As a way of saying “Thank you” to God and the community for reaching 160 years and beyond, the employees of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) created a program called BPI Bayan or Bayanihan Para sa Inang (BPI) Bayan, a volunteerism program of this prestigious bank nationwide.
The name of their project title under this volunteerism program is “Share a Life” program with pediatric cancer patients of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) as their main beneficiaries. This project is also in partnership with the Rotary Club of Pag-asa Davao which has been working with the pediatric cancer patients of SPMC for the past several years.
The group believes in the healing of people through simple sharing. And they also believe that healing should be holistic in nature, addressing both medical and psychosocial needs of the children in the hospital. particularly those who are chronically ill with cancer.
Last August 6, the BPI Bayan employees together with some Rotary Club of Pag-asa Davao members held the groundbreaking of their vegetable garden at the House of Hope which was witnessed by SPMC pediatric oncologist Dr. Mae Dolendo. This is one of the four components that the group has been advocating under the “Green for Life” component. The other three components are: “Celebrate Life”, “Tools for Life”, and “Parents’ Day Off”.
The program ended with the distribution of loot bags and packed merienda for the kids afflicted with cancer while other guests continued to celebrate their “Share a life” activities.
