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We are a Christian compassion organisation dedicated to restoring hope to Filipino children and their families who live in poverty. This is achieved through programmes of compassion that minister to people's basic needs.
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The Bautista Family

Cecilio repairing shoes

Cecilio and Marilyn Bautista live in a small shanty in the 'Kayumanggi' urban poor community in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila. The shanty is made from scrap wood, metal and sack cloth. Planks of wood cover half the floor while the rest remains as dirt. Gaps in the walls, roof and floor make it unstable and susceptible to flooding especially during the rainy season.

Living with the couple in their cramped house are their seven children: William-14, Luisa-12, Celine-10, Dave-8, Zaira-6, Dana-4 and Mark-1.

Cecilio earns a very small income as a shoe repairman while Marilyn takes care of the children. Even with Cecilo's income and Marilyn's occasional earnings from washing clothes, putting food on the table is always a major challenge.

The family consumes an average of four kilos of rice a day. Marilyn usually prepares soup with small pieces of meat and vegetables to accompany the rice as this is all they can afford. It is not surprising that the children are showing signs of undernourishment.

Hands of Mercy staff saw the plight of the Baustista family and other needy families and decided to establish a feeding programme in the 'Kayumanggi' community. Nutritious meals are now being served three times a week to over 40 undernourished children including Zaira, Dana and Mark Bautista. They always enjoy the food and after every feeding return home happy and full!

'We are so thankful for the help the Hands of Mercy team is extending to our children, say Cecilio and Marilyn.' 'The love and care they show is helping families, like ours, to remain positive and hopeful for a better future.'

Click here to discover more about the Supplementary Feeding Programme