FOUNDERS MESSAGE

  By Cherry Marmes Smyth 

The original seed for the idea for KIDS PHILIPPINES was planted in the Philippines in August of 2013. I was on a humanitarian mission in Mindanao after winning the 2013 Mrs. Philippines America pageant in NYC. During this trip, my husband Pete and I began an endeavor to help fund school expenses for 20 young public school students in my home town barangay Poblacion in the town of Tubod, the Province of Lanao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines. 

In a short time, it became clear that many more deserving young students and their parents could use financial assistance with educational expenses such as school uniforms, school supplies and other educational fees. The dream to start the KIDS PHILIPPINES charitable organization was now being realized. The official launching to raise money for the KPI charity was a rousing success with Florante De Leon, Eric G, Kirby Asunto, Bob Lewis, CMS Collections Fashion Show, many local entertainers, and 

the superb No Name Band last October 1, 2016. The Cherry M. Smyth Productions, LLC initiated the 4-in-1 variety show held at East Lyme Auditorium, East Lyme, CT. The Philippine Consul General representative, consul Arman Talbo, swore in the KPI officers and volunteer members.  Several events to raise funds to support the funding for KIDS PHILIPPINES are being planned for 2017.  Our first annual gala is January 28, 2017.  Of course, the ultimate goal for KIDS PHILIPPINES INC. is to expand into the Visayas and Luzon regions.  This November 2016, Pete and I travelled to the Philippines. Part of the itinerary was to deliver the awards of KIDS PHILIPPINES 44 deserving kids in the province of Lanao del Norte but we actually served 5 schools, two feeding programs (Amplaya Elemetary School, Puerto Prensesa City, Palawan and Bless Tribal School, Barangay Mapurog, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental).  

The recipient scholars of KIDS PHILIPPINES Inc. have to be eligible for the scholarship. The kids must be in good standing grades and the family is requiring financial assistance. The total recipients of KIDS PHILIPPINES scholarship program are 450 young scholars in the Philippines to be awarded in April-May 2017.  This past November, I coordinated with the Department of Education, the Local Government and to the Barangays in five separate Elementary Schools in Aplaya Elementary School, 

we were able to interact with and help support several hundred students. 

To my fellow Filipino-Americans community living in the US, especially the Fil-Am organizations, I am looking forward to collaborate with you and let us work hand in hand to achieve our goal in making a difference to our country the Philippines.

Please come and support our KIDS PHILIPPINES Inc. charitable organization.  

Maraming Salamat po! 

GOD Bless us!

Cherry Marmes - Smyth,  

Founder and President- KIDS PHILIPPINES, INC.