Bulacan
The Bulacan sponsor site is situated in Luzon, the largest island among the three main islands of the Philippine Archipelago.
In 1985, a deeply religious woman gifted Rev. Fr Boyet Concepcion with 3000 sq m. of prime real estate just behind the Baliuag Public Market, as she felt he would make good use of the land. In time, he came to realize the need for a nutrition center for the children of Little Baguio, Baliuag, Bulacan. Thus began the construction of Bethlehem House of Bread (BHB), a home for orphaned, semi-orphaned, abandoned or abused children. In 1999 Chalice approved the addition of the sponsor site in Bulacan to our organization, under the direction of Fr Boyet. Presently there are over 1700 children sponsored through this site.
The Bulacan sponsorship site is divided into three sub sites. Each sub site is under the direction of Fr Boyet but has a staff to provide for their charges. The sub site of Samar (SAM) was established in 2002. It is located in Visayas, an 18-hour drive from Baliuag. The have their own dialect but the staff is able to communicate in Tagalog and English. The PUL site was established in 2004 and is a 30-minute drive from Bethlehem House of Bread.
Children that are under the care of Bulacan are given the school supplies, clothing, and the funds necessary for them to attend school. Upon their registration in school they are scheduled to receive their vaccinations, vitamins, and medications as needed. To assist with maintaining good hygiene the children are issued kits containing soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, a nail clipper, comb and face cloth. These kits are reissued on a regular basis.
In the Bulacan sponsorship program, not only are the needs of children considered, but also those of the families. If a family is in need of additional food supplies they are able to go to the sponsorship office to receive extra provisions. Parents are given the opportunity to receive skills in income generating areas such as cosmetology, the processing of food and the development of micro finance schemes. To enhance the general living conditions of the family they are provided with household items such as water pitchers, kitchen utensils, plastic boxes to keep clothes dry, sleeping mats, pillows and blankets.
The majority of the people of the Philippines are Roman Catholic. Sponsorship not only awakens the thirst for knowledge but also a rekindles the desire for Spiritual fulfillment. Among the Catholic beneficiaries of sponsorship, attendance at Holy Mass and the administering of Sacraments has increased.
Through sponsorship, the children of Bulacan and their families are able to recognize their potential and learn that through hard work and perseverance a brighter tomorrow will be realized.
A tribute to Father Boyet:
