World Vision and Basilan’s NGO Nagdilaab Foundation recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will help families and local government departments in Basilan province provide better education and protection for children.
“World Vision is fortunate to have signed an agreement with the Nagdilaab Foundation, an experienced and child-centred organization to ensure the well-being of children in Basilan. We are also delighted to be working with everyone in the province, from academia, families to government institutions that provide children with an environment conducive to learning and fulfilling their dreams,” said Rommel Fuerte, Country Director of World Vision.
“The Nagdilaab Foundation is delighted to partner with World Vision to help children in Basilan better educate and ensure their well-being is advocated. Nagdilaab believes that every Filipino child deserves an equal opportunity in society that allows them Our dreams come true and make their lives better. We believe that no child can be left behind. We want this partnership to come true,” said Miriam Suacito, Executive Director of Nagdilaab Foundation.
Fuerte and Suacito signed the MoU in the presence of World Vision, Amores Interfaith and Jabu-Jabu the Calling staff.
Under World Vision’s Helping Children in Basulta Province, the agreement will guarantee better educational opportunities for children and youth, and their families and communities will learn how to prepare in the event of a disaster or emergency. BaSulTa stands for Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi, all of which are located at the southernmost tip of the Philippines.
According to project coordinator Mark Sefuentes, many children in Basilan need help. “I’ve noticed that some kids take the boat to school on their own, which is risky. Some kids don’t have slippers.”
In addition to the MoU signing event, World Vision and the Nagdilaab Foundation have provided around 100 children with new school bags, which include crayons, picture books, hygiene products, raincoats, flashlights and solar radios. The three original learning centers received printers, ink and bond paper.
“The children and family were delighted to receive these items, especially the solar radio. One of the communities still has no electricity. The radio is very useful to them when they listen to the news and announcements,” Sefuentes added.
