Championing children’s welfare

The proverbial thinking that children are the future of the motherland may already sound like a broken record. However, amid the continuing assault against the basic rights of the young generation, its importance cannot be overemphasized.

Everyday, thousands of Filipino children are being abused and not getting the ample resources for their full development. Recognizing this, 7-Eleven, the largest convenience store chain in the country has strengthened its commitment to uphold children’s welfare in the country by renewing it partnership with Bantay Bata.

“The success of a business is mostly measured by numbers—market share, sales growth, profit. However, good entrepreneurs understand that equally important as this is the positive impact they create on the larger scheme of things,” says 7-Eleven Philippines President Jose Victor Paterno. “As a neighborhood store, we are aware of our responsibility to enrich the lives of the people of the communities that host us.”

Since 1997, Bantay Bata has been rescuing and rehabilitating sick and abused children, providing shelter, therapy and quality home care, and actively combating the problems of child trafficking in the Philippines. Seeing the significance of this cause, 7-Eleven adopted the Bantay Bata coin banks on July 11, 2008, which was placed in all of its stores. This year, the company renewed this partnership and hosted a party for the kids residing at the Bantay Bata Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

“It’s different when you interact with the children in person. The experience put a face to what you are supporting and in a sense, it made it more real,” said Paterno.

True enough, as 7-Eleven expands its reach to millions of Filipinos, it carries with it the dedication to positively shape the future by championing children’s welfare—24 hours a day, seven days a week. –Manila Times