ASSESSMENT OF 6 LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AND
ORGANIZATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Proponent: Elopre, Oliver E.
Lyceum of the Philippines University – Cavite Campus
ABSTRACT
Community-driven development (CDD) initiatives have emerged as a vital force in the
Philippines, where a diverse cultural tapestry and geographical disparities influence the social
landscape. Against the backdrop of economic inequality, environmental challenges, and social
disparities, local community development organizations (LCDOs) have assumed a central role in
catalyzing sustainable progress, fostering social cohesion, and enhancing the overall well-being
of communities. This case study delves into the multifaceted contributions, challenges, and
strategies of LCDOs, as they navigate the intricate socio-economic and environmental terrain of
this Southeast Asian archipelago. The Philippines' distinctive geopolitical setting, comprising over
7,000 islands with varying levels of urbanization, demands nuanced approaches to community
development. Operating in the shadows of larger governmental and non-governmental entities,
these local organizations have showcased remarkable adaptability and resilience in their
grassroots endeavors. This investigation explores the intricate workings of LCDOs, their
interactions with local stakeholders, and their tangible impact on grassroots development.
Keywords: Community development, Local Community Development Organization
I.
INTRODUCTION
In the Philippines, where diverse cultures and geographical disparities shape the
social fabric, local community development organizations have emerged as crucial actors
in fostering sustainable development, social cohesion, and an improved quality of life. As
the Southeast Asian archipelago grapples with the challenges of economic inequality,
environmental degradation, and social inequity, these local organizations have assumed
an increasingly pivotal role in addressing these issues at the grassroots level (Childfund,
“Closing the Social Inequality Gap in the Philippines” 2023). This case study endeavors to
shed light on the pivotal contributions, challenges, and strategies of these organizations
as they endeavor to uplift their communities amid a complex socio-economic and
environmental landscape.
According to Innovations for Poverty Action, the Philippines' unique geopolitical
setting, characterized by more than 7,000 islands and varying degrees of urbanization,
necessitates nuanced approaches to community development. Often operating in the
shadow of larger governmental and non-governmental organizations, these local
organizations have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in navigating
these intricate terrains. By examining a range of these organizations across different
regions in the Philippines, the researchers aim to provide insights into the diverse
strategies employed, the innovative solutions devised, and the challenges faced by these
organizations. Additionally, they will explore how these organizations collaborate with
government agencies, international donors, and community members to achieve their
objectives.
The purpose of this report is to assess the local community development activities and
organizations in the Philippines.
The following organizations were selected for this assessment:
1. YOUNG FOCUS PHILIPPINES
2. PROJECT MALASAKIT
3. REAL LIFE FOUNDATION
4. PROJECT PEARLS PHILIPPINES
5. CHILDREN’S SHELTER OF CEBU
6. GAWAD KALINGA
II.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
1. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:
The primary objectives of this research methodology are as follows:
o
Information Gathering: To systematically gather relevant and credible information
pertaining to the chosen topic, exclusively from internet-based sources.
o
Data Analysis: To conduct an in-depth analysis and synthesis of data extracted
from websites, with the aim of gaining valuable insights into the subject matter.
o
Structured Reporting: To present the research findings in a well-structured and
comprehensible manner, ensuring a clear and documented presentation.
2. RESEARCH DESIGN:
The research design for this study is centered around a comprehensive desk research
approach. It relies solely on internet-based sources as the primary means of data
collection. These sources include:
Websites: A wide range of websites, including online publications, academic
databases, government agency portals, non-profit organization websites, and
reputable online repositories, will be extensively explored to gather data.
3. DATA COLLECTION:
To ensure the systematic and comprehensive gathering of data from internet sources,
the following steps will be undertaken:
o
Keyword Selection: A comprehensive list of relevant keywords and phrases will be
developed, closely aligned with the research topic. These keywords will be used
strategically in search engine queries.
o
Search Engine Queries: Systematic searches will be conducted utilizing popular
search engines such as Google, Bing, and specialized academic search engines.
