It was  Saturday, 7 September, when the children of the Life Village Orphanage Home woke up to the sound of their gate opening to welcome to their home several   members of the 17th Philippine Military Contingent (PHILCOY) serving with the United Nations Mission in Liberia.

The smiles and the warm reception from the kids could tell that they were not meeting strangers but familiar faces as the peacekeepers have been periodically visiting them for months. The children were excited as they knew good things are coming. And they did, like games, various food items the peacekeepers had prepared for the kids and even a medical check-up and treatment.  

Deputy Commander Lt.-Col. Stevenson Lamarca led the visiting PHILCOY delegation to the orphanage home. Coordinating the visit was Maj. Norman Dalmacio who said his team had inherited the initiative from previous Philippine contingents. The peacekeepers have been supporting the orphanage for over two years now. 

 “We come here frequently to associate with them and distribute the little we have. It brings us joy when we see these beautiful future leaders of Liberia. We hope to do this time to time,” said Maj. Dalmacio.

Pastor Victor B. Tiah, the founder of the Life Village Orphanage, recounted the numerous contributions of the Filipino peacekeepers. 

“Life Village Orphanage is a home of 38 children who have lost their parents during the Liberian civil crisis and today we are receiving in our midst the Filipinos to fellowship with the kids and put smiles on their faces, sharing candies, food and medicines,” said Tiah. 
  
13-year-old Grace Elizabeth Tiah was among the kids seen chatting and interacting with the Filipinos.  She said she feels pleased that someone from outside of Liberia can come to their level and assure them that all is not lost despite their situation.
 
She will always remember the peacekeepers even when they leave Liberia, Tiah said. 

As the PHILCOY said goodbye to the kids, no one could afford to miss a photo opportunity.