Posted on: Sunday, July 3, 2005

Group aids poor children in Philippines

By Loren Moreno
Advertiser Staff Writer

A Hawai'i youth group from Kalihi Union Church is in Pangasinan, Philippines, this weekend to provide volunteer services to street children through several homeless shelters.

The group, comprised of 13 church members, mostly young adults ages 15 to 20, is being accompanied by state Rep. Dennis Arakaki, D-30th (Moanalua, Kalihi Valley, 'Alewa), Dr. David Breese, a dentist with Kokua Kalihi Valley Health Center, and local entertainer Greg Gabaylo.

Breese will be providing pro bono dental work to "less-fortunate" children and adults in the Philipino province, said John Mizuno, a Sunday school teacher with Kalihi Union Church. "Half of these people have never seen a dentist in their life," he said.

In addition, Gabaylo, a local comedian and juggler, will be entertaining crowds of 200 to 500 while members of the youth group distribute free meals through various homeless shelters in the region.

The group is in the Philippines for two reasons, Mizuno said. First, as a Christian mission and second to help homeless street kids.

Children commonly leave their families because of frustration with their economic situation, Mizuno said. Many turn to drugs, sniffing paint or glue, girls turn to prostitution, but all end up on the streets.

The group will also be refurbishing the Gen. Douglas MacArthur statue in Bonuan, Dagupan, in Central Luzon tomorrow to honor the 60th anniversary of MacArthur's landing in the Philippines.

"You're not paid anything, you're working in terrible conditions, you can't drink the water, chances are you'll probably get sick, but you're doing it for God and you're doing it for a good cause," said Mizuno.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2455.