A WEEK IMMERSED IN THE HEART OF THE PHILIPPINES  - Children of the Mekong
Go to main content

A WEEK IMMERSED IN THE HEART OF THE PHILIPPINES 

Since 2021, HARO GAGE has supported five nurseries in the heart of the Philippine slums. This commitment offers sixty children a safe and nurturing start in life. David, Sales Director and Partner, recently travelled to see the work first-hand and shares his reflections on this deeply moving visit. 

WHAT STRUCK YOU MOST WHEN YOU SAW OUR WORK ON THE GROUND? 

When I arrived in Cebu, I was amazed by the sheer number of programmes run by Children of the Mekong, with one hundred and eighty in the Philippines alone and one thousand two hundred across the charity worldwide. The approach is far from a one-size-fits-all model, with each programme carefully tailored to meet the needs of its community. On the ground, most programmes are managed and overseen by local programme managers, working alongside Children of the Mekong volunteers. Their true strength lies in the diversity of the projects and the strong bonds they maintain with the local community and charitable networks, which are key to their success. 

I also witnessed the dedication of the Bamboo volunteers, who approach their missions with passion, commitment and genuine humanity. I now truly understand how demanding these missions can be for them. 

WHAT MOVED YOU THE MOST? 

So many images come to mind. What strikes you most when visiting the programmes is the extreme poverty of the families, yet their warmth and kindness shine through, and they always greet you with a smile. 

Of course, I was deeply moved by the laughter, joy and spirit of the children living on the former Inayawan landfill. That morning, handing out toys with Ate Helen and Laetitia, a Bamboo volunteer, was an unforgettable experience. It was my first day in Asia, and you quickly realise that a few tears are bound to be shed along the way. 

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Learn more about our privacy policy here.

Latest news and stories from Southeast Asia

WAS THERE A MEETING THAT LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU? 

On the island of Bohol, I met a father, a farmer, who told me how hard it is to provide for his family. He was clearly touched to know that people so far away wanted to help his daughter go to school.  

On the ground, I saw that the needs are simple but essential. Some children walk two hours just to get to school. Often, all that is needed is a pair of shoes, a bit of help with transport, a doctor’s visit, or a small first-aid kit. The programmes reach children and families in very remote places, whether up in the mountains, on tiny islands, in rural villages, or in the poorest parts of the city.

ANY STORY THAT COMES TO MIND? 

I had the great pleasure of taking part in the Job Hunting Seminar and Graduate Day. I spent hours chatting with the students supported by the programme, both in high school and at university. One student, Welliam, really stayed with me. He is a fourth-year architecture student with sharp humour and impressive technical skills. He will graduate next year and is already working on a very ambitious property development. I have no doubt he will become one of Children of the Mekong’s standout success stories. 

Philippines

IS THERE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS?

I just want to say how fortunate I felt to experience something so deeply human. I encourage you to go out and see for yourself the people who bring these programmes to life with such dedication. My sincere thanks go to the entire Children of the Mekong team, and especially to the Cebu team, with a big thank you to Laetitia for all that she does.

-David, Sales Director and Partner at Haro Gage 

💚 Children of the Mekong runs many projects. If you would like your company and colleagues to take part in an inspiring human adventure, please do get in touch. 

Sponsor a child in the Philippines