The Philippine Star

Rescued kids at Bantay Bata 163 dream of finishing studies

-

Jasmine Tabuan and her eight siblings have lived in the streets for years. That is why when she found her way to the Bantay Bata 163 Children’s Village, she thought she had found paradise.

“Minsan po ‘yong mga kaibigan ko po, pinapatulo­g po ako sa mga bahay nila, tapos sinasama ko po ‘yung kapatid ko na maliit,” Jasmine shared.

But it is to be able to study that she wishes for deeply.

“Sabi ko nga po sa Papa ko, ‘Saka niyo na ako kunin kapag nagpasundo na po ako. Kapag nakapagtap­os na ako ng pagaaral,’” Jasmine added.

Bantay Bata 163 is looking for a scholarshi­p grant for Jasmine. Her father Lope, who provides for the family by driving a tricycle, finds it difficult to give his family a home. It’s the local barangay staff that has been helping him with his family’s needs. At the Bantay Bata 163 Children’s Village, Jasmine’s days are filled with activities meant to help children in their social and emotional developmen­t. They are also given food.

As of today, around 250,000 children live in the streets of Metro Manila, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Developmen­t.

It has been the aim of the late ABS-CBN Foundation founder Gina Lopez when she establishe­d Bantay Bata 163 in 1997 to give abused and abandoned children a safe and happy home. The social welfare program eventually expanded its services to cover four pillars — Bantay Proteksyon, Bantay Edukasyon, Bantay Kalusugan and Bantay Pamilya.

In this year’s ABS-CBN Ball, which is slated to happen on Sept. 14, more children in need like Jasmine, will find hope as Bantay Edukasyon will be the affair’s sole beneficiar­y.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines