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ORGANISATIONAL NEWSLETTER . OCTOBER - DECEMBER FY15 FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

Following Jesus: Starting It Right,Doing It RightAs shared by our National Director Josaias “Jody” dela Cruz during the Chapel Devotion in the National Office last January 5, 2015

When I was asked to speak on how to start the year right, the first thing that came to mind was, “How did we end 2014?” At the end of every year, my family sits together and we recall the things thathappened during the year, both good and bad. By God’s grace, every single year, the blessings always outnumber the sad days. I hope all of you could also identify with that.

Our church starts the every year with a week of prayer and fasting. It’s not really intended for people to go on diets after the feasting during the holidays. The reason for it is to start anew, to start the year the right way. And just how do we start right? By putting God first. In Matthew 6:33 we are assured, “But seek first His Kingdom and and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

INS IDE THIS ISSUE

Starting It Right, Doing it Right.........................1

OCTOBERWorld Vision sets a day to pray........................2World Vision, Rappler ink partnership..............4Heroes in our Midst..........................................5

NOVEMBERRemembering #AfterYolanda...........................7World Vision, AFC ‘kick off’ One Goal..............8

DECEMBERWorld Vision observes World AIDS Day...........8The Joy of Spaghetti........................................10Christmas Around the Corner..........................10One Month-On: UpdatesAfter Typhoon Ruby.........................................11

Whatever Floats Your Boat:What are you grateful and hopeful for?............9

HAPPENINGS.................................................12

Do we start the year with fears? Is it normal to be afraid of disasters or accidents? Some of our colleagues figured in an accident during a response in Samar after Christmas. Their boat figured in a collision and a couple of them needed to undergo surgery. Yet the Lord is faithful; they have fully recovered and are doing well today. Or do you have financial concerns? You might have heard the news that the prices for water, electricity and even the MRT fees were increased on January 1. Indeed, there are many concerns as we start this year.

It is natural for man to worry. God gave us the ability to think, and because we think forward and do not know what is ahead, we worry. Even though it is natural, must we worry about what to eat or drink or wear? One of the most often quoted passages in the Bible is, “Do not fear.” When Matthew says that we are to put God first, why does he start with the word “But”? Because God knows that we have fears, but because our Father is faithful, we need not worry! Scripture talks about how the birds survive and thrive because our Father takes care of them. Even Solomon in his best finery was never dressed as well as the lilies on the field. So how much more are you worth? Definitely more than birds and lilies! So, do not worry. The Lord is our loving Father; He is our Abba. 2 Chronicles 20:15 reassures us that while we say we are powerless and do not know what to do, the Lord says in return, “Do not worry, this battle is not yours. I will fight for you; I will take care of you.”

At the start of this year, we have a very special guest, Pope Francis. He surprised everyone right after being elected Pope by going back to his hotel to pay the bill. He says that we can win people over to Christianity by showing them the example of our lives rather than by arguing them into it. He also stated that science and faith are not contra-dictory, but are actually complementary. For many years, I’ve been trying to validate what I read in the Bible by find-ing the proof in science, and I’m excited to share with you something I found out about this last Christmas Season.

After many generations of discoveries, the greatest minds in science today all agree that everything in the universe is made of matter, and that all matter is defined as points with-in a continuum of time and space. The reason I’m excited is because this “new” understanding just validates the very first verse of the Bible -- Genesis 1:1 – which states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” Isn’t Scripture amazing?

I love the illustration that Chairman Chato shared with us during our Christmas celebration when she asked those who are married “How much do you love your spouse?”

“Do not worry, this battle is not yours. I will fight for you, I will take care of you.”

These words are amazing because they were written more than 3,000 years ago, and yet they state that in the begin-ning (the start of TIME), God created the heavens (SPACE) and the earth (MATTER). Today’s foremost scientists are just confirming the words of Holy Scripture, inspired by the Lord, which was written thousands of years ago!

