Eric Apura (5th from right) is reunited with his family after a few months’ stay at Children’s Village She could hardly contain her joy and excitement when she saw her son walking towards her. She welcomed him with tight hugs and happy tears as a loving mother would. Her son was finally back home.

Twelve-year-old Eric Apura is now with his family after he left their home in Rodriguez, Rizal for almost a year. He had gotten lost and had no idea how to return home.

“Bilang isang ina, napakahirap po na araw at gabi lumilipad iyong isip ko. Kahit marami po akong anak, talagang napakahirap kapag ang isa sa mga anak ay hindi ko kapiling,” Myla Apura, Eric’s mother, said.

Through the Quezon City Social Services Development Department, Eric was turned over in December 2018 to Bantay Bata 163’s Children’s Village for proper care and intervention. Eric was described by his Children’s Village houseparents as obedient, kind and generous.

Children’s Village promotes the social and psychological development of the child. Children are cared for by houseparents and social workers by giving them basic needs like food, shelter and education.

“Bilang case manager ni Eric, sobrang saya ko na nahanap natin iyong family niya… The best pa rin iyong nasa family ang isang bata kasi doon mabibigyan siya ng pagkakataon na mabuo ang sarili niya,” said Bantay Bata 163 social worker Jayson Tripulca.

Myla expressed her gratitude to the program as well as to the houseparents of Children’s Village who served as second mothers to children in need like Eric.

“Masaya ako na dito na ako sa bahay,” affirmed Eric. (Story/Photos by: Eva Mae Nares)