Cottolengo Filipino, Inc. is a non–stock, non–profit religious organization under the management of The Sons of Divine Providence Congregation, with headquarters in Rome, Italy. It is duly registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Cottolengo Filipino operates with the help from different sources; assistance from different funding agencies local and abroad, donations in terms of cash, goods and services from government, individuals as well as private companies.
Saint Luigi Orione was born in Pontecurone, Piedmont, Italy. His formation years were lived under the guidance of the Franciscan Fathers; St. Jhon Bosco and he was also inspired by the work of St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo an apostle and champion of the poor people with disabilities. The last years of formation for priesthood he received in diocesan seminary of Tortona, Italy.
Through the inspiration with the works of St. Cottolengo he established houses that provides proper care and love for the disabled, abandoned and orphaned children. His work continues to thrive as 20 foundations and institutions of this kind worldwide.
Saint Luigi Orione died in Italy on March 12, 1940. He was beatified by His Holiness Pope John Paul II on October 26, 1980 in Rome, Italy and was canonized on May 16, 2004 also by His Holiness Pope John Paul II in Rome, Italy.
In the year 1991, the General Superior of The Sons of Divine Providence Congregation sent two priests in the Philippines to start a mission under the supervision of His Eminence Cardinal Jaime Sin. The primary focus of the mission is to provide spiritual guidance and assistance to the social needs of some poor families in Payatas, Quezon City.
In the year 2000, the official activity of Cottolengo Filipino began under the auspices of the then Secretary of State of DSWD and the Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines.
Rehabilitated, loved, productive and empowered Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) for an improved quality of life.
To provide the best appropriate rehabilitation programs and services to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to become productive and possibly self–reliant.
Empower Persons with Disabilities and
enable them achieve self–esteem, self–reliance, productivity and social
reintegration through the development and implementation of programs and
services in partnership with National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Government
Units (LGUs), Non–Government Organizations (NGOs) Peoples Organizations (Pos)
and private sectors.
Provide a wide range of services for the care, protection, rehabilitation and development of the potentials and capacities of Persons with Disabilities for independent living and community integration.
Provide a residential rehabilitation and training institution reflective of a happy family–type, therapeutic and no–judgemental environment conducive to treatment and development.
Facilitate
and foster linkages and networking with NGAs, LGUs, NGOs, POs and private
sectors in giving services and rehabilitation for PWDs. Advocacy for the promotion of the Rights and
Welfare of the PWDs and for institutional building and strengthening including
varied forms and technical assistance.
To date, there are thirty (38) children with different disabilities admitted at Cottolengo Filipino whose age ranges from 5-31 years old, they are from different areas of the country. They were abandoned, neglected and surrendered children. Homelike environment and facilities have been provided to these children in order that their needs are answered.
FR. JULIO CUESTA ORTEGA, FDP
President/Executive Director
FR. RAMON ROSIN, FDP
Vice President
MRS. CATALINA D. EMING
Secretary
FR. STANISLAS ACHI GBEISSAY, FDP
Treasurer
MS. MERCEDES V. DF GUERERO
Member
MS. WILHELMINA TECSON
Member
MRS. GIRLIE ZALDARRIAGA
Member