Opening Ceremony Attended by Officials and Media

by Jennette Fariola
VFV Child Sponsorship Coordinator

The Volunteer for the Visayans celebrated its anniversary as well as the grand opening of the VFV center last July 23-29, 2005. The week-long celebration was full of various activities which was then participated in by some local and foreign volunteers, as well as, the local government officials together. The activities were covered fully by the media also.

As a kick-off activity, a press conference was held with the VFV founders; Troy Peden and Jason Coppage and the VFV Local Director, Nannette Morata. The presscon was attended by various representatives of the local media in the city, which was then followed by a series of radio guestings.

The week-long celebration included a medical mission for the residents of Bliss Sagkahan attended by some volunteer doctors, international and local volunteers and on the following day a job fair was held attended by different local offices and establishments which offers available job slots.

During that week, the community playground in Bliss was also built. Likewise, an entrance arch was built at the entrance of Bliss.

The highlight of the celebration was the blessing of the community center, the playground, and a cultural night presentation, which was graced and attended by some local government officials in Leyte. The Congresswoman, Vice-Governor and Mayors of two municipalities as well as the head of the government offices joined the celebration and witnessed the cultural night.

The cultural night showcased talent presentations of various clubs, local residents of Bliss, VFV and Goabroad staff, professional dancers and Noah Peden, an international volunteer. Local officials gave a warm acknowledgment and support to the program, having understood the organization's aims and goals. The local media also gave their full support to the program by disseminating information through documentation of various activities of the organization.