Archive for October, 2009
My experience with Typhoon Ondoy
This personal account of Antipolo Project Coordinator Malou Navio’s experience during Typhoon Ondoy (also called Ketsana) just arrived. Malou said the staff has to travel through alleys on balsa boats to reach CFCA families. Many of them are scattered in different evacuation centers. At present, the homes of 1,024 Antipolo families are submerged in floodwaters.
The downpour of heavy rains began at dawn on Sept. 26. Then it became unusual in the morning. I was working at the office that time. I and six other staff left our office to sweep away the rain water continuously pouring in and preventing access to the room of the community workers. Some staff moved the folders and documents hurriedly from the lowest drawers of the filing cabinets onto the top of the cabinets and desks.
The height of the floodwater on the street in front of our office was getting high. I left them while they were still sweeping to rush home because a niece of mine called telling me that our home was flooded. The place to pass through going home flooded to chest level. My niece and sister-in-law said they were trapped on the second floor of our home.
Then, on the street where I stopped, I witnessed people—children and older persons—wet and chilled. People were helping to guide one another to where to pass safely. I saw people scampering to their rooftops. All were looking for elevated places to stand. Some women were crying with their children. I helped a mother with a newborn baby wet from the flood and brought them in the office until the rain and flooding subsided.
We are used to flooding but it was the first time we experienced that kind. Our town and many other towns turned into a water world. Three of our staff with seven ERPAT (fathers group) officers were stranded for two days in Teresa, Rizal, while conducting a seminar in school with parent leaders.
In the Antipolo project, eight of us live in different places. Our homes were inundated, and our streets are still flooded.
We appreciate the alertness of the leaders and ERPAT fathers for their effort to rescue. One of them is recovering now from severe injury.
I conducted emergency meetings with the staff and parent leaders to discuss strategy for rescue and relief. The staff and I with ERPAT leaders took turns cooking meals to bring to evacuation centers where sponsored members were staying. I went with other staff to the different communities where I was able to see the situation of the sponsored members and their devastated homes, and I listened to their stories.
I strongly believe, as do many of them (one of them is Ricardo, the father of Rachel, a sponsored girl whose story I shared), that this is happening because of the climate change and the global warming. We sustain the sponsorship program with a commitment to care for God’s creation.
Malou
Related links
The story of Rachel
October 14, 2009 at 3:24 pm Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) Leave a comment
The miracle tree
By Joanna Sabally, CFCA project specialist for the Africa region
I was a Peace Corps volunteer in a rural community in the Gambia, West Africa from 2003-2005. I had an opportunity to learn more about moringa oliefeira, also known as the “Miracle Tree.” As part of my training, I learned about the nutritional benefits and uses of moringa, which was already widespread in the area. Moringa trees are small but mighty; they have an extremely high content of several vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, vitamin C. It also has high protein content.
Organizations in the region were promoting its use to combat malnutrition in pregnant women and young children. Generally, families in my community used the moringa plant to make leaf sauce, but there are many other uses to the plant as well. I promoted the more intensive use of moringa leaves as a healthy supplement to food, and encouraged women not to dump water drained from moringa sauces, but to drink it as a tea instead.
I grew the moringa tree intensively in my backyard and dried its leaves in the shade, so as not to lose nutrients. I would pound the leaves with a mortar and pestle and sifted them to make moringa powder. Although the moringa leaf has a somewhat strong smell and flavor, a few tablespoons of the powder can be blended into any sauce as a nutrition supplement without impacting the flavor too much. I ate the powder frequently myself, and worked with each family in the village to sensitize them about all the benefits of the plant. Adding about four tablespoons a day to a child or pregnant mother’s daily food intake can make a dramatic difference in their health.
Moringa seeds can also be used to purify water, the seed pods can be eaten, and the bark and roots have medicinal uses, although parts of the roots are slightly poisonous. It does truly seem to be a “miracle tree.”