Another thing agreed upon by the world’s most brilliant as-trophysicists today is that all time, matter and space ema-nated from one point, which scientists call a “Singularity”, and scientists agree that at the moment of the Big Bang, BOOM! – everything in the universe emanated from that Singularity. For us Christians, that is something we have known and believed in for ages. The Singularity is not a thing or a force. The Singularity is a Person. Scripture says that the Lord Jesus was there from the very beginning, and that everything in heaven and the earth was created through Him. John 1:1-4 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

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POPE FRANCIS VISITSTACLOBAN CITY

(from right-left): Executive Director Josaias dela Cruz,Public Engagement Director Minnie Portales, Chairman Atty. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato, HEA SAPO Director Angel Theodora, HR Head for Robinsons Malou Vargas and Communications Manager G-Jeff Lamigo, taken during the Papal Visit in Tacloban

And to those who said, “Very much,” she asked, “If your spouse falls into a septic tank, will you jump in after him/her? Most people would reply, “No, I will throw a rope or a ladder,” which is a very reasonable answer. But the message is, while we were in the septic pit of humanity and the Lord knew that we were in peril of eternal death, He jumped without counting the cost and gave us every-thing. And that’s the difference between an earthly love of a spouse and the love of our Father for us. He sent us His only Son, and He became one of us. It has been 21 centuries since the Lord walked among us, and the world has never been the same since.

Let me share with you the beautiful “One Solitary Life”, written in 1926 by Dr. James Allen Francis:

“He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant. He grew up in another village, where he worked in a car-penter shop until he was 30. Then, for three years, he was an itinerant preacher.

He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He didn’t go to college. He never lived in a big city. He never traveled 200 miles from the place where he was born. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but himself.

He was only 33 when the tide of public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied him. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for his garments, the only property he had on earth. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave, through the pity of a friend.

Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race. I am well within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned -- put together -- have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one, solitary life.”

Let me also share with you excerpts from the very power-ful message “That’s My King!” written in 1976 by the Afri-can-American preacher Dr. S.M. Lockeridge: “He’s the loftiest idea in literatureHe’s the highest personality in philosophyHe’s the fundamental doctrine in true theologyHe’s the cardinal necessity of spiritual religionHe’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call HimDo you know Him?

My King is the key of knowledge; He’s the wellspring of wis-domHe’s the doorway of deliverance; He’s the pathway of peaceHe’s the roadway of righteousness; He’s the highway of ho-linessHe’s the gateway of glory; He’s the master of the mightyHe’s the governor of governors; He’s the prince of princesHe’s the King of Kings; And He’s the Lord of LordsThat’s my King!”

I hope that the words in Philippians1:20 will be the same words of your heart, which say, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death for to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Start right by putting God first, and lookforward to the time when the Lord will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

OCTOBERWorld Vision sets a dayto pray

WORLD VISION STAFF LIFT THEIR HANDS INPRAYER

OCTOBER

Every year, World Vision staff across the globe join to-gether for a day dedicated to praying for the children and communities they serve, as well as the partners who make World Vision’s work possible. World Vision always begins its new fiscal year with a Day of Prayer on October 1st since 1981.

World Vision has marked a day to recognise the need for God’s grace going forward into a new year.World Vision Development Foundation and World Vision Global Office Manila celebrated the event at the Greenhills Community Fellowship, with the theme: “Restoring Relationships” last October 1, 2014.

This year’s theme centers on the scripture verse, Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

The activities lined up during the prayer gatehring reflected on broken relationships with the Lord and with others, and the importance of forgiveness. “It was very refreshing to kick-start FY15 by joining hands in prayer,” Pastor Choy Magdaong of People and Culture shared. “We are reminded and chal-lenged to humble ourselves and seek the Lord in the work that we do.”

World Vision closes its offices around the world for staff to gather and give thanks for the incredible ways God worked in and through the ministry last year. It was also a time to completely ask for God’s guidance, wisdom and mercy into the next fiscal year.

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POPE FRANCIS VISITSTACLOBAN CITY

OCTOBER

World Vision, Rappler ink partnershipMikhaela de Leon, Media Engagement Officer

Rappler’s MovePH director Zak Yuson andpartnership manager Voltaire Tupaz signed theMemorandum of Agreement for Rappler with the WVDF Executive Director Josaias dela Cruz andPublic Engagement Director Filomena M. Portales.

“We are grateful for the support of World Vision for Rappler. We look forward to working closely with the World Vision team to harness the potential of social media and their wide community network for disaster preparedness and climate resiliency education,” said Yuson.

“Citizens’ voices can be amplified through socialmedia as we work together in advancing disaster risk reduction and mitigation together with theGovernment, civil society, faith-based organisation and disaster-affected communities,” Dela Cruzadded.

