Now, it continues to expand its reach with a new base in Davao City, Mindanao’s commercial center.

Opening last October, OB quickly served in several areas in the city from November 1 to 8 by providing free medical, dental and optical services including medicines and eyeglasses to more than 1,300 individuals. About 1,200 kids were given an early Christmas treat of chicken porridge and bread. They also brought home toys, a toothbrush, a Lamb stuffed animal, and loot bags containing assorted goodies.

Areas served are the Ma-a Home for Girls, Victory Christian Fellowship, Brgy. Carmen, Brgy. Manggahan,  Brgy. Isla Verde, Buhangin Alliance Church and Davao City Jail.

The weeklong medical missions and Holiday of Hope and Cheers for children is part of the many programs of OB such as wheelchair distribution, MOST (Mobile Out-of-School Training), livelihood assistance, emergency aid, and community transformation.

OB also hit the ground running when fire razed a bayside residential area in Barangay Leon Garcia Sr. in Agdao district last October 10.

There were no casualties. But more than a hundred families – most of them living in slums – were left homeless. Around P18 million worth of properties were damaged.

OB Davao quickly provided aid to residents displaced by the fire. They distributed diningware to 136 families in the evacuation center at Leon Garcia Sr. National High School.

“For more than five years we’ve been praying for an office outside Manila,” said Dr. Kim April Pascual, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Operation Blessing Philippines. “Now through our Davao office, our response will be faster and more cost-efficient.”

An open house in January 2009 will welcome donors, church partners and LGUs from the region in a thanksgiving fellowship.

“Our partners here in Davao are all excited at what OB will be doing here,” said Mimi Rillo, OB Davao Supervisor. “They’re aware of what Operation Blessing and CBN Asia can do.”

“We’re here in Mindanao not just to meet the needs of the people but to share the love of God,” she added.

Located in an 800-square meter property, the OB house in Davao has a well-furnished clinic complete with medical paraphernalia, medicines, office equipment, and office supplies donated by Rotary Pag-asa Davao through the Livingstones: Network of Hope Foundation, Inc. Included in the gift is a mobile clinic vehicle that is expected to bring more service to more people.

Operation Blessing Davao is located at 370 3rd Street corner 5th Street, Ecoland, Phase I, Matina, Davao City, with telephone number (082) 297-3080.