THEalipay Negrense Foundation, Inc. celebrated its 16th anniversary last June 28 with a Thanksgiving party for its benefactors, sponsors, partners and friends at the Kalipay Children’s Village in Bago City.
Kalipay, a Hiligaynon word which means joy, is a non-government organization dedicated to support the needs of the disadvantaged children in Negros Occidental. Kalipay’s core values are:
No child should be hungry.
No child should be on the streets.
No child should be denied education.
No child should be subjected to violence.
Kalipay was founded by Ms. Anna Balcells, who gave words of gratitude to all present – all who were part of her journey for sixteen amazing and miraculous years. Managing about a hundred children, sometimes more, is really challenging. She shared that there were times when she felt giving up especially during the height of the pandemic, but God sent people and signs for her to continue helping the children.
I was there to experience Kalipay life, when I worked there for three years and even after resigning, I came back to spend time with the children. I developed relationships with them both the children and the staff. We are one Kalipay family. I loved working with these children - children who were abandoned, left on the streets, hungry and so malnourished. Some children were physically and sexually abused. Once rescued, you can see the significant changes in their lives.
I witnessed “Ramon’s” rescue – his parents were homeless and when we rescued him, he was severely thin and looked younger than his actual age. I was afraid to touch him at first, because he was so fragile. But then, the Social Workers had to talk to his parents. I, together with Kalipay’s then Psychologist and the House Father, were left alone with him. He was just crying. We tried to pacify him and eventually, he fell asleep.
Bringing him home made it easier. House parents are trained and have experience in dealing with these kinds of children. I was drawn to him. I wanted to help him, make him smile. We started giving him toys, first a ball, then a car and we were delighted when he responded. He was sickly – he spent time in the hospital during the Christmas break, but we were always happy when he came home. We brought him for regular visits to a pediatrician who gave him vitamins (of course) and milk. He eventually gained weight. Fast forward, 2023, he is still there, looking better and happier.
There is the case of “Adam” – abandoned in the church as a baby. He developed into a loving and clever but sometimes naughty boy. Soon, he will be adopted and will live abroad.
Ms. Anna also mentioned “Diana” who was rescued when she wanted to give up during the pandemic. Diana was left in a garbage can with her umbilical cord still attached to her. Now, she is so pretty and healthy. Ms. Anna presented her to the guests.
Then, there is Mecai, who in her Facebook page said, “from begging to the streets, to graduating with a degree” in Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She was rescued together with her three sisters; her older sister also graduated this year, and her two younger sisters are still in school sponsored by Kalipay benefactors.
There are so many more stories to share. Many children graduated from college and currently working. Some are already married with children. Several children were already adopted. In fact, two of those adopted presented videos about their new families during the program.
If you wish to sponsor a child, please contact their Facebook page, “Kalipay Negrense” or visit them at their office in Barangay Villamonte.
Let us continue bringing joy to the Negrense children.