In times of disasters and emergencies, survivors need to be informed – a necessity that is now deemed to be as important to them as food and water. Pushing for “Information as Aid” has been the platform of the partnership betweeninternational relief and human-itarian organization World Vision and news website Rappler’s citizen journalism arm, ‘MovePH’. The partnership dubbed Project Agos, was official-ly launched on October 20 at the World Vision office in Quezon City. Through ‘Project Agos’, World Vision and Rappler aim to educate the public on disaster preparedness and mitigation through articles, videos and infographics featured on the microsite,promoting #ZeroCasualty culture online and offline.

Leveraging the power of technology, Rappler has also developed a disaster mapping tool for ‘Project Agos’ which enables internet users to report the situation, which increases the possibility of quick response and rescue. This tool is expected to as-sist response managers and field workers during the conduct of relief operations. World Vision will also provide stories for Rappler on its programs on the ground. Rappler will be able to tap into World Vision’s extensive nationwide network of disaster managers and community leaders. “We are happy that we’re partnering with one of the leading social news agencies in the country. Media plays an important role in raising awareness and keeping people informed before, during and after disasters,” said dela Cruz. Rappler is a social news network which features stories that inspire community engagement and digitally-fuelled actions for social change. It also encourages ordinary citizens to take an active part in reporting current and relevant events through its citizen journalism arm, MovePH.

World Vision Executive Director Josaias dela Cruz, Public Engage-ment Director Minnie Portales, Rappler’s Director for MovPH Zak Yuson and Partnership Manager Voltaire Tupaz signs Memoran-dum of Agreement

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OCTOBERH E R O E S I N O U R M I D S T

This year, World Vision paid tribute to their very own humanitarian workers who have dedicated their lives to serve families and children even in the most difficult of set-tings. The different field offices, including the head office, nominated World Vision staff who have stood out for theiroutstanding contributions in humanitarin work. The awarding ceremony commenced last October 20 at the National Office, Que-zon City. The highest honor was awarded to Franklyn Salindato, a Program Officer of the Mindanao Field Office.

It doesn’t take superhuman strength to be called a hero. It only takes two things: the will and the heart to serve others.

“The world needs more heroes.” This is the call of World Humanitarian Day 2014, a global event being held on August 19 to recognise the efforts of humanitarian workers worldwide who support people affected by conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies. FRANK SALINDATO, PROGRAM OFFICER, AT THE FLOATING

EVACUATION CENTER IN AGUSAN DEL SUR

As a Program Officer, Frank has managed projects in Agusan del Sur for more than five years. He has led disaster respons-es like Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) in 2012 as Response Manager in Agusan del Sur. He had enough reasons to quit his job but he embraced every experience as a blessing. Doing humanitarian work was not without challenges for Frank. During the Typhoon Megi response, he and his team met a ve-hicular accident. He also once acquired Schistosomoiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms from contaminated water during his field visits. “This disease will re-main in my system, but it won’t stop me to thrive in humanitarian work,” he shared.

One of his greatest accomplishments was a disaster-risk reduction project, the Floating Evacuation Center in a tribal community in Agusan del Sur. The facility serves as arefuge for residents during rainy season when water reaches up to 10 to 16 feet for more than a month which can house forty to fifty families. Before the onslaught ofTyphoon Bopha, around twenty familiesevacuated to the floating center and kept the community safe.

Despite the risk and the sacrifices that his work demands, Frank has consistently demonstrated how it is to be a humanitarian hero by heart. He has become a trueexample for humanitarian workers toemulate.

“It won’t stop meto thrive inhumanitarian work.”

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Here are our heroes who embody what it truly means to be a World VisionHumanitarian Hero. They have gone above and beyond their jobs to helpfamilies and communities during their long careers in development work.

All of us who work for and with World Vision are part of that difference.

We are humanitarian heroes because we are helping children, families and communities around the world create the future we all want - a future of life in all its fullness where every child can thrive.

2014 Humanitarian Heroes at the Awarding Ceremony (from left to right):Gloria Cabacungan, Aaron Aspi, Joy Maluyo, Cesar Bautista, Anna LizaPasacao, Reynor Imperial and Arlo Ramos

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NOVEMBER

The 8th of November marked the one year anniver-sary of Typhoon Yolanda, which drew the world’s attention and compassion for thousands of Filipinos who were affected by the deadliest storm.

In memory of that day, World Vision staff came together and solemnly remembered the many lives lost and honor the survivors who continue to cope and rise up from the tragedy.

