ACE INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES INC.

National Capital Region

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT

APRIL 2009

• PROGRAMS AND SERVICES at CRADLE:

A. VALUES FORMATION:

• Continuing formation sessions for all the CICL population on four Wednesdays. An average of 40 cicl participated in every session, except for the last Wednesday of April, where there were only 22 attendees due to a problem. (Kindly refer to D) The rest serve as helpers in the kitchen; others were then attending their case hearing.

(Note: There were 41 cicl as of April 30, 2009. The number even increased to 45 in April 27). The newly committed ones came mostly from Paranaque and Pasig cities.

Snacks were regularly provided. The sessions were alternately facilitated by Tes Gomez and Glo Andres with Bobby Choy. Discussions focused on the following:

a) A looking back at the Lenten season where the cicl- participants were asked to reflect if they noticed some (no matter how small) changes in their attitude and behavior.

b) That God, through His Son, Jesus, places highest value on us- the human person, by redeeming us through His precious blood.

Activity: An incomplete puzzle with pieces scattered among 4 groups.

Insight: The human person is like a puzzle-we can only become “whole if we are able to share some of our pieces with another.” But developing oneself as whole is not easy, it is a lifetime process and it is always best to start while we are young.

• The regular 2nd Friday Mass was celebrated with Fr. Simplicio Roxas as Presider. Selected cicl are also being trained as lectors and commentators. Some of them were also encouraged to enhance their singing ability so that they can be members of a liturgical choir.

POST EASTER Celebrations:

On April 18, 2009,Erickson Phils. Inc.gave some toiletries e.g. sulphur soap, deodorant, shampoo, alcohol including some t-shirts, chocolates and Jollibee meals for 43 cicl. The activity was facilitated by Glo Andres.

On the 22nd of April, a Holy Mass with gift and food sharing was also organized by 10 volunteers from OLUP Prison Apostolate through Virgie Bruce and Fr. Lambert Legazpino. Fifty-five (55) packs of lunch and 45 packs of detergent powder were donated by Sis. Ethel Codinera, 900 cookies by Fr Legaspino and 14 slippers by Ginne Espejo. These were all distributed to 45 cicl- attendees. A cash donation of P2,000 from Fr. Lambert including P1,000 each cash donation from Clarita & Tata Domine and Selie Tajon were also solicited. Gloria Andres also facilitated the parlor games.

B. COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT:

> Submitted to the CBCP Commission on Prison Pastoral Care the three (3) paintings of the cicl as entries to the International Art Contest.

C. HEALTH and SANITATION:

> Provided the entire cicl population with the regular supply of soap per dorm (not individually) including powdered detergent, toothpaste and some cleaning materials.

D. Developments:

> In the early dawn of April 29, 2009, about 13 cicl attempted to escape from the facility. It was reported that there was only one guard on duty in the building and at that time, he was out in the restroom, hardly knowing that the two iron bars have already been cut that created a space just fit for young bodies. But it didn’t take long when the female inmates from the adjacent jail shouted and the other guard noticed the commotion and saw some of the cicl-“escapees” crawling on top of the roof. This prompted him to make a warning shot which is actually a standard procedure in all jails. No one was hurt in the incident but the 13 cicl were interrogated and made to do hundreds of push-ups and squatting and were later confined in one dormitory. As expected, they will not be allowed to go out for sometime, but they can talk to visitors and volunteers. Most of them are newly committed (except for two) and have not yet participated in ACE values formation sessions.

> We later talked to them, gave them snacks and briefly explained the adverse effects of what they have done, still gave them much hope but warned them of a worse possibility that in case this happens again, any one of them could be mistaken as adult inmate and shot (although not fatally) by any of the guard-on-duty of the adjacent Jail. Some of them apologized to us for what happened.

> Meanwhile, Warden Tumlos requested the BJMP NCR office for additional guards for CRADLE.

E. After Care Services:

Bro. Robert Choy conducted a follow-up visit with one released cicl based in Mashville. Paranaque City. It was found out that he already got married, with 1 child and is still jobless. He expressed his desire to have a small business like fishball vending. A meeting with ACE President was arranged so as to determine what viable assistance could be extended to him. Unfortunately he failed to show up on the day on day of the meeting.

II. THE YOUTH FOR YOUTH (Y4Y) PROGRAM:

A. PARANAQUE CITY

1. Educational Assistance:

a) The initial sets of required school supplies for 16 Paranaque youth- member- “scholars” were already purchased

b) Other possible “scholars” are still being screened.

