousness; He’s the highway of holiness He’s the gateway of glory; He’s the master of the mighty He’s the governor of governors; He’s the prince of princes He’s the King of Kings; And He’s the Lord of Lords That’s my King!” I hope that the words in Philippians1:20 will be the same words of your heart, which say, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death for to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Start right by putting God first, and look forward to the time when the Lord will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
World Vision sets a day to pray Every year, World Vision staff across the globe join together for a day dedicated to praying for the children and communities they serve, as well as the partners who make World Vision’s work possible. World Vision always begins WORLD VISION STAFF LIFT THEIR HANDS IN its new fiscal year PRAYER with a Day of Prayer on October 1st since 1981. World Vision has marked a day to recognise the need for God’s grace going forward into a new year. World Vision Development Foundation and World Vision Global Office Manila celebrated the event at the Greenhills Community Fellowship, with the theme: “Restoring Relationships” last October 1, 2014. This year’s theme centers on the scripture verse, Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” The activities lined up during the prayer gatehring reflected on broken relationships with the Lord and with others, and the importance of forgiveness. “It was very refreshing to kick-start FY15 by joining hands in prayer,” Pastor Choy Magdaong of People and Culture shared. “We are reminded and challenged to humble ourselves and seek the Lord in the work that we do.” World Vision closes its offices around the world for staff to gather and give thanks for the incredible ways God worked in and through the ministry last year. It was also a time to completely ask for God’s guidance, wisdom and mercy into the next fiscal year.
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OCTOBER World Vision, Rappler ink partnership
Mikhaela de Leon, Media Engagement Officer
Rappler’s MovePH director Zak Yuson and partnership manager Voltaire Tupaz signed the Memorandum of Agreement for Rappler with the WVDF Executive Director Josaias dela Cruz and Public Engagement Director Filomena M. Portales. “We are grateful for the support of World Vision for Rappler. We look forward to working closely with the World Vision team to harness the potential of social media and their wide community network for disaster preparedness and climate resiliency education,” said Yuson. “Citizens’ voices can be amplified through social media as we work together in advancing disaster risk reduction and mitigation together with the Government, civil society, faith-based organisation and disaster-affected communities,” Dela Cruz added. In times of disasters and emergencies, survivors need to be informed – a necessity that is now deemed to be as important to them as food and water. Pushing for “Information as Aid” has been the platform of the partnership betweeninternational relief and humanitarian organization World Vision and news website Rappler’s citizen journalism arm, ‘MovePH’. The partnership dubbed Project Agos, was officially launched on October 20 at the World Vision office in Quezon City. Through ‘Project Agos’, World Vision and Rappler aim to educate the public on disaster preparedness and mitigation through articles, videos and infographics featured on the microsite, promoting #ZeroCasualty culture online and offline.
World Vision Executive Director Josaias dela Cruz, Public Engagement Director Minnie Portales, Rappler’s Director for MovPH Zak Yuson and Partnership Manager Voltaire Tupaz signs Memorandum of Agreement
Leveraging the power of technology, Rappler has also developed a disaster mapping tool for ‘Project Agos’ which enables internet users to report the situation, which increases the possibility of quick response and rescue. This tool is expected to assist response managers and field workers during the conduct of relief operations. World Vision will also provide stories for Rappler on its programs on the ground. Rappler will be able to tap into World Vision’s extensive nationwide network of disaster managers and community leaders. “We are happy that we’re partnering with one of the leading social news agencies in the country. Media plays an important role in raising awareness and keeping people informed before, during and after disasters,” said dela Cruz. Rappler is a social news network which features stories that inspire community engagement and digitally-fuelled actions for social change. It also encourages ordinary citizens to take an active part in reporting current and relevant events through its citizen journalism arm, MovePH.
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OCTOBER H E R O E S I N O U R M I D ST It doesn’t take superhuman strength to be called a hero. It only takes two things: the will and the heart to serve others. “The world needs more heroes.” This is the call of World Humanitarian Day 2014, a global event being held on August 19 to recognise the efforts of humanitarian workers worldwide who support people affected by conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies. This year, World Vision paid tribute to their very own humanitarian workers who have dedicated their lives to serve families and children even in the most difficult of settings. The different field offices, including the head office, nominated World Vision staff who have stood out for their outstanding contributions in humanitarin work. The awarding ceremony commenced last October 20 at the National Office, Quezon City. The highest honor was awarded to Franklyn Salindato, a Program Officer of the Mindanao Field Office. As a Program Officer, Frank has managed projects in Agusan del Sur for more than five years. He has led disaster responses like Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) in 2012 as Response Manager in Agusan del Sur. He had enough reasons to quit his job but he embraced every experience as a blessing. Doing humanitarian work was not without challenges for Frank. During the Typhoon Megi response, he and his team met a vehicular accident. He also once acquired Schistosomoiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms from contaminated water during his field visits. “This disease will remain in my system, but it won’t stop me to thrive in humanitarian work,” he shared.
