CRIBS marks five decades of transforming the lives of children

Unknown to many, the CRIBS Foundation marked a significant milestone on May 17 at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater as it celebrated its 50th anniversary, reflecting on five decades of transforming the lives of children who have suffered abandonment, abuse and other unimaginable hardships.

Founded in 1975 in a modest home in Marikina, CRIBS has since grown into a dedicated sanctuary in the peaceful hills of Antipolo. Over the years, the foundation has provided love, protection and healing to more than 3,000 children.

Themed “Songs of Hope, Stories of Triumph,” the anniversary celebration paid tribute to the individuals and organizations who have supported the foundation’s mission. The highlight of the event was a touching musical program that featured a surprise duet of Firefly by legendary singer Jose Mari Chan and CRIBS graduate Naomi Lizada.

Also taking the stage were performers Leah Navarro, the APO Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo and CRIBS children, creating an unforgettable evening of music and gratitude.

Jose Marie Chan and CRIBS graduate Naomi Lizada.

Board member Marites Daza Ingles (my cousin) shared how the CRIBS Board — led by chairperson Ollie Campos, president Joanne Pedrosa and executive director Katchie Dimalaluan — was actively involved in organizing the event, which honored the foundation’s loyal donors and partners.

CRIBS’ mission is anchored in two core programs: the Receiving Home Program and New Beginnings.

Under the Receiving Home Program, the foundation provides temporary shelter and care to abandoned or surrendered infants and toddlers until they are adopted or placed with vetted foster families. CRIBS currently cares for approximately 30 babies at any given time.

One story that encapsulates CRIBS’ impact is that of Hannah, a baby found abandoned in a garbage bin, her tiny body covered in rat bites. She was rescued and brought to CRIBS, where she received the love, care and protection she desperately needed.

Eventually adopted by a compassionate Norwegian couple, Hannah is now a PhD research fellow and project manager, married to a kind man and a mother herself. She is a living testament to the power of hope and healing.

Boboy Garovillo and Jim Paredes of APO Hiking Society.

The foundation’s second program, New Beginnings, provides a safe space for girls aged seven to 17 who are survivors of sexual abuse. Many arrive feeling broken — resentful, angry, silent and afraid.

Through the New Beginnings program, healing begins to take root. Gradually, the children start to open up, revealing deep wounds. Their stories are often heartbreaking, involving stepfathers, uncles, cousins and even fathers — those meant to protect them — who became their abusers. Often, these perpetrators are themselves victims, trapped by poverty, addiction or abuse. Recent statistics indicate that approximately 30 percent of child sexual offenders are close relatives of the victim.

One such story is that of Aera. When she was three years old, her mother planned to sell her. Upon hearing this, Aera’s father took her to live with relatives, one of whom was an aunt who physically abused her. After Aera asked her father to take her away, he eventually took custody of her, only to sexually abuse her almost every night.

Now under CRIBS’ care, Aera is undergoing therapy and beginning her journey toward recovery.

“CRIBS embodies the spirit of kintsugi,” said Marites, referring to the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with precious metals like liquid gold. “It’s a belief that our cracks and scars make us more beautiful, especially when we’re supported in the process of healing by others.”

In addition to providing food, clothing and shelter, CRIBS ensures 24/7 care through its dedicated staff and meets the medical needs of all its residents. The foundation maintains close supervision of foster homes through professional social workers, ensuring a nurturing and protective environment.

This holistic approach embodies CRIBS’ commitment to the care, healing and development of their children.

As CRIBS looks ahead to the future, it continues to shine as a beacon of hope. Its graduates, like Hannah, are testaments to what can be achieved when children are given the chance to heal, grow and thrive.

“Each story is a light in the darkness,” Marites added. “Like fireflies, our numerous CRIBS graduates illuminate the world with their strength and courage.”