2. Competency Development

a. Basic and Advance Computer Education:

A total of 39 out of 58 applicants from Lopezville, Napoleon, Riverville & Lovewin areas were accepted to attend the two-month course. Criteria for acceptance are:
a) Applicants should be in high school or high school graduates already.
b) Both parents and youth-applicants are willing to cooperate for the successful completion of the said trainings. All were given prior orientation by Virgie Bruce specially on the guidelines (do’s and don’ts) to be observed by participants during the training and the importance of parental support.

To date, actual participants are 19 Y4Y present & newly accepted members for Basic (9:00-11:00 am session) and 20 for advance which covers Web Page Design & Data Base System (7:00 9:00 am session). Both sessions are held Mondays to Fridays.

b. Art Classes:

There are19 students, 5 of whom are still in the elementary level. Classes are being held every Monday and Thursday only. Their teacher is still Jess Gellada.

c. English Proficiency class:

For this summer, a volunteer English teacher was tapped by Ms. Bruce to teach three times a week i.e., Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, from 3 to 4 pm. The process of identifying possible students already started. A minimum of 10 to a maximum of 20 students are required to open a class.

At present, ACE has initially identified at least 14 students from among the existing Y4Y members. Upon completion of the 20, the class will start on May 5, 2009.

3. Values Formation:

a) Virgie Bruce facilitated two sessions for youth and parents last April 4 and 7 respectively. A total of 17 out of 26 (old) and 22 out of 28 (new) attended. Additional 7 couples and 5 mothers attended the latter session. For the parents, the point of
discussion was focused on the following:
1) Ano ang pamilya (Meaning of family)
2) Ano ang kahalagahan ng pamilya (Importance of family)
3) Ano ang magulang para sa inyo (Role of parents)
4) Ano ang anak para sa inyo ( Role of children)

Meanwhile, the youth participants were asked to write something about their reflections on “Ako ay si Ako” or “Eto Ako”.

b) The Marian Cenacle group rosary & prayer meeting for at least 10 Y4Y Lopezville members and their parents was started, 2 hours per session separately. The sessions are being facilitated by Sis. Trinidad Wong and Bro. Robert Choy

To date, two (2) of our Y4Y members are able to influence their younger siblings to join them in the same church activities that they are attending.

Holy Week Activities of Y4Y members:

Almost all 10 Y4Y Lopez area members participated in the traditional activities which include, Palm Sunday Mass, Stations of the Cross, the Dawn “Salubong” Mass . Some of them even attended the Parish Holy Hour, Catechism and the regular Sunday masses. Those with complete attendance were given Our Lady of Unity t-shirts as incentive.

SPECIAL ACTIVITY: “Araw ng Pasasalamat” or Recognition Day
April 18, 2009

The afternoon started with a group activity referred to as “TrustWalk” facilitated by Tess Gomez and which was participated by 3 groups composed of both youth members and some parents. This dynamics is aimed at making the youth realize that as they go through the difficulties of life’s journey, they have to determine whom to trust, whom to listen to- their parents their friends And that before they are able to reach their goals, they could get confused, lost and hurt but surely, there will always be some one who would walk beside them, who would serve as their guide, whatever happens. Here, the role of good parents and of good friends is given emphasis. And if there seems to be no one else that they could trust, there is always a GOD who remains faithful to us, and whom we should always listen to if we really know how.

The following were presented with Certificates of Recognition:

• Six (6) Y4Y members for Perfect Attendance; or 8 of our 8 sessions held during the school year.

• Special Awards:
• Most Persevering (1) for he was able to get good academic grades even while working; able to help family members by supplying some of their needs.

• For Good Deeds-(1) for exerting utmost efforts in improving himself as seen in his behaviour and attitude.

• Most Responsible- for she was also recognized by her school for being dependable; also shown reliability as Y4Y member.

• For Outstanding Academic Performance(2)- for their obtaining the highest final average grades based on their school Report cards.

Meanwhile, three (3) of our ACE Volunteers received Certificates of Appreciation. One of them is a mother of a regular Y4Y member.

All participants were treated to spaghetti, juice and chocolate candy bars. Everyone enjoyed the 3-hour gathering.

B. KALOOKAN CITY:

1. Educational Assistance:

1. Distributed the last school days’ jeepney-fare support to and from the school of 6 members.

2. Received report cards of 4 existing members including the cards and intake sheets of two (2) newly-screened applicants.

