# data[].attributes.headline
How Bacolodnons came together to fight COVID-19

# data[].attributes.subject
How Bacolodnons came together to fight COVID-19

# data[].attributes.body
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, as Bacolod City united to face the crisis. Even before its first case, the city activated a task force, secured protective gear, and mobilized barangays. Innovation thrived through the country’s first Swab Mobile, funded by local groups, while GIS mapping and expanded labs improved testing. With few cases, Bacolod shifted to safer reopening, easing both health and livelihood concerns proving resilience through solidarity and cooperation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
League of Cities of the Philippines - How Bacolodnons came together to fight COVID-19

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The AdvocateJanuary 15, 2021The Q1-Q2 2020 issue of our official newsletter features the League’s mid-year accomplishments including our response to COVID-19.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
FLAG is the oldest human rights lawyers network in the Philippines. Formed in 1974 by former Senators Jose W. Diokno, Lorenzo M. Tañada Sr., and Joker P. Arroyo, it continues to advocate for the promotion and defense of human rights here and abroad. (From FLAG's Facebook page)

# data[].attributes.body
Ang FLAG ay isang structure of grace dahil ito ay isang organisasyong hindi para sa pansariling kapakinabangan kundi para sa pagtatanggol ng karapatang pantao. Itinatag ito upang magbigay ng libreng legal na tulong sa mga naaapi, ipinaglaban ang hustisya kahit sa harap ng panganib, at nagkaroon ng positibong epekto sa lipunan. Ang kanilang malasakit at integridad sa paglilingkod ay nagpapakita ng tunay na diwa ng grace.

# data[].attributes.body
By: US Embassy Manila (Aug 12, 2022)

Link: https://ph.usembassy.gov/filipino-youth-mobilize-to-end-covid-19/

"Filipinos were quick to organize and adapt to the pandemic, with local groups, many of them youth-led, stepping up to address the different challenges the pandemic caused for Filipino communities.

Last August 6, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Philippines and led the handover of U.S. government-donated medical supplies, laboratory equipment, testing and hygiene kits for local hospitals and medical facilities.

During his visit, Secretary Blinken also met with representatives from eight civil society organizations (CSO) to learn how these groups are making a difference for Filipinos who have been impacted by the pandemic."

Groups included:

AGREA Foundation

Kapit-Pinas

Millennials PH

Break the Fake Movement

Love Education Philippines

AdaptPH

SPARK! Philippines

Yellow Boat of Hope (YBH) Foundation

(Submitted by: Andrea Cassandra Domingo | THEO 12-A)

# data[].attributes.headline
Community Pantry in Maginhawa Street, Diliman

# data[].attributes.subject
Community Pantry in Maginhawa Street, Diliman

# data[].attributes.body
Excerpt:

Ana Patricia “Patreng” Non of the UP College of Fine Arts has become a household name—and if not her name itself, then the community pantry that she set up in Maginhawa Street, Diliman, during the height of the COVID lockdowns, which sparked a wave of similar free-food-for-the-poor projects across the country, with as many as 6,700 community pantries at one point nationwide. She has since reaped recognitions for this act: the Rotary Golden Wheel Award (2021), AirAsia’s First Stellar of the Year Awardee (2022), US Ambassador’s Woman of Courage Awardee (2022), among others. The now-28-year-old has also been named one of Asia’s Most Influential PH in 2021.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
On Pantries as Art, and Kindness as Activism - University of the Philippines

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ana Patricia “Patreng” Non of the UP College of Fine Arts has become a household name—and if not her name itself, then the community pantry that she set up in Maginhawa Street, Diliman, during the height of the COVID lockdowns, which sparked a wave of similar free-food-for-the-poor projects across the country, with as many as

# data[].attributes.headline
LS Office of Health Services: Rising to the challenges of a pandemic

# data[].attributes.subject
LS Office of Health Services: Rising to the challenges of a pandemic

# data[].attributes.headline
LS Office of Health Services: Rising to the challenges of a pandemic

# data[].attributes.subject
LS Office of Health Services: Rising to the challenges of a pandemic

# data[].attributes.body
The Ateneo Office of Health Services did as much as possible to calm and ensure students, families, and alike of their safety. They coordinated with different departments such as the Ateneo Food Safety and Nutrition Council and the LS Physical Education department to have a comprehensive view of the challenges faced and how to best meet the demands of the community through sustainable means.

# data[].attributes.headline
Community pantries offer reprieve from COVID-19 hardships in the Philippines

# data[].attributes.subject
Community pantries offer reprieve from COVID-19 hardships in the Philippines

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Filipinos suffering economically as a result of the pandemic line up for free goods at the Maginhawa community pantry on April 19 in Quezon City, Metro Manila. (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - They were of different ages, genders and walks of life. Some had been there since sunrise. A number carried umbrellas and canvas bags. Hundreds stood in a line that stretched three blocks on Wednesday, all waiting for their turn to stock up on donated food.
Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine.
The community pantry, as it is known, bore a sign: Give what you can, take what you need.

A week after the initiative began as a humble cart with free vegetables and canned goods, over 300 similar donation-driven efforts have popped up across the Philippines. Variations such as community libraries and pantries for pets have appeared, too.

The grass-roots action underlines the economic pain Filipinos are experiencing as they battle one of Southeast Asia's worst coronavirus outbreaks and a harsh lockdown. Critics of President Rodrigo Duterte have pointed to the pantries as evidence of desperation as people take matters into their own hands - demonstrating "bayanihan," the spirit of solidarity - because of insufficient government assistance.

The idea began when a small-business owner teamed up with local vegetable vendors and farmers who offered their produce to those in need. Within days, it grew into a multi-sector effort encompassing a variety of food and essential items - bread, eggs, fruit, rice, water, noodles - donated by rich and poor alike.

Jennifer Paradero, 43, who was among those in line on Wednesday, said her husband's daily salary of $20 had been cut to less than half that since the pandemic began. She has only received cash aid from the government twice in the last year, amounting to less than $250, most of which went to paying a half-year's worth of bills. The rest went to rice, which kept her family of six afloat for two weeks.

A black market for illegal coronavirus vaccines is thriving in the Philippines

"This is a big help to my family," she said of the pantry. "We're really happy even if it's only good for a few days."

Nearby, volunteers sorted through boxes and piles of donations, while officers sent by the city government issued health protocol reminders on megaphones, making sure people stood three feet apart.

Almost 1 million coronavirus cases have been recorded in the Philippines and 16,000 people have died of covid-19. A surge in infections and deaths has taken hold this month, while the vast majority of residents remain unvaccinated.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said this week that he did not see the pantries as a "condemnation" of the government's response. But he acknowledged that only a fraction of the promised $475 million in aid had been distributed to those in need, blaming pandemic disruption. "We're avoiding the spread of the virus," he said.

Though Duterte's office at first welcomed the community initiative, local police and a national task force against communist rebels subsequently shared unsubstantiated claims made by others on social media that the pantries were affiliated with insurgents. These posts, shared on their official Facebook pages, accused the pantries of being a front for rebel recruitment.

On Tuesday, the pioneer pantry in Quezon City's Maginhawa Street paused operations because of concerns about volunteers' safety.

