Wild Orchid’s project to inaugurate a library for Upland Elementary School was finally realized. Over a thousand books (and counting) were donated from schools in the United States, which were shipped over. This was a major dream in manifest for the faculty and students, to have a school library.
It was dedicated to Catalina Lucero, fondly remembered as “Nyora” (Señora) Taling to those who loved her. She is the grandmother of Wild Orchid’s founder and a matriarch of the city of Carcar, of which her own father, Mariano Mercado was the mayor. Nyora Taling is the inspiration of The Wild Orchid Foundation, as she was an active philanthropist during her life and sent many people to school. One beneficiary, Karen Oamilda is a teacher at this school. The inauguration of The Nyora Taling Library stands of a testimony of community building through the generosity of global citizens, although oceans away, uniting to build community and transform lives. The legacy of one bountiful benefactress can live on, to offer literacy and enrichment for generations to come.
The Wild Orchid Foundation is always accepting new or gentle used books for future community libraries. Wild Orchid has opened libraries for numerous others schools but Upland Elementary was the first. The gift of literacy goes unsurpassed.