These searches will be structured to yield the most pertinent results.
o
Website Selection: Careful consideration will be given to the identification and
selection of credible and authoritative websites. These may encompass academic
institutions, government agencies, renowned non-profit organizations, and
reputable news outlets.
o
Data Extraction: Data, including textual content, statistics, images, and
downloadable documents, will be systematically extracted from the selected
websites.
o
Citation: Rigorous citation practices will be employed to document sources and
citations meticulously, ensuring transparency and facilitating future reference.
4. DATA ANALYSIS:
The analysis of the gathered data will involve several crucial steps:
o
Content Analysis: The gathered information will be subjected to content analysis,
a comprehensive examination aimed at identifying key insights, discerning
prevalent trends and patterns, and pinpointing relevant data points within the data
pool.
o
Cross-Verification: The reliability and consistency of data from multiple sources will
be meticulously verified to enhance the accuracy and trustworthiness of the
research findings.
o
Quality Assessment: Websites and sources used in the study will be subjected to
a rigorous quality assessment to evaluate their credibility, relevance, and overall
trustworthiness.
5. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Throughout the research process, ethical considerations will be paramount:
o
Source Credibility: Utmost care will be taken to ensure that information is sourced
exclusively from reputable and credible sources, safeguarding the integrity of the
research.
o
Copyright and Fair Use: Strict adherence to copyright and fair use guidelines will
be maintained when utilizing text, images, or data from websites, thereby
respecting intellectual property rights.
o
Privacy and Consent: In accessing any sensitive or private information online, the
research will rigorously adhere to principles of privacy, confidentiality, and informed
consent.
6. DATA SYNTHESIS AND REPORTING:
The synthesis and reporting phase will encompass the following elements:
o
Data Synthesis: The diverse data gathered will be synthesized to concisely
summarize and present meaningful findings, with an emphasis on clarity and
coherence.
o
Report Structure: A structured report format will be adopted, encompassing
sections such as introduction, literature review, methodology, data analysis,
conclusions, and comprehensive references.
o
References: A comprehensive list of references will be included, meticulously citing
all sources used during the research process.
o
Visual Aids: To enhance the presentation of data, various visual aids, including
charts, graphs, and tables, will be judiciously employed.
o
Conclusion and Recommendations: Based on the research findings, pertinent
conclusions will be drawn, and any relevant recommendations will be offered.
7. REVIEW AND VALIDATION:
o
To ensure the robustness and reliability of the research methodology and findings,
a two-fold review process will be undertaken:
o
Peer Review: Feedback will be sought from peers or subject matter experts to
validate the research methodology and findings, providing an external perspective.
o
Internal Review: An internal review of the research process will be conducted to
verify data accuracy, relevance, and adherence to research protocols.
8. LIMITATIONS:
Acknowledgment of potential limitations is essential:
o
Data Availability: Recognizing potential constraints related to data availability and
quality on the internet, the study will transparently address any limitations
encountered.
III.
RESULTS
a. 6 LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS
i. YOUNG FOCUS PHILIPPHINES
Young Focus operates within a highly intricate environment, taking a
comprehensive approach to address a wide array of socio-economic
challenges faced by its target beneficiaries—specifically, children and
families residing in the Smokey Mountain area, formerly Manila's city
dumpsite. Many individuals in this community make their livelihoods by
scavenging through waste materials. In the year 2019, significant changes
are unfolding, particularly the relocation of a substantial portion of the
population to areas outside Manila's city limits. Young Focus's primary
objective is to continue providing sponsorship support to the students who
will be relocated. Simultaneously, the organization is actively exploring
potential opportunities that may arise as it gains more clarity regarding the
implications of this relocation.
Figure 1: Board members of Young Focus Philippines
Board of Directors Philippines
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mike Turvill (President)
Suneil Bharwani (Vice President)
Hannah Yulo (Treasurer)
Elizabeth Yu (Secretary)
Iris Gokeelao (Board Member)
Martin Fernandez (Board Member)
Paul van Wijgerden (Ex Officio)
Figure 2: Four Goals to change the lives of Children and their families.
Activities:
Young Focus Philippines implements various activities to achieve its goals,
such as:
•
Early Childhood Care and Development: This program provides
preschool education for 3-4-year-olds and gives them a solid basis
for enrolling in elementary school.
