Asia Society Philippines Visits Pangarap Foundation
It was a joyful day of giving last Friday, September 15, as members of the Asia Society Philippines team visited Pangarap Foundation in Pasay to sponsor and partake in a meal with the 50 boys housed in the foundation. The food that was brought for lunch was prepared by Garuda Indonesian Restoran, the same caterer that served food during the forum and book launch of Si Dru at ang Kuwento ng Limang Kaharian the day before. Founded in 1989, Pangarap Foundation, Inc. in Pasay is a home for male street children and out-of-school youth. The boys who are taken in are afforded safety and security through the provision of shelter, food, clothing, medical and dental services, psychological and emotional healing services, and many more. Currently, the Pasay shelter accommodates 55 boys—50 of whom are students from elementary until college, and 5 who are recent graduates and borders of the shelter.
During the visit, members of the Asia Society Philippines team met a few of Pangarap Foundation’s staff members, including Ms. Lea Lanzuela, the foundation’s Executive Director. Ms. Lea talked about the history and mission of the foundation and a few of their current projects. She also shared stories about the boys they took in years ago, who are now graduates of various colleges or vocational courses and are working for their own families today. The boys who used to stay at the Pasay shelter frequently visit the foundation to give back to the community that has helped them recover and provided them with a loving home. Ms. Lea shared her gratitude to Asia Society Philippines for the time and gifts they generously shared with the boys and the foundation, and expressed her hopes for a future partnership with Asia Society Philippines.
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Text by Mariel Milo