The morning was filled with a mix of excitement and curiosity as ECLARO’s Project E-Care team arrived at CRIBS Foundation Inc.’s (CFI) rescue center, the beginning of a day that would prove to be heartwarming and inspiring. The air carried a sense of purpose as they prepared to meet the foundation’s young residents—the survivors, as they are aptly and lovingly called, a term that perfectly captures their resilience and courage in the face of life’s challenges.
For some volunteers, this visit felt like a reunion. ECLARO’s Project E-Care had last been here in 2017, and though eight years had passed, the warmth and familiarity made it feel as though no time had gone by. The staff of CFI greeted the team with enthusiasm, delighted to see familiar faces alongside new ones. Reflecting on past connections and shared experiences brought a sense of joy and renewed fellowship.
CFI has long been a sanctuary in the Philippines for young individuals who have faced neglect, abandonment and abuse. Licensed by social welfare authorities, the rescue and rehabilitation center works tirelessly to create a loving and nurturing environment. Their mission is to help these rescued children heal, rediscover their worth and prepare for reintegration into society.
The center had made a heartfelt and meaningful request of Project E-Care: more than just material support, they sought opportunities to inspire and connect—a chance for the survivors to interact with the world beyond their walls, grow in confidence and feel secure while engaging with new people and building new experiences. This visit offered our team an opportunity to understand the transformative journey of these children—from their rescue to their gradual recovery. Hearing their stories of perseverance left a profound impact. Some of the survivors had made remarkable progress, with a few even returning to school or taking steps toward independence. Their achievements are a testament to their strength and the unwavering dedication of the center.
As the day unfolded, the survivors gradually warmed up to their visitors. Smiles replaced hesitation, and soon the group found themselves immersed in activities that brought laughter and true connection. The center emphasized treating the survivors with care and normalcy, creating an atmosphere where they could open up, feel secure and reestablish trust.
Toward the end of the visit, the survivors shared heartfelt letters with the team of volunteers. It was an unexpected but deeply emotional moment—tears flowed, not from sadness but from a deep sense of hope and admiration. These letters offered a glimpse into the world through the eyes of these incredible young individuals, a new and different perspective that encouraged gratitude and reflection, underscoring the sense of humility and inspiration that filled the hearts of everyone who had been part of the day’s experience.
Lessons of resilience, hope and the unyielding strength of the human spirit still resonate deeply with us. The unwavering dedication of the CRIBS Foundation staff left an indelible impression on our Project E-Care team. Their ability to wholeheartedly love and care for children they share no familial ties with—and to devote their lives to this noble purpose—is an extraordinary act of selflessness rarely encountered.
Such compassion serves as a poignant reminder of what it truly means to dedicate oneself fully to a calling—giving not only time and effort but one’s heart and soul to the community, to humanity. And the young survivors proved to be much more than just residents of the center—they are beacons of courage, embodying stories that inspire and uplift all who hear them. Their journeys reflect the profound impact of love, care and support—a powerful reminder that, even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for a brighter, better future.