ACE INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES INC.

National Capital Region

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT

MARCH 2009

 

 

I.                   PROGRAMS AND SERVICES at CRADLE:

 

A.     VALUES FORMATION:

 

1.      Continuing formation sessions for all the CICL population on 4 Wednesdays. An average of 32 cicl participated in every session. The rest were then attending their case hearing.

(Note: There were 39 cicl as of March 30, 2009)  

Snacks were regularly provided.  The sessions were alternately facilitated by Tes Gomez and Glo Andres with Bobby Choy. 

Topics:  a. The Scriptural mandate for love and care of the environment based on the First Creation (Genesis).  Manny Nolasco (who is blind) was guest-sharer.

              b. Lenten themes: The importance of silence and prayer; the meaning and beauty of sacrifice-that even as young persons, they too share in the passion of Christ specially if they are able to offer the pains and little sacrifices that they have been experiencing--related to loss of physical freedom, longing for the love and care of family and loved ones, lack of visitors, dealing with co-offenders and striving to do good.

 

2.      A special one- day Recollection was facilitated by Bro. Aniceto Torrejos Jr.  The focus of the reflections and sharing were on the story of the Prodigal Son (or the Loving and Forgiving Father) and how this is very much related to the plight of young offenders.  He further summed them all up to the one Basic Truth-that even if there were things that we know that others may not know (or vice-versa) God knows everything, nothing can be hidden from God and God knows what is best for us.

 

3.      The regular 2nd Friday Mass was celebrated with Fr. Simplicio Roxas as Presider.

 

B.     COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT:

 

1.      Teacher Jess Gellada was able to facilitate one session only. He requested to go on leave for the next two months (summer period, from CRADLE only) to attend to some personal concerns.  In view of this, ACE will try to see if we could use the Friday sessions for some skills training sessions.  In this connection, we initially contacted the gSikap-Buhayh office based in Quezon City (the same partner in the Y4Y livelihood project) for possible viable projects and trainers.  Another meeting with their staff is scheduled early April.

 

2.      Meanwhile, the selected team of cicl-gartistsh has started preparing for three painting-entries for submission to the International Art contest facilitated by CBCP Commission on Pastoral Care.  Deadline of submission has been moved by the organizers to April 17, 2009.

 

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.  Noted:  A number of cicl have been requesting also for sulphur soap due to infected skin bites and skin rashes caused by the extreme heat.

 

 

II.                THE YOUTH FOR YOUTH (Y4Y) PROGRAM:

 

A.  PARANAQUE CITY

 

1.      One session each was held with the youth – 14 attended.

> Stressed the basic elements of Prayer -that these should be constantly practiced and glearned by hearth and that at a time like Lent, we should be particularly conscious of putting oneself in silence and in a praying mode to enable us to listen to ourselves and to our Lord and Redeemer.

 

                                  2.   Ms. Virgie Bruce meanwhile facilitated the session that was attended by 14 parents also.  The following were discussed:

> A review of what were learned from the last session (i.e., life stages of their children and parentsf pitfalls)

 

     > Topics:  The Seven Cardinal Sins of Parenting and Six Steps to be Great Parents. The lecture was focused on inconsistencies between parents in handling their children and disagreeing, in front of the latter, on how to discipline.  This prompted some of the mothers to share accordingly their experiences. A particular sharing by one of the mothers brought up a very delicate and sensitive experience with regards to the behaviour of her husband and their daughter.  Hence, we felt that this is a situation that requires an urgent follow-up session with the youth members, said daughter included.

 

3.      The Lopez area members attended the following activities at the

 Our Lady of Unity Parish inasmuch as the Catechetical sessions with    Rogationist seminarians already ended this February.

 

                                    > First Friday Holy Hour

                                    > gVia Cruzesh (Stations fo the Cross)

                                    > gKumpisalang Bayanh

                                    > Sunday Mass and Parish Catechism

 

4.  Budget allocation for school supplies and P.E. Uniforms has been provided.

 

5.      One of our Y4Y members was awarded with academic excellence this school year.

 

6.      The Lopez area members were also provided with their daily

jeepney fares to and from school

 

                                   

                 B.  KALOOKAN CITY:

 

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

 

2.      We met twice with the youth, one was a regular formation session and the other was a half-day Recollection.

> In both sessions, we (Tes G. and Sam Torrejos) stressed the importance of membersf good deeds and even their little sacrifices as these would give much joy to the Lord Jesus who gave His life, for us to deserve Heaven.  During the reflection-prayer, we asked the kids to focus their eyes on their two hands (palms up) and how fortunate they are to have gGodfs little handsh, but how did they use them?  Did they use them to hurt and cause pain, or to steal, to offend another, or to help, to write good or bad thoughts, or to soothe or hold another as a sign of caring?

 

> Obviously however, the youth members lack the needed basic catechetical knowledge on understanding, much less, experiencing the common Lenten rites and traditions. Hence, we will include them in the childrenfs summer catechism classes at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Urduja, Kalookan.

 

3.      The office of the Knights of Columbus within the Urduja Parish can now be used for the formation sessions.  Here, the group can experience much less noise. However, we all have to take one more ride to and from the membersf residences to get to the sadi office.  A relatively good venue is one major concern of Kalookan Y4Y.

 

4.      One of the youth members treated the group with gpansit and juiceh in celebration of her birthday.  We visited her humble house and had a chance to meet with her father and siblings.

