Liliane National Coordinator Sis. Agnetia Naval gives her special Christmas message.

Liliane National Correspondent Tess Dela Cruz welcomes all the mediators and representatives of partner organizations.

A delicious Christmas party meal courtesy of all the partner organizations in pot luck.

Liliane gives special gifts to partner organizations.

Liliane Philippines officials, staff and mediators

The affair was attended by mediators and representatives of Metro Manila partner organizations. Sis Agnes increased 2010’s goal by 500 to further provide medical, financial, educational and other assistance to disabled kids in the Philippines.

“Lord, here am I, Send me!”, was the main topic of her message as she announced her 50th year in religious service on May 15, 2010. She opined that there are still many children out there who are in need of assistance. She was also equally excited to the partner organizations for their enthusiasm in doing their mandate to help the children of the Lord.

Videoke singing, well wishers and sharing of blessings among mediators and organization representatives dominated the festive occasion which lasted in the early evening. Liliane has more than 100 partner organizations nationwide as well as a dozen more in Vietnam.

The Australian Government aims to establish a situational analysis on how government and non-government institutions in the Philippines involved in disability issues are implementing activities to address inclusive development for programs that support Persons With Disabilities. They aim to establish a partnership program through their “Development for All” initiatives with focus on people with disabilities.

Clockwise from left: MCCID's Jerome Marzan and Jojo Esposa, Akap Pinoy's Daylin Taleon, Liliane Foundation Philippines' Tess Dela Cruz (writing on the board), NCDA Executive Director Geraldine Ruiz, Nova Foundation's Noli Agcaoili and Autism Society of the Philippines' Nilo Sorongon

Key AusAID officials attended the affair coordinated by Ms. Bernadette Cariaga, Program Officer for Development Cooperation and Focal Person for Disability. With education for people with disabilities as its main agenda, the participants were divided into groups addressing the Philippine educational system. The groups were able to come up with situations and successful programs which answers the following questions:

1. What is working well- examples of practice that are working particularly well in certain contexts?
2. What are the factors present that are contributing to the successful examples given and
3. What are the resources- knowledge, skills, experience, financial, that we have and can make use of?
4. What need to be the future objectives in the short (3 years) to medium (5 years) term?/li>
5. What needs to be done and actions to achieve them- the steps that need to take place, the contributors to the action, the types of resources required?

Liliane Foundation Philippines joined the Alternative Learning System of Education Situational Analysis for Persons With Disabilities with members led by National Council on Disability Affairs Executive Director Geraldine Ruiz (facilitator), MCCID College of Technology Training Director Jojo Esposa together with Deaf Teacher Jerome Marzan, Autism Society of the Philippines Executive Director Ranilo Sorongon, Nova Foundation President Noli Agcaoili and Akap Pinoy Representative Daylin Taleon. The group was able to come up with good practices which addresses employability, self-sustaining, improvement of life, enjoyment of life and productivity.

The group was able to coin a new term replacing the Alternative Learning System. They renamed it as “ALTERNATIVE TECHNICAL/PRACTICAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES (ATPLO)“. They agreed that no skill is too high that is unachievable for PWD. Focus on individualized learning abilities of PWDs. Extend reasonable accommodation to upgrade and enhance the qualifications of PWDS as part of advocacy based on UN-CRPD.

In strategizing for ATPLO, the group was able to come up with the following:

1. Device a disability specific assessment tools to be re-adapted for PWD. Look into various skills, learning abilities. (OT, DPOs, OSHD).
2. Must form a technical working group, interdisciplinary group for PWDs in ATPLO. Recommended to TESDA, DEPED, and industry or cross-platform for approval for skills assessment. This is a work in progress.
3. Device a communication system that can be easily assimilated for training and for Human Resource companies. This is used to facilitate learning in ATPLO.
4. Localize the collaboration/networking between NGO-LGUs (case of Laguna ASP Chapter with CP, DS). Empower or devolve these enhancement courses to local Disability Peoples Organization (DPO).
5. Create safeguard measures to protect ideas and to ensure the exclusive rights to products, ideas and services for PWDs.
6. Document and promote successful ATPLO projects for replication or adaptation per LGUs, disability sectors. (Case study: SM-PFRD Coping Seminar)
7. Start ATPLO early on. Focus on transition. Select better option or opportunities, which are technical/practical in nature. Educate parents to give options from traditional education to one responsive to the child’s needs. (ATPLO caters to persons with intellectual disabilities). Campaign to parents of PWD and professionals catering to PWD for options to traditional education.
8. Consortium on best practices between, GO, NGOs, DPOs and professional associations. Encourage more stakeholdership to develop more champions for PWDs using ATPLO.