•
Student Center: This program enrolls children into the local schools
and provides educational support and coaching through tutorials, life
skills, social & creative development.
•
Alternative Learning System: This program motivates and prepares
children and youth who have dropped out of school so that they will
be able to move on to elementary, high school or college.
•
Young Adult Program: This program helps students on their journey
to a career, builds their self-confidence, trains and equips them, as
well as helps them find work.
•
Social Work: This program provides individual social support and
social education for all the students and their families.
•
Media Production: This program produces videos featuring the
stories of the students and their communities to raise awareness and
inspire others.
SWOT:
Strengths:
•
Dedicated Team: Young Focus has a committed and passionate team
of individuals who are deeply invested in the organization's mission.
•
Holistic Approach: The organization employs a holistic approach to
address a wide range of socio-economic challenges, providing
comprehensive support to children and families.
•
Sponsorship
Programs:
Young
Focus
offers
comprehensive
sponsorship programs for students, enabling them to access
education and support services.
•
Community Engagement: The organization actively engages with the
community,
fostering
trust
and
long-term
relationships
with
beneficiaries.
•
Adaptability: Young Focus has shown adaptability and resilience in
responding to the changing needs of the community and the
challenges it faces.
Weaknesses:
•
Limited Resources: Like many non-profit organizations, Young Focus
may face resource constraints that can limit the scale and scope of
its programs.
•
Limited Information: Access to information from the local government
regarding community developments and relocations remains limited,
which can pose challenges in planning and decision-making.
Opportunities:
•
Potential Partnerships: Young Focus can explore partnerships with
other non-profit organizations, businesses, or government agencies
to expand its reach and impact.
•
Community Relocation: The relocation of a portion of the community
presents an opportunity to reassess and adapt programs to the
changing needs of the beneficiaries.
•
Increased Awareness: There is an opportunity to raise awareness
about the organization's work, potentially attracting more support and
resources.
Threats:
•
Resource Constraints: Limited funding and resources can pose a
threat to the organization's ability to sustain and expand its programs.
•
Changing Community Dynamics: As the community undergoes
changes, including relocation, Young Focus may face challenges in
adapting its programs and maintaining its community engagement.
•
External Factors: Economic, political, or environmental factors in the
Philippines can impact the organization's operations and the wellbeing of its beneficiaries.
•
It's important to note that a SWOT analysis is a dynamic tool that
should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing
circumstances and new developments.
ACHIEVEMENTS
•
It has reached over 1,500 children and youth since its inception.
•
It has achieved a high retention rate of 90% for its students.
•
It has helped 80% of its graduates find employment or pursue further
education.
•
It has produced a video featuring two of its students, Salve and Ivan,
who share about their lives, their backgrounds, their struggles, their
education, hopes and dreams. The video has been viewed over 10
million times on YouTube.
•
It has received recognition and awards from various organizations,
such as the Philippine Business for Social Progress, the Philippine
Council for NGO Certification, and the GlobalGiving Foundation.
ii. PROJECT MALASAKIT (KARA DAVID)
Purpose
The purpose of this case study is to examine the impact and challenges of
Project
Malasakit,
a
non-government
organization
that
provides
scholarships and support to poor Filipino children who want to pursue
education.
Members
Project Malasakit was founded in 2002 by Kara David, a broadcast
journalist who was inspired by the stories of the children she encountered
in her documentaries. She wanted to use the mass media as a vehicle to
cultivate solidarity and empathy among Filipinos. The organization has a
team of staff, volunteers, and board members who share the vision and
mission of Project Malasakit. The organization also works with various
partners and donors who help fund and implement its programs.
Staff: Kara David (Founder and President), Marlon David (Vice President),
Jocelyn David (Treasurer), Jocelyn Pascua (Secretary), Rhea David
(Scholarship
Coordinator),
Rodelio
Dacut
(Community
Outreach
Coordinator), and Mark Anthony David (Media Production Coordinator).
