PICO Faith Based
Community Organizing
Model
Group 2
OVERVIEW
PICO FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY ORGANIZING MODEL
A faith-driven approach to address social injustices and
systemic issues
Mobilizes religious congregations for community change
Relies on:
Relationships
Shared faith values
Community leadership
Goal: Sustainable social transformation
OVERVIEW
PICO FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY ORGANIZING MODEL
Founded on 1972 in Oakland, California by Fr. John Baumann,
SJ and Fr. Jerry Helfrich
Originally called Pacific Institute for Community Organizing
(PICO)
Inspired by:
Catholic social teaching
Vatican II call for justice and transformation
Organizing strategies of Saul Alinsky
OVERVIEW
PICO FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY ORGANIZING MODEL
Core Principles:
Faith as a Unifying Force
Relationship Power
Community Leadership
Subsidiarity
Long-term Commitment
EXAMPLE:
MALNUTRITION
Malnutrition remains a pressing public health problem in the Philippines, especially in rural and low-income
communities. According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), cases of underweight, stunted,
and wasted children are often linked to poverty, food insecurity, and lack of knowledge on proper
nutrition. Malnutrition not only affects physical growth but also cognitive development, school
performance, and overall well-being. Addressing this issue requires a community-based approach that
involves collaboration between health workers, local leaders, families, and organizations.
EXAMPLE:
MALNUTRITION
According to the results of the 2024 Operation Timbang Plus, an annual activity measuring all children
aged 0-59 months, there was a decrease in both prevalence and magnitude of stunting (putot) from 7.2%
(47,842 children) in 2023 to 6.7% (38,080 children) in 2024; wasting (niwang) from 1.4% (9,473 children) in 2023 to 1.3%
(7,118 children) in 2024; underweight from 3.2% (21,481 children) in 2023 to 3.0% (17,229 children) in 2024; and
overweight from 2.11% (13,970 children) in 2023 to 2.0% (11,491 children) in 2024.
EXAMPLE:
MALNUTRITION
1. Exploratory Process
2. Form Local Organizing Committee (LOC)
3. 1-to-1 Visits & Listening House Meetings
4. Build Relationships & Surface Concerns
5. Choose Priority Issues
6. Research & Analysis
7. Taking Action
8. Follow-up & Evaluation
EXPLORATORY
PROCESS
• Nurses and church leaders observe a rising number of
children in the barangay showing signs of being
underweight and malnourished.
• This initial observation prompts concern and recognition
that malnutrition is not just an individual problem but a
community-wide health issue that requires collective
attention. Outcome: Recognition of a pressing community
health issue and shared concern among leaders and
stakeholders.
FORM LOCAL ORGANIZING
COMMITTEE (LOC)
• Barangay health workers, parish volunteers, and mothers’
associations come together to form a core committee.
• This group will serve as the decision-making body and
will mobilize resources, manpower, and ideas to address
malnutrition in the community. Outcome: A committed
core group is formed, ensuring that responsibilities are
shared and coordinated.
1-TO-1 VISITS & LISTENING
HOUSE MEETINGS
• Health workers and volunteers visit households to listen to
parents’ experiences and struggles in feeding their
children.
• Families reveal concerns such as lack of money for
nutritious food, limited knowledge of affordable healthy
recipes, and children skipping meals. Outcome: A deeper
understanding of the real issues faced by families, ensuring
that interventions are relevant and community-driven.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS &
SURFACE CONCERNS
• Faith leaders, mothers, and youth organizations are
invited to group discussions to brainstorm possible
solutions.
• This process builds trust, strengthens community
relationships, and ensures that families feel included in
decision-making. Outcome: Collective ownership of the
problem is achieved, laying the foundation for
community-led solutions.
CHOOSE PRIORITY ISSUES
• While various concerns are raised (such as
unemployment, sanitation, and lack of health services),
malnutrition is identified as the most urgent issue affecting
children’s health and future.
Outcome: Clear prioritization ensures that resources and
energy are focused on a single pressing problem.
RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
• Nurses and barangay health workers collect data on the
number of underweight and stunted children through
weighing sessions.
• Barangay profiles and surveys reveal that poverty and
lack of proper nutrition education are the main causes.
Outcome: Evidence-based planning becomes possible,
ensuring interventions directly address the root causes of
malnutrition.
TAKING ACTION
• The church initiates a weekly feeding program every
Sunday after mass, providing nutritious meals for children.
• Mothers are given training on meal preparation using
affordable, locally available ingredients (e.g., malunggay,
monggo, root crops).
• Partnerships with local farmers are explored to supply
vegetables at lower cost. Outcome: Children receive
immediate nutritional support (feeding) while families are
empowered with skills for sustainable nutrition practices.
FOLLOW-UP & EVALUATION
• Monthly weighing of children is conducted to monitor
progress.
• Improvements are seen in weight gain, school
attendance, and energy levels of children.
• The community evaluates the program, celebrates small
wins, and makes adjustments when needed (e.g., including
livelihood programs for families).
Outcome: Sustained improvement in child health,
increased community participation, and development of
a sustainable model for addressing malnutrition.
CAMPAIGN
"Ang Pagsalig
"Ang
Pagsalig
Kontra sa
Kontra
sa
Kagutom: Usa
Kagutom:
Usa
ka programa
ka
programa
sulong sa
sulong
sa
insakto nga
insakto
nga
sustansya"
sustansya"
Sept. 23, 2025
Barangay Kalasungay
You are invited to join us!
Headed by the Christian-Youth Members of Bukidon State University
THANK YOU