Basic Education, through support for programs under the Government of Philippines Basic Education Reform Agenda to assist the Philippines to achieve its MDG target for universal primary education. This includes support for school based management, rationalisation of teacher deployments to ensure coverage of remote schools, text book provision and school building construction. Increased support will be provided to improve access to and quality of education for children in disadvantaged and conflict affected areas.

Liliane Philippines Partners Organization

Liliane Foundation Philippines Partners Organization and mediators participated in the first Philippine Community Based Rehabilitation Congress which was successfully held at Manila Pavilion Hotel last August 25-27, 2009.

The Philippine CBR Congress was spearheaded by the National Council on Disability Affairs in partnership with Christian Blind Mission. Ms. Ma. Theresa Dela Cruz, LFP National Correspondent was one of the event’s co-facilitators and emcees.

The Philippine CBR Congress was attended by local government units, National and Regional government agencies, DPOs, NGOs, family support groups, the business sector, civil society,a cademe, INGOs, professional bodies and the media, who are interested in promoting Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) as a rights based strategy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.

During the congress, the participants were divided into groups according to issues and concerns related to health, education, livelihood, social, empowerment and governance. They were able to tackle roles and relationships of each sector and how to organize themselves in order to implement the CBR strategy.

The event was culminated by the launching of the first Philippine CBR Manual and the announcement of the 2nd Asia-Pacific CBR Congress which will be hosted by our country in 2011.

Winners of disabled friendly websites with Ms. Gigi Ruiz of NCDA and Jojo Esposa of PWAG

The officials and evaluating team of the Philippine Web Accessibility Group together with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), awarded the Official Website of Liliane Foundation Philippines given last July 10, 2009 Friday at the Asian Institute of Management in Paseo De Roxas Avenue, Makati City. Sis. Agnetia Naval, LFP National Coordinator received the plaque of recognition.

The LFP website was designed by Kerwin Tamanu, a deaf alumnus of MCCID College of Technology. The short awarding program is part of the Web Design Conference initiated by the newly-formed Philippine Web Design Organization with which PWAG is one of its partners. The plaques of recognition were donated by the National Council on Disability Affairs.

Aside from the LFP site, other websites that received the awards were:

• www.philcecnet.ph - Official E-center Community Portal of the National Computer Center represented by Ms. Cuchie Echeverria
• www.blinding-light.com - Personal Website of Ms.Miko Reznor (Anna Monica Esguerra)
• webstandards.raquedan.com - Standard Web Standards Website of Regnard Kreisler Raquedan

NCDA is the government agency tasked to lead and monitor programs and policies related to Persons with Disabilities in the Philippines. Recognizing websites that are “Disabled Friendly” has been part of the government’s initiative in encouraging other government agencies as well as private individuals and groups in designing their websites which are accessible to all including those with physical disabilities. NCDA’s Executive Director Geraldine Ruiz presented the plaques.

They called for an ambulance and he was rushed to the hospital. Fortunately a new group of Neurosurgeons had just set up an office in Tagbilaran City, headed by Dr. Isagoni Delos Santos, a protégé of Rotarian Doctor Wyben Briones, a Neurosurgeon from Cebu. A CT scan was ordered, revealing a life threatening blood clot that was killing the young man.

The patient, John Rey Dordas , age 17 is the oldest child of Armando and Alona Dordas, who live on a small share cropper farm, with his siblings Carlo age 16, Joyce13, Jane 8 Armando Jr.7 and Joseph 6. Armando in a effort to earn enough money to feed his family, found a job in Manila as a night guard. John Ray was left in charge of the farm.

On October 6th, Doctor Delos Santos had to remove a portion of John Rays’ skull to operate on the massive blood clot. Upon closing, Dr. Delos Santos discovered that the aquaducts that drain the brain had become plugged and now Hydrocephalus threatened John Rey’s life. He remained comatose.