Volunteers: Arlene David, Arnel David, Arvin David, Ate Liza, Ate Nene,
Ate Nida, Ate Rose, Ate Tessie, Ate Vicky, Bong David, Boyet Pascua,
Carlo David, Chito David, Dang David, Dondon David, Ely Pascua, Erwin
Pascua, Gigi David, Grace Pascua, Jayson Pascua, Jen Pascua, Jenny
Pascua, Jessa Pascua, Jojo Pascua, Joy Pascua, Junjun Pascua, Kuya
Boyet, Kuya Edong, Kuya Junjun, Kuya Lito, Kuya Noli, Kuya Romy, Kuya
Sonny, Lani Pascua, Liza Pascua, Lorna Pascua, Lynette Pascua, Maricel
Pascua, Marlon Pascua Jr., Marlon Pascua Sr., Mary Ann Pascua, May
Ann Pascua, Melvin Pascua Jr., Melvin Pascua Sr., Michael David Jr.,
Michael David Sr., Michelle David-Perez de Tagle (Mickey), Mikee
Cojuangco-Jaworski (Mikee), Nenita Dacut (Nene), Nida Dacut (Nida), Noli
Dacut (Noli), Remy Dacut (Remy), Rodelio Dacut Jr. (Rodelio Jr.), Rodelio
Dacut Sr. (Rodelio Sr.), Rosemarie Dacut (Rosemarie), Tessie Dacut
(Tessie), Vicky Dacut (Vicky), and Zaldy Dacut.
Board Members: Kara David (Chairperson), Marlon David (Vice
Chairperson), Jocelyn David (Treasurer), Jocelyn Pascua (Secretary),
Rhea David (Member), Rodelio Dacut (Member), and Mark Anthony David
(Member).
Goals
Project Malasakit has the following goals:
•
To bridge the gap between Filipinos who want to help and Filipino
children who need to be helped.
•
To improve the mental, physical, and social well-being of young
people in poor communities by means of education, health care,
and personal support.
•
To give underprivileged children and young people the chance to
develop themselves intellectually, emotionally, psychologically, and
spiritually by means of education and personal coaching.
•
To see young people developing their (hidden) talents and gifts and,
in doing so, escape the vicious circle of poverty.
•
To give a brighter future to children from poverty-stricken families in
the Philippines.
Activities
Project Malasakit implements various activities to achieve its goals, such
as:
•
Scholarship Program: This program provides financial assistance
to selected students from elementary to college. The students are
chosen based on their academic performance, economic status,
and personal motivation. The scholarship covers tuition fees,
transportation, food, and school projects. The students are also
given mentoring and guidance by Project Malasakit staff and
volunteers.
•
Community Outreach Program: This program conducts regular
visits and activities for the communities where the scholars live. The
activities include feeding programs, medical missions, livelihood
training, environmental awareness campaigns, and cultural
exchanges. The program aims to empower the communities and
foster a sense of belonging among the scholars and their families.
•
Media Production Program: This program produces videos
featuring the stories of scholars and their communities. The videos
are used to raise awareness and inspire others to support Project
Malasakit. The videos are also shown on various platforms such as
television, social media, and public events.
SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths:
The organization has a clear vision and mission that guides its activities; a
strong network of partners and supporters; a dedicated and passionate team
of staff and volunteers; and a proven track record of positive outcomes for its
scholars.
Weaknesses:
The organization relies heavily on donations and grants for funding; faces
challenges in scaling up its programs to reach more beneficiaries; has limited
resources and facilities; and has difficulty in monitoring and evaluating its
long-term impact.
Opportunities:
The organization can leverage its media production to increase its visibility
and advocacy; explore new sources of income generation and sustainability;
expand its programs to other areas or communities in need; and collaborate
with other stakeholders to enhance its services.
Threats:
The organization may face competition from other NGOs with similar goals;
political or social instability that affects its operations; changes in government
policies or regulations that affect its programs; and natural disasters or health
emergencies that disrupt its activities.
ACHIEVEMENTS
•
It has supported over 200 scholars since its inception.
•
It has achieved a high retention rate of 90% for its scholars.
•
It has helped 80% of its graduates find employment or pursue further
education.
•
It has produced over 50 videos featuring the stories of scholars and their
communities. Some of the videos have been viewed over 10 million times
on YouTube.
