IT is not often that a charitable organization gets the opportunity to celebrate 50 years of service to the Filipino people. This year is the golden anniversary of the founding of the People's Recovery, Empowerment and Development Assistance (Preda) Foundation in Olongapo City. The work of Preda is focused on promoting human rights and dignity. It does this by campaigning for children's rights; rescuing abused, neglected and trafficked children; and protecting, healing and empowering them in our three residential facilities.

After 50 years, the Preda Foundation still provides education, support and daily legal assistance to hundreds of abused and needy boys and girls in Luzon and the Visayas. It has also helped abuse victims in Mindanao. This was only made possible by the dedication and commitment of Preda's courageous Filipino staff, who work day and night in our facilities in Zambales and Cebu, supporting the children and continuing the foundation's work.