MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- ANGELES CITY, Republic of Philippines - In a remote part of a poverty-stricken city, in a third-world country, a sanctuary exists for lost children from the streets. Streets that are paved with dirt and hunger.
The Angeles Bahay Bata Center is more than an orphanage. Comprised of a home and a school, it is the future for many Philippine islanders.
In the center, children from ages 8 through 16 find solace from the streets. They also break free from broken homes where the children deal with physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect and even drug addiction.
"Our vision is not only to provide a nurturing environment for these children, but to serve as a catalyst in developing their potential in all aspects of growth and thus offering the children extensive academic, values formation, medical, social welfare and psychological programs," said Pinky Narciso, the center's academic consultant.
The orphanage houses more than 40 children in a facility that is equipped with restrooms, cafeteria, infirmary, dental clinic, library and a television room.
"Angeles Bahay Bata Center is a pioneering institution. Which seeks to uplift the welfare of street children by providing for their holistic development; physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually. Thereby helping them become productive and responsible members of society," said Narciso. "In Angeles City alone, we have an estimated number of 999 identified street children and the number is continuously increasing."
The center is home to children whose lives are scarred, traumatized, or, in one child's case, transformed.
Joe Smith, a mentally handicapped orphan, is what the benevolent people from the center call a "miracle." The 16-year-old boy was beaten daily by his father. The last time he was beaten, he was struck in the head so hard it caused his skull to crack open. This forever changed his life. When authorities found him on the streets, lying lifeless with his head open, he was taken to the center.
"When Joe first came to the orphanage, he was like a vegetable. He wouldn't move, talk or anything. But now, considering his handicap, he has improved so much. He is a miracle," said Narciso. "Another wonderful thing about Joe is that all the children here love him. They all know of his condition and they always protect him if they feel he is treated wrong by someone. It brings out their instinct to be protective."
Joe Smith is just one of the tragic stories from the streets. Stories of hunger and drug addiction are common as well. To escape hunger, children from the streets sniff rubber cement. The high from the chemicals in the glue take away the children's appetite.
On Feb. 19, more than 25 United States Marines and Sailors from Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines, visited the orphanage to share a life-altering experience for both the service members and the orphans. The orphans, according to Narciso, are not accustomed to seeing many Westerners, let alone service members. When the Sailors and the Marines appeared before the children, both parties were in awe, with admiration coming from the children and sympathy from the service members.
"The children do not have any role models, they have no family. But when they see Marines, they immediately know who they are and many of the children admire what they do," Narciso said.
The introduction began with different service members introducing themselves individually and telling the children why they chose to be in the military.
"People like Marines are good role models. They explain why they chose to join the military and why getting education is important. It gives the children something to look at and, maybe, they would want to be the same way," Narciso explained.
The Angeles Bahay Bata Center is an organization that is funded by private donations. For more information on how to help, or donate items, contact the center at www.angelesstreetkids.org.