Charities Blog

Giving Something Back

How Can You Identify the Homeless from Syndicates?

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Children of Hope

One thing about the Philippines is that you will find a lot of beggars in the streets. You will also see acts of charity which is heartwarming. But one thing most people fail to realize is on whether these acts of kindness are indeed going into their pockets or to the people who organize and deploy them in different parts of the metropolis.

Sad to say, begging in the Philippines has been made into a business. Despicable as it may seem, it is a reality to which some wiser Filipinos have been advised not to give to the poor or if ever, just give something in kind like food, canned goods, or clothes. That way, you are giving them something that they can use rather than money which is obviously holding true to its word as a source of all evil.

Through this, true acts of charity are being made. You are helping unfortunate people through the actual needs based on the hierarchy of John Maslow. These are acts that syndicates hate since it deprives them of profiting through using people. Addressing the needs of the actual people may at times be the best way and good blessings. But for people who are handling them, they are given ultimatums and punished if they do not meet quotas. Yes, they are given quotas making begging more of a profession rather than something to which any person can provide any form of help.

Pathetic as it may seem, if you find yourself coming across such people in the Philippines, try not to give any form of cash to them. You can either say NO or give something that a person would really need outside that of money.

Waste Trading Markets: Convenient Recycling

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I recently received an email with the following information regarding Waste
Trading Markets in my area. I think it is a great idea to get people recycling and hope that this kind of markets will come up in many more commercial areas. What do you think?

THE “WASTE” TRADING MARKETS!

Trade scrap paper for new (office/ mimeo) paper!

Trade used ink cartridges for new!

Sell your electronic waste (junk computers) and old /broken appliances!

Sell your used lead acid batteries! Redeem the following for cash:
PET plastic bottles and other plastics, aluminum/tin cans, scrap glass.

Drop off points also provided for junk cellphones, cellphone batteries, styrofoam…

These Waste Markets aim to make recycling convenient and accessible, especially for those who frequent commercial shopping areas, and also to show
that we all CAN make recycling a habit!

Please help spread the word to family, friends and colleagues. Ask around at your local community service offcice, or better yet, start one yourself. Proceeds of this can go to the needy – another fantastic way one person’s junk can help others!

Philippine Residents In Need Of Donations

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Remember what happened to Louisiana when Hurricane Katrina hit several years ago? The hurricane dumped more than an inch of rainfall for three hours, and then it dumped 0.5 inches of rain for the next 5 hours or so. We all know what happened.

Now think of a tropical storm dumping an average of 2.24 inches of rain per hour for six hours straight. Think of a metropolis crammed with millions and millions of people – many of them living near swollen rivers in makeshift shanties. You can just imagine the disaster!

This is exactly what happened to Metro Manila and outlying areas on Saturday, September 26. The center of the nation was left helpless under the wrath of nature. Even the business district was flooded, with cars being swept away by the flood waters.

Ordinary people were left stranded in the middle of the highways. Others were stuck on the roofs of their houses. The less fortunate ones were carried away by the raging waters.

One thing is clear: these people need help.

You will be amazed at how quickly the Filipino people are banding together to offer their help. Numerous institutions have opened their arms as hosts to those who have been displaced. Churches, schools, and community centers have risen to the occasion. Others have volunteered to pack relief goods. People have also been using technology non-stop to do their part – spreading information, asking for rescue, even sending donations to the Philippine Red Cross through their mobile phones. Nothing is too small, and nothing too big – the Filipino nation is showing their “bayanihan” spirit and is proud of it.

For those who want to donate or help in whatever way you can, here’s the relevant information.

• Red Cross donation via SMS: text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)
• Relief goods can be sent to Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandaca Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (tel.no. 5639298/5639308). Relief goods can also be brought Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Corner EDSA (tel no. 9257931-40).
• TeamManila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk, Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas to displaced countrymen due to Typhoon Ondoy.
• Generous souls in the US who wish to help in the rescue and relief operations, you may donate through the American Red Cross. Call 1-800-435-7669.

The Forgotten Places of Flooded Areas in the Philippines

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Can you imagine a place where it is practically like Waterworld? Well there is such a place in the Philippines. It is near the borders of Malabon and Navotas, two of the low areas where floods are sure to rise whenever the strong rains come in.

Normally, floods can die down after a couple of weeks after the rains have stopped. But it is really hard to believe that there are places that go through practically a year barely above water. For most of the residents in Malabon and Navotas, the site is something that really needs the attention of the local government considering that not only is it uncomfortable, it is entirely a health risk location as well.

But this place is not always that flooded. There was a time when people there could walk around and play ball even. However today, rafts are the common site to bring people to and from dry land. And with the series of rains hitting the area, it is not helping at all.

There is no doubt that among the causes for floods are the problematic issues of garbage and total disregard of the infrastructure of this place. But while that is already a given, should that allow the Philippine government from disregarding the welfare of these people? They are no different from the common ones living in the country today and apparently something has to be done. Calling President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, are you listening? It was in the news last night!

Sea Tragedy Still on the Rocks

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It has been over a month now and to this day, nothing striking has been reported on the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy that occurred in Romblon, Philippines. With thousands of lives that perished no thanks to Typhoon Franks, relatives had to console themselves with P200,000.00 in exchange for the lives of their loved ones that sank with this vessel.

The thing you have to hate about this is that the vessel, the MV Princess of the Stars is still out there overturned with bodies floating all over perhaps decaying by now. Apparently there are further issues to resolve such as the celebrated chemicals that were on board the ship that can lead to an outbreak of diseases and contamination if the rescuers are not careful.

Already affected are the fish and sea creatures that are being sold in the area as the increasing fear of contaminated fish or sea shell food is a possibility. With that in mind, one can just imagine the impact that this tragedy has given to the local folks of Romblon and how the livelihood of nearby towns are being affected as well.

Rather than focusing on how to resolve the issue, the people behind the vessel, Sulpicio Lines continues to face the raps being hurled their way. Political parties in the Philippines are having a heyday frying the vessel owners and while they are doing that, family members of the victims on board continue to wait.

Even worse, it is the rainy season. While the vessel has not been completely taken out, there are more storms headed the way of the Philippines. More delays are sure to ensue and perhaps make the situation grow worse.

Gawad Kalinga: Build a Home, Build a Life

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Poverty stricken people today will always point towards shelter as the main problem that they would have. Given the limited funds, not all people are able to afford a decent home to live in at decent and acceptable standards. A lot of these people would find themselves in shanty places. In most cases, these are places that would either be deserted or abandoned. Technically it is a form of trespassing, but until they are noticed, they will stay in these areas or similar areas as long as time permits.

Gawad Kalinga Philippines

There are some foundations that pull their act together and try to come up with some low cost housing such as that of the Gawad Kalinga project that Filipino people have been focusing on. It is true that homes are hard to secure with the times. But given the opportunity, seeing students, professionals and good Samaritans working and help build a better home for people in need of better lives is a sight to behold.

[tags]gawad kalinga, homes, poverty, philippines, build a home[/tags]