Located in a residential village at No. 17 Lanzones St., Nayong Silangan Subdivision, Antipolo City, this institution which deserves the term “Shelter of Smiles”, is a home for the aged under the Diocese of Antipolo. It is a refuge for the poor, homeless, abandoned and sick elderly. Currently 6 males and 14 females are housed and cared for under the Priest-in-Charge, Rev. Fr. Uldarico (Dari) D. Dioquino.
Kanlungan ni Maria Home for the Aged Inc. is officially registered as a non-stock, non-profit corporation under the SEC, the incorporators of which are members of the clergy of the Diocese of Antipolo, Fr. Dari being one of them. The compassionate priest is assisted by 8 paid workers consisting of 1 nurse, 1 social worker, 1 cook, and 5 caregivers who take turns during the evening shift. The oldest of the residents is 93 and the youngest is 54.
When HanCole visited the shelter in October 25, 2012, nursing students from a reputable school were also present. They are private trainees doing their on-the-job-training with the institution. The affiliation fee they contribute to Kanlungan ni Maria helps in funding the house rental, monthly electric bill, salaries of the caregivers and aids, the medical expenses and daily needs of the 20 elderly. Although this home for the aged does not receive fixed monthly pledges from benefactors, Fr. Dari was happy to tell us that many lay volunteers and sometimes celebrities just come to the shelter providing monetary support. Other organizations also offer free trips to recreational areas like Manila Ocean Park. A famous Filipino singer even personally fetched some able elders to watch her concert for free. Since the establishment was inaugurated in 2002, it has served a total of 54 elders, 20 are currently under their care, others were reconciled with their family and relatives and a few already joined with our Creator. The HanCole team prepared and ate merienda with the elders, listened to a few who are still able to tell stories about their plight to Kanlungan ni Maria. One of them, Nanay Pina, told the team that Fr. Dari is their inspiration to long life. She said that the priest always reminds them never to feel sad or sorry for themselves as that shortens life. The secret to long life is to become cheerful always. Nanay Pina at her age of 84, can still design and make cell phone cases as many as 30 pieces using the sewing machine and sells them at 10 pesos each to the nursing students who come to the institution for training. After handing some company blessings in kind and in cash and after posing with the elders for two photo shots, the HanCole team bade goodbye to the “Shelter of Smiles” and to Fr.Dari. Prayer time starts at 5:30 pm and after the 6:00 pm dinner the elders retire for the day. (HCC/cvs)