Posts by Bernadette Tan
Bearing All Things
Melmar took a huge leap for love when she married Clino and moved away to Zamboanga more than thousand kilometers away from her hometown in Bicol. She had met her husband while working in Manila, fallen in love, married and eventually moved to Clino’s hometown. But the storybook ending started to unravel when the couple’s…
Read MoreFamily Academy? What’s That?
Maybe you’ve heard the name “Family Academy” or seen Facebook pictures of little kids pointing at numbered cards, but how much do you know about Family Academy? Before we explain the program, let’s first talk about the educational needs we’re trying to meet. As the Philippines government has expanded their educational reach, we have, happily,…
Read MorePatient Update
Dennis Kyle and Wen Heart come from very different parts of the Philippines but were brought together in Hong Kong to receive surgery for clubfoot. The boys have a lot in common, from their interest in soccer to their experiences with bullies. As a child, Dennis Kyle was called “bali paa” or “twisted foot” by…
Read MoreVolunteer Voices: Zara
Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Zara Denham, and I’m 17 years old, currently doing the IB programme at French International School of Hong Kong. I’ve been volunteering at ICM since last October. How did you first get involved with ICM? I got involved with ICM through school. My school connects…
Read MoreSavory Sardines: Dipolog Specialties
Dipolog City, ICM’s Dipolog Base headquarters, is a small, laid back but an economically thriving city. It is the Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines. “Tuloy” (sardines) are abundant in the seas of Dipolog and are available the whole year round. It is a small, oily fish rich in vitamins and minerals and an excellent…
Read MoreReniel’s Fight for Life
Reniel started his life at a disadvantage. Abandoned by his father, Reniel is being raised by his mother Riza who earned income doing odd jobs. Amidst poverty and rejection, he was a healthy and happy baby, and Riza was excited to see her boy grow. However, when he turned one, Reniel began to grow sickly…
Read MoreA Firm Foundation
Although Rhona’s savings group in Bacolod has only been running for two years, it has become hugely successful. The group, established during Transform, began by selling detergent powder and dishwashing liquid and then later transitioned into selling rice and fertilizer. Extending loans to its members is one of the group’s main functions, vital in a…
Read MoreA Persevering Spirit
Tragedy seemed to follow Cristita. Four years ago, her husband died from kidney and liver problems. Her 30-year-old son, traumatized by troubles in life, could no longer work or even walk, sitting at home and rarely speaking. With her 26-year-old daughter unemployed, the burden of caring for her two children and one grandson fell on…
Read MoreEaster in the Heart of the Philippines
The province of Iloilo is famously known as the Heart of the Philippines since it is located in the middle of the archipelago. Its capital, Iloilo City, is also known as the City of Love, and Ilonggos are famous for being soft-spoken and sweet. Unknown to many, Iloilo is not only rich in beautiful beaches…
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