The ‘Helping Hands’ Project in the Greater Manila Area – Thomas Paul Schirrmacher

The ‘Helping Hands’ Project in the Greater Manila Area

Monday October 12th, 2026 / Travel Photo Galleries

: The Greater Manila area: the map shows the HOPE centers in Baseco and Laguna, visited by Thomas Schirrmacher and Martin Warnecke on behalf of Gebende Hände in May 2026. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: Children in Baseco, a community in Manila’s port district where many families live in poverty. Gebende Hände supports its local partner HOPE worldwide Philippines in providing meals and assistance for children and their families. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: HOPE worldwide Philippines is Gebende Hände’s local project partner. The organization has been supporting children and families in need since 1993; the partnership with Gebende Hände began during the COVID-19 pandemic. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: A shared morning meal at the Center of HOPE in Baseco. With support from Gebende Hände, HOPE provides regular meals for children from families living in poverty. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: Young children share a nutritious meal at the HOPE center in Baseco. Alongside food, the center offers personal care and a welcoming place to spend time together. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: HOPE Executive Director Moises “Jun” G. Velasco Jr. guides Thomas Schirrmacher and Martin Warnecke through Baseco. The visit gives the Gebende Hände representatives a firsthand insight into families’ living conditions and the need for local assistance. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: A mother of three welcomes the visitors from Gebende Hände into her home in Baseco. The encounter offers a glimpse of family life in the community’s cramped housing. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: Learning together at the Center of HOPE in Laguna, south of Manila. Education is an essential part of HOPE’s work to give children in difficult circumstances better opportunities for the future. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: A visit to the girls’ safe house at the HOPE center in Laguna. Here, HOPE offers a protected living environment, professional support and a caring community for girls who need safety and assistance. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: HOPE Executive Director Jun Velasco points out how high floodwaters can rise at the center in Laguna. Recurring floods during the rainy season threaten the buildings and highlight the need for better flood protection. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: Thomas Schirrmacher discusses strategies against child trafficking and exploitation with officers of the Philippine National Police. Gebende Hände supports HOPE’s efforts to strengthen cooperation between social services and law enforcement. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: Maria Sheila T. Portento, then Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police’s Women and Children Protection Center, welcomes HOPE Program Director Russel M. Reyes and his wife Alma. The meeting forms part of the exchange on child protection. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: Representatives of the National Coalition for the Family and the Constitution, HOPE worldwide Philippines and Gebende Hände meet to discuss cooperation. Their shared aim is to strengthen families and protect children from trafficking and abuse. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: A farewell photo with children and staff at the HOPE center in Laguna. Thomas Schirrmacher and Martin Warnecke take home lasting impressions of the hospitality and dedicated care they experienced during their project visit for Gebende Hände. © BQ/Martin Warnecke

: Children in Baseco greet the visitors with smiles. Together with HOPE worldwide Philippines, Gebende Hände helps children in need gain access to nutritious meals, education and protection, giving them better chances for the future. © BQ/Martin Warnecke