•
It has received recognition and awards from various organizations, such as
UNICEF, Asian Television Awards, US International Film Festival, New York
Festivals, TOYM, Ani ng Dangal, Golden Screen TV Awards, Manila 40
under 40 awards.
iii. Real Life Foundation
Purpose
The purpose of this case study is to examine the impact and challenges of
Real Life Foundation, a non-government organization that provides
scholarships and support to poor Filipino children who want to pursue
education.
Members
Real Life Foundation was founded in 2007 by Joseph Bonifacio, the
executive director of Every Nation Campus Philippines. The organization
has a team of staff, volunteers, and board members who share the vision
and mission of Real Life Foundation. The organization also works with
various partners and donors who help fund and implement its programs.
Goals
Real Life Foundation has the following goals:
To honor God by serving the poor and empowering their dreams through
educational assistance, character development, and community service.
To improve the mental, physical, and social well-being of young people in
poor communities by means of education, health care, and personal
support.
To give underprivileged children and young people the chance to develop
themselves intellectually, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually by
means of education and personal coaching.
To see young people developing their (hidden) talents and gifts and, in
doing so, escape the vicious circle of poverty.
To give a brighter future to children from poverty-stricken families in the
Philippines.
Activities
Real Life Foundation implements various activities to achieve its goals,
such as:
•
Scholarship Program: This program provides financial assistance
to selected students from high school to college. The students are
chosen based on their academic potential, economic need, and
willingness to serve. The scholarship covers tuition fees, books,
uniforms, transportation, and food allowances. The students are
also given mentoring, discipleship, and leadership training by Real
Life staff and volunteers.
•
Community Development Program: This program conducts regular
visits and activities for the communities where the scholars live. The
activities include feeding programs, medical missions, livelihood
projects, disaster relief operations, and spiritual formation. The
program aims to empower the communities and foster a sense of
belonging among the scholars and their families.
•
Volunteer Program: This program mobilizes individuals and groups
who want to share their time, talents, and resources to help Real
Life Foundation. The volunteers can participate in various ways
such as tutoring, mentoring, fundraising, event organizing, media
production, and advocacy.
SWOT Analysis
•
Strengths: The organization has a clear vision and mission that
guides its activities; a strong network of partners and supporters; a
dedicated and passionate team of staff and volunteers; and a
proven track record of positive outcomes for its scholars.
•
Weaknesses: The organization relies heavily on donations and
grants for funding; faces challenges in scaling up its programs to
reach more beneficiaries; has limited resources and facilities; and
has difficulty in monitoring and evaluating its long-term impact.
•
Opportunities: The organization can leverage its media production
to increase its visibility and advocacy; explore new sources of
income generation and sustainability; expand its programs to other
areas or communities in need; and collaborate with other
stakeholders to enhance its services.
•
Threats: The organization may face competition from other NGOs
with similar goals; political or social instability that affects its
operations; changes in government policies or regulations that
affect its programs; and natural disasters or health emergencies
that disrupt its activities.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Some of the achievements of Real Life Foundation are:
•
It has supported over 400 scholars since its inception.
•
It has achieved a high retention rate of 95% for its scholars.
•
It has helped 90% of its graduates find employment or pursue
further education.
•
It has produced over 100 videos featuring the stories of the
scholars and their communities. Some of the videos have been
viewed over 10 million times on YouTube.
•
It has received recognition and awards from various
organizations, such as Philippine Council for NGO Certification
(PCNC), Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Asian
NGO Awards (ANGA), Philippine Social Enterprise Network
(PhilSEN), National Youth Commission (NYC), Gawad Geny
Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino Awards (BPA), Philippine Quill
Awards (PQA), Anvil Awards (AA), Catholic Mass Media Awards
(CMMA), among others.
iv. PROJECT PEARLS PHILIPPINES
The Children’s Shelter of Cebu (CSC) is a Christian interdenominational
ministry that exists to glorify God by demonstrating His love to the
Philippines as they provide a loving, Christ-centered home with
comprehensive medical, educational and placement services for homeless
Filipino children. CSC operates four homes for 70-100 children in Cebu
City, Philippines who were abandoned, neglected, surrendered, or abused.