The family already exhausted their meager savings on the first operation and now were desperately looking for help to save the life of their oldest son. Providentially, on October 4th, a meeting of District 3860 Presidents was held at Casino Espanol hosted by Rotary Club of Cebu North. During the meeting, Rotary Club of Paranaque (RCP) President Jose “Lito” Ramos announced the launching of Free Cranial Shunts for Hydrocephalus patients in the southern part of the Philippines. The meeting was attended by the RC Paranaque delegates PDG Gov. Herman T. Gamboa, PP Fidel Yuboco, PE Dan San Pedro, and Director Mark Mamauag.

The meeting was also attended by the Village Aide Program, Build Team lead by PDG Bill Little, of Sydney and the Village Aide Program, Medical Mission Team lead by Australian Chairman Derek Pyrah and Philippine Chairman David Collins. In the meeting, President Lito Ramos explained that under the project (to be launched jointly with RC Cebu North) RCP and its partner in service LILIANE FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES will provide the costly and hi-tech medical appliance called Peritoneal Shunts that allows the brain fluid to drain from the brain and into the abdominal area. Participating clubs are expected to look for indigent patients, administer the program, and contribute medical services or minimal amounts to help defray the cost of the operation.

Mr. and Mrs. Dordas’, son was still comatose when the hydrocephalus was discovered, and unless a second operation to attach the Peritoneal Shunt was performed, he would die. A friend, suggested that they contact the Village Aide Program (VAP) located in Tagbilaran City. VAP is a Rotary Australia World Community Service program (RAWCS) which has sponsored programs in D3860 for the past 8 years, that benefit the poor.

Thanks to Rotary Club of Paranaque and LILIANE FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES, Rotary Club of Cebu North and the Village Aide Program, a free shunt and P50,000 was provided to the Dordas family to defray the cost of the shunt operation. Neurosurgeon Dr. Isagani Delos Santos volunteered his services, free of charge, to install the shunt. The surgery was performed in Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Twenty four hours after the operation John Ray came out of his coma, and has continued to make steady progress. He can now carry on a conversation and eat soft food. He is scheduled to go home on November 12th.

Rotary Clubs from District 3860, who wish to participate in this program should contact members of RC Cebu North.

To be the answer to a family’s prayer is the ultimate privilege.

Thank you Rotary Club of Paranaque and LILIANE FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES for your nationwide initiative.

Thank you Doctor Isagani Delos Santos and the surgical team of Gallares for saving the Life of John Rey.

Thank you Australian Rotarians who financed the operation.

Thank you all who made this shunt program possible.

This is Rotary’s and Liliane Foundation Philippines’ Finest Hour.

NOTE: As of July 1, 2009, John Rey Dordas is already doing light chores on their farm. He is expected to tend their farm again before the end of 2009.

Jessie Gervacio is one of the beneficiaries of Liliane Foundation through ATRIEV

 In 2007, atriev, the only school for the blind in the Philippines that specializes in information and communications technology,  qualified as one of Liliane’s growing partners.   

To Date, there are over 80 ATRIEV students who are direct beneficiaries from Liliane Foundation’s support. Aside from assistance for the students’ tuition fee, transportation and meal subsidy and assistive devices, Liliane Foundation’s support expanded up to students’ monthly dormitory fee, school miscellaneous fee, medical assistance, and their reader/guide honorarium.

 Just this previously concluded school year 2008-2009, one of ATRIEV’s scholars and also a Liliane Foundation direct beneficiary, Jessie Gervacio, recently graduated from an Internet Technology course in AMA Computer Learning Center in Paco, one of the leading computer schools in the Philippines. Jessie was one of ATRIEV’s outstanding students who completed ATRIEV’s Access Technology in Popular Applications for Low Vision course in 2007. He then went on to qualify for a scholarship in AMA Computer Learning Center thus becoming a pioneering integrated visually impaired student in the said school.  His tuition fee was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Paco while his transportation cost and other miscellaneous expenses were sponsored by Liliane Foundation Philippines.  Jessie has also served as a volunteer trainor of ATRIEV’s summer class for visually impaired children as part of sharing the benefits he earned with his fellow blind students. Jessie is set to participate in a three-day personality awareness and leadership seminar sponsored by PowerSpeak, a leading personality development institution, to prepare him for the challenges of employment.

Truly the partnership between ATRIEV, Liliane Foundation Philippines and other sympathetic institutions have turned the small hopes of visually impaired people to big dreams.

In 2008 (December 2007- November 2008) Liliane Foundation Philippines (LFP) generously contributed Pesos 250,000 for direct financial assistance towards the various needs of children we encounter in our clinics as well as those referred to us by our contacts in the municipalities. 