Remembering #AfterYolanda

Staff in Tacloban lit candles, offered flowers and prayers to the survivors and the departed on the eve of the anniversary. Survivors remembered their dearly departed under the high noon sun and blue skies, a far cry from the violent storm that claimed their lives one year from today. Mass was celebrated on the first anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda, a solemn and prayerful memorial.

7World Vision pays tribute to those who perished and celebrates a heartfelt thanksgiving to the world

for helping Tacloban get back on its feet once more. 7

NOVEMBER

In a bid to develop the love for the sport among Filipino children, while at the same time teaching them proper nutrition, international child-focused organization World Vision, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the Philippine Foot-ball Federation (PFF) teamed up for ‘One Goal’, with its successful Philippine launch last Novem-ber 30, 2014 at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. The ‘One Goal: Nutrition for Every Child’ cam-paign is a global initiative which focuses on pro-moting good nutrition among children through sports development, football and volleyball coaching lessons and a summer camp through football and volleyball coaching lessons and a summer camp. Some of the countries with an active ‘One Goal’ program are Australia and Ma-laysia. “The goal of this campaign is to promote nutrition among children through sports development. It is our joint dream, with the two football organi-zations, to develop a new breed of Filipino foot-ball athletes that can compete in the international football arena,” explains Jun Godornes, World Vision associate director for public engagement.

World Vision, AFC‘kick off’ One GoalWorld Vision Press Center

From November 28-30, 300 school children from 21 public elementary schools in Manila were trained on basic football techniques by coaches from the PFF. Meanwhile, parents and teachers of these children were also be educated on proper nutrition and preparing healthy meals. Throughout 2015, ‘One Goal’ will be implemented across the country, par-ticularly schools in the provinces without any prior football program.

“Proper nutrition also plays a crucial part in sports development. By ensuring that chil-dren are healthy, active and well-trained, we give them an equal chance to compete, first nationally and then represent the country in international tournaments. We hope that some of the kids we train would eventually join the Philippine team,” Godornes adds.

DECEMBERWorld Vision observesWorld AIDS Day

December 1 marks World AIDS Day, a time for the global community to recognise the widespread impact of HIV and AIDS. World AIDS Day is about increasing awareness, fighting stigma, improving education and mobilising resources for the global response to HIV and AIDS.

World Vision showed its support by organising a one-week campaign on raising awareness through staff quizzes and fast facts, which also lincuded a Stop HIV Now Photo Booth where the staff took their solidarity selfies. Raising awareness on HIV is crucial to get to zero new HIV infections, zero stigma and discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths.

THE STUDENTS PREPARE FOR A GAME OF FOOTBALL

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What are you grateful for in 2014 and hopeful for in 2015?

WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT

GRATEFUL: I’ve been in Tacloban for most of 2014 and I am grate-ful for the family that helped me beat the homesick blues. Shout out to the Magdalo Family!

HOPEFUL: Now that I’m back in the National Office, I am excited for all the activities lined up for the year! Watch out for a lot of campaigns!

GRATEFUL: I am grateful for God’s provisions for my mom’s hospital-ization. Good health for the rest of my family

HOPEFUL: I am hopeful for new learning opportunities to better im-prove my skills. For my ministry, to be able to disciple and reach out to young professionals.

GRATEFUL: I’m grateful for the gift of new friends!

HOPEFUL: I am hopeful for joy-filled and successful wedding this March!

GRATEFUL: I am thankful for the safe delivery of my first child, a healthy baby girl. I’m grateful that for 9 months, I felt the support of my colleagues, giving advice and prayers which helped me prepare for the big labor day.

HOPEFUL: What I am hopeful for this FY15 is that I continue to give the best gift to my child , and that is through exclusivley breastfeeding her. Workwise, I am hopeful that more children will be sponsored through our online efforts and campaigns.

GRATEFUL: I’m grateful for exceeding our FY14 target in-come, harmonious relationship within the team and I was able to spend more time with my direct reports.

HOPEFUL: I’m hopeful for more innovative ways to educate and retain our sponsors, our first donor event overseas and raise new Donor Care leaders.

