APO Mission Group to Cottolengo Filipino

By Dr Emilyn B.de Marcaida

Last 13 Nov 2019, APO officers Dr Ermelinda Galang, President; Dr Marie Vic Reyes, Secretary; Dr Rossana Sanchez, Treasurer; Dr Kathy Ong, Auditor; Dr Lory Salonga, Director for Membership; Dr Susan Casipit, Director for Ways and Means (and concurrent Project Coordinator for this mission) and members Dr Alex Uy and Dr Cathy Lotilla organized themselves to visit and support Cottolengo Filipino, a non-stock, non-profit religious organization accredited by the Dept of Social Welfare and Development. It is owned and managed by LITTLE WORK OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE congregation founded by St Luigi Orione of Tortone Italy. Its AIM is to serve, protect and rehabilitate the poorest, orphaned, neglected, and abandoned disabled persons especially children.

Cottolengo Filipino relies on donations of generous and selfless persons, companies and organizations to continue its MISSION to provide residential rehabilitation programs, special education and training for its disabled persons and realize its VISION for rehabilitated,loved, productive and empowered persons with disabilities for them to achieve self esteem, social reintegration, thereby uplifting their emotional, mental and spiritual growth.

The APO officers, members were welcomed and toured around the clean and well maintained facility by Fr Julio Cuesta. There were 5 big rooms and the clients were grouped according to age and disability. There were also 2 rooms for isolated patients diagnosed with respiratory problems.

From the generous hearts of its members, the APO donated 1200 pcs of adult diapers,  2250 pcs of kids diapers, 480 pcs of underpads, 128 packs of wipes, 10 of gloves, 10 cans of lysol disinfectants, alcohol, and  4 sacks of rice. The patients delightedly ate their fave food Jollibee- Chickenjoy gravy and rice. Some were blended and fed to patients needing assistance like those with cerebral palsy. Pancit Malabon and Calasiao puto were also served.  In line with the PDA’s advocacy that water is the primary health drink, no iced tea nor carbonated drinks were served. Being able to share our blessings with the less privileged and the needy gives us indeed a genuine sense of happiness and peace.