Stepping Up for the Children of Ormoc's Sugarcane Harvesters
- Al Francis Santiago
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
In the heart of Ormoc City, sugarcane farming remains a cornerstone of livelihood—but it also bears the hidden cost of child labor. For many of the "hurnals," or sugarcane harvesters, income is unstable, tied to a long 10-month growing cycle and meager daily wages averaging just ₱110 (a little over $2 USD). To survive, families often grow in number, hoping more hands mean more earnings—yet the in-between months bring hunger and hardship, especially for the children whose health and education suffer most.
On April 24, 2025, Virtual Staffing Solutions (VSS) took a stand for these children through a compassionate outreach in Brgy. Cabulihan, Ormoc City. Led by volunteers from VSS Chinatown and Carlosta—Gail Campomanes, Felix Michael Tan, Mary Jane Escasinas, and Al Santiago—the initiative was carried out in partnership with young professionals from Eastern Visayas Living Word Ormoc, represented by Ptr./Dr. Bernie Villarta, and the Ormoc Servants team, headed by Ptr. Bryan Tabay and Michelle Mangasin.
Together, the team distributed 50 pairs of slippers, food packs, and essential school supplies to the children of sugarcane farmers. The day began with songs of praise and a heartfelt prayer, followed by OM Gail’s reading of the story of Noah. Beyond providing material support, the team also handed over Bible storybooks and a one-year Sunday school lesson plan—including manuals, lessons, and activities—to their local partners, ensuring that the spiritual and educational nurturing of these children would continue every Saturday.
The project was aptly named “Stepping Up for the Children of the Sugarcane Farmers”—a reflection of the literal and symbolic support being given, starting with a good pair of slippers to ease their daily walk to school and life within the community. But more than that, it represents VSS’s deeper mission: to step into the gap, not just with aid, but with enduring hope.
As a faith-based company, VSS believes in giving more than just physical assistance. They are committed to sharing the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ, the true source of provision and strength. By sowing seeds of faith and support, the initiative lives out Proverbs 22:6:
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
This is more than just outreach—it’s a long-term commitment to raising lives, planting hope, and stepping up for the next generation.
