The children – from seven to 14 years old – were from the Department of Social Welfare and Development's two rehabilitation centers, the Haven for Children in Alabang, Muntinlupa and Nayon ng Kabataan in Payatas, Quezon City.

Five were from Quezon City's Rehabilitation and Treatment Center, which is under the supervision of the office of the vice mayor.

The Jan. 20-22 trip, courtesy of Hong Kong Express Airways Limited and Ilocos Norte Rep. Roque Ablan, fulfilled one of the children's greatest dreams – to meet their favorite Disney character Mickey Mouse.

The trip was also sponsored by Hong Kong Disneyland and Panda Hotel located in Tsuen Wan.

Wearing their light blue jackets printed with a small Philippine flag on the upper right chest and a smiling face of President Arroyo at the back, the children toured the famous theme park accompanied by eight tour guides and were welcomed by the park's representatives, including Mickey Mouse.

Mickey posed with the kids for souvenir photos and left the park without entertaining other guests.

The children also did not need to line up to enjoy the rides and were given special space at the park to watch musical shows, including the Disney teen sensation "High School Musical."

They also received Disney souvenirs and free meals.

Later, the children had the best view of the fireworks display signaling the end of their day-long activity at Disneyland.

At the Panda Hotel, where the group was billeted, the children were welcomed by the hotel staff and given stuffed panda toys as souvenirs.

On the second day of the tour, the children made a courtesy call at the Philippine Consulate General's office where they met Consul General Alejandro Vicente, Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco and some Filipino workers here.

Aside from Disneyland, the children also visited the Hong Kong Park, Ocean Park, and Avenue of the Stars where they watched the famous Hong Kong lights and laser show.

They also took the 5.7-km Ngong Ping cable car, overlooking the whole of Hong Kong Island, and were treated to a special dinner at one of the known restaurants in the heart of the city.

Twelve-year-pold Robin (not his real name) said riding the airplane and visiting Disneyland are experiences he will never forget for the rest of his life.

"This is the happiest day of my life," said Robin, who used to beg in the street and who has been under the custody of the Haven for Children for more than four years.

The Haven for Children provides rehabilitative services for boys aged seven to 13 years who are recovering from substance abuse.

Robin said his experience at the park taught him that there is nothing impossible in life.

Robin said that someday, he wants to become a nurse like his house parent or the one taking care of him at the rehabilitation center.

"I want to become a nurse like my Ate Aysa. I want to help other people especially my brother who is living with my father in the Visayas," Robin said.

Fourteen-year old Rose Marie (also not her real name) said she was very happy to see her favorite Mickey Mouse.

She wants to become a social worker like her house parent Kuya Reynaldo.

"I want to finish my studies and become a social worker like Kuya Reynaldo," Rose Marie said. "Like him, I want to help street children."

At age 13, Rose Marie roamed the streets and sniffed solvent.

But with the help of a local official, she was brought to Quezon City's Rehabilitation and Treatment Center where she has been staying for the last 10 months.

For government social worker Nieva Hentelizo, a high salary is not important as long as she inspires children victims of all forms of abuse to become better citizens and help other people.

Hentelizo, 48, said social work is a "very challenging and fulfilling job."

"Part of our job is to help children develop a positive outlook in life," said Hentelizo, who has been a social worker for almost 25 years. "I'm glad that the children are inspired by the social workers."

Harry Inoferio, Hong Kong Express Airways Limited country manager, said they came up with the idea of bringing the children to Hong Kong, particularly to Disneyland, as part of the company's outreach program.

He said the airline company started operations in the Philippines late last year.

Aside from the Philippines, Hong Kong Airways also flies to Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia, among others.

"This is the first time that we have done this. Our company believes that this is the best way to let the children experience what they think is a dream they cannot achieve," he said.

He said this was also the first time that an international airline company is doing such an activity.

For his part, Ablan, who chairs the Committee on Dangerous Drugs at the House of Representatives, said the children must be protected against drug traffickers.

"If we did not rescue these children from the streets, they would soon become drug addicts," he said.

Ablan said sadly the parents of these children were even the ones who introduced them to illegal drug use.

Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco, who also visited the Philippine Consulate General here separately, urged parents and teachers to take "special care" of their children and protect them against illegal drug syndicates.

Meantime, Thelsa Biolena, DSWD-NCR director, said the country lacks rehabilitation centers for children.

She said the Bahay Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center in Bicutan, Taguig is the only rehabilitation center in Metro Manila which is fully subsidized by the government.