'There's no virus here': An epic vaccine race against all odds in Indonesia

"If [people are] not sure of the intentions of the community pantry . . . I just invite you to go, listen and see for yourself, and to speak to the people there," said Ana Patricia Non, the pantry's founder. She said police officers had asked volunteers for her personal details, such as her phone number, address and relationship status.

"Between me and other people whose response fell short, I think I'm not the one who should be explaining myself," Non added.

The practice of labeling individuals or groups as communist insurgents or terrorists - known as "red-tagging" - isn't new to the Philippines, which has a long-running communist insurgency. But these attacks pose "a serious threat to civil society and freedom of expression," the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a report last year. Duterte, who was once cozy with the left leading up to his election in 2016, has since attacked communists and called for them to be killed.

Ia Marañon, a volunteer at another community pantry in Quezon City, said two policemen dropped by the pop-up stand in the Loyola Heights neighborhood on Tuesday, carrying forms to collect the organizers' personal data.

"We all felt like it was a threat of shutting us down," she said.

Following public backlash, the Quezon City police apologized and said that it "does not and will never allow alleged red-tagging." It added that it reminded its social media handlers "to be more circumspect and sensitive" in what they post.

Still, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict maintained that "communist groups are taking advantage of the Filipino bayanihan spirit."

By Wednesday morning, Non was back at work, overseeing operations. Among the hundreds in line were a woman who scavenged and sold junk; a manicurist and mother of eight whose husband was arrested on drug charges; and a former housekeeper whose mother recently suffered a stroke.

"They have no hidden agenda. Their only goal is to get food," Non said. "We don't have a hidden agenda either. Our goal is to refill the pantry."

In Loyola Heights, volunteers are considering establishing a soup kitchen or community garden.

"I guess the only thing that will stop us," said Marañon, "is really if people stop giving to the pantry."

A black market for illegal coronavirus vaccines is thriving in the Philippines

'There's no virus here': An epic vaccine race against all odds in Indonesia

Coronavirus isolation brings grave new hardships for the world's poor

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Community pantries offer reprieve from covid-19 hardships in the Philippines

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Residents flocked to stalls to stock up on donated food - but some officials did not appreciate the displays of solidarity.

# data[].attributes.body
1. AGREA Foundation: The AGREA Foundation's Move Food Initiative addressed the logistical challenges faced by Filipino farmers during the pandemic, enabling 28,000 farmers to find sustainable markets for their produce.

2. Kapit-Pinas: The Pantawid COVID Project, a crowdfunding initiative led by Filipino youth, raised over $120,000 to support 12,000 lower-income families and 1,500 medical frontliners during the pandemic.

3. Millennials PH: Millennials PH, a youth-led NGO, mobilized over 300 youth organizations through its Kapit-Mindanao initiative to aid 20 severely affected communities in Mindanao.

4. Break the Fake Movement: To combat the spread of disinformation during the pandemic, the Break the Fake Movement partnered with the U.S. Embassy to implement the "Media Civics Lab" project, offering media and information training to elected youth officials.

5. Love Education Philippines: Love Education Philippines' "Reading Buddies Library" initiative engaged nearly 5,400 children in reading and literacy programs, fostering a love of learning during the pandemic.

6. AdaptPH: AdaptPH's toolkit series, supported by the U.S. government, helped Filipino communities adjust to the new normal by providing practical guidance for local governments, businesses, markets, schools, and public transport on reducing virus transmission.

7. SPARK! Philippines: SPARK! Philippines provided essential hygiene kits and sanitary products to vulnerable women, including those in shelters and single mothers, during the pandemic.

8. Yellow Boat of Hope (YBH) Foundation: YBH Foundation launched various educational initiatives, including the "Hope in a Box" project that provided educational materials to over 2,000 Filipino children in the provinces. Additionally, YBH supported educators in adapting to distance learning and preparing for the return to in-person classes.

U.S. Embassy Manila. 2022, August 12. Filipino Youth Mobilize to End COVID-19. https://ph.usembassy.gov/filipino-youth-mobilize-to-end-covid-19/#:~:text=The%20Pantawid%20COVID%20Project%20is,medical%20frontliners%20during%20the%20pandemic.

# data[].attributes.headline
NGOs and local health workers partnered to initiate COVID-19 response to remote islands

# data[].attributes.subject
NGOs and local health workers partnered to initiate COVID-19 response to remote islands

# data[].attributes.body
The People in Need Philippines (PIN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) collaborated closely with local health workers to lead a COVID-19 response in Manicani Island in Eastern Samar province to "build trust and understand how to work together to improve their protection against COVID-19".

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Philippines: Local health workers champion COVID-19 safety on remote islands

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
People on a remote island in the Philippines have enhanced their defences against COVID-19, with the help of a civil society organization, local government units, local health care workers and the World Health Organization (WHO).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Feeding A Community in Philippines For Free Amidst The Pandemic

# data[].attributes.body
Bukas Palad Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (BP) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that provides sustainable development, education, livelihood, information and communication strategy to children, elderly, urban poor, and victims of calamities and disasters.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Living the culture
of communion Discover Inspire and
empower people
in need Bukas Palad Foundation I want to help! Transforming
Communities Join us!

# data[].attributes.body
Bukas Palad Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (BP) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that provides sustainable development, education, livelihood, information and communication strategy to children, elderly, urban poor, and victims of calamities and disasters.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Living the culture
of communion Discover Inspire and
empower people
in need Bukas Palad Foundation I want to help! Transforming
Communities Join us!

# data[].attributes.body
Bukas Palad Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (BP) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that provides sustainable development, education, livelihood, information and communication strategy to children, elderly, urban poor, and victims of calamities and disasters.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Living the culture
of communion Discover Inspire and
empower people
in need Bukas Palad Foundation I want to help! Transforming
Communities Join us!

# data[].attributes.headline
Stories that bridge the marginalized with people who has a desire to help.

# data[].attributes.subject
Stories that bridge the marginalized with people who has a desire to help.

# data[].attributes.body
Stories were written on the unheard and unseen Filipinos to give them a voice, and a platform to connect those willing to help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Adversity Archive started in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It first began as an effort to preserve stories of hope and resilience amidst such a dark time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Written by Jammy Mapa
Edited by Nikki Meneses
Graphics by Brielle Romero

Have you ever experienced reading an article filled with so much scientific jargon that you could no longer understand it? That is just one of the many examples of ineffective science communication.
BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT!

Science communication (SciComm) is defined as the effective presentation of scientific information.

An infodemic is defined as the overabundance of information that may be misleading or fabricated.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading the fight on the infodemic by providing crucial and accurate information through social media platforms.

