Bostik, a French manufacturer of adhesives and sealants for construction, has brought hope to the SOS Children’s Villages in Cebu City by helping repair its facility and upholding its mission to provide critical support for children who have lost or risk losing parental care. 

Demonstrating its commitment to community outreach, Bostik renovated the home’s Kinder Hobby and handed over financial support, meals, school supplies and tools for creativity, including the company’s Glu Dots.

“We believe every child deserves a safe, inspiring environment to grow and thrive, and we are dedicated to supporting such communities,” said Arnold De Silva, Bostik’s business director for construction and consumer and senior vice president for the company’s Asia Pacific (Apac)-Southeast Asia region. 

Bostik is the adhesives solution division of Arkema, a multinational manufacturer of specialty materials and chemical products. Arkema designs materials to address the growing demand for innovative and sustainable materials driven by the challenges of new energies, new technologies, the depletion of resources, mobility, and increasing urbanization.

In Cebu City, Bostik renovated the Kinder Hobby of the nongovernment SOS Children’s Villages, an open auditorium and gathering place of the sheltered children. The facility also serves as a venue for holding recognition day, visitors’ reception, and other activities. 

 “We are proud to contribute to the refurbishing of Kinder Hobby, which is the heart and soul of SOS Children’s Villages Cebu,” De Silva said.

The Apac Leadership Team also gave to the humanitarian organization cash assistance and Bostik products, such as Glu Dots, pressure-sensitive adhesive dots that children can use for arts and crafts, BluTack and crayons, pencils and other school items. 

To make the day even more special, the team took time off from their annual summit to be with the children through arts, crafts, and games. Bostik’s brand mascots—Ultrafino, Fixall, and NeverMoldz—brought smiles and laughter to the children.

“This initiative reflects our long-term commitment to creating positive and lasting impact in the communities where we operate,” De Silva said.

The SOS Children’s Villages Cebu is home to over 100 children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. Similar facilities are found in Manila and the cities of Davao, Lipa, Tacloban, and Calbayog, and Iloilo and Bataan.

Lack of parental care can have a profound impact on children’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Without stable guardianship, they face challenges in their development, often leading to feelings of abandonment, insecurity, and higher risks of academic struggles and social isolation. 

Early intervention and support from communities are crucial in providing a sense of belonging, safety, and opportunities for growth, helping address the vulnerabilities of these children.

Bostik’s community outreach is part of its broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, which focuses on sustainability, social engagement, and creating meaningful change. 

For more information about Bostik’s CSR activities, please visit Bostik’s CSR Recognitions.