In our report of November 2008 (spanning 12 months), 57 children were assisted (24 old and 33 new). Epilepsy remains to be a big problem for parents of children with this condition, and will continue to be so as this condition is most often a lifetime one.  Although LFP cannot attempt to comprehensively solve this problem, i.e. provide for the needs of all those afflicted, we have continued to help those whose parents and local governments have contributed towards a proportion of the costs of anti-epileptic medications.  Twenty eight (20 old and 8 new) of the total number of children helped in this report have Epilepsy.  They have all been assessed properly by a pediatrician or a neurologist and given appropriate prescriptions.  Recently, BAHATALA has made an agreement with a national drugstore chain (Mercury) to ensure supply of drugs.  It is significant to point out that in rural areas these drugs are often not available.  Hence not only are we able to pay for the crucial drugs (the absence or withdrawal of which can have grave consequences), but we are also ensuring procurement (something that is usually taken for granted in the urban areas).  

The second largest group of children (13 new) in this report were those with various eye problems, some threatening permanent loss of vision if left untreated.  Most of these 14 children had corneal lacerations from all sorts of trauma to the eyes. Emergency operations by a qualified ophthalmologist were needed in most cases.   It must be pointed out that these children often came from far-flung areas and traveling to the capital (Puerto Princesa) was a huge undertaking in itself. Apart from eye trauma, there were also cases of congenital eye anomalies: juvenile cataract, cross-eyed, eye mole and other anomalies, all needing surgery.  

Another significant group of children were those born with other congenital anomalies, one with Hydrocephalus who needed to go to Manila, and 7 children born with Clubfeet who did not need to go to Manila because the services are right here in BAHATALA.  Clubfeet treatment is a long-term process, not needing surgery if seen at a very early age (our youngest was one day old).  BAHATALA has a resident orthopedic surgeon who has trained in the Ponsetti method of correcting clubfeet.  

Liliane Foundation does not help these students directly, but through projects that they help guide with appropriate funding and best practices.  In Bohol, one of these projects is managed by the International Deaf Education Association (IDEA), a residential school program for 360 deaf students ages 6 through 25, kindergarten through High School.  Liliane Foundation sponsors over 20 of these children—support which their parents and the government are unable to provide.  This sponsorship provides necessities such as food, dormitory care, books, transportation, and basic medical and dental care.  And of course—education.   Education for these children, not only means a way to access a wider world, but also a way to interact and become part of it too.   Without Liliane Foundation, these children would spend their life in mental isolation.

IDEA is grateful to Lilliane Foundation for the many years of cooperation and guidance they have shared with us and the deaf students of Bohol.  Without this partnership, many bright, capable children would have no access to their full potential.

Sr. Agnetia and Leo of LFP meets Butch of VCF and Iris of Rabobank Netherlands for Persons with Disabilities Enterprise (PWDE) projects in the Philippines

Liliane Foundation Philippines (LFP) represented by the National Coordinator Sr. Agnetia Naval, SFIC and Job Developer Leo Bartolome, Visayas Cooperative Central Fund Federation (VCF) Manager Ma. Betta Socorro Salera, and the Rabobank Foundation – Programme Manager for Asia Iris Van der Velden meet-up last May 6, 2009 to discuss updates, issues and concerns about the Persons with Disabilities in Entrepreneurship (PWDE) program.

The said meeting was also an opportunity to talk about how to improve the project implementations, how it could cover and benefit more people and also devise tools, criteria and indicators that would measure the impact and success of the project to its intended beneficiaries.

The PWDE Program is a project that was designed to provide economic opportunities to PWDs and or their families through an equal access to micro-finance system. This sector will be given series of enterprise trainings and access to loan in order to operate and manage viable micro-enterprises.
 

Over 104 children and youth with disabilities around CARAGA Region availed of the programs and services of the foundation through grant from LFP. Justifications and progress reports were submitted to the LFP National Office twice a year. There were 15 orthopedically impaired children who received their customized wheelchairs with LFP counterpart. Another 23 cleft lip/palate and children with burned contracture availed the reconstructive and corrective surgery. 27 special children were referred and checked by the partner Physiatrist Dr. RJ Villanueva for further diagnosis. 6 youth with disability were supported with their tertiary educations, 1 already graduated last march 2008 while 17 special children were assisted with their daily fare expenses going to and from the school.