As a vast archipelago, the Philippines is home to at least 116 million people. Unfortunately, more than 1% of this population, approximately 2 million, are abandoned and orphaned children. Besides child abandonment and family disintegration, crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and poverty contribute to this staggering number. These children face immense challenges, from economic hardship to limited access to education and healthcare.
Despite the pressing needs of neglected children, support for them is inefficient. The Philippines’ social welfare system is overwhelmed, and the resources allocated to it are limited. Due to this demand, the Davao Bloggers Society (DBS) is committed to helping unprivileged children and children’s communities. This time, the blogging organization decided to do an outreach at SOS Children’s Village Davao (SOS Davao).
SOS Davao provides services for displaced children, such as education, healthcare, and social support. They offer children a safe place to go instead of leaving them directionless or vulnerable to dangerous circumstances. However, it relies on its patrons to help sustain its 14-family houses and over 100 children.
A Move to Improve the Philippine Literacy Rate
A 2022 World Bank report indicated that a whopping 91% of Filipino children cannot read a simple text. These figures were first revealed to DBS via the Big Bad Wolf Books (BBW) Sale Davao leg last November 2024.
Therefore, DBS has extended BBW’s mission of making more books available to more children in the Philippines, particularly donating to unprivileged children who have little to no access to books.
“DBS feels at its core that beyond providing basic aid, books can make a powerful impact on these children’s lives. Our belief in helping empower those with limited access to resources aligns with BBW’s mission to increase readership and literacy. With this partnership and the generosity of BBW founder Andrew Yap, DBS was able to donate 300 books to SOS Children’s Village—far exceeding the initial goal,” Pauline Balayon-Ruta, DBS Board of Trustees member, shared.
The SOS Davao was perfect for the DBS book donation drive, as their library needed a major overhaul.
A week before the community drive, DBS volunteers and some SOS Davao staff gave the SOS library a fresh look, thanks to the generosity of Pacific Paint (BOYSEN) Philippines, who provided the paint and equipment. With their newly painted library and the number of books they received, the SOS Davao children and even their house mothers would be more enticed to read.
A Short but Fun Outreach Day
On March 8, 2025, the DBS volunteers set out to SOS Davao to turn over the books and other donations to them. DBS prepared a short program for the children for a more memorable outreach day.
The day’s host, DBS VP for External Affairs Jexx Hinggo, ensured the children were engaged throughout the mini-program. The icebreaker game “Hep-Hep Hooray” enthralled them so much that they asked to play again. DBS then introduced two more games, “Bring Me,” and a dance contest between every program segment.
Since SOS Davao was receiving 300 books from the drive, it was appropriate that the program include a storytelling segment. DBS member Olivia Limos read the classic Filipino tale of the “Ibong Adarna” to the children, captivating them with one of their favorite stories.
The event sponsors also gave short speeches to inspire, encourage, and advise the children, as they also aim to help improve the lives of these unprivileged individuals.
An Overwhelming Generosity
Before the event day, the DBS officers gathered additional donations from generous sponsors like DM&A Co. and Home Credit, who provided groceries and toys. The DBS members also contributed to this by ensuring that every household in the SOS Children’s Village Davao took home a sack of rice. Hop Inn Hotels also provided the room where the officers stored all the donations and performed their tasks for the big day.
As the official food provider during the event, foodpanda offered a sumptuous lunch prepared by Mamastill. SM Supermalls provided 10 boxes of water bottles, while Red Ribbon gave 150 assorted cake slices for the kids to enjoy. Understanding the importance of cleanliness, International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IPI) instantaneously agreed to donate bioderm soaps to the village.
“As a blogging organization, the DBS always yearns for its influence to reach beyond its usual networks. This CSR activity was a success and brought positive change to another community in need. We are deeply grateful for the love and generosity of our sponsors and members who donated and volunteered for this endeavor. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in this project,” DBS President Gem Tadefa said.
The Davao Bloggers Society is dedicated to supporting communities in need and positively impacting every person’s life.
