Building Hope: A Story of Transformation
ASFFPI was formally organized on January 11, 1997 and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 1997.
The first Foster Home (Shelter for Children) was built in 1997 serving eight (8) children. Now (2014) ASFFPI has five buildings in Sitio Tugbungan, Pilipog, Cordova, Cebu, after the foundation moved to its present location with 72 children and youth under the care and custody of its Children’s Haven. The lot it occupies is allocated by the municipal government USUCFRUCT Agreement with the foundation.
ASFFPI-Children’s Haven Facilities
Children’s Village
Registration & Accreditation:
Registration: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
License No. : DSWD – FOVII RL – 0030-2009
Security Exchange Commission (SEC)
Registration No. : C199700329
TIN No. : 200894103-000
Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA)
Registration No. : 2010 – 131
– Cebu City Government
– Regional Development Council (Development Administration Committee – one of the four standing Committees of the RDC)
Dr. Albert Schweitzer
Dr. Albert Schweitzer, a theologian, philosopher, musicologist and a doctor of medicine, was born on January 14, 1875 in Kaserberg Alsace, Germany. He spent his boyhood in Gunsback and attended gymnasiums (secondary education) at Mulhcusen, Germany.
He received three degrees at the University of Strasbourge – Doctorate in Philosophy (1899) a licentiate (higher degree than the Doctorate) in Theology (1900) and a Doctor of Medicine (1913). He also received his Honorary Degree in Music.
In 1902 he was appointed curate in Strasbourge and in 1903 he became Head of its Theological College. He gave lectures and published the admirable biography of Johann Sibatian Back in 1905. His quest for the Historical Jesuit (1906) brought him international fame.
Upon reaching 31 years old, he became an eminent theologian, successful teacher and preacher, an organist, leading authority on J.S. Back and in organ construction. He became a medical missionary with one of the most backward tribes in Africa. In 1913, he established a hospital in Lambarene, along the Ogone River in the Gabon Colony of Africa.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1952 and The British Order of Merit (Honorary) in 1955. He died in Lambarene on September 4, 1965.
History of the Albert Schweitzer Familienwerk Foundation Philippines, Inc. (ASFFPI)
1995
In 1995, the seeds of change were sown when Mr. Bernd Papke, the Former Head of the Albert Schweitzer Branch in Sachsen Anhalt, journeyed to Cebu. Guided by his vision, he connected with Rev. Fr. Peter Zago, igniting a chain of events that would alter the future of countless children. The dedication of Fr. Zago and Fr. George Militante led to a pivotal moment—a request extended to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Their quest for support found wings when Mrs. Bibiana Horvath from DSWD guided a journey through centers and families, sparking a commitment to children in need.
1996
In a momentous journey from February 19 to March 12, 1996, a transformative odyssey unfolded. Mrs. Martiniana D. Mercado, the DSWD Regional Director at that time, and Mrs. Bibiana Horvath embarked on an invitation from Mr. Papke. Their destination: Germany, to witness the remarkable workings of various centers under the Albert Schweitzer-Verband. Returning from this expedition, these two stalwart DSWD staff carried back more than souvenirs. With them, they brought the resounding assurance of Mr. Papke's unwavering support. This support was a beacon for the inception of crucial programs designed to protect and uplift children in special need. This journey wasn't just a visit; it became a catalyst for a new chapter of hope and care for the vulnerable.
1997
In 1997, a heartfelt haven for children emerged in Sitio Teltelon, Cotcot, Liloan, Cebu, on land belonging to Don Bosco. However, by 2002, the Don Bosco Boys Home in Cebu City found its new home in Cotcot, Liloan, marking a pivotal turn where ASFFPI couldn't expand to shelter more vulnerable kids.
2003
Then, in August 2003, a breakthrough: Mrs. Mercado secured a 12,000 square meter land grant from the Cordova Municipal government. A defining moment arrived when Mr. Heiner Theiss and Dr. Professor R. Geiling, President and Managing Director of Albert Schweitzer Verband der Familienwerke und kinderforfer, e.V. respectively, from Berlin, journeyed to Cordova, Cebu. Their purpose? To pen a significant Memorandum of Agreement with the former Mayor of Cordova, Hon. Arleigh Jay C. Sitoy.
2004
In 2004 the first building at the Children’s Haven in Cordova was constructed and was occupied on June 5, 2004 by 20 children who were transferred from Cotcot, Liloan, Cebu. From that point forward, the Albert-Schweitzer-Verband channeled vital funds for the construction of two additional cottages, providing refuge and care to abandoned, neglected, and abused children referred by various welfare workers. In a quest to streamline administrative costs, ASFFPI sought aid from the Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. This support helped erect a Multi-purpose Center, serving as the hub for the Executive Director, Social Worker, Bookkeeper, Houseparents, and a sanctuary for library, counseling, and group activities. The ASFFPI Board of Trustees, staff, and the children they shelter express their gratitude to the New President of Albert Schweitzer Verband der Familienwerk und Kinderdorfer, e.V., Mr. Heiner Koch, The Managing Director, Mrs. Margitta Bhenke, Officers and members thereof and to generous donors, sponsors, and compassionate souls who continually stand by ASFFPI's side.
Our Other Projects:
The Foster Care Project linked kids available for adoption with licensed foster parents in 1996, a collaboration between DSWD and the Kaisahang Buhay Foundation. It opened its heart to 40 children.
Educational Assistance at the Carreta Cemetery in 1997 – 1998 supported 102 kids with the generous contribution of PHP50,000.00 from PAGCOR.
In 1998 to June 2004, we established a Foster Home within the Don Bosco property in Cotcot, Liloan, Cebu, providing a safe haven for 20 children,10 of whom came from Cebu City with support from the Albert Schweitzer-Verband, Germany.
From there, we ventured into vital programs like the Early Detection, Prevention, and Intervention of Disability (EDPID) funded by the Cebu City government, serving as a shield with PHP 940,000.00.
Perpetrators Counseling Program funded by the Cebu City government – November 2004 – 2005 with Cebu City funding of PHP272,000.00, Training of Counselors and Barangay GAD & youth leaders.
Counseling and Rehabilitation Program for Men who are violent and Abusive funded by Canada Fund – 2001 – 2003.
National Program for the Reduction of Family Violence with funding from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CIDA) – P1,500,000.00 which was implemented nationwide in coordination with DSWD, DILG, Probation & Parole Administration, BJMP, and DepED.
A Children’s Haven emerged, sheltering 63 kids (29 of whom are from Cebu City), a sanctuary nurtured by the support of the Albert Schweitzer-Verband, Germany, the Municipal government of Cordova, and the compassion of civic groups and individuals.
Programs like the EDPID funded by the Philippine-Australian Community Assistance Program (PACAP) safeguarded five barangays in Cagayan de Oro City.
Our commitment stands strong, witnessed through programs like the Project Enhancement Program. This ongoing initiative, backed by PACAP, aids the restoration and rehabilitation of children with disabilities in CDO’s barangays.
A Counseling Program for Youth, a partnership with the Children’s Hour Philippines, Inc., uplifted spirits and hearts with PHP350,000.00 in 2005 – 2006, touching lives in Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova.