Dear Bukas Palad friends,
We are happy to send you our mid-year update, to bring you news about Bukas Palad programs and most importantly, the profound impact generated in our beneficiaries’ lives.
First of all, we would like to communicate that BP Cebu Foundation has reached Level 2 as an agency accredited by DSWD in providing programs and services to individuals, families, and communities. This is a milestone for BP, and together with PCNC (Philippine Council for Ngos Certification) signifies our commitment to greater accountability and performance.
In the face of the immense challenges showcased on television daily such as widespread poverty, diseases, wars, and the devastating effects of climate change, it’s easy to feel disheartened, small, and powerless. However, amidst these difficulties, there exists an abundance of positive energy in the world. Every day, individuals act to transform themselves and their surroundings through conscious choices, meaningful gestures, and exemplary behavior. These individuals, collectively, embody hope for our world, even if their endeavors aren’t prioritized by the media.
In this letter, we aim to provide glimpses into the inspiring journeys of the young people and families of Bukas Palad. They exemplify the ability to take courageous steps toward personal growth and demonstrate acts of selfless service to others. Their contributions have a profound impact on the communities in which they live.
Ate Kuya Initiative
The “Ate Kuya” initiative. A higher-level student takes charge of a younger student particularly those facing academic difficulties and is supported with patience, embarking on a shared learning journey that fosters mutual growth. Trisha May writes: “Teaching Paul Chemistry equations was a great opportunity for me, not only to help someone understand a difficult concept, but because it gave me a chance to 
test my knowledge and skills and learn effective teaching strategies. I realized that people have different learning styles and different preferences. Chemistry is one of my favorite subjects, and being able to share what I know with those with difficulty made me feel accomplished. When I was preparing the lesson I was excited and a little tense, I went over my notes to make sure I mastered the topic well, before meeting with Paul. When we met, I asked him where he was having the most difficulty. While explaining how to solve equations I tried to do it in simple terms, giving examples and showing strategies to simplify the process. I answered his questions and gave feedback on his work. I felt happy and rewarded seeing the ability and trust of Paul who was slowly able to solve the equations by himself! Looking back, I realized that I not only helped my companion to study, but I improved my communication skills, I learned the importance of being patient, listening to other’s needs, explaining the same concept in different ways, and finding the best teaching strategy. It was a rewarding experience for me, which I would like to continue doing in the future”.
Ms. Jessilou Loquias, a Bukas Palad graduate,
She has dedicated several years to serving as a guidance counselor at USC University of San Carlos. Her selflessness is evident as she willingly volunteers her time to provide counseling, educational support, and career guidance 
to students from Bukas Palad. 
She shares: “It is a privilege and a blessing to be a former Bukas Palad student, and I am always proud of it. I graduated BS in Psychology and Master of Guidance & Counseling. Right now, I am a licensed mental health professional and a counselor. It’s always been my pleasure and passion to serve people. As a SAAD alumnus, it is in my heart and mind to serve my fellow family in Bukas Palad through counseling services, career guidance, and other psycho-educational activities that are relevant to the needs of the students, parents, and staff. The values and teaching of BP left a mark on how I am succeeding now in my career. Giving back what I have learned in my professional practice to our dear students, parents, and staff gives me fulfillment and joy”.
Bonifacio, a devoted father, resides with his family in the
Bukas Palad housing community situated in Liloan. His inspiring tale is below:
“I am Bonifacio Larobis and I am one of the beneficiaries of Bukas Palad Housing, located in the Municipality of Liloan, Cebu. I am 55 years old and I have eleven (11) children with my wife, Maricar Larobis. I was a drug addict in the place where I used to live before. My life was miserable because of my vices and it resulted in the downfall of our shoe factory business. I lost the trust of my relatives, and I started to indulge myself in illegal business, like drug dealing, and gambling. I believed that it was a good life that would give me happiness and comfort, but it was the opposite. The situation became uncontrollable and I was “sinking to rock bottom” during that time. We lost our house and we had to transfer to another place, this time to a squatter area or “informal settlers”. It was terrible or worse because I be
came so aggressive to the extent that the mother of my children became a battered wife. I didn’t mind all of these, even if I die or go to jail…. I would accept it. But God had another plan and He showed me the way that even how unfaithful and sinful I am, He still gave me the gift of His love.
I was introduced to friends who belong to a community of Christians committed to living the Gospel. At first, I was hesitant to join them because of my situation. But God gave me the chance to look up again in a new life. Me and my family understood that God loves us so much that He saves and forgives not only my sins but also the sins of the entire humanity. I felt total happiness inside my heart and for the past 27 years, my life has completely changed. Now I am appointed as Drug Addict Recovery Coach by the Cebu City government in order to help and support drug addicts out of jail in their rehabilitation.
God is never outdone in His generosity because some years ago one of my children was invited to become a beneficiary of the Support at a Distance program and we were given the opportunity to transfer to the Housing Project 
of the foundation. It was a great joy in our family, a joy that we can’t explain because God gave us a hundredfold… “a house that we call home”…. where my family can live comfortably with dignity, enough for all of us. It was a dream come true!
Living in the BP Housing unit gave us the chance to be part of a very active community. Now we are participating in the urban gardening project where we are trained in organic farming techniques and each family household 
contributes to taking care of the community
garden. It was providential especially during the pandemic, to have healthy vegetables to feed our families! It is also a wonderful chance because I was given the responsibility to be in the core group as a facilitator of the monthly formation meeting. We share many experiences of life and we encourage each other to continue to serve the community. Sometimes it is not easy, it requires effort, time, and patience in dealing with different kinds of people. But now there is hope in my heart for the future of my family and I am so grateful for everything we have received.
Dear friends, we present to you Trisha Mae’s satisfaction, Jessilou’s joy, Bonifacio’s courage, and gratitude as a heartfelt token of appreciation. This is our way of expressing a resounding THANK YOU for your untiring and generous support through all these years. Your support has played a significant role in transforming the lives of numerous individuals, families, and the entire community.
Till the next newsletter, we invite you to visit our FB page facebook.com/bukaspaladcebu and our website www.bukaspaladcebufoundation.org.
I wish you and your families all the best, on behalf of the BP Management Team and all Bukas Palad staff.
Leonisa Bacalso
Program Head
and
Roy Ceniza
Executive Director