Effective SciComm is needed to ensure that governments, health experts, and citizens work together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Basics of Science Communication

Science communication, or SciComm for short, is defined as the use of appropriate language and media in an effort to produce the following responses: Awareness, Enjoyment, Interest, Opinion-forming, and U nderstanding. As stated by Dr. Emily Dawson, an Associate Professor at the University College London specializing in science engagement, SciComm is vital in helping the public understand science-related issues. It aims to provide them with enough information to form an opinion on how these issues affect their daily lives. Now more than ever, SciComm plays its biggest role yet: effectively spreading information on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fighting an Infodemic
We're not just fighting an epidemic; we're fighting an infodemic.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization (WHO) used these words to refer to the current "infodemic" - an overabundance of information that "spreads faster and more easily than this virus." Taking up the form of misleading or fabricated media, the infodemic complicates COVID-19 response efforts by creating an atmosphere of confusion or distrust. Despite being seemingly harmless, the infodemic can lead to major consequences. Examples of which include rumors on a possible food scarcity, which prompted people to hoard supplies and cause actual shortages. Other drastic examples are reports on hydroxychloroquine and methanol alcohol as treatments for COVID-19, which led to deaths in the United States and Iran, respectively.

In response to the infodemic, WHO partnered with social media platforms, such as WhatsApp and Facebook, in launching messaging services dedicated to disseminating crucial and accurate information on COVID-19. With services found in several languages, including Arabic, English, French, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, WHO is able to reach up to 2B people. To reach the estimated 3.6B people who remain offline in low-income countries, WHO, along with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), are calling on all telecommunication companies worldwide to join the cause of using communication technology as a means to provide the masses with the latest information on COVID-19.

Effective SciComm in National Governments

While organizations such as WHO are fighting the infodemic at a global stage, different national governments are responsible for keeping their citizens informed during this pandemic.
Without our science communicators to publicly inform, explain, teach, decode, counter misinformation, and debate science matters, many would remain in a space where they don't have [the] information they need, leading to poor choices being made at really crucial times.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

Prime Minister Jacinda Arden spearheaded New Zealand's pandemic response-one of the most successful globally-by creating a strong collaboration with their health experts. With Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield communicating the many health issues around COVID-19, New Zealand was able to make government decisions that helped them in containing the virus and help the public understand every step of their plan. Additionally, Arden was able to provide the public with the information they needed to keep safe during the pandemic by holding daily press briefings and live broadcasts. With special conferences such as a briefing with Dr. Michelle Dickinson, a science communicator specializing in SciComm for children, Arden was able to ensure every citizen in New Zealand was aware of current events and the protocols to keep them safe.

The responsibility of being informed does not end with our government officials and health experts. As readers, we must always be critical of the news we read and check for its credibility. By simply talking to family members about false posts shared on Facebook, we are already helping end the infodemic and aid in the fight against COVID-19.
REFERENCES
[1] Zika and Beyond: Communicating about Crises. (2018, March 12). Retrieved September 16, 2020, from National Institutes of Health (NIH) website: https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/science-health-public-trust/perspectives/zika-beyond-communicating-about-crises

[2] Communicating About COVID-19. (2020, March 24). Retrieved September 16, 2020, from National Institutes of Health (NIH) website: https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/science-health-public-trust/perspectives/science-health-public-trustcommunicating-about-covid-19

[3] Gross, M. (2020). Communicating science in a crisis. Current Biology, 30(13), R737-R739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2020.06.052

[4] United Nations. (2020). 5 ways the UN is fighting 'infodemic' of misinformation | United Nations. Retrieved September 19, 2020, from United Nations website: https://www.un.org/en/un-coronavirus-communications-team/five-ways-united-nations-fighting-%E2%80%98infodemic%E2%80%99-misinformation

[5] Coronavirus: How New Zealand relied on science and empathy. (2020, April 20). BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52344299

[6] LeBard, R. (2020, July 3). Jacinda Arden and science communication in COVID19 | SCICOMM. Retrieved September 20, 2020, from Medium website: https://medium.com/scicomm/what-jacinda-arden-can-teach-us-about-science-communication-6f8fc42712b4

[7] Burns, T. W., O'Connor, D. J., & Stocklmayer, S. M. (2003). Science communication: a contemporary definition. Public understanding of science, 12(2), 183-202.

[8] Dawson, E. (2013). Why is Science Communication important? Retrieved from https://www.stem.org.uk/system/files/elibrary-resources/legacy_files_migrated/29743-Catalyst%2024%201%20556.pdf

[9] United Nations. (2020). UN tackles 'infodemic' of misinformation and cybercrime in COVID-19 crisis | United Nations. Retrieved September 20, 2020, from United Nations website: https://www.un.org/en/un-coronavirus-communications-team/un-tackling-%E2%80%98infodemic%E2%80%99-misinformation-and-cybercrime-covid-19

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Your Weapon Against the Infodemic: The Importance of Science Communication in Relation to COVID-19

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Written by Jammy MapaEdited by Nikki MenesesGraphics by Brielle Romero Have you ever experienced reading an article filled with so much scientific jargon that you could no longer understand it? That is just one of the many examples of ineffective science communication. BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT!

# data[].attributes.headline
DOH starts nationwide caravan in Bicol to step up Mental Health Drive

# data[].attributes.subject
DOH starts nationwide caravan in Bicol to step up Mental Health Drive

# data[].attributes.body
"The Department of Health (DOH) is strengthening its programs to help people with mental health problems through the provision of various interventions such as establishing access sites for its services and giving free medicines.

Vergeire said the health agency is traveling to different regions in the country to provide quality and affordable healthcare services, including mental health interventions to every Filipino."

(Banzon)

# data[].attributes.headline
At least 200 Filipinos affected by COVID-19 in U.K. under care of charity group | ANC

# data[].attributes.subject
At least 200 Filipinos affected by COVID-19 in U.K. under care of charity group | ANC

# data[].attributes.body
https://youtu.be/HPSFD1Vpukc?si=nstQI_ORIYgkKmxj

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
At least 200 Filipinos affected by COVID-19 in U.K. under care of charity group | ANC

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Inspired by BTS’ donation efforts, some of their Filipino fans banded together to form ARMY Bayanihan in April as a way to provide relief to vulnerable communities in the Philippines affected by the pandemic and recent disasters.

# data[].attributes.headline
Community pantries pop up across PH amid pandemic

# data[].attributes.subject
Community pantries pop up across PH amid pandemic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Community pantries pop up across PH amid pandemic | ANC

# data[].attributes.body
This is an article written about Filipinos who have shown one of our core values, bayanihan, in simple acts such as sharing what they have to the needy during the time of the pandemic. This initiative transcends traditional charity, aspiring to debunk the idea that those with limited means cannot offer support. Rather than relying solely on government assistance to reach those in need, communities can proactively play their part by volunteering and extending a helping hand.

THEO 12-J
ASUNCION, Angela Faye A.

# data[].attributes.body
The foundation founded by former vice president and presidential candidate Leni Robredo supports communities through private and public partnership(during its OVP days), volunteer network, continued support for communities through partner organizations, and emphasis of the importance of transparency and accountability. Angat Buhay fosters a sense of support and accountability.

# data[].attributes.body
A benefit concert by Ogie Alcasid to help raise money for the people who needed help. Para maipadama ang kanilang pagmamahal sa taong bayan.

Sa musika at pagtutulungan, tuloy-tuloy ang ating pag-ahon. Samahan ang ating OPM King Ogie Alcasid sa By Request Benefit Concert ngayong… | Instagram

# data[].attributes.body
BTS, with their $3.6 million donation to promote self-love and fight child abuse, serves as an example of a grace structure through which God's love and compassion manifest in the world. Their use of fame and influence to effect positive change showcases the power of grace within human institutions and actions.
- Marga Alacar, K1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
K-pop superstars and global humanitarians BTS celebrated a big win this week for their partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

BTS, their record label BIGHIT MUSIC, and UNICEF announced on Tuesday in a press release that their LOVE MYSELF campaign has raised $3.6 million to promote self-love and end violence and abuse against children.

In addition to monetary support, the group has raised awareness through social media, garnering 5 million tweets and 50 million engagements for posts for the LOVE MYSELF campaign since it launched four years ago.

"When it comes to promoting self-esteem and improving mental well-being, one of the most important things you can do is just to start the conversation," UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said in the press release. "The groundbreaking way in which BTS has helped spark a positive message with its ARMY is simply unmatched and incredibly invaluable."

Since joining forces in 2017, UNICEF and BTS have used the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the group's 39 million Twitter followers to spread a message of love and compassion, as well as highlight preventive measures to keep children safe.

Taking the global stage in 2018, the seven-member boy band stood at the podium at the UN to deliver a speech on identity and self-love.

"After releasing our Love Yourself albums and launching the LOVE MYSELF campaign, we started to hear remarkable stories from our fans all over the world, how our message helped them overcome their hardships in life and start loving themselves," said BTS leader RM, surrounded by fellow members Jimin, V, J-Hope, Jin, Suga, and Jungkook. "Those stories constantly remind us of our responsibility."

From 2018 to 2019, BTS used their "Love Yourself" world tour to generate awareness and dedicated booths at their concerts to provide information on how to stop bullying.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the group returned to the UN to deliver a digital message on the importance of unity and strength through trying times.

"Thinking about the future and trying hard are all important - but cherishing yourself, encouraging yourself, and keeping yourself happy is the most important," said Jin. "In a world of uncertainty, we must cherish the importance of 'me,' 'you,' and 'us.' That's the message of LOVE MYSELF we talked about for three years."

Continuing their support for the campaign in 2021, BTS and their record label pledged proceeds from LOVE MYSELF merchandise, a portion of Love Yourself record sales, and an additional $1 million to UNICEF.

South Korea has the highest suicide rate per capita of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member states. According to a Statista survey, one-third of participants reported mental health issues, including depression and social anxiety. The country's abnormally high suicide rate is often attributed to high-pressure work and education situations and rampant bullying in South Korean schools. In 2016, suicide was attributed as the leading cause of death for South Koreans aged 15 to 24.

The country reached a point of reckoning in 2021 when a number of celebrities, athletes, and K-pop stars were accused of bullying and abuse.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) found in 2019 that in 144 countries around the world, 32% of students have been bullied or experienced physical violence at school at least once a month. UNESCO and UNICEF have been working to end violence in schools through policies and commitments that create safer learning environments.

Through their work with UNICEF and the LOVE MYSELF project, BTS hope to spread participation in their #ENDviolence campaign and share positivity and love through music.

"We hope that the LOVE MYSELF message can continue to serve [and] invigorate everyone's lives," said BTS in a statement. "We will be honored if all seven of us can continue this campaign to return the amazing love that we have received, and give people the strength to come closer to LOVE MYSELF. We hope to keep doing what we are doing and voice what we are voicing, so we can help people find happiness and love."

The past month has been big for BTS - from topping the Billboard charts at No. 1 with their latest single "My Universe" featuring Coldplay and delivering a speech at the UN as special presidential envoys, to joining Global Citizen Live in the campaign to defend the planet and defeat poverty.

The K-pop band performed "Permission to Dance" from Seoul in September as part of Global Citizen Live 's opening ceremony, and supported the campaign toward mobilizing $1.1 billion, 157 million trees, and over 60 million COVID-19 vaccines thanks to partnerships between government, philanthropy, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
If you want to talk to someone or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can find international resources here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BTS and UNICEF Raise $3.6 Million to End Violence Against Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
K-pop superstars and global humanitarians BTS celebrated a big win this week for their partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). BTS, their record label BIGHIT MUSIC, and UNICEF announced on Tuesday in a press release that their LOVE MYSELF campaign has raised $3.6 million to promote self-love and end violence and abuse against children.

# data[].attributes.body
It helped people during the pandemic when resources were limited and scarce. The principle is people could take as much as they need and give whatever they can to the community. (Post by: Paolo Miguel Alaestante)

# data[].attributes.headline
We Bleed Red Movement's donation of menstrual products to frontliners

# data[].attributes.subject
We Bleed Red Movement's donation of menstrual products to frontliners

# data[].attributes.headline
Business owners offering free food to frontliners for their service 

# data[].attributes.subject
Business owners offering free food to frontliners for their service 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our healthcare workers are taking care of everyone, but who's taking care of our healthcare workers?

The answer is these guys!

These businesses are showing their appreciation for those on the frontlines amid the rapidly spreading coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by offering them free food, medicine, and coffee.

1. Kanto Freestyle Breakfast

This restaurant has been sending free food to hospitals around the metro as thank you for their "tireless efforts in ensuring the safety of our community amid the COVID-19 pandemic."

Vincent Juanta of the Kanto Freestyle group said they sent food packs to the Asian Hospital, Rizal Medical Center, Medical City, and St. Luke's BGC on Friday.

On Saturday, they sent food to the Manila Doctors, Amang Rodriguez Medical Center, and East Ave Medical Center.

Tomorrow, they plan to send food packs to Cardinal Santos, Philippine General Hospital, and RITM as well.

2. Philippine College of Emergency Medicine (PCEM)

Even doctors and nurses need medicines too!

Kristian A. Villesenda, MD, DPBEM, an Emergency Medicine Consultant at the Rizal Medical Center in Pasig, shared that they received a bag of goodies from the Philippine College of Emergency Medicine, with support from Unilab.

Photo: Kristian A. Villesenda

Inside the packs were alcospray, tissues, masks, some Biogesic and Conzace, power bars, and even chocolates.

3. Rue Bourbon

The ER staff of St. Luke's Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City expressed gratitude after receiving food from the Rue Bourbon Restaurant.

"This simple act of kindness means a lot to our healthcare workers. This gesture reflects how their efforts are valued at this difficult time," they said in a Facebook post."

4. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Hospital staff pulling all-nighters need their caffeine fix. Thankfully, their daily coffee is on the house at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Bonifacio Stopover Branch.

5. McDonald's

McDonald's Philippines has shown their support to various health workers in Manila by sending warm food and cold drinks. Doctors at V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City were happy to receive boxes of food along with a note of thanks from Micky Ds on Sunday.

According to McDonald's, they are coordinating with more hospitals so they can do the same and extend their gratitude to the brave frontliners.

6. Pino Restaurant, Pipino, Pi Breakfast and Pies

In Quezon City, those in the medical field can get free and unlimited coffee in Malingap Street.

Pino Restaurant and its vegetarian sister Pipino, and their other sibling Pi Breakfast and Pies are all offering coffee for doctors and nurses who opt to take their breaks in their establishments.

However, delivery and take-out are not included in the unli-coffee offer.

7. The Plaza Catering

Starting Monday, March 16, the Plaza Catering will be feeding 400 frontliners.

According to Chef Karla Karla Reyes, "Meals are distributed throughout the day by the nursing service office. Meals are given to Doctors, fellows, residents, nurses, med techs who need to run the tests, rad techs who do the xrays and aides who no longer have time to go out to buy food or even go on breaks."

You too can help by donating; The Plaza Catering is looking to help in terms of medical supplies as well.

The Philippines on Saturday recorded 34 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019, bringing the total number to 98.

So far, there have been eight confirmed deaths from COVID-19 in the country.

-JCB, GMA News

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
These businesses are giving free stuff to health workers amid the COVID-19 threat

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These businesses are showing their appreciation for the healthcare workers on the frontlines amid the rapidly spreading coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

# data[].attributes.headline
UNICEF and leading airlines join forces to deliver COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies around the world.

# data[].attributes.subject
UNICEF and leading airlines join forces to deliver COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies around the world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
UNICEF and leading airlines join forces to deliver COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies around the world.
AirBridgeCargo, Air France/KLM, Astral Aviation, Brussels Airlines, Cargolux,
Cathay Pacific, Emirates Skycargo, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, IAG Cargo,
Korean Air, Lufthansa Cargo, Qatar Airways, SAUDIA, Singapore Airlines Ltd,
United Airlines
The UNICEF Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative has been formed with leading airlines to secure the transport of vaccines, and other life-saving supplies worldwide. These airlines have signed agreements with UNICEF to support the prioritization of delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, essential medicines, medical devices and other critical supplies to respond to the pandemic.

To help UNICEF reach participating countries swiftly and securely, airlines have committed to prioritizing the transport of the life-saving supplies, ensuring measures such as temperature control and security and adding freight capacity to routes where needed.

The initiative supports the COVAX Facility, a global solution to the COVID-19 pandemic that ensures participating countries have fair access to vaccines, regardless of their income level. Under COVAX, UNICEF is leading the procurement and delivery of quality-assured COVID-19 vaccines for low-income and lower-middle-income countries.

The participation of the airline industry is vital to support equal access to vaccines worldwide. The initiative will also act as a global logistics preparedness mechanism for other humanitarian and health crises over the longer term.

Safe, timely and efficient transportation of life-saving supplies is critical to supporting access to essential services for children and families, and the aviation industry's role in this is critical. COVAX deliveries and the subsequent vaccination of frontline workers will support health and social care systems to safely resume these critical services.
Last updated 16 February 2021

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The UNICEF Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
UNICEF and leading airlines join forces to deliver COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies around the world

# data[].attributes.headline
Community pantries offer reprieve from covid-19 hardships in the Philippines

# data[].attributes.subject
Community pantries offer reprieve from covid-19 hardships in the Philippines

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Filipinos suffering economically as a result of the pandemic line up for free goods at the Maginhawa community pantry on April 19 in Quezon City, Metro Manila. (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - They were of different ages, genders and walks of life. Some had been there since sunrise. A number carried umbrellas and canvas bags. Hundreds stood in a line that stretched three blocks on Wednesday, all waiting for their turn to stock up on donated food.
Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine.
The community pantry, as it is known, bore a sign: Give what you can, take what you need.

A week after the initiative began as a humble cart with free vegetables and canned goods, over 300 similar donation-driven efforts have popped up across the Philippines. Variations such as community libraries and pantries for pets have appeared, too.

The grass-roots action underlines the economic pain Filipinos are experiencing as they battle one of Southeast Asia's worst coronavirus outbreaks and a harsh lockdown. Critics of President Rodrigo Duterte have pointed to the pantries as evidence of desperation as people take matters into their own hands - demonstrating "bayanihan," the spirit of solidarity - because of insufficient government assistance.

The idea began when a small-business owner teamed up with local vegetable vendors and farmers who offered their produce to those in need. Within days, it grew into a multi-sector effort encompassing a variety of food and essential items - bread, eggs, fruit, rice, water, noodles - donated by rich and poor alike.

Jennifer Paradero, 43, who was among those in line on Wednesday, said her husband's daily salary of $20 had been cut to less than half that since the pandemic began. She has only received cash aid from the government twice in the last year, amounting to less than $250, most of which went to paying a half-year's worth of bills. The rest went to rice, which kept her family of six afloat for two weeks.

A black market for illegal coronavirus vaccines is thriving in the Philippines

"This is a big help to my family," she said of the pantry. "We're really happy even if it's only good for a few days."

Nearby, volunteers sorted through boxes and piles of donations, while officers sent by the city government issued health protocol reminders on megaphones, making sure people stood three feet apart.

Almost 1 million coronavirus cases have been recorded in the Philippines and 16,000 people have died of covid-19. A surge in infections and deaths has taken hold this month, while the vast majority of residents remain unvaccinated.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said this week that he did not see the pantries as a "condemnation" of the government's response. But he acknowledged that only a fraction of the promised $475 million in aid had been distributed to those in need, blaming pandemic disruption. "We're avoiding the spread of the virus," he said.

Though Duterte's office at first welcomed the community initiative, local police and a national task force against communist rebels subsequently shared unsubstantiated claims made by others on social media that the pantries were affiliated with insurgents. These posts, shared on their official Facebook pages, accused the pantries of being a front for rebel recruitment.

On Tuesday, the pioneer pantry in Quezon City's Maginhawa Street paused operations because of concerns about volunteers' safety.

'There's no virus here': An epic vaccine race against all odds in Indonesia

"If [people are] not sure of the intentions of the community pantry . . . I just invite you to go, listen and see for yourself, and to speak to the people there," said Ana Patricia Non, the pantry's founder. She said police officers had asked volunteers for her personal details, such as her phone number, address and relationship status.

"Between me and other people whose response fell short, I think I'm not the one who should be explaining myself," Non added.

The practice of labeling individuals or groups as communist insurgents or terrorists - known as "red-tagging" - isn't new to the Philippines, which has a long-running communist insurgency. But these attacks pose "a serious threat to civil society and freedom of expression," the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a report last year. Duterte, who was once cozy with the left leading up to his election in 2016, has since attacked communists and called for them to be killed.

Ia Marañon, a volunteer at another community pantry in Quezon City, said two policemen dropped by the pop-up stand in the Loyola Heights neighborhood on Tuesday, carrying forms to collect the organizers' personal data.

"We all felt like it was a threat of shutting us down," she said.

Following public backlash, the Quezon City police apologized and said that it "does not and will never allow alleged red-tagging." It added that it reminded its social media handlers "to be more circumspect and sensitive" in what they post.

Still, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict maintained that "communist groups are taking advantage of the Filipino bayanihan spirit."

By Wednesday morning, Non was back at work, overseeing operations. Among the hundreds in line were a woman who scavenged and sold junk; a manicurist and mother of eight whose husband was arrested on drug charges; and a former housekeeper whose mother recently suffered a stroke.

"They have no hidden agenda. Their only goal is to get food," Non said. "We don't have a hidden agenda either. Our goal is to refill the pantry."

In Loyola Heights, volunteers are considering establishing a soup kitchen or community garden.

"I guess the only thing that will stop us," said Marañon, "is really if people stop giving to the pantry."

A black market for illegal coronavirus vaccines is thriving in the Philippines

'There's no virus here': An epic vaccine race against all odds in Indonesia

Coronavirus isolation brings grave new hardships for the world's poor

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Community pantries offer reprieve from covid-19 hardships in the Philippines

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Residents flocked to stalls to stock up on donated food - but some officials did not appreciate the displays of solidarity.

# data[].attributes.body
The city government of Quezon City has provided cash aid, food packs, and free transportation to its residents. It has also launched a "Kadiwa" program to provide affordable and accessible fresh produce to its constituents. In fact, I remember my mom telling me that some of our workers were receiving stipend from the government as they were working in the healthcare sector

- Posted by Beatrice Anne C. Lui, Section A-2

# data[].attributes.body
The Project BOB initiative is a joint charity drive of the RSHS VI Supreme Student Government and the RSHS VI Arts Guild for the families of the TODA Drivers of Brgy. Old Buswang. ‪Due to the COVID-19 crisis, most of our Manong and Manang Drivers were no longer able to work, sadly most if not all solely rely on their daily “pamamasada” for their income. It was held last July 10, 2020.

Submission of 215424 of THEO 12 - J

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We're all set for tomorrow! 💛💜

Project BOB Team is done repacking the relief goods that will be given to our 100 TODA Drivers in Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan. 

Thank you so much donors for funding...

# data[].attributes.body
The farming industry and our very own farmers were one of the most heavily affected sectors due to the pandemic. Farmers who already experience difficulty due to preference for imported goods and weather conditions that affect the crops, were further affected by the pandemic that limited their ability to transport their produce to be sold. AGREA Foundation helped address this issue by establishing the Move Food Initiative, which connected 28,000 farmers in the Philippines with sustainable markets where they could supply  their produce. Aside from this, AGREA also held a donation drive for seed packets to be provided for farmers. (210941 - Theo K)

# data[].attributes.headline
Community pantries highlight power of collective action

# data[].attributes.subject
Community pantries highlight power of collective action

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.rappler.com/moveph/community-pantries-highlight-collective-action/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Netizens also note that community pantries have debunked misconceptions about the poor being greedy and selfish

Patricia Non's idea of a community pantry, which she implemented in front of 96 Maginhawa St, Quezon City, has spread like a "good virus," with many individuals and groups setting up their own pantries across the country.

It was in early April when Non had gotten tired of complaining about the government's response to the ongoing pandemic. She instead translated her complaints into action, filling a bamboo cart with groceries and posting a handwritten sign calling on all those who were struggling to grab what they needed. People were also encouraged to leave whatever they could share. (READ: 'Pagod na ako sa inaction': How a community pantry rose to fill gaps in gov't response)

The simplicity of the concept made it easy for different communities to replicate.

As of Sunday, April 18, there are more than ten community pantries in different areas in Metro Manila and other provinces. Many Filipinos who are in need have both benefited from, and contributed to, this initiative. Fishermen and farmers have even donated to pantries despite their own struggles.

In an interview with Rappler, Non emphasized the power of collective action, and admitted that she could not take credit for the community pantry, as the initiative would not be possible without the efforts of her immediate community.

#CommunityPantries - Curated tweets by MovePH

The ripple effect of community pantries

In just a week, the community pantry concept has made a huge impact, addressing in their own little way the gaps in aid the government has yet to fill.

Each #CommunityPantry is a reminder that the power rests within the People. And each a symbol of the government's failure to work for the people.
- Bruce Springsteen (@bruise2high) April 18, 2021

Netizens have also noted that community pantries have debunked misconceptions about the poor being greedy and selfish. Many echoed the belief that the poor are compassionate, for they fully understand how hard it is to go through a crisis without enough support.

Laging mas mapagbigay ang mahihirap kasi alam nila ang kalam ng sikmura at gutom na madalas hindi kayang ibsan ng tulog at kapeng mainit. Laging ang gusto lang namin ang sapat lang para lahat magkaroon #CommunityPantry
- Jennifer (@JenDec77) April 18, 2021

Government accountability

Some netizens also said that community pantries were able to expose the shortcomings of the current administration. Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate pointed out that the initiative is a resistance against "government neglect and indifference."

While community pantry initiatives were able to showcase the bayanihan spirit of Filipinos, some netizens emphasized that this initiative should not have been needed in the first place, if the government had just provided better access to food, jobs, education, and health care.

I love the idea of #CommunityPantry but I genuinely hope that this is the last time we'll do this. Don't get me wrong ha but I dream of a community na hindi na natin kailangan gawin to kasi lahat may proper access to food, work, health care, and education. 😔
- Justin Vawter (@justinvawter) April 18, 2021

Ultimately, Filipino netizens are hopeful that these initiatives will have an even larger impact, and contribute greatly to the country's recovery from the pandemic.

#CommunityPantry movement proves that we can take matters into our hands. That we can make a difference to each other.

I hope and pray that this ripples into a tidal wave and moves our nation forward into recovery.
- JonesAndTheCity (@JonesAndTheCit1) April 18, 2021

If you're planning to set up a community pantry in your area, here's how you can get started. Feel free to share photos and videos of your pantries and tag us at @MovePH and @rapplerdotcom on Twitter with the hashtag #CommunityPantry. - Rappler.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Community pantries highlight power of collective action

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Netizens also note that community pantries have debunked misconceptions about the poor being greedy and selfish Patricia Non's idea of a community pantry, which she implemented in front of 96 Maginhawa St, Quezon City, has spread like a "good virus," with many individuals and groups setting up their own pantries across the country.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
As mentioned by the author, Nikka Valenzuela “People line up to get free food supplies at the Maginhawa community pantry in Quezon City on Saturday, April 17, 2

# data[].attributes.headline
Community pantry: ‘Not charity, but mutual aid’

# data[].attributes.subject
Community pantry: ‘Not charity, but mutual aid’

# data[].attributes.body
Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1420463/community-pantry-not-charity-but-mutual-aid#ixzz7rQAeh0Gc
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Submission of: Fin Mabasa from THEO 12 - D1

# data[].attributes.body
Lights for Hope is an organization that aims to practice service, love, and hope to children of Concepcion Integrated School (CIS) through various initiatives, such as seminars, facilitator support system, and other engaging activities

-Doy Ceniza

# data[].attributes.body
Every child deserves a future, according to Save the Children. Every day, both here and abroad, this organization put in a lot of effort to give these kids a decent start in life, shield them from harm, and assist them in developing critical abilities. Save the Children are among the first to react when problems related to children occur. They make sure that kids' individual needs are satisfied and that their opinions are heard.

# data[].attributes.headline
UN agencies launch joint programme to support vulnerable women and young people amid COVID-19

# data[].attributes.subject
UN agencies launch joint programme to support vulnerable women and young people amid COVID-19

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
5 November 2021, Manila - As the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly swept across the world, pushing health systems to their limits dealing with an unknown disease, a silent pandemic of mental health conditions has intensified, especially among vulnerable groups including women and young people.

In the Philippines, a two-year joint programme called Project BRAVE (Building COVID-safe Responses And Voices for Equity) was launched today by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Supported by the Australian Government, Project BRAVE will take practical action to assist vulnerable women, children, and adolescents with mental health and psychosocial services and protection from gender-based violence (GBV) during the response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia is providing the Philippines AUD 3.2 million grant (around PHP 120.5 million) through the UN agencies to improve multi-sectoral capacity to mitigate the key risks that the COVID-19 pandemic poses to the physical and mental well-being of vulnerable women, children, and adolescents. This will be implemented in collaboration with the Department of Health.

"The launching of the Project BRAVE is a great opportunity to underscore the importance of a holistic, whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach in addressing the mental health concerns of the Filipino people," said Department of Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III. "This supports the Special Initiatives for Mental Health (SIMH) and potential investments as recommended by the Philippine Mental Health Investment Case Report. With these initiatives, we are slowly building a more resilient and responsive health system that caters to the needs of the population and the vulnerable groups."

Focusing on key sites in NCR, Central Luzon, CAR, Region IV-A, BARMM, and some parts of Visayas and Mindanao, the joint programme will involve key stakeholders to ensure that mental health and psychosocial support is embedded in health and social services up to the community level to make them more accessible.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has had a drastic negative impact on the mental health, safety, and security of women, children, and other vulnerable groups," said Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to the Philippines. "It is important to address the gaps in delivering mental health and psychosocial support - whether it is in the quantity or capacity of mental health professionals or in bringing these lifesaving services closer to people - to ensure genuine recovery in individuals and communities at present and beyond this health crisis."

Project BRAVE also aims to strengthen child protection and GBV systems to prevent and respond to all forms of violence, exploitation, abuse, neglect, and harmful practices.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the mental health of a generation of children. But the pandemic may represent only the tip of the mental health iceberg - an iceberg we have ignored for far too long. Mental health conditions - and the lack of care and support - cause significant suffering for children and young people," said UNICEF Philippines Deputy Representative Behzad Noubary. "Through Project BRAVE, we can contribute to breaking the silence surrounding mental health, addressing stigmas, improving mental health literacy, and giving children and young people a voice."

Another major component of Project BRAVE is to institutionalize GBV interventions at the national level, create standards for implementation, and ensure their resiliency and sustainability.

"This initiative is another great step towards addressing what is considered 'the other pandemic,' that of increased gender-based violence and the toll this has taken on women and girls' mental health," said UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane. "Together, we can chart a course for equity, ensuring that gender-responsive strategies are in place to guarantee that no one, especially GBV survivors, is left behind during this pandemic and benefits from a safe and secure environment and equal access to services."

The Australian Government, a key ally in the Philippines' COVID-19 response and post-COVID-19 recovery, has provided AUD 159 million in development assistance since 2020 to help the Philippines achieve development objectives, including strengthening health systems, fostering inclusivity, and supporting economic growth. Project BRAVE is a part of the Australian Government's expansive and flexible assistance to the country.

Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO said, "The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos, which can contribute to mental stresses, and can create unsafe environments. Australia is supporting the Philippine government through our UN partners to invest in practical solutions, drawing on the best expertise available to address the mental health and wellness of the most vulnerable Filipinos. Project BRAVE is an excellent example of government and development partners uniting to address an emerging need of the community. This is our mateship and bayanihan in action."
Watch the Launch Ceremony at: https://bit.ly/ProjectBRAVEph

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
UN agencies launch joint programme to support vulnerable women and young people amid COVID-19

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
5 November 2021, Manila - As the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly swept across the world, pushing health systems to their limits dealing with an unknown disease, a silent pandemic of mental health conditions has intensified, especially among vulnerable groups including women and young people.

# data[].attributes.headline
ADB's COVID-19 Emergency Food Program Helps the Poor in Metro Manila

# data[].attributes.subject
ADB's COVID-19 Emergency Food Program Helps the Poor in Metro Manila

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.adb.org/news/videos/adbs-covid-19-emergency-food-program-helps-poor-metro-manila

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Taguig, Metro Manila - Visiting the frontline of the Bayan Bayanihan emergency food program on 6 April, ADB President Masa Asakawa lent a helping hand to deliver needed supplies to poor homes in Metro Manila.

ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa: "We don't know how long this will last.

"We hope it will be over very shortly, but in the meantime we really need to help poor people who have no income, which is low [anyway] in the Philippines.

"So we decided to provide assistance, to provide necessities of food and other things for people, to help them for the next couple of weeks."

President Asakawa visited an army packing and distribution center where the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, provided a tour of an operation run with military precision.

Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay: "The trucks lined up are the vehicles that will be used to transport relief goods to areas and target beneficiaries. We consulted with the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Those far-flung areas, those are the targets of the relief goods donated by ADB. So, we will see to it that there is no duplication and we really maximize ADB's donation."

Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., National Security Advisor and Director General of the National Security Council, explained to President Asakawa how each day, soldiers fill thousands of sacks with bags of rice, tinned goods, and other essential items, and deliver them to poor communities around Manila and nearby areas.

A partnership between ADB, the Government of the Philippines and the private sector, in coordination with the Philippine Army, the Bayan Bayanihan program will provide food to at least 140,000 poor households to support them through the COVID-19 crisis.

Josephine Sida, resident of Malabon City: "We are grateful that there are people who are giving relief goods. With the grace of God, we are able to survive this crisis."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ADB's COVID-19 Emergency Food Program Helps the Poor in Metro Manila

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Taguig, Metro Manila - Visiting the frontline of the Bayan Bayanihan emergency food program on 6 April, ADB President Masa Asakawa lent a helping hand to deliver needed supplies to poor homes in Metro Manila. ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa: "We don't know how long this will last.

# data[].attributes.headline
COVID-19 Food Drive PH: Feeding the poor and hungry

# data[].attributes.subject
COVID-19 Food Drive PH: Feeding the poor and hungry

# data[].attributes.body
https://youtu.be/bvwaOVCGWvw

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bayanihan in times of COVID19 Pandemic: Food Drive PH | Team FitFil Episode 7

# data[].attributes.headline
Bayanihan: Community Pantries in the Philippines

# data[].attributes.subject
Bayanihan: Community Pantries in the Philippines

# data[].attributes.body
Bayanihan empowers communities to come together to feed their most vulnerable members.

https://www.borgenmagazine.com/bayanihan-community-pantries-in-the-philippines/

# data[].attributes.body
Call for Cash Donations to Support Frontliners vs. Covid-19 | Ateneo de Manila University

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Call for Cash Donations to Support Frontliners vs. Covid-19

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For donations through Ateneo de Manila University
(donations will only be accepted through bank transfer and online channels):
&nbsp;
Peso Donations
&nbsp;
1. Via BPI: Enroll Ateneo DReaM

# data[].attributes.headline
Pro-children’s group donates rice, sugar to Badjao community in Iligan

# data[].attributes.subject
Pro-children’s group donates rice, sugar to Badjao community in Iligan

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ILIGAN CITY - Independent children's organization Save the Children Philippines, in partnership with Friends with Bajau and Barangay Tambacan here, distributed rice and sugar to the Badjao community in Purok 4, Barangay Tambacan, Tuesday, Aug. 30.

RECIPIENTS wait for their turn to receive food aid from Save the Children Philippines in Iligan City. (Bonita Ermac)

A total of 160 sacks of rice at 25 kilograms per sack and 160 packs of sugar at one kilo per pack were distributed to 160 families.

Save the Children Philippines Health and Nutrition advisor Dr. Amado Parawan said the food aid that they distributed aimed at helping ease the hunger and difficult living situation of Badjao communities living in this city.

The initiative is under the Life Changer Community Sponsorship Program that seeks to improve the lives of vulnerable and underserved communities in Mindanao.

Parawan added that a community kitchen will be conducted to teach the community how to prepare their food properly.

The community kitchen will be held for three months and will be scheduled soon, Save the Children-Iligan head Mykiel Patcho said.

SIGN UP TO DAILY NEWSLETTER

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pro-children's group donates rice, sugar to Badjao community in Iligan

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ILIGAN CITY - Independent children's organization Save the Children Philippines, in partnership with Friends with Bajau and Barangay Tambacan here, distributed rice and sugar to the Badjao community in Purok 4, Barangay Tambacan, Tuesday, Aug. 30. RECIPIENTS wait for their turn to receive food a

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Stories of Hope: Inspirasyon sa likod ng nag-viral na community pantry sa Maginhawa Street kilalanin

# data[].attributes.headline
Bayan Bayanihan: A partnership between the Asian Development Bank, the Government of the Philippines, and the private sector, in coordination with the Philippine Army, for families affected by COVID-19.

# data[].attributes.subject
Bayan Bayanihan: A partnership between the Asian Development Bank, the Government of the Philippines, and the private sector, in coordination with the Philippine Army, for families affected by COVID-19.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A partnership between the Asian Development Bank, the Government of the Philippines, and the private sector, in coordination with the Philippine Army, for families affected by COVID-19.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Veggie Drop-Off (Beatriz Lopez - C3)

# data[].attributes.subject
The Veggie Drop-Off (Beatriz Lopez - C3)

# data[].attributes.body
The Veggie Drop-Off was an event held during the first few months of the pandemic. Volunteers put up pop-up vegetable markets around the metro where consumers can buy directly from farmers who live in areas like Bauko, Mountain Province, and Tinoc, Ifugao. "The event aims to help the farmers from these far-flung villages and small business owners to have stable earning for themselves despite the limited accessibility to city markets" (Torres, 2020).

# data[].attributes.headline
LOOK: Community Pantries biglang nagsulputan sa Pinas, laking tulong ngayong Pandemya

# data[].attributes.subject
LOOK: Community Pantries biglang nagsulputan sa Pinas, laking tulong ngayong Pandemya

# data[].attributes.body
The initiative started on the streets of Maginhawa when Ana Patricia Non asked for the permission of store owners to use the space for a community pantry (CNN, 2021). In April 2021, there was a growing list of 28 active community pantries across the Philippines, and it had helped 5,000 beneficiaries at the time (CNN, 2021). Andrea Chloe Wong writes, "It is not only an expression of compassion for the poor, but a political statement against the state – a symbol of national solidarity in a country struggling to survive the pandemic." (The Interpreter, 2021)

Allison Chua, THEO 12-VV

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Log In

Log In

Forgot Account?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Archlight - LOOK: Community Pantries biglang nagsulputan sa Pinas, laking tulong ngayong Pandemya | Facebook

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
LOOK: Community Pantries biglang nagsulputan sa Pinas, laking tulong ngayong Pandemya

# data[].attributes.body
This drive from the youth leadership organization was for an affected community that was hit by Typhoon Ulysses. While other drives were successful in contributing to other sectors, the organization wanted to concentrate its service for affected hospital in Cagayan Valley, which was also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Maginhawa Community Pantry: An act of kindness becomes a movement

# data[].attributes.headline
Charity Program: We Gave them Boxes of Groceries, Toys and Small Business. Filipinos in Philippines

# data[].attributes.subject
Charity Program: We Gave them Boxes of Groceries, Toys and Small Business. Filipinos in Philippines

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Charity Program: We Gave them Boxes of Groceries, Toys and Small Business. Filipinos in Philippines

# data[].attributes.headline
Multiple Groups Unite Against Misinformation

# data[].attributes.subject
Multiple Groups Unite Against Misinformation

# data[].attributes.body
(Andreas J. Theo-WW

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Groups assemble ‘united front’ vs disinformation ahead of 2022 polls

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
(1st UPDATE) ‘Our hope is that through this united front, none of us will feel powerless against disinformation networks and their agents,’ lawyer John Molo of the Philippine Bar Association says

# data[].attributes.headline
Librenng disinfect and defogging sa mga bahay sa Brgy. Loyola Heights

# data[].attributes.subject
Librenng disinfect and defogging sa mga bahay sa Brgy. Loyola Heights

# data[].attributes.body
Nag-ikot ang mga tauhan ng Baranggay Loyola Heights sa mga tirahan sa depressed area para magsagawa ng libreng disinfection and defogging sa kanilang mga tirahan.

# data[].attributes.body
The pandemic has forced the country to undergo online learning, wherein students will take their classes using their gadgets. This additional requirement made it harder for a lot of Filipinos to study in a very turbulent time. Due to this, a lot of students asked help from their fellow Filipinos in social media in buying their gadgets, specifically a laptop, to which a lot has responded positively.

(Posted by: Ryan Lopez)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The call for a donation of a single peso has gone a long way.

With the shift to distance learning, students sought help on social media to meet the requirements for online classes.

The Department of Education (DepEd) postponed the opening of classes from August 24 to October 5. Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education clarified that colleges and universities are not covered by law that moved the school opening for basic education students.

Through an online campaign dubbed #PisoParaSaLaptop, students were able to raise funds to buy laptops before the start of classes.

They posted their appeals for donations on their own social media accounts. The social media posts included a list of their achievements and grades from previous years, proof of their enrollment, and their digital wallet app Gcash account where cash donations as measly as a peso may be sent.

MovePH, Rappler's civic engagement arm, has helped amplify online some of the stories of students in need. As a result, help from Filipino netizens came pouring. The rush of generosity paved the way for these students to buy the gadgets they would need for their online classes.

As of Thursday, September 17, MovePH has featured 60 students and helped raise over P938,000 for them.

Here are some of their stories:

Laptop on its way

Since July 18, 18-year-old Industrial Engineering student Joriza Lope has relied on the online campaign to cope with the shift to online learning.

Hoping to help, MovePH amplified her call on August 5. Donations quickly poured in, with Lope raising over P118,000 as of Wednesday, August 19.

Though she initially planned to use the donations for a gadget she could use in her online classes, Lope is waiting to receive a laptop from a netizen who offered to give her one after seeing MovePH's post about her.

Joriza Lope, 18, an incoming Industrial Engineering student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Sta. Mesa, can now buy a laptop of her own. Photo from Joriza Lope

She