Silong Tanglaw Foundation is a home for boys that have been referred by their local government agencies to be placed in a safe and healthy environment. The facility, which was originally donated by a religious organization, is located in Quezon City. The boys are provided shelter, food, and an education. They depend greatly on the donations of their sponsors and outreach programs for food and other necesseties.

One month ago, towards the tail end of the Enhaced Community Quarantine in Metro Manila, it was brought to my attention that they had been barely getting by because the donations had stopped coming. Previous sponsors had not been in touch. The supplies were no longer being provided. This, to me, was unacceptable.

On June 3, 2020, I was able to send groceries to them. These items were delivered by courier. It was through the kindness and cooperation of friends, and HAPI, that this was possible.

A month later, it was possible to deliver another batch of groceries personally. This delivery included toiletries and shirts which were generously given by friends. The boys, and staff, received masks and hygiene kits as well.

We checked on the 14 boys that are currently wards of the program. We also checked on their enrollment and how they plan to continue their schooling under the new guidelines. The next goal is to provide them with at least one computer for them to do schoolwork on.

Although they still receive food allowance quarterly from a government office and a monthly rice donation from a private sponsor, the current situation has been a great strain on the boys and those who take care of them. They have started their own vegetable garden and are making the most of what they do have. It is with this optimism that we move forward into the ‘new normal’.