Church-based poverty alleviation program at the service of the poor in Philippines

A church-based poverty alleviation initiative marked the 19th anniversary of its operation in Manila, Philippines, on June 17.
 
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, former archbishop of Manila started "The Pondo ng Pinoy" (fund of Filipinos) Community Foundation Inc in June 2004.
 
At present, the program runs in 31 different dioceses across the country. Its slogan is “Anumang magaling, kahit maliit, basta’t malimit ay patungong langit” (Any good thing, no matter how small, if it is done, often goes to heaven).
 
Marking the anniversary activities, Bishop Gerardo Alimane Alminaza of San Carlos celebrated the Holy Mass. 

"Pondo ng Pinoy" celebrated 19 years of impacting lives and communities all around the country, he said. 
 
"Let us continue to spread the spirit of hope and empowerment through generosity," the prelate added.
 
He urged friends and collaborators to inculcate the practice of giving, no matter how little, out of love rather than out of sympathy.
 
He said that the initiative's main goal is not to raise money but rather to evangelize people and communities, particularly those who are marginalized and on the periphery. 
 
The initiative helps the underprivileged and offers them chances to better their lives.

"Pondo ng Pinoy" has now become both a movement and a communal foundation. Through little but frequent gestures of kindness, solidarity, and sharing, symbolized by the daily donation of 25 centavos, it fosters a Filipino culture more profoundly anchored in the love of God and neighbor, especially the impoverished.
 
It focuses on consciousness development primarily through sacred scriptures and the social teachings of the Church.
 
Its responsibility as a community foundation is to handle the money that will be accumulated from people's daily contributions. These donations, along with any investment earnings, are only used to assist projects or programs for socioeconomic development in the participating dioceses.
 
Since its inception in June 2004, "Pondo ng Pinoy" has grown and operated in numerous areas. It is based on the theology of the crumbs, or giving what little one has to others so they can live honorably, according to Henrietta De Villa, a member of the board of the organization.
 
Giving and receiving regular modest acts of kindness to neighbors is evangelized, especially for the empowerment of underprivileged and oppressed groups.

Small, consistent gestures of kindness toward neighbors are signs of God's love, giving everyone—especially the poor—hope and a dignified life.
 
"It cultivates a culture of giving and service to others by setting aside as little as 25 centavos per day as a show of compassion for the underprivileged and as a reminder of one's good deeds," said Maria Christine Rey, a church volunteer. - Santosh Digal