Kaibigan Foundation

On 6 December 2022, Kaibigan Foundation headed by its Director, Ms. Susan Biteng who is also a product of the said foundation during her younger years, visited Avior Marine Inc. to update the company of the 2022 strategy that overcame the challenges brought by the pandemic enabling the children to return to their face-to-face classes, to participate in advocating for their rights, and for the Kaibigan community to participate in the empowerment program.

They were joined by Capt. Gregory Sevilla and Capt. Kor Wormmeester of Seatrade during the meeting. In this meeting the activities of Kaibigan Foundation were presented including its focus on children’s education and community (parents) organizing – making people help themselves. The Kaibigan Foundation has been helping poor children and their families for more than 25 years in Metro Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Today Kaibigan is sending more than 350 urban poor and street children to school, more than 50 students to college and technical/vocational education, and is also helping to build stronger and healthier communities. The foundation is a good cause, stable (more than 20 years) and locally run by former beneficiaries.

In view of this, Avior Marine Inc. and Seatrade have donated US$ 3,500 for the year 2022. In this meeting it was also agreed that Avior Marine Inc. will coordinate closely with Kaibigan Foundation to organize a “balik eskwela” (back to school) program in June 2023 for the children where Avior employees and the beneficiaries will share a meal together and additional school supplies donation will be provided. Avior likewise renewed its commitment to continuously provide financial support to the Foundation.