Welcome to the Purple House

Since I was probably 5 or 6 six years old, I have always had this motherly instinct. I may have been so young to realize that during those times. but I remember being always looking after my smaller classmates (Yes, smaller, because I was a bit taller than they were). This was probably me being the eldest, as I was always told by my parents to look after my brother.

When I had my first child, most of the first-time moms may have been in a panic, but, since I had my mom and mother-in-law to help me to take care of my baby, it was not as difficult. They have prepared to become a much better mother when the other three children came. We try to provide the best care to my children. And I always tell them that they are lucky that they have their own home to live and have been given the best education that we can provide them.

I remember when I went to fetch my youngest child from school and we took a public transport, a jeepney. There have been instances when there were street children who would hop into the jeepney and held out envelopes to passengers hoping to have money. I felt so sorry for these children knowing how they could be struggling each day just to have something to eat. But instead of giving them money, my son would give them his extra food. I do prefer giving them food that they would immediately eat instead of giving them money.

These children are dressed in dirty, tattered clothes. Watching from the news we have heard that some of these children may have become victims of certain syndicates. And these children suffer from these people both physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Not knowing which is right or wrong, these children are forced to oblige, if not, there are consequences for sure.

An Afternoon With The Children from RSCC

One of the school activities that students have is an Outreach Program. My children had the chance of sharing some time with the children from the RSCC (Reception and Study Center for Children). I do think that this is a good exposure for our children so that they will realize how lucky they are to have a family that takes care of them.

RSCC was founded on September 10, 1967. It was one of the projects initiated by the former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos. It is currently headed by Ms. Glenda Derla. RSCC is located in Bago Bantay, Quezon City. There are 98 children housed, aged 3 to 12 years old with 66 caretakers. They are housed according to their ages.

Yesterday, August 24, 2018, I had the privilege to join my husband’s niece and her classmates visit RSCC. As part of their Christian Living requirements, they were told to share one afternoon with the children. These children were either

As we were on our way to the Purple House which houses 20 young boys, children aged 3-4 years old happily ran towards us. I felt how they must be longing for people to visit them. Some even asked to be carried while others hugged tight to some of us. It was a very emotional incident. It was cut short when one of their caretakers told them that they need to proceed to their respective rooms.

As we approached the Purple House, we were greeted by so many huge trees which made the place feel very calming – just the kind of place that these children need. When we entered the house, the young boys were seated in 2 large tables. At first, they were shy to even look us in the eye. But as soon as we approached them one by one, they slowly opened up. Just like typical young boys, they started asking many questions, wanted to play, wanted to brag about their TV and invited us to dance. Some were so curious about seeing themselves on the camera phone that they even took their own selfies. I am sure they had a lot of fun being around new people.

Among all these kids, I have noticed a few who stood out – one child who has polio, one who was always by my side who wants to have a conversation, and another child who was not too interested to mingle with us. Judging by the way they behave, a picture of how their lives must have been suddenly crossed my mind. I can see that they are all smiling, laughing, but deep inside there is something missing in their lives. They are still lucky that they were placed under the care of RSCC because if not, you would be seeing them by the streets knocking at your car windows asking for alms, some might even be inhaling solvents, others sleeping under the trees and rummaging garbage cans hoping to find something to satisfy their hunger.

After telling us their names, my niece and her classmates played. It was a bit difficult to handle them since each one wanted attention. After a short game, we decided to give them the food that we have prepared for them – spaghetti, chicken, burger, sundae, and juice. Most of them were hungry. Some barely touched their food. Probably they were not into such kind of food. Earlier, I overheard one of the administrators talking over the phone that the children prefer rice and "menudo". So, probably next time we visit, we’ll serve them their favorite food.

These children are given a roof over their heads and food. But RSCC is not just a home for them. They are also being schooled so that they would also learn. The RSCC encourages everyone to have a heart for these children. Some of the children were lucky to have their own homes now since they were taken under foster care. At their age, they may not be fully aware of what they are missing, but I just hope that the love and care that they all need can be provided by the institution, at least while no one has come to offer them their new home.