A special Bible lights up homes
in one of the poorest parts of Manila

Homes in Sitio Camacho, a relocation site in Marikina City for families from poor parts of Manila, Philippines. The Philippine Bible Society distributed copies of the Ilaw sa Tahanan ('Light to the Home') family Bible here in February 2005. Photo: PBS/Edna Mae Rabago (PHI05DJ-60.JPG)

Children in Sitio Camacho, a relocation site in Marikina City for families from poor parts of Manila, Philippines. The Philippine Bible Society distributed copies of the Ilaw sa Tahanan ('Light to the Home') family Bible here in February 2005. Photo: PBS/Edna Mae Rabago (PHI05DJ-65.JPG)

PHILIPPINES — “What we are about to give you today will last a lifetime. It contains the key to a meaningful and prosperous life.” This is what Marides Fernando, the Mayor of Marikina City, told residents of Sitio Camacho as they gathered eagerly to receive copies of the Philippine Bible Society’s Ilaw sa Tahanan (Light to the Home) family Bible.

The homes in Sitio Camacho, a relocation site established by the government for residents of poor areas of Manila, are extremely modest.

The 2,000 families who are gradually establishing new lives there, though, are determined to build a better future for themselves. The Philippine Bible Society wants to make sure that the Bible plays a key role in this process. This is why, on February 5, it linked with nine local Roman Catholic and Protestant churches to ensure that each family received a copy of Light to the Home, a special edition containing both the Tagalog Popular Version text and articles discussing everyday family issues. The photographs show some of the recipients and their homes. (WR 393/6 - 06.05)
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A mother and daughter in Sitio Camacho, a relocation site in Marikina City for families from poor parts of Manila, Philippines. The Philippine Bible Society distributed copies of the Ilaw sa Tahanan ('Light to the Home') family Bible here in February 2005. Photo: PBS/Nestor Reyes (PHI05DJ-83.JPG)	A home in Sitio Camacho, a relocation site in Marikina City for families from poor parts of Manila, Philippines. The Philippine Bible Society distributed copies of the Ilaw sa Tahanan ('Light to the Home') family Bible here in February 2005. (PHI05DJ-61.JPG)	A family in Sitio Camacho, a relocation site in Marikina City for families from poor parts of Manila, Philippines. The Philippine Bible Society distributed copies of the Ilaw sa Tahanan ('Light to the Home') family Bible here in February 2005. Photo: PBS/Nestor Reyes (PHI05DJ-84.JPG)