BY FR. SHAY CULLEN
IT IS NOT often that a charitable organization gets the opportunity to celebrate 50 years of service to the Filipino people.
This year is the golden anniversary of the founding of the People’s Recovery, Empowerment and Development Assistance (Preda) Foundation in Olongapo City.
The work of Preda is focused on promoting human rights and dignity. It does this by campaigning for children’s rights; rescuing abused, neglected and trafficked children; and protecting, healing and empowering them in our three residential facilities.
After 50 years, the Preda Foundation still provides education, support and daily legal assistance to hundreds of abused and needy boys and girls in Luzon and the Visayas. It has also helped abuse victims in Mindanao. This was only made possible by the dedication and commitment of Preda’s courageous Filipino staff, who work day and night in our facilities in Zambales and Cebu, supporting the children and continuing the foundation’s work.
It all began in 1974, when, at the height of martial law — imposed in September 1972 — many innocent young people were being arbitrarily arrested and jailed. Some were tortured and killed without due process, while others were persecuted for illegal drug use — issues similar to those being investigated now in the Senate.
Preda was founded in Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City, to provide shelter, protection and a chance at recovery for male youth at risk and suspected of wrongdoing. This was the first sanctuary where young people with family and emotional problems also found safety, therapy and protection. Many were and are being healed through our effective Emotional Release Therapy program.
Over 2,000 boys have passed through Preda’s homes since 1974. Today, at least 60 new boys are saved every year from the streets, youth jails and abusive situations, and they get healed, empowered, educated and a better start in life.
The youths respond positively to the support and friendship offered by the Preda family and welcome their respect and encouragement. They realize that Preda workers are good persons with dignity and rights, and a positive future. Many of these youngsters have endured rejection, neglect, physical and sexual abuse, exploitation, and hunger in their own homes or community. Some were abused in government detention centers before they were released to Preda through a court order.
The negative behavior the boys had displayed was understood as rooted in child abuse and neglect. Authorities blame the youths but ignore the causes: negligent parents, broken homes and much abuse. At a Preda home, they experience the happy childhood that was denied to them. That is why they freely choose to stay. If authorities detain a teenager in a Bahay Pag-asa facility, the youths feel branded as criminals, and their only thought is to escape.
At a Preda home, a family-like welcome and a happy community life await those who come there. Most of these youths freely choose to join there and stay. They cooperate and do good. All are free to leave at any time since a Preda home is free and open. Preda homes are surrounded by trees and streams. (To be continued)/PN