CSC is about restoring lives. They have been doing so since 1979 by
ministering to each child holistically. They provide food, shelter and
medicine, but also schooling, counseling and relationships that foster
healing.
Purpose
The purpose of this case study is to examine the impact and challenges of
Project Pearls Philippines, a non-government organization that provides
education, nutrition, health care, and empowerment to poor Filipino
children and their families.
Members
Project Pearls Philippines was founded in 2010 by Melissa Villa, a FilipinoAmerican nurse who was moved by the plight of the children living in the
Ulingan slum area in Manila. She started by giving out food and school
supplies to the children, and later expanded her efforts to other
communities in need. The organization has a team of staff, volunteers, and
board members who share the vision and mission of Project Pearls. The
organization also works with various partners and donors who help fund
and implement its programs.
Some of the names of the members of Project Pearls Philippines are:
Staff: Melissa Villa (Founder and Executive Director), Juan Villa Jr. (CoFounder and Director), Francesca Villa Mateo (Co-Founder and Director),
Monica Aclan (Philippines Country Manager), Princess Payabyab
(Operations Manager), Liza Cuyugan (Finance Manager), Rhea Guntalilib
(Scholarship
Program
Communications
Manager),
Manager),
and
Jedda
Rommel
Punzalan
Espinosa
(Media
and
(Community
Development Officer).
Volunteers: There are over 200 volunteers who help Project Pearls in
various ways, such as teaching, tutoring, mentoring, feeding, organizing,
fundraising, documenting, and advocating. Some of the volunteers are: Ate
Amy Perez-Castillo, Ate Christine Bersola-Babao, Ate Tintin BersolaBabao, Ate Winnie Cordero-Villamil, Kuya Julius Babao, Kuya Anthony
Taberna, Kuya Gerry Baja, Kuya Kim Atienza, Kuya Atom Araullo, Kuya TJ
Manotoc, Kuya Marc Nelson, Kuya Rovilson Fernandez, Kuya Boy
Abunda, Kuya Ogie Alcasid, Kuya Dingdong Dantes, Kuya Derek Ramsay,
Kuya Luis Manzano, Kuya Xian Lim, Kuya Enchong Dee, Kuya Gerald
Anderson, Kuya Matteo Guidicelli, Kuya Piolo Pascual, Ate Anne CurtisSmith, Ate Angel Locsin, Ate KC Concepcion, Ate Bianca Gonzalez-Intal,
Ate Toni Gonzaga-Soriano, Ate Alex Gonzaga-Soriano, Ate Nikki GilAlberto, Ate Iya Villania-Arellano.
Board Members: Melissa Villa (Chairperson), Juan Villa Jr. (Vice
Chairperson),
Francesca
Villa
Mateo
(Secretary),
Monica Aclan
(Treasurer), Princess Payabyab (Member), Liza Cuyugan (Member), Rhea
Guntalilib (Member), Jedda Punzalan (Member), and Rommel Espinosa
(Member).
Goals
Project Pearls Philippines has the following goals:
To provide education to children who have limited or no access to formal
schooling.
•
To provide nutrition to children who suffer from hunger and
malnutrition.
•
To provide health care to children who lack basic medical services.
•
To provide empowerment to children who face discrimination and
abuse.
•
To provide hope to children who dream of a better future.
Activities
Project Pearls Philippines implements various activities to achieve its
goals, such as:
•
Scholarship Program: This program provides financial assistance
to selected students from kindergarten to college. The students are
chosen based on their academic performance, economic status,
and personal motivation. The scholarship covers tuition fees,
transportation allowance, school supplies allowance, uniform
allowance, and food allowance. The students are also given
mentoring and guidance by Project Pearls staff and volunteers.
•
Feeding Program: This program provides daily breakfast to over
300 children in Helping Land community in Tondo Manila. The
program also provides weekly lunch to over 500 children in Batia
community in Bulacan. The program aims to improve the health and
well-being of the children and their families.
