The Green Youth Brigade headed by Louie Reyes holds a feeding program at the Duyan ni Maria in Barangay Malabanias in Angeles City.
ANGELES CITY – Some 50 children at the Duyan ni Maria orphanage benefited from the feeding program conducted by the Green Youth Brigade (GYB) in Barangay Malabanias here recently.
Environmentalist Louie Reyes, head of GYB, said the activity is part of their annual thanksgiving and a special way of celebrating his birthday.
“We want to thank everyone – our families, friends, colleagues, students, youth, professionals, the government, the media and most especially our Lord for His Divine Providence,” he said.
Reyes added that the group chose Duyan ni Maria as beneficiary for its feeding program since the orphanage “is in dire need of various support compared to others who have regular donors.”
Last year, the former city councilor also celebrated his birthday by conducting a feeding program at the Children’s Home orphanage in Sta. Maria Village, Barangay Balibago.
Sister Vicky Sanchez of Duyan ni Maria told Punto that they were very thankful to Reyes’ group. “Masayang masaya talaga ang mga bata.”
Aside from children, she revealed that they also take good care of unwed women.
“Imbes na ipa-abort nila, sinisikap namin na alagaan sila upang magkaroon naman ng pag-asang mabuhay ang sanggol na nasa kanilang sinapupunan,” she said.
Despite the meager support they receive from other organizations, Sanchez said they also make sure that all the children go to school.
She said the orphanage here was established in 1995 and continuously accepting abandoned children.
Its main office in Manila was founded during martial law by Sister Alessandina Casas, a 77 year old nun.
For his part, Reyes vowed to “do our best to spark interests and awareness for the environment in an innovative and creative ways in many more years to come.”
“The Green Youth Brigade is thankful over the years of our advocacy for the environment,” he said.
Since the launching of GYB last June 9, 2010 at Coffee Academy (Balibago branch), the group held various activities that include all leaders’ meeting, forum on climate change and mosquito trap making. It also featured Tofu Sisig and homemade ice cream making.
“On several occasions, we were invited on different environmental forums and activities. We supported other groups that care for the environment.
These include Sagip Sapang Balen, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Politics, and the Save the Trees Coalition,” Reyes said.
The GYB is a network of youth base community, people’s organizations, non-governmental organizations and environmental advocates working on issues that promote a healthy environment and its sustainable development.
