They share time, money to lift lives of poor Kapampangan

In 1987, a year after People Power I swept her to the presidency, Corazon Aquino inspired 35 people to return to their roots in Pampanga and, since they were successful in their respective careers, share their talents, time and money to help lift the lives of the poor among their cabalen (province mates).
Twenty five years later, the Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF), left with just 11 founders, continues to help the poor.
“Many individuals and groups have joined us in this journey of volunteerism. And we realized that President Cory’s idea back then is the PPP [private-public partnership] her son, President Aquino, is doing today,” KDF president Benigno Ricafort said in a program celebrating the foundation’s anniversary.
The work has been life-changing.
Ryan Tuazon, 13, is due for enrolment this June in Grade 1 after his cleft palate had been corrected. Rusty Bognot, 18, received an artificial leg, enabling him to work in a guitar factory, while Augusto Ramos, 70, also received an artificial leg so he can continue working by delivering garments.
Jaime Santos, 56, signed up as a KDF volunteer after a cataract operation restored his eyesight.
But it took Margarita Juico’s flashback for the audience to know the beginnings of KDF and the work it has been doing.
“I cannot help but feel nostalgic, even sentimental that when you started KDF in 1987, I was with President Cory as her appointments secretary. I certainly remember KDF. I saw how President Cory was very proud of the Kapampangan who organized themselves to rally behind her to help the Kapampangan region,” said Juico, now chair of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
The KDF, she said, organized a big dinner and meeting at the Manila Hotel where more Kapampangan pledged support for its program, then called Rich (Rural Industrialization Can Happen).
“President Cory was your guest. I remember how often KDF sought my help in getting President Cory’s presence in inaugurating KDF projects in Pampanga, Tarlac and San Miguel, Bulacan. I was informed that the livelihood programs that KDF initiated became templates and models for the Mt. Pinatubo resettlement communities that were built later on by the rehabilitation task force,” Juico said.
Model
The KDF, she said, had become a model for the other provinces in harnessing the power of private sector organizations in helping people.
Ricafort considers 2007 a golden year because after being invited by the Ateneo School of Government to meet with four new provincial governors, the KDF decided to focus on addressing physical disabilities and decreasing maternal and child deaths.
Through 50 partners pooling health professionals and resources together, KDF had given artificial legs to 370 people, wheelchairs to 399 people, operations to 547 children, cataract surgery to 760 elderly, and medical examinations and medicines to 2,832 women and children.
It also gave free circumcision to 248 boys, dental care and tooth extraction to 263 people, walkers, crutches and canes to 188 people and mobile laboratory and X-ray services to 170 others in the last four years, a report showed.
Ricafort said he and the founders, who include Br. Andrew Gonzalez, former President Diosdado Macapagal, Rizalino Navarro, Fortunato Aguas and Lamberto Ocampo, were only after the “gantimpala ng langit” (reward from heaven) for why they formed KDF.
“From out of the goodness and the blessings we have received, I think it was natural to be thankful to God and share the blessings,” he said.
Archbishop Paciano Aniceto honored KDF by saying it renders faithful and generous services to the poor.
Among the steady partners are the Rotarians, Lions, Quota International, Operation Smile, Mother Teresa of Calcutta Medical Center, Social Action Center of Pampanga and Arellano University.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/160935/they-share-time-money-to-lift-lives-of-poor-kapampangan

Visitors and tourists travelling north from Manila look for convenient location out of town to spend a few days in a family hotel with white sand beach. Clearwater Beach Resort located in Philippines Clark Freeport is a famous destination near Manila.

Spa is not the only way to unwind for people who are stressed out by Manila traffic and noise pollution.

In a city like Manila, most residents rely on visits to spa and beauty parlor to unwind and relax. But with a short getaway to Angeles City Clark Pampanga one can de-stress by enjoying beautiful outdoor amenities of this beach resort, savoring what nature can offer. Clearwater Resort & Country Club offers several styles of accommodation from US$65 up inclusive of breakfast for two at the beautiful Breakfast Garden Restaurant overlooking the large Clearwater lake and beach. This is a good rendition of the lifestyle that the Americans left behind after they left the Clark Airbase.

Children enjoy the vast space while adults relax and unwind under large Acacia trees that can be found on the large picnic grounds of this top rated hotel in Clark. No wonder, this hotel in Clark is one of the most popular and frequently visited resort in Pampanga.

Highly recommended beach resort in North Luzon for company outings and family retreats is most frequently visited hotel in Clark Pampanga because of beautiful view and good outdoor facilities for swimming, picnic and barbecue.

For reservations, comments and inquiries,

Clearwater Resort & Country Club
Creekside Road corner of Centennial Road,
Central Business District, Clark Freeport Zone,
Pampanga, Philippines 2023

Tel: (045)599-5949 0917-520-4403 0922-870-5177

Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay

http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Email: Inquiry@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Getting to this hotel in Clark Philippines
After entering Clark Freeport from Subic, Manila, Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along Clark’s main highway MA Roxas, passing Clark’s largest wine shop called Clark Wine Center on your right, continue to bear right making no turns at all, go past Mimosa Leisure Estate on the opposite side of the road, you will hit a major intersection. Go straight and the road becomes Creekside Road. YATS Clearwater Resort and Country Club is on your right just 200m down. Traffic in Clark Philippines is light so it should be quite easy for get to this hotel in Clark Philippines.

For inquiries and bookings, click here to contact Clearwater Resort now

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com

While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.
http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

For jobs and business investment opportunities in the Philippines please visit http://www.yilp.com