A partnership forged for the common good is a strong, relevant alliance.
This was proven by selected beneficiaries who received assistance from the country’s national poverty alleviation strategy, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and a civil society organization, the Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
The 4Ps program focuses on health, nutrition, and education for eligible poor households, while the key programming areas of CRS in the country include emergency response and recovery; disaster risk reduction and management; climate change adaptation; livelihoods; peacebuilding and good governance; water; sanitation and hygiene; and women and youth empowerment.
CRS conducted remarkable projects that truly impacted the lives of their beneficiaries. Some of their top projects are Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC), Project Shake, and the Clean Manila, Blue Bay Project (CMBB).
Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC)
One particular interesting microfinance approach that beneficiaries of CRS find helpful is the Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) methodology. SILC “provides a safe place for poor households to save and borrow to increase their income. The goal is to help members better manage their existing resources by teaching them basic financial management skills.”
Ate Olive, a former beneficiary of 4Ps, shared her experience of how SILC helped her achieve her goals. Through SILC, she learned the value of financial management by attending various trainings and seminars sponsored by the organization. Most importantly, with the help of 4Ps and CRS, she managed to send her child to senior high school. She now serves as one of the trainers for SILC. She takes pride in sharing her knowledge and expertise with her neighbors, especially on how to manage their finances and investments.
Project Shake
As a country experiencing several natural hazards, preparedness is a must. CRS’ Project Shake aims to develop protocols, frameworks, and improved capacities for earthquake preparedness. One of its beneficiaries and volunteers is Ate Emily.
Through this project, they managed to provide thousands of emergency bags, or “GO-BAGS,” to families located in earthquake-prone areas. Moreover, they have conducted several trainings and seminars for families regarding disaster preparedness.
Emily shares her experience as a beneficiary and a volunteer in this CRS project. She said Project Shake is beneficial. Not only did she learn and share survival skills for disaster preparation, but it also helped her connect with people, especially her neighbors, in her noble work as a volunteer.
Clean Manila, Blue Bay (CMBB) Project
Environmental issues persist in our country, one of which is the issue of poor solid waste management. This is where the CMBB project comes into play.
Intending to respond to the global crisis of plastic pollution, the CMBB generally contributes to the cause by building capacity and instigating collective action among stakeholders to better implement solid waste management systems and policies.
Composed of enthusiastic volunteers, they have helped clean the streets, sewers, and selected villages in Manila. One of their beneficiaries and volunteers is Ate Mylene. She shared how the CRS’ CMBB project helped her and her community. As volunteers in this project, the CRS provided them with funding to purchase materials for the clean-up drive. All the recycled materials, primarily plastic bottles, are being used as livelihood materials. As both beneficiaries of the 4Ps and CRS’ projects, Ate Mylene spent her allowances wisely. Not only are these programs contributing to the betterment of the community, but they have also improved her way of life.
Every beneficiary has their own success story. Though they have different struggles and backgrounds, they still share the same goal: to surpass the crushing effects of poverty. In the fight against lingering social issues, our fellow Filipino citizens are not alone. As the Department of Social Welfare and Development, under its 4Ps program, continues to assist Filipino families in need, another actor is at play: various non-government organizations. (PC/ARB- PIA-CPSD)
During a media tour on Wednesday, May 8, in Intramuros, Manila, organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Social Marketing Division of the 4Ps National Program Management Office, CRS and 4Ps beneficiaries, Olivia Dealogdon, Mylene Mostorio, and Emily Parungao shared how CRS and 4Ps helped them. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-SMD, 4Ps).
