Traveling to change the world

MANILA, Philippines –  World Vision sponsors recently had one of the most rewarding trips of their lives as they finally got to meet their sponsored children through the World Vision-Cebu Pacific (CEB) Lakbay Pag-Asa Project. Long-time donors, along with the World Vision team, flew to Aklan to meet and bond with the kids they have been supporting. 

“The trip solidified my experience as a child sponsor. I realized that people, no matter how diverse, can be united for a noble cause,” says Nenette Umali, a World Vision sponsor for nine years.

World Vision is a non-profit organization that helps children go to school by facilitating donations. It also helps these kids’ communities through livelihood and skills training for the families.

“This trip made possible by Cebu Pacific created a huge difference both in the lives of the benefactors and the beneficiaries. Both parties had drawn inspiration and love from one another, and to finally meet face-to-face was priceless,” says Boris Joaquin, World Vision Publics in Ministry director.

For many years, the kids have only been able to express their gratitude to their kind donors through letters and drawings. This year, through the Lakbay Pag-Asa Project, they were finally able to hug and say “thank you” in person to those who have been helping them grow up with a brighter future.

Nine-year-old Ysobel, also a World Vision donor, traveled with her dad to meet her beneficiary and now new friend Abegail, who is eight years old. Ysobel, whose World Vision pledges come from a piggybank where she saves money from doing chores and Christmas caroling, greeted Abegail with a birthday cake and spent bonding time with her. Ysobel has been a child sponsor since 2008 under the supervision of her parents, and the trip allowed her to witness how caring and giving creates a better and brighter world. 

Like Nenette and Ysobel, Cielito Cruz also met his sponsored child for the first time through Lakbay Pag-Asa.

“I was amazed to see how a few hundred pesos can help build and develop a community. I’ve met disciplined and talented kids who are refined and well-educated. I’ve met their parents who are most caring and selfless, giving not only to their families but to their communities as well without expecting anything in return,” he says.

“The project mirrors the mission of Cebu Pacific to enrich the lives of every Juan through travel. It shows how connections are formed, shared and strengthened by visiting family and friends and exploring a new destination. We’re thankful to World Vision for giving us this opportunity to help,” shares Candice Iyog, CEB vice president for marketing and distribution.