Little by Little- Tahanan

In the past month, eight (8) children were admitted to the shelter, ages ranging from one (1) month to two (2) years old. All of them came from situations of abandonment or neglect. Out of the eight (8), four (4) were undernourished, one (1) showed signs of developmental delay, and one (1) was diagnosed with pneumonia.

The four (4) malnourished children and the child with pneumonia were brought to a doctor for evaluation and underwent several laboratory tests, including TPAG (a blood test that measures protein levels and the albumin-to-globulin ratio), serum potassium, creatinine, as well as diagnostic procedures such as chest X-ray and ECG. Medications were prescribed, and instructions for managing their health conditions were provided to the shelter’s Registered Nurse and Houseparents/Caregivers.

In addition to the newly admitted children, four (4) other children were treated for cough, colds, and fever. Two (2) children had ophthalmology follow-up checkups due to hyperopic astigmatism and anisometropia with intermittent exotropia. One of them was provided with new eyeglasses as prescribed by the ophthalmologist.

For therapy interventions, five (5) children are currently undergoing Occupational and Speech Therapy. They are also enrolled in school and are now more talkative and able to express themselves better.

At present, nineteen (19) children are regularly attending school, from Day Care to First Year High School.

As of this report, a total of forty-three (43) children are being provided with shelter services, which include food and nutrition, medical assessments and treatment, and necessary medications.

We are humbled and deeply grateful for the continuous support and kindness you have been showering our kids. May God richly reward you for the love and generosity you have shared in keeping Tahanan ng Pagmamahal a safe haven for these kids to thrive and grow.

The onset of the summer season, which began with extremely hot and humid temperatures in early March, had a significant impact on the children’s health. Three (3) babies—aged between one (1) year and two (2) years and seven (7) months—were hospitalized due to Pneumonia and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. The two (2) babies diagnosed with pneumonia showed symptoms such as shallow breathing, intermittent fever, cough, and colds. Each of them spent between three (3) to five (5) days in the hospital. Thankfully, all three (3) babies have since recovered.

Meanwhile, Fifteen (15) other children are still in the process of healing from various skin conditions caused by the intense heat. Six (6) children underwent medical check-ups, including monitoring of their CBC and platelet counts. Other children were treated with salinase, salbutamol nebules, and antibiotics for symptoms like cough, colds, and high fever.

To support their recovery, the children were given increased fluids, citrus fruits, bananas, and Vitamin C. For four (4) children who were found to have below-normal anthropometric measurements, Pediasure milk supplements were provided. One (1) child also underwent specialist consultations with an endocrinologist and a gastroenterologist.

Despite the health challenges over the past months, Tahanan ng Pagmamahal remained committed to prioritizing the well-being and nutrition of the children, thanks to the resources and support available.

In brighter news, by the end of the 2024–2025 school year, Twenty-one (21) children successfully completed their educational milestones: One (1) child graduated from Grade 6, Six (6) children moved up from Kindergarten, and Five (5) from Day Care.

It has indeed been a challenging season, with several children requiring clinic visits and hospital care. However, through your prayers and your generous financial support, we continue to overcome these hurdles and ensure the children receive the best possible care. Thank you for continued love and kindness. May God richly reward you for all the blessings you have shared with our kids.