MANILA, Philippines – The “Feed and Read to Lead” program of the Sta. Barbara Police in Pangasinan, which aims to instill the love of reading among children and promote the appreciation of our national heritage through supplemental feeding, gained support from a group of Americans from Hawaii.
The group from Hawaii, led by Dennis Arakaki, a 25-year veteran of the State Legislature, donated funds for the construction of classrooms in Sapang and continued their support for Kalinga ng Ama shelter, an orphanage for abandoned and abused children under Christ Our Life Ministries.
Arakaki pointed out that “Feed and Read to Lead” is a holistic feeding program to nourish minds and bodies and that never fails to impress supporters.
“We are impressed with their patriotic themes and resourceful strategies. It actually gives an idea for our own work in other countries,” said co-team leader Andrew Hongo.
“My favorite thing about this trip is seeing street-children happy when we give them such little things, like a Gospel bracelet that explains the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ,” said 13-year-old Christopher Furr, one of the youngest in the group.
Arakaki and his team of 10 went on a two-week tour in Bacolod, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, and Manila. It was their ninth visit to the Philippines, but the first time to partner with police in a community project.
“We are very thankful to the group of Congressman Arakaki and we hope our message of gratitude reaches their communities back in Hawaii,” said Sta. Barbara Police chief Superintendent Eric Noble.
Previously, Noble’s wife Cecilia, currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Sociology at the University of Hawaii, worked with Arakaki on a project for the disabled in Honolulu.
The project is supported by Sta. Barbara Mayor Reynaldo Velasco as part of his 10-point progress agenda on Social and Health Services, and co-funded by PMA Magilas Class of 1976 and JC Hardware, a local distributor of construction supplies.
An important highlight of the visit was the donation of a sculpture, the “Transformation Torch,” to honor and memorialize the ties between the Hawaii group’s Kalihi hometown and Sta. Barbara.
“We requested that the symbolic transformation torch be placed at the grounds of the local police station as we have witnessed their inspiring leadership in pursuing genuine transformation and progress for the town,” said Arakaki.
The Hawaiian group took part in the local police’s Heritage Tour of Lingayen and other sites that showcase the rich patriotic heritage of Pangasinan. They also witnessed the graduation ceremonies of the malunggay pasta-making enterprise and the turn-over of equipment.
The malunggay enterprise was spearheaded by Deanna Gregorio of the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Persons with Disability Sector, and the local PNP.
Aside from Arakaki and Hongo, the Hawaii team consisted of Christopher, Romina and Rowena Furr; Jackie Gamboa; Shelly Hokama; Roy Takemura; Yoriko Young; and international composer and singer Randy Hongo.
A Hawaiian cultural presentation, film showing and supplemental feeding event at Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan capped the 14-day visit.
The group performed Hawaiian songs, dances and did magic tricks for the children of Gawad Kalinga community in Barangay Leet and Kalinga ng Ama Shelter Foundation.
They also contributed sports equipment to various schools, and provided medical supplies to communities in Nueva Ecija.