The Negros-based foundation that never turns a child in need of help away marked its 16th anniversary on Wednesday, June 28 , by thanking all those who have made its journey a success.
Kalipay Negrense Foundation headed by its founder and president Anna Balcells celebrated its anniversary for the first time with a thank you lunch at the Kalipay Children’s Village in Bago City, Negros Occidental, that has become a haven for abandoned, severely malnourished, physically and sexually abused children, as well as victims of child trafficking, child labor and foundlings.
“You are the reason why we are seeing again the smiles on the faces of our children amidst their challenging past,” Balcells told those who have supported Kalipay’s journey and who joined the anniversary celebration.
Kalipay’s core values are no child should be hungry, be on the streets, be denied education and subjected to violence, Balcells said.
Everyday of Kalipay’s 16 years has been a miracle, Balcells said, because of the people from different walks of life with a common passion to create a joyful life for its children.
“You are all Kalipay’s miracles,” she said.
“It’s a day full of gratitude for all your amazing, encompassing and miraculous kindness, generosity and love,” and of big thank yous, Balcells told all those present.
“Throughout the 16 years of running a children’s home, the seemingly impossible always becomes possible and the seaming unbearable becomes bearable,” she said.
“Miracle is how I would describe the whole 16 years of Kalipay,” said Balcells, who also miraculously survived severe COVID-19 a year and a half ago.
She said because of the untiring generosity and love of all its benefactors, Kalipay has been able to provide its children with a fun, healthy and loving home, and education from kindergarten all the way to college until they finds jobs.
Quoting from an unnamed author, Balcells said: “We must all understand that the purpose of life is to also touch lives. In all that we do, let’s always think of others and how we can lend a helping hand and wipe away tears.”
On the 16th year of Kalipay, Balcells said her birthday wish is that they will never close down, never stop rescuing children who cry for help, and will always be able to give them a happy life with the tools they will need to face a bright future.
Kalipay currently has 137 children from babies up to college students, Balcells said.
Kalipay throughout its 16 years has cared for more than 300 children, many of whom have graduated from college and are now working, have moved on and are living outside of Kalipay, or have been adopted, she said.
Gigi Campos, a member of the founding board of Kalipay, said the early years of Kalipay were particularly difficult “but Anna’s passion and commitment to the cause of the children has always been unwavering”.
“I remember always telling Anna during particularly trying times, that we need to believe we are doing God’s work in taking care of the children, and God will not allow His work to fail. And true enough it has been a journey of miracles for us. Just when we are faced with seemingly insurmountable problems, miracles happen. Through it all, God always brought us the right people to help us in this journey of ours,” Campos said.
Among Kalipay’s well wishers on its anniversary was singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan who thanked Balcells and all those behind Kalipay for all their work for the children.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, in a recorded message, also congratulated Kalipay Negrense Foundation for its 16th anniversary.
“I salute all of you for a job well done in taking care of all of these abused children, not only in Negros Occidental, but all over the region,” he said.
May Anna Balcells and the people behind Kalipay continue to spread their love and care to all the children in Region 6 and maybe one day all over the Philippines, Zubiri said.
Kalipay’s board is composed of Balcells as president with Ginnette Yanson Dumancas, Julianna Carbon, Alan Gensoli, John Gayoso, Francis Campos, Ana Sanson, Jannette Yulo-Gonzaga, and Chole Chua as members. Executive director is Mhel Sillador.*