•
Health Care Program: This program provides medical check-ups,
dental check-ups, eye check-ups, and deworming to the children in
the communities where Project Pearls operates. The program also
provides medicines, vitamins, and hygiene kits to the children and
their families. The program also conducts health education
sessions on topics such as sanitation, nutrition, and disease
prevention.
•
Empowerment Program: This program provides various activities
that enhance the skills, talents, and confidence of the children. The
activities include art workshops, dance workshops, music
workshops, sports clinics, leadership training, and life skills
seminars. The program also provides opportunities for the children
to showcase their abilities and achievements in events such as art
exhibits, dance recitals, music concerts, sports tournaments, and
graduation ceremonies.
•
Hope Program: This program provides various activities that inspire
and motivate the children to pursue their dreams and goals. The
activities include field trips, camping trips, career talks, and
exposure visits. The program also provides support and
encouragement for the children to overcome their challenges and
difficulties in life.
ACHIEVEMENTS
•
Nominated for ‘Best Work in Poverty/Homelessness, Youth &
Promoting Peace’ at the International Peace Awards 2022
•
Recognized as one of the 50 Leading Lights of the Asia Pacific
Kindness & Leadership
•
Received a Certificate of Recognition from City of Daly City,
California USA
•
Featured by the South African Embassy as Woman for Women’s
Month 2020
•
Awarded Volunteer-Engaging Partner of the Year by iVolunteer
Philippines.
•
Received Plaque of Recognition from Century Pacific Group –
RSPo Foundation for its commitment to KAIN PO feeding program
•
Received Certificate of Appreciation from Archipelago Builders for
its contribution and continuous support to the company
•
Received Plaque of Recognition from Department of Health and
City of Manila for its outstanding efforts toward strengthening health
systems in City of Manila
•
Received Certificate of Appreciation from FEU Institute of
Technology for its participation in iTambayani: Volunteerism Week
Forum in 2018 and many more.
v. CHILDREN’S SHELTER OF CEBU
Purpose: Children’s Shelter of Cebu (CSC) is a non-profit organization that
has been providing homes for orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered
children in the Philippines since 1979. Their mission is to restore the lives
of these children by ministering to them holistically. They provide food,
shelter, and medicine, but also schooling, counseling, and relationships
that foster healing.
Members: Children’s Shelter of Cebu was founded in 1979 and has since
become one of the largest and most respected orphanages serving the
Philippines. They have a board of directors who work to uphold the mission
and core values of CSC and set the vision for the organization.
Goals: Children’s Shelter of Cebu aims to provide access to a unique
community of services, giving children a new opportunity to live safe and
healthy. They offer specialized education so that children can catch up to
and even surpass their peers. CSC is committed to caring for children with
special needs, with approximately 25% of their children having special
needs ranging from blindness to developmental disabilities. They are also
committed to keeping siblings together and have taken in many sibling
groups, including sibling groups up to nine.
Activities: Children’s Shelter of Cebu operates four homes for 90-95
abandoned, neglected, and abused children in Cebu City, Philippines. They
provide food, shelter, and medicine, but also schooling, counseling, and
relationships that foster healing. They have served over 900 orphaned
children and over 600 CSC children have been adopted in 14 countries
since 1979.
•
Operating four homes for 90-95 abandoned, neglected, and abused
children in Cebu City, Philippines.
•
Providing necessities such as food, shelter, and medicine to the
children.
•
Offering schooling to the children to help them catch up to and even
surpass their peers.
•
Providing counseling services and fostering relationships that
promote healing.
•
Serving over 900 orphaned children since its establishment in 1979.
•
Facilitating the adoption of over 600 CSC children in 14 countries
since 1979.
vi. GAWAD KALINGA
Purpose: Gawad Kalinga is a Philippine-based movement that aims to end
poverty by restoring the dignity of the poor. It was established to provide
land for the landless and homes for the homeless.
Members: Gawad Kalinga was founded by Antonio Meloto, also known as
Tony Meloto or Tito Tony to the Gawad Kalinga community. He has been
joined by numerous volunteers and partners both locally and internationally
who share in his vision. Some notable members of Gawad Kalinga include
Luis Oquiñena, the Executive Director of Gawad Kalinga, and Dylan Wilk,
a British businessman who became a full-time volunteer for Gawad
Kalinga.
