A Beacon of Hope: The Mission and Impact of Misericordia Children Center Inc in Tacloban City, Philippines

Introduction

We are delighted to share the story of Mercy in Action at Misericordia Children Center, Inc. in Tacloban, Philippines. With thanks to Sister Mary Carmela N. Cabaculan, RSM for sharing the story.

Mercy in Action

After Typhoon Yolanda/ Haiyan struck Tacloban City in 2013, Tacloban City was left with not just physical devastation but as well as issues of vulnerability due to poverty, neglect, or lack of opportunities and Child Protection issues. To address some of these issues, the Religious Sisters of Mercy Tacloban with the help of the initial funding from Caritas Germany, started the operation of Misericordia Children Center formerly known as Mother of Hope Children Center in 2016. 

Misericordia Children Center, Inc. (MCCI), located in Tacloban City, Philippines led by the project Director Sr. Mary Carmela Cabactulan, RSM, stands as the Mercy Work of the Religious Sisters of Mercy (RSM) Tacloban Philippines headed by Sr. Mary Angela Vergara, RSM, Superior General. It serves as the Community extension Program of the Holy Infant College of Tacloban City, Inc. through the leadership of Sr. Mary Raphael Amante, RSM, school President.  It is an Innovative program which supports the children in street situations and is initiated by the school as part of its Community Engagement and Social Responsibility in response to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si - “Cry of the Poor”.

MCCI operates on a foundation of Mercy, aiming to transform the lives of children in street situations and underprivileged youth by providing them the conducive environment needed for their holistic development. MCCI works in adherence to the four fundamental categories of the Rights of the Child under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). MCCI is also committed to taking part in conducting activities in response to some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

During its 10 years of existence, MCCI has aimed to empower their beneficiaries through human development programs, moral growth initiatives, and educational support that foster self-reliance. MCCI also provides support to their respective families and communities where the beneficiaries reside to ensure that children grow in a proper, caring and safe environment.

As an institution, the Holy Infant College of Tacloban City, Inc. has been supporting MCCI not just as part of their community outreach program but it also aims to develop among their students the moral obligation of caring for other people especially the marginalized and vulnerable sector of the community. This innovative program of the Holy infant College through MCCI encourages a community-driven response to social issues hence, opening the eyes and hearts of the students, teachers and staff to the realities of life and the people. It becomes a venue to initiate activities where they share their resources, time and knowledge to help the kids and youth beneficiaries experience care and support.

In conclusion, MCCI as a work of Mercy and an innovative program of the Holy Infant College is more than just a care facility but it embodies compassion and justice. It serves as a bridge of hope and fosters a world where children in street situations in Tacloban City are given the opportunity to grow, participate, thrive and change their narratives into stories of Hope. 

Sister Mary Carmela N. Cabaculan, RSM

Editor’s Note: We are grateful to Sister Mary Carmela for sharing this wonderful story of hope.

Photos used with permission.