October 13, 2009 at 2:32 pm Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) Leave a comment
Remembering Ronaldo “Bong” Alcordo
By Trisha Pitts, project director for the Philippines
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ronaldo Alcordo, known to everyone as “Bong.” He was the coordinator of subprojects BQ and BU in the Quezon, Philippines, project. Bong was assessing the damage caused by Typhoon Ketsana to the sponsored members in his subprojects, and contracted leptospirosis from the floodwater. Bong’s wife, Nenita, is part of the correspondence team at the Quezon coordinating office. They have three children, a 6-year-old son, a 4-year-old daughter and a 6-month-old daughter.
Bong has been an integral and well-loved member of the Quezon team for a number of years, and the entire project is mourning his death. We share in this tremendous tragedy, and keep Bong, his family and the entire project in our hearts and prayers at this time.
October 12, 2009 at 3:32 pm Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) 6 comments
Moringa trees in the Philippines
Oct. 16 is World Food Day, created in 1979 to increase awareness of the global food problem. In light of this event, we will be doing our part to raise awareness of simple, natural ways to combat malnutrition and hunger. Because CFCA spends more money on nutrition-related benefits than any other, our project staff and families are very creative when it comes to sustainable options. For example, in a recent report from the Philippines, we learned that CFCA families plant moringa trees. Not only is this tree extremely nutritious, but it’s drought-resistant AND most of the tree can be used. Although this is the first time we’ve heard of this tree, our projects are very familiar with its benefits. This week, you will hear how several projects incorporate this “miracle” tree into the CFCA program.
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| Llyod harvests the tiny moringa leaves. |
Q&A with Malou Navio, Antipolo, Philippines, project coordinator
1. You said in the Clean and Green report that CFCA families plant moringa trees. How do they use the trees?
The moringa tree is a popular, indigenous herb to us and to people in the communities. Its matured bark is scraped to get a teaspoonful of shavings to mix with a cup of hot or cold water to make a tea known to cleanse the urinary tract. It can also be used as an antiseptic.
The young branch can also be used as plaster liniment. We start with a six-inch cutting, then make it flat, add a little oil, then heat it. When it warms to a tolerable temperature, put on the painful area to relieve the pain.
Moringa seeds can be used as water purifier. Just pound the seeds then place them in the water jug or jar.
2. How do you care for the moringa trees?
Just water the moringa tree during dry season. In rainy season, elevate the soil around the trees. Moringa will die if water sits for long around its roots. Pruning is also helpful to sprout more branches.
3. If the leaves are used for food, how do you prepare moringa? How do you eat it?
We thresh the leaves from its stem. It can be incorporated almost in all viands — soups, noodles, sweets, snacks, burgers and juice. It is prepared just like an ordinary cabbage or spinach.
4. Can you harvest the tree at any time of the year or only certain seasons?
Moringa can be harvested at any time of the year when there are enough leaves. For a large tree, we can harvest twice weekly.
October 12, 2009 at 10:57 am Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) 2 comments
Thank you, Sponsor Services
By Raelene Dietz, Director of Sponsor Outreach
When I am faced with a daunting pile of projects and need a boost of energy, I need only walk a few steps outside my office and listen to any of the 24 voices that can be heard speaking on the phone to our sponsors.
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| Rico in Sponsor Services |
As the voice of CFCA, Sponsor Services is a well-informed, committed team that deals with the various issues of concern to our sponsors. The men and women of Sponsor Services are different from other customer service teams. They must be equipped with the patience to handle the many questions about contributions, the compassion to share difficult news and the spirituality to pray for and with sponsors over the phone.
The topics are many, the results are varied and the goal is singular – to help sponsors in a way that shows the thankful respect and care we feel for them.
Speaking with a smile on their faces, (it can be heard, you know), Sponsor Services strives to guide sponsors on their journey of friendship with their sponsored friends. They don’t have the answers to every question, but they will do everything they can to help the sponsor, if possible.
