Our last day consisted of a 300 bedkit distribution in the morning at San Isidro, with a final 300 bedkits at Bago Bantay. Both sites were situated in Manila which involved a fairly lengthy commute (timewise) through traffic. At San Isidro the children were ready and waiting in the local basketball court, eagerly waving Canadian and Filipino flags. Following brief opening remarks, the singing of both national anthems and we were into photography mode. The flow of children was excellent! A combination of local volunteers and members of SCAW Philippines made for steady, uninterrupted progress.
A typical Filipino lunch of tilapia, rice, fresh pineapple, papaya, yellow melon, and small bananas was generously provided by the local volunteers for both teams.
Then we were off into traffic again to reach Bago Bantay, our last site of a hectic and rewarding two weeks. The massive oak doors of the local church provided an ideal backdrop for the children’s photos.
The final recipient…smiling like so many others before her. A tired but elated team took their places where 5,000 children had sat previously, behind the bedkit at sixteen locations across Luzon.
Our post distribution meeting, an emotional gathering, with the full SCAW Philippines team was held in the evening, where we discussed the success of yet another Philippines distribution. Doctor Ito and his team expressed their gratitude to the many donors in Canada and around the world who made this project possible, and to the Canadian team for their commitment to the children of the Philippines. The Canadian team in turn thanked SCAW Philippines for all their time and effort preparing for the distribution and for their untiring support and generosity to the team during our time here.
Salamat po (respectfully thank you)
Team Philippines 2016