 

III.             AFTER CARE SERVICES/ OTHER PRISON MINISTRY ACTIVITIES:

 

           1.  In coordination with the Prison Ministry of Our Lady of Unity (that is now headed by Ms. Virgie Bruce) the following were accomplished:

 

            a. The profiles of eight (8) cicl from CRADLE were secured.  These 8 cicl have committed a crime at Parañaque but this does not mean that all of them are residents of Parañaque.  We also sought the permission of the concerned cicl before we could talk with their respective parents.

 

                             b. Coordinated with Hapiz Dimangadap, CRADLE-designated Social Worker; also learned that there are 938 cicl listed (from 2006 up to present) who have been confined at CRADLE.  Of this number, 204 were released temporarily under the custody and care of a social agency/institution or of barangay officials). These cicl also qualify for the skills training offered by the local government. i.e., a one-day training that will start in June 2009.  Likewise, Ms. Virgie Bruce will be part of this project.

 

                2.  Bro. Bobby Choy, ACE IPI volunteer has identified one of CRADLEfs former cicl who was released last Nov. 21, 2008 and is residing within the Silverio Compound in Parañaque.  Bro.Choy home visited him together with 3 other released cicl, based on the abovementioned list and in coordination with their respective Brgy. gKagawadh.  Of these former cicl, only one expressed interest in pursuing his studies and presently awaiting for the progress of his pending application for factory worker at Lesliefs Corp. Another one unfortunately was still sniffing rugby when Bro. Choy was at the site. The other meanwhile has not also shown any signs of interest at all in going back to school. At the age of 17, he said that he has only reached Grade 2. He then prefers to work and earn if given the opportunity.

 

                                     Another released minor from Mashville Homes also in Paranaque, is already married and now looking for a job. A second visit to his house will be scheduled next month.

 

                   3.  Virgie Bruce also identified 4 inmates from the Parañaque City Jail who are residents of Lovewind, Paranaque.  It was found out that one of the members of the Marian Cenacle Group (of which Virgie is very active) is related to two of these inmates. As an entry-point, the respective mothers of these inmates will hence be invited to attend and eventually join the Marian Cenacle regular prayer meetings through the help of the said relative- member.

 

 

IV.              LIVELIHOOD PROJECT-   Ongoing in Paranaque area.

 

V.                 ADMINISTRATIVE and other Operational work:

                      

1.      Final drafting of Financial Statements for submission to BIR this April.

2.      A total of nine (9) computers were checked and made functional.

3.      The monthly staff meeting was held.  Discussed were the following:

a.       The firming up of the Set of Criteria related to the Y4Y Program and services.  (Please refer to attached sheet)

b.      Finalization of the schedule of activities vis-à-vis the respective Program budgetary requirements and other needs for April.

c.       Other issues and concerns related to the cicl and Y4Y members and parents.

 

                                 4.   Met with Mr. Finard Cabilao, DSWD Director who was on a 2-week leave from his work in Malaysia as the Phil. governmentfs Social Welfare attaché.  He recommended that ACE formally requests for licensing as a social development agency, the next step to registration.  Hence, ACE is also required to secure the services of a Social Worker in NCR even on an gon-callh volunteer consultancy basis.  Said Worker will visit the NCR Office and target beneficiaries even 3x a year. Meanwhile, the CdO office can be referred to as ACE IPI gExtension officeh. 

 

VI.              ADVOCACY and NETWORKING:

           

1.      Attended the meeting called by the CRADLE Warden with all the regular service providers.  The following were concerns raised and discussed:

      

a.       The Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Welfare Council who visited the facility informed (unofficially) the Warden that their office will try to coordinate with the courts so that as much as possible no more cicl will be placed in CRADLE.

 

b.      Pastor Laguardia informed that Parañaque cicl are no longer brought to the jail- instead, they are usually placed under the custody of either their own parents or the Barangay officials. During the scheduled Values Formation sessions, they are being brought to the session hall of the Cityfs DSWD, after which they will be sent back to their respective custodians.

 

c.       The Warden also announced that all service providers are required to observe the standard procedures in the gate/entrance, i.e., surrender of cell phones and cameras and the usual searching of personal bags and belongings.  Moreover, vehicles are no longer allowed to park inside the compound

 

d.      Should there be any change/s in the scheduled sessions with the cicl, the concerned service providers should inform CRADLE way ahead of time.

 

                          2.  Attended the first Board of Trustees meeting of PAYO.  ACE IPI thru its official representative Tess Gomez was elected as one of the 11 Trustees in the general membership meeting held for the purpose.  The Open Heart Foundation representative was elected President and Chair of the Board.  This is all part of fulfilling the SEC reportorial requirements. During the said meeting, the body also pointed out the need for an assessment and planning session.  There will also be a scheduled 2-day comprehensive training on peer mediation and other restorative justice practices that could be applied in the communities.

 

                           3. Assisted in the preparations and conduct of the PRAISED-convened    one- day Seminar on Restorative Justice and Alternatives to Imprisonment held at Bayview Hotel in Manila.  There were 81 participants who are mostly members of interfaith/interdenominational service providers of NCR jails.  The forum was the first gathering of non-catholic and civic group- jail volunteers hence the International Prison Chaplains Association thru the CBCP Commission on Prison Pastoral Care took interest and willingly sponsored the said activity.

 

                        4. Coordinated with the Couples for Christ Foundation for Family Life and the Phinmafs Hero Network of employees for possible regular volunteer services for cicl as well as for the elderly persons.  Both organizations requested for an orientation session for each of them by April.