SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 14

After a quick rooftop breakfast at our hotel in Angeles City, we set off for the first of two distributions in the city of Magalang - 350 bedkits to be given out at each one.

One of the highlights of the morning session was the opportunity to meet and interview a woman, Marieta, whose son had received a bedkit from SCAW 20 years ago or so. Her son is now married and working as a motorcycle repair man. He has children of his own - one of whom lives with Marieta and who received a bedkit today (see photo below). Marieta noted that the contents of the bedkit were used for seven years and were very helpful - especially the mosquito net. She asked me to pass on her gratitude to our Canadian donors.

Between the morning and afternoon distributions, our team had the opportunity to visit the homes of a couple of our bedkit recipients. It was a sobering experience coming face to face with the poverty and unbelievably difficult living conditions of so many people here.

In the afternoon’s distribution, I met a 55-year old woman named Gina. She has 11 children living in a small two-room dwelling. Her youngest child was receiving a bedkit. Gina is a single mom whose sole means of support is the income of her two older children. She found the school supplies to be the most helpful items in the bedkit - it’s difficult for her to buy supplies for the nine children who still live with her.

After all the bedkits were distributed and all the final group photos were taken with our hosts and site volunteers, we boarded the van and set out for the two-hour drive to  Candaba. As the sun was setting, we arrived at the Lola Corazon Leisure Farm which had the feel of a typical Canadian summer camp with modest but comfortable accommodations and a large swimming pool. The water was as warm as a bath, but nonetheless a welcome relief from the relentless heat and humidity. After a swim and a cool drink together, it was off to bed to rest up for a big distribution day tomorrow and the trip back to Manila.

Team Philippines, 2026

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