FRANK SALINDATO, PROGRAM OFFICER, AT THE FLOATING EVACUATION CENTER IN AGUSAN DEL SUR
One of his greatest accomplishments was a disaster-risk reduction project, the Floating Evacuation Center in a tribal community in Agusan del Sur. The facility serves as a refuge for residents during rainy season when water reaches up to 10 to 16 feet for more than a month which can house forty to fifty families. Before the onslaught of Typhoon Bopha, around twenty families evacuated to the floating center and kept the community safe.
“It won’t stop me to thrive in humanitarian work.”
Despite the risk and the sacrifices that his work demands, Frank has consistently demonstrated how it is to be a humanitarian hero by heart. He has become a true example for humanitarian workers to emulate. 5
Here are our heroes who embody what it truly means to be a World Vision Humanitarian Hero. They have gone above and beyond their jobs to help families and communities during their long careers in development work.
2014 Humanitarian Heroes at the Awarding Ceremony (from left to right): Gloria Cabacungan, Aaron Aspi, Joy Maluyo, Cesar Bautista, Anna Liza Pasacao, Reynor Imperial and Arlo Ramos
All of us who work for and with World Vision are part of that difference. We are humanitarian heroes because we are helping children, families and communities around the world create the future we all want - a future of life in all its fullness where every child can thrive.
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NOVEMBER Remembering #AfterYolanda The 8th of November marked the one year anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda, which drew the world’s attention and compassion for thousands of Filipinos who were affected by the deadliest storm. In memory of that day, World Vision staff came together and solemnly remembered the many lives lost and honor the survivors who continue to cope and rise up from the tragedy.
Staff in Tacloban lit candles, offered flowers and prayers to the survivors and the departed on the eve of the anniversary. Survivors remembered their dearly departed under the high noon sun and blue skies, a far cry from the violent storm that claimed their lives one year from today. Mass was celebrated on the first anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda, a solemn and prayerful memorial.
World Vision pays tribute to those who perished and celebrates a heartfelt thanksgiving to the world for helping Tacloban get back on its feet once more. 7
NOVEMBER World Vision, AFC ‘kick off’ One Goal World Vision Press Center
In a bid to develop the love for the sport among Filipino children, while at the same time teaching them proper nutrition, international child-focused organization World Vision, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) teamed up for ‘One Goal’, with its successful Philippine launch last November 30, 2014 at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. The ‘One Goal: Nutrition for Every Child’ campaign is a global initiative which focuses on promoting good nutrition among children through sports development, football and volleyball coaching lessons and a summer camp through football and volleyball coaching lessons and a summer camp. Some of the countries with an active ‘One Goal’ program are Australia and Malaysia. “The goal of this campaign is to promote nutrition among children through sports development. It is our joint dream, with the two football organizations, to develop a new breed of Filipino football athletes that can compete in the international football arena,” explains Jun Godornes, World Vision associate director for public engagement.
THE STUDENTS PREPARE FOR A GAME OF FOOTBALL
From November 28-30, 300 school children from 21 public elementary schools in Manila were trained on basic football techniques by coaches from the PFF. Meanwhile, parents and teachers of these children were also be educated on proper nutrition and preparing healthy meals. Throughout 2015, ‘One Goal’ will be implemented across the country, particularly schools in the provinces without any prior football program. “Proper nutrition also plays a crucial part in sports development. By ensuring that children are healthy, active and well-trained, we give them an equal chance to compete, first nationally and then represent the country in international tournaments. We hope that some of the kids we train would eventually join the Philippine team,” Godornes adds.
DECEMBER World Vision observes World AIDS Day
December 1 marks World AIDS Day, a time for the global community to recognise the widespread impact of HIV and AIDS. World AIDS Day is about increasing awareness, fighting stigma, improving education and mobilising resources for the global response to HIV and AIDS. World Vision showed its support by organising a oneweek campaign on raising awareness through staff quizzes and fast facts, which also lincuded a Stop HIV Now Photo Booth where the staff took their solidarity selfies. Raising awareness on HIV is crucial to get to zero new HIV infections, zero stigma and discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths.
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WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT
What are you grateful for in 2014 and hopeful for in 2015? Kamille Ruiz, Program Advocacy Specialist Public Engagement
GRATEFUL: I’ve been in Tacloban for most of 2014 and I am grateful for the family that helped me beat the homesick blues. Shout out to the Magdalo Family! HOPEFUL: Now that I’m back in the National Office, I am excited for all the activities lined up for the year! Watch out for a lot of campaigns! Jake Fadallan, Web Developer ICT
GRATEFUL: I am grateful for God’s provisions for my mom’s hospitalization. Good health for the rest of my family HOPEFUL: I am hopeful for new learning opportunities to better improve my skills. For my ministry, to be able to disciple and reach out to young professionals. Evone Mortalla, Technical Assistant - Operations Visayas Field Office
GRATEFUL: I’m grateful for the gift of new friends! HOPEFUL: I am hopeful for joy-filled and successful wedding this March! Kristine Sarmiento, Online Content Specialist Public Awareness and Experience
GRATEFUL: I am thankful for the safe delivery of my first child, a healthy baby girl. I’m grateful that for 9 months, I felt the support of my colleagues, giving advice and prayers which helped me prepare for the big labor day. HOPEFUL: What I am hopeful for this FY15 is that I continue to give the best gift to my child , and that is through exclusivley breastfeeding her. Workwise, I am hopeful that more children will be sponsored through our online efforts and campaigns. Cecile Corvera, Manager Donor Care
GRATEFUL: I’m grateful for exceeding our FY14 target income, harmonious relationship within the team and I was able to spend more time with my direct reports. HOPEFUL: I’m hopeful for more innovative ways to educate and retain our sponsors, our first donor event overseas and raise new Donor Care leaders.
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DECEMBER The Joy of Spaghetti Estel Estropia, Donor Education Specialist
Leodin is a 13-year old sponsored child from an assisted community in Ozamiz, Mindanao. His family of 6 lives in a small house on stilts in the middle of the sea. Because of this, Leodin has to travel by boat for two hours everyday so that he could go to school. Despite this, he is always motivated and inspired to, one day, finish school. In fact, he uses this drive to his advantage, as he even catches shrimps during his free time to earn and save for his future. Before he became a sponsored child, Leodin said that Christmas used to be an ordinary day. Without enough food for even a normal day, Leodin would always wonder how it is to have something on their table on the so-called special day. And so one day, he came to his mother and asked, “How much does spaghetti cost?” From then on, Leodin would sing Christmas carols with his cousins, hoping to raise money to at least eat spaghetti with his family on Christmas. His father, who works as a fisherman on weekdays, and moonlights as a barber on weekend, was touched by his son’s persistence. “If only I can provide for even a simple Christmas celebration for my children, I would. But I cannot.
LEODIN WITH HIS SISTERS, IS ALL SMILES AS HE RECEIVES HIS NOCHE BUENA GIFT
So when World Vision came, I could not be happier for them,” he said with a warm, nostalgic smile. “I was so excited when I heard that we have Noche Buena gifts from our sponsors. It’s like a dream come true. Finally, we’ll have spaghetti to feast on and to share this Christmas,” Leodin recalled with his eyes still twinkling with excitement. Since his first Christmas as a sponsored child, Leodin has always been grateful to his sponsor who never failed to light up the spirit and joy of Christmas in his entire family. Leodin proudly said that his Noche Buena pack is shared by his family with his cousins so that they, too, can celebrate with them. He exclaims, “Thank you to my sponsor and to all sponsors who always made our Christmas very special and memorable!”
Christmas around the corner
World Vision staff celebrated the holidays with their own themed parties, from whimsical carnivals to fun and goofy hat parties.
THE LEADERSHIP TEAM IN THEIR QUIRKY CARNIVAL ATTIRE (NATIONAL OFFICE)
THE PRETTY BUTTERFLIES (LUZON FO)
THE MASKED LADIES (VISAYAS FO)
THE RANDOM HAT PARTY (MINDANAO FO)
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DECEMBER DECEMBER One-month on: Updates After Typhoon Ruby World Vision Press Center
Many lessons were learned after Typhoon Yolanda slammed the Visayan provinces just over a year ago. That is why people made smart decisions when Typhoon Ruby came last December. One month on, here are the updates from the field. Committed to providing relief assistance, World Vision provided Non-Food items such as sleeping mats to families staying at evacuation centers. A little comfort, like a dry place to sleep, goes a long way in preventing further sickness like fever, coughs and colds, specially to young children. Families also received water purification kits that includes aqua tabs and jerry cans for safe drinking. The hygiene kits they received, enabled the families to keep their bodies clean despite staying in evacuation centers.
More than 4,100 families received Food items, and even pots and pans so they can support their family’s need for weeks after the storm. In each distribution made, joy and gratitude were met from the people of Samar. Donations, no matter how small, can help survivors move on to the next step of Recovery.
More Christmas parties!
THE FAB LADIES OF THE NIGHT (MINDANAO FO)
THE HAPPY CLOWNS (NATIONAL OFFICE)
THE GROUP PERFORMS A SONG NUMBER (VISAYAS FO)
THE FUN CHARACTERS OF DISNEY AND MARVEL (LUZON FO)
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HAPPENINGS SEPTEMBER 20142014 January SEPTEMBER
What’s next? 19 - 23
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Learning Events (Visayas)
Inauguration of Visayas Field Office
February
07-09
11-15
17
ACTS Training
Learning Events (Luzon)
Papal Visit in Tacloban
START OF FY 2015
01
02-06
03-05
Launching of The Difference Is Love Campaign
Channels of Hope Child Protection Training
Field Office Planning Field Office (Mindanao FO) Planning (Visayas FO)
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17-24 Pinoy Nutrition Hub Training of Facilitators
26 Donor Cafè
insights inform. involve. inspire. FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 12