Children from the Pari-an Drop-in Center in their dance presentation during Pasko sa Kabataan
In the wake of major calamities that have repeatedly struck Cebu province in recent months, the true spirit of the holidaysβthe essence of givingβcan be easily overshadowed by hardship. These disasters have severely disrupted the lives of thousands of families and affected people from all walks of life, with the vulnerable sector, especially children, bearing the heaviest burden.
While children possess remarkable resilience, exposure to such widespread disruption and distress can easily lead to trauma or negative experiences that may shape their development. Recognizing this critical need for emotional support and normalcy, Visayan Electric understands the profound importance of upholding and celebrating the true essence of Christmas with these children.
On December 8, Visayan Electric celebrated its annual Pasko sa Kabataan with the children of the Pari-an Drop-in Center in Cebu City. Together with the Aboitiz Future Leaders Scholars, volunteers from Visayan Electric hosted a simple but meaningful Christmas party for 31 children, giving out gifts filled with essential school supplies, toys, as well as grocery items for the center to support their daily needs.
Pari-an Drop-in Center Social Worker Fujiko De Vera expressed how significant the party is for the children in the center.
βWhat we’re doing right now is perhaps something simple for you [volunteers], and it only happens once a year. Maybe itβs just one or two hours of your life in a year, but this is going to leave a mark on the children,β said De Vera.
De Vera also explained that the center not only houses poverty-stricken children but also children who have faced physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.
For the past years, Visayan Electric has made it a commitment to celebrate Christmas with less-privileged children in Cebu. This commitment underscores the companyβs mission to improve the lives of the community it serves and create a better future for children such as those in the Parian Drop-in Center.
With the party, Visayan Electric hoped to take away some of the heavy burden carried by the tiny shoulders of the children, even just for a day.
The Pari-an Drop-in Center, operated by The Children of Cebu Foundation Inc., serves as a safe haven for children who are in need of special protection.
If you wish to donate and support their mission, you may contact them through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/17hi1AjNWg/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
