On 23 May, in connection to the celebration of the 2011 United Nations International Peacekeepers Day, the Philippine Contingent (PHILCOY) of the Mission for the Stabilization of Haiti (Minustah), conducted an outreach program at the Centre d'orientation aux enfants nécessiteux d'Haiti, an orphanage in Port-au- Prince.

"This activity happened as a result of coordination between our unit and the orphanage's administrator," said Col. Ariel R. Caculitan, commander of PHILCOY. "We focused on distributing food to the children of the orphanage."

The orphanage, which is the home to about 60 children, received various raw food items including rice, bread, cream crackers, coffee, and canned goods.

According to the orphanage's administrator, Mr. Mettelus Wislet, the arrival of the Filipino Peacekeepers was a gift from God because they came at a time when the orphanage was in dire need of support. "We are really glad, and thankful, to the kindness and generosity extended by the Peacekeepers," he said. "Obviously, the children were delighted by what they have received."

In gratitude for the visit, the children gave their own gift to the Peacekeepers when they performed an impromptu song for them.

Before the men and women of PHILCOY left the children, Lt. Col. Louie D. Villanueva, the units civil and military coordination officer, talked with the children and vowed that PHILCOY would return for more gifts.

TB/ HaitiLibre