Kamille Ruiz, Program Advocacy SpecialistPublic Engagement

Jake Fadallan, Web DeveloperICT

Evone Mortalla, Technical Assistant - Operations Visayas Field Office

Kristine Sarmiento, Online Content SpecialistPublic Awareness and Experience

Cecile Corvera, ManagerDonor Care

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Christmas around the corner

DECEMBER

Leodin is a 13-year old sponsored child from an as-sisted community in Ozamiz, Mindanao. His family of 6 lives in a small house on stilts in the middle of the sea. Because of this, Leodin has to travel by boat for two hours everyday so that he could go to school. Despite this, he is always motivated and inspired to, one day, finish school. In fact, he uses this drive to his advantage, as he even catches shrimps during his free time to earn and save for his future.

Before he became a sponsored child, Leodin said that Christmas used to be an ordinary day. Without enough food for even a normal day, Leodin would always wonder how it is to have something on their table on the so-called special day. And so one day, he came to his mother and asked, “How much does spaghetti cost?”

From then on, Leodin would sing Christmas carols with his cousins, hoping to raise money to at least eat spaghetti with his family on Christmas. His father, who works as a fisherman on weekdays, and moon-lights as a barber on weekend, was touched by his son’s persistence.

“If only I can provide for even a simple Christmas celebration for my children, I would. But I cannot.

So when World Vision came, I could not be happier for them,” he said with a warm, nostalgic smile.

“I was so excited when I heard that we have Noche Buena gifts from oursponsors. It’s like a dream come true.Finally, we’ll have spaghetti to feast on and to share this Christmas,” Leodin re-called with his eyes still twinkling withexcitement. Since his first Christmas as a sponsored child, Leodin has always been grateful to his sponsor who never failed to light up the spirit and joy of Christmas in his entire family. Leodin proudly said that his Noche Buena pack is shared by his family with his cousins so that they, too, can celebrate with them. He exclaims, “Thank you to my sponsor and to all sponsors who always made our Christ-mas very special and memorable!”

Estel Estropia, Donor Education Specialist

The Joy of Spaghetti

World Vision staff celebrated the holidays with their own themed parties, from whimsical carnivals to fun and goofy hat parties.

THE LEADERSHIP TEAM IN THEIR QUIRKY CARNIVAL ATTIRE

(NATIONAL OFFICE)

THE MASKED LADIES (VISAYAS FO)THE PRETTY BUTTERFLIES(LUZON FO)

THE RANDOM HAT PARTY(MINDANAO FO)

LEODIN WITH HIS SISTERS, IS ALL SMILES AS HE RECEIVES HIS NOCHE BUENA GIFT

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DECEMBER

Many lessons were learned after Typhoon Yolanda slammed the Visayan provinces just over a year ago. That is why people made smart decisions when Typhoon Ruby came last December. One month on, here are the updates from the field.

Committed to providing relief assistance, World Vision provided Non-Food items such as sleeping mats to fam-ilies staying at evacuation centers. A little comfort, like a dry place to sleep, goes a long way in preventing further sickness like fever, coughs and colds, specially to young children.

Families also received water purification kits that in-cludes aqua tabs and jerry cans for safe drinking. The hygiene kits they received, enabled the families to keep their bodies clean despite staying in evacuation cen-ters.

More than 4,100 families received Food items, and even pots and pans so they can support their family’s need for weeks after the storm. In each distribution made, joy and gratitude were met from the people of Samar. Donations, no matter how small, can help survi-vors move on to the next step of Recovery.

One-month on: Updates After Typhoon RubyWorld Vision Press Center

DECEMBER

THE FUN CHARACTERS OF DISNEY AND MARVEL (LUZON FO)

THE HAPPY CLOWNS (NATIONAL OFFICE)

THE GROUP PERFORMS A SONGNUMBER (VISAYAS FO)

More Christmas parties!

THE FAB LADIES OF THE NIGHT(MINDANAO FO)

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insightsinform. involve. inspire.

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

What’s next?

SEPTEMBER 2014SEPTEMBER 2014

07-09

January

11-15 17

19 - 23

What’s next?

Field Office Planning (Mindanao FO)

HAPPENINGS

01Launching ofThe Difference Is Love Campaign

03-05

ACTS Training

Learning Events (Visayas)

Learning Events (Luzon)

Donor Cafè26

10-12

Field OfficePlanning(Visayas FO)

Papal Visit in Tacloban

February START OF FY 2015

Pinoy NutritionHub Training ofFacilitators

17-24Channels of Hope Child Protection Training

02-06

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23Inauguration of Visayas Field Office