Event Geek

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding last Sept. 5, 2011, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) formally broke ground last Nov. 21, 2011 the 4,500-square meter land where a home for elders and persons with disabilities will be built.

The purchase of this land was made possible through a fund donated by the late Jose Miguel Aboitiz.

Dubbed as “The House of the Lord”, this shelter in Poblacion, Talisay City is part of MOP’s expanding services for the homeless and abandoned elders. It will be built across the MOP Monastery and will house 100 elders and persons with disabilities in Cebu. The House of the Lord is set to be constructed early this year and is targeted to be finished in December 2012.

The construction of this new elderly home will fulfill MOP’s charism and mission in Cebu which includes taking care of the homeless, handicapped, and the poor. Currently, the brothers are already taking care of 30 indigent elderly in a make-shift center in Sawang Calero.

With initial grant assistance from RAFI in 2005, the Missionaries of the Poor have been operating the Little Lamb Center, a permanent residential facility in Cebu that caters exclusively to children who are physically and mentally challenged. The Little Lamb Center in Sawang Calero recently houses and cares for over 40 special children with cerebral palsy, autism, and Down’s syndrome, among others.

“Years ago, MOP visited our office and told us everything about their mission. I am grateful to know that we share the same dream. The MOP opened before us the greater chance of sharing what we have to the less fortunate. I am thankful for these people whose heart belongs to the poor. They showed to us the way to possible things, which otherwise we will only be imagining,” Roberto E. Aboitiz, president of RAFI, said.

Fr. Richard Ho Lung, the founder and superior general of MOP, also expressed his gratitude and lauded MOP’s accomplishments in Cebu.

Established in Kingston, Jamaica, the MOP is an international religious order of brothers dedicated to the Joyful Service with Christ on the Cross to serve the poorest of the poor.

MOP is one of the beneficiaries under RAFI’s Grants program.

Grants is one of the capabilities in RAFI’s comprehensive approach to elevating lives and communities. Its other capabilities are Awards, Institutional Development & Planning, Knowledge Sharing & Advocacy, and Services & Facilities. These capabilities are harnessed for RAFI to deliver on its promise through its five focus areas: Integrated Development, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.

For more information about Grants, please contact 418-7234 loc. 205 and look for Jan Montilla.