Two Years After Yolanda, Bogo City Orphans Get New Home

In 2013, when super typhoon Yolanda struck northern Cebu, the House of Hope, an orphanage in Brgy. Marangon was torn apart, left them nothing but a small portion of the structure to shield the caretakers and orphans from the continuous rain.

Provincial board member Celestino Martinez III recalls his visit to the area the day after the devastation of Yolanda. He immediately called for help and lookfor people to help salvage the structure.

“Sad to say, the city engineer said the structure was unfit for repair and was no longer stable,” Martinez said.

However, the nun caretakers and orphans continued their stay at the same location with few repairs and improvisations while waiting for benefactors.

After two years, the 12 orphans of House of Hope, aged three (3) to 13 years old have been brought back to a safer, healthier and happier environment after the formal turnover of Beato Tommaso Maria Fusco House of Hope to the City of Bogo.

The orphanage was moved to a new location in Brgy. Cogon, Bogo City. The lot was donated by Sra. Nilda Espinosa Martinez while the structure was built by CEMEX Philippines.

This was made possible through the collaborative effort between the City of Bogo through Mayor Celestino Martinez, Jr. and CEMEX Philippines Foundation.

The new structure consists of more than 10 rooms, including a chapel, pantry, play room, guest rooms, offices, etc. However, they still need more beds.

“Were very happy to do this noble project for the people of Bogo City, and we feel even happier seeing the smiles of the children now,” said Chito Manago, Executive Director of Cemex Philippines Foundation.

Vice-governor Agnes Magpale added that the House of Hope can also accommodate women or children who are victims of abuse with the help of the Provincial Children and Women’s Commission (PCWC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Sister Flor of Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood is thankful to the people who made the project possible.

“This is such a huge blessing for us especially the children. Salamat gyud kaayo kaninyong tanan,” Sister Flor said.

Beato Tommaso Maria Fusco House of Hope is in need of donors for additional beds as well as more volunteers, psychologists, teachers and tutors for the children. Call 434-0024 or 406-6934 for more inquiries. (by Heart Rizarri)

cebu.gov.ph