‘PAGKALINGA MO, KAILANGAN NI LOLA AT LOLO’

‘PAGKALINGA MO, KAILANGAN NI LOLA AT LOLO’

Ten years ago, that was March 1, 2011 to be exact, Aruga-Kapatid Foundation, Inc., a home care or center for the sick, neglected and abandoned elderly, was born through the effort of its founder, Rev. Fr. Cris G. Raymundo, a Diocesan priest belonging to the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan.

The inspiration to start this apostolate was sown in his heart way back 2009 when he saw an abandoned dying old man in one of the places where he was celebrating Masses.

Moved with pity, he took him home and cared for him until his last breath.Having witnessed how this man suffered not only the physical pain but also the pain of being forgotten and forsaken by his loved ones, Fr. Cris was inspired to respond to the call of bringing Christ to them.To him, through the Aruga Kapatid Foundation, they give the elders “aruga”, the warm care of a ‘kapatid’ done in love, following the example of our Big Brother, Jesus.

The center was registered as a foundation in order to ensure a continuous support from various funding agencies and organizations who are willing to support their cause.However, due to scarcity in material, financial and human resources, the requirements to be fully recognized as such had never been complied with.Through the years, the center survives with the selfless service of volunteer caregivers and help of individuals and organizations who give their financial and material support.Some of the donations come occasionally and a few of them come regularly. But during this time of pandemic, the support to the center continually declines.

At present, there are 20 elders residing in Aruga-Kapatid whose age ranges from 55 to 92 years old.They are under the care of eight volunteer caregivers led by Mr. Lito Vergara, who has been serving there since 2015.

These elders are taken to the Center upon the recommendation and help of the priest or officials of the barangay where they belong.These elders are verified to have been living alone, without relatives to take care of them. Most of them are already weak and sick due to old age that they need special care.The volunteers, despite their training to handle this challenging task, are still struggling to deal with the mood swings, untoward behaviors and dependence of the elderlies.Their love and compassion as shown by their dedication is indeed commendable that even when asked how they want to be recognized would sincerely say that they don’t need to be compensated because the fulfillment they have in providing the quality life to these elders on their twilight days are enough for them to believe that they are called to manifest God’s mercy and compassion to the lost, the last and the least.

Having been witnessed the dedication and commitment of the people serving at the center, doing everything from growing vegetables to raising pigs to sewing rags over and above their daily routine of taking care of the elderly, just to make ends meet compelled me to do something for them.

My capacity to help is far not enough help the center survive and sustain their noble mission and so I take the courage of sincerely knocking at your hearts to share your resources to these sick, deprived and abandoned elderly who also have the right to experience quality life and care, at least until they breathe last and be home finally in God’s loving arms.

Whatever amount that you can spare for them will go a long way because you responded to God’s call of caring for the elders which carries a promise of a long and prosperous life.