3. Followed up with the teachers the list of required educational supplies for this school year.

2. Competency Development: ART Workshop

• Nine (9)Y4Y members, (1 new and 8 present) completed a six-day(3 hours per day) training on art painting/drawing. All were given materials. The teacher, Ms. Samantha Torrejos, also identified which artwork should be framed.

• Noted: A token of one bath soap to each of the 7 members was given for attending all the 6 days-training despite the heavy rains. The entire workshop was held at another Chapel so we had to share a small donation for allowing us to use it.

3. Values Formation:

SPECIAL ACTIVITY: RECOGNITION DAY, April 25, 2009

• Instead of the usual group dynamics, a dialogue with the parents, both of the new and present members, together with their children, was facilitated. Two members however were not able to bring their parents due to urgent concerns. The brother of one member also serves as guardian since their parents are both residing in the province. In the gathering, Tess Gomez reiterated the utmost need for parental care, cooperation and support. Also, we informed them that ACE IPI could provide educational assistance to 12 students only in high school in the Kalookan area. Some parents also gave feedback on the difficulties that their children encounter particularly in completing the school projects. There were also some family issues that were raised. Sam Torrejos coordinated also with the Parish Pastoral President of Magdalena I sub parish to include the Y4Y members and some of their younger siblings, in its- feeding- with- catechism- activity.

• Certificates of Recognition were given to three (3) members for Outstanding Academic Performance; also three (3) for Perfect Attendance. A token gift was given to a parent (father) for assisting in the conduct of the Y4Y Program. Also, a Certificate of Appreciation was given to Mr. Sam Torrejos, Jr. for his coordination efforts.

• Everyone also had spaghetti, juice and chocolate candy bars.

III. LIVELIHOOD PROJECT- Ongoing in Paranaque area.

IV. ADMINISTRATIVE and other Operational work:

• The required Financial Statements were submitted to BIR on time.
• Contacted a friend-licensed Social Worker who will visit one of the May formation

sessions in Kalookan so she would be able to see the youth beneficiaries of ACE.

• Monthly website updating is completed.
• The improvements on the office extension area where the formation sessions for Y4Y

Program are being conducted have been completed.

SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT:

NANAY, Inc. with its President and ACE IPI Chair of the Board, Dr. Joy received the top award from among the 5 chosen for BAYANING PILIPINO AWARDS 2009. This prestigious award is a project of the ABS-CBN Broadcasting thru Don Geny Lopez in consortium with the UGAT Foundation thru Fr. Nilo Tanalega,S.J. This year, the awards are given to institutions and organizations whose work and services have contributed significantly to the well-being of a Filipino-American sector or community in the United States or in the Philippines.

V. ADVOCACY and NETWORKING:

• Through Dr. Joy, ACE was able to contact Ms. Gilda Garbanzos of UGAT Foundation for a meeting soonest to forge a possible partnership UGAT’s core competence is Counseling skills training/services.

• Coordinated with Ms. Lee Fresnosa, a prison paralegal volunteer whose son and his family was encouraged to render volunteer services in ACE-CdO; contacted Ms. Vicki Neri who later was able to meet with the Fresnosas.

• Had a special meeting with two volunteer Consultants, Noemi Adan and Alma Firaza who will help ACE IPI draft and develop a full-blown Proposal for possible funding of an integrated 3 year-program plan and budget by the BMHI. Alma was even able to talk with Mr. Gilbert Balthazar, BMHI Project Manager and a former co-worker.
• (Note: The BMHI supported the 2008 one-day Advent recollection and gift giving for all Y4Y members.) They are initially drafting an Executive Summary of the Program proposal to be submitted this June for consideration of BMHI. In case the latter finds the ACE project workable and helpful to the target sector, then it could be considered as one of the 2010 projects that would be given a 3- year-grant.

• Coordinated again with Sikap-Buhay Office, Q.C. for the conduct of a Reflexology training program for cicl. Unfortunately, the Office is still looking for available trainers whose schedules have been too tight this summer.

• Attended the regular PAYO meeting. Ms. Carolina Francisco of Save the Children-Sweden gave lecture on “Positive Disciplining on Children”. We also discussed some points regarding the proposed legislation prohibiting Corporal Punishment on Children, which is at present, the main advocacy of Save the Children. We also received hard and E-copies of the PAYO newsletter where ACE IPI is the featured organization.

• Conferred with the Couples for Christ-Foundation for Family Life. At present, the group in assessing their prison ministry program at the Correctional Institution for Women and will look into the possibility of extending their services to CRADLE.