Customer Service Week is celebrated nationally, Oct. 5-9. The week was designed to recognize company representatives for the important work they do all year, and to drive customer service awareness and improved service levels throughout the entire organization.
The team of Sponsor Services at CFCA will be celebrating the week as well. They have a variety of team-based activities planned. Silly Hat Day, ‘80s Day and International Dress Day are among the spirited plans for the group.
Some member of Sponsor Services on Silly Tie Day: (top row, left to right) Ramiro, Liz, Mary, Linda (bottom row, l-r) Jessie, Raelene
As they celebrate Customer Service Week, this entire team shares a deep commitment to quality sponsor service. We are thankful for that commitment and dedication as we recognize the service they provide!
October 9, 2009 at 2:05 pm Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) 2 comments
Zamboanga documentary CD Release Concert: Tickets available now!
The gift of a song: It’s essential. It’s fleeting. And you’re invited.
The CFCA documentary film is in the last phase of production, and the companion CD is ready to launch!
As a gift to our sponsors and the Kansas City area, CFCA is presenting a CD release concert at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, at Yardley Hall in the Carlsen Center at Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kan. Here are directions to the Carlsen Center once you get on the campus.
The music was written by Kansas City musician Barclay Martin during his travels in the Philippines for the documentary, and some of the songs are featured in the film. Barclay Martin Ensemble will perform the songs at the concert, joined by special guests.
Guest performances include the Sampaguita Choir and Sinag-Tala Dance Group from the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City.
Admission is free, but seating is limited. Please contact Yardley Hall to make reservations: (913) 469-4445.
The concert is being sponsored in part by Bank of Kansas City.
For more information about the documentary, visit www.zamboangathemovie.com. Please sign up for the eNews to keep current on the film.
October 6, 2009 at 1:42 pm Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) Leave a comment
Second typhoon misses major cities
Typhoon Parma, the second typhoon in a week to hit the Philippines, followed a northward path, avoiding a direct hit to the capital, Manila. Though the existing flood waters in Manila swelled even higher because of the heavy rains from Parma, there were no reports of damage or injury so far from CFCA projects or families in the north.
Despite the storms, the Filipino spirit cannot be dampened.
“These calamities test the resiliency of the Filipinos in facing problems,” said Gari Olavario, coordinator of the Legazpi project. “I’m so touched and proud of my countrymen. Each one of us is compassionate, helpful, kind, which is enough to ease the pain and sufferings of the affected families.”
For more detailed update, please read this article.
Sponsors and others wishing to help may donate to CFCA’s Disaster Assistance Fund. One hundred percent of donations to this fund are sent to CFCA projects to help individuals and families affected by disasters. Funds donated are used where they are most needed.
We ask that you continue to keep in your thoughts and prayers the Filipino people affected by these storms.
October 5, 2009 at 2:48 pm Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) Leave a comment
Photos from the Philippines
Malou Navio, coordinator of the Antipolo project in the Philippines, sent photos of the destruction left behind by Typhoon Ketsana. The three CFCA projects, Manila, Antipolo and Quezon, impacted by the typhoon are distributing food and water, and assessing the extent of the damage. CFCA has reported no deaths or severe injuries among sponsored members. Below you will see some of the photos from Malou. You can read an update on the situation here.
Sponsors and others wishing to help may donate to CFCA’s Disaster Assistance Fund. One hundred percent of donations to this fund are sent to CFCA projects to help individuals and families affected by disasters. Funds donated are used where they are most needed.
Typhoon Ketsana hit the Manila area Sept. 26.
More than 16 inches of rain fell in 12 hours.
Ketsana was the worst typhoon to hit the Manila area in 40 years.
CFCA fathers groups prepared and distributed meals to sponsored members and their families.
CFCA staff and fathers group members had to use boats to reach some CFCA communities.
CFCA staff and fathers group members assisted families with evacuation and rescuing belongings from the flood waters.
October 2, 2009 at 11:18 am Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) 15 comments
