Abandoned father, 2 children get home to Samar thanks to GMA Kapuso Foundation

An abandoned father and his two children made it home to Samar after accidentally visiting the GMA Kapuso Foundation office last month, looking exhausted and in tears.

According to a report on "24 Oras," Monday, Benjie Abanceña was looking for his partner, who is also the mother of his children.

Benjie has been working as a helper in a junk shop, so his 3-year-old and 7-year-old kids were in the care of their mom at home. However, his partner suddenly disappeared. 

"Pagdating ko mula sa trabaho wala naman dito, nadatnan ko lang mga bata nag-iiyakan," he said.

Benjie and his family hail from Samar, but they moved to Manila to work.

"Araw-araw naman may pasok ako, kahit linggo pumapasok ako, kahit nga may lagnat ako pumapasok pa rin ako sa trabaho," he said.

With his partner gone, his only wish is to return home to Samar and start anew.

The GMA Kapuso Foundation granted his request. He and his children boarded a bus to Samar and once they reached Calbayog, they stayed in a transient facility under the Philippine Army.

"Dito, tutulungan din natin siya maiayos yung buhay niya," said Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division. "Meron kaming medical at dental, 'yung mga bata niya na maliliit ipa-check up natin 'yan."

Benjie and the kids were found to be underweight and they were suffering from skin infections.

They also underwent counseling and psychological sessions before they were taken to their hometown of Tarangnan.

To help the family pick up their lives, the GMA Kapuso Foundation is knocking on the hearts of donors and sponsors to help buy a motorcycle for Benjie.

"Panghanapbuhay po, parang habal-habal lang po, may motor ako noon kaso sira na kasi," he said.

For those who are interested to help, the GMA Kapuso Foundation is accepting donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News