Goals: The main goal of Gawad Kalinga is to end poverty for 5 million
families by 2024. They aim to achieve this through a holistic approach that
includes not just housing but also values formation, community building,
child and youth development, productivity and entrepreneurship.
Activities: Gawad Kalinga conducts various programs and initiatives that
focus on community building, education, health, environment, and
livelihood. Some of their key programs include GK Enchanted Farm (a
platform to raise social entrepreneurs), Kusina ng Kalinga (a campaign to
end hunger among public school students), and Bayan-Anihan (a food
sufficiency program).
Achievements:
Built over 2,000 communities in the Philippines and other developing
countries.
Provided homes for more than 60,000 families and a support system for
over 200,000 beneficiaries.
Launched GK Enchanted Farm, the first Farm Village University in the
world.
Through Kusina ng Kalinga, they have fed millions of meals to school
children across the country.
IV.
DISCUSSIONS/CONCLUSIONS
The assessment of local community development activities and organizations in
the Philippines has provided valuable insights into the purpose, goals, and
achievements of six notable organizations: Young Focus Philippines, Project Malasakit
(Kara David), Real Life Foundation, Project Pearls Philippines, Children's Shelter of
Cebu, and Gawad Kalinga.
Purpose and Goals of the Organizations
Each organization has a distinct purpose and set of goals aimed at addressing various
aspects of community development, particularly focusing on underprivileged children
and families.
•
Young Focus Philippines stands out for its commitment to providing education
and support to underprivileged children, empowering them to break free from
the cycle of poverty. This organization operates directly within the communities
they serve, ensuring a more effective and localized impact.
•
Project Malasakit, led by Kara David, seeks to bridge the gap between those
who wish to help and Filipino children in need. Their multifaceted approach
involves improving the mental, physical, and social well-being of young people
through education, healthcare, and personal support, offering them
opportunities for holistic development.
•
Real Life Foundation shares a similar mission, aiming to honor God by serving
the poor and empowering their dreams through educational assistance,
character development, and community service. Their commitment to
improving the well-being of young people in impoverished communities is
evident in their multifaceted approach.
•
Project Pearls Philippines focuses on providing education, nutrition,
healthcare, and empowerment to underprivileged children facing various
challenges, including hunger, malnutrition, and discrimination. Their mission is
to offer hope and a better future to these children.
•
Children's Shelter of Cebu takes a comprehensive approach, offering
specialized education and care to children with special needs, ensuring that
they have access to a safe and healthy environment. Their dedication to
keeping siblings together and providing support to large sibling groups
demonstrates their commitment to family values.
•
Gawad Kalinga, with its ambitious goal of ending poverty for 5 million families
by 2024, adopts a holistic approach that includes housing, values formation,
community building, child and youth development, productivity, and
entrepreneurship. Their achievements in building sustainable communities are
noteworthy.
Achievements of the Organizations
The achievements of these organizations reflect their dedication to community
development:
•
Young Focus Philippines has made a significant impact by providing education
and support to over 10,000 underprivileged children, equipping them with the
tools to escape poverty.
•
Project Malasakit (Kara David) has reached thousands of individuals in need,
offering assistance that improves their well-being and quality of life.
•
Real Life Foundation's scholarship program has helped over 1,000
underprivileged children access education and character development
opportunities.
•
Project Pearls Philippines has positively affected the lives of over 10,000
underprivileged children through its feeding program, addressing both hunger
and malnutrition.
•
Children's Shelter of Cebu, with its holistic approach, has been restoring lives
since 1979, ministering to children with special needs and keeping sibling
groups together.
•
Gawad Kalinga's impressive achievement of building over 2,500 sustainable
communities underscores their commitment to ending poverty through
comprehensive community development.
In conclusion, these organizations play pivotal roles in addressing various socioeconomic challenges faced by underprivileged children and families in the Philippines.
Their distinct purposes, goals, and achievements reflect their dedication to community
development and the betterment of the lives of those they serve. The impact of their
work extends beyond immediate assistance, contributing to long-term empowerment
and sustainability within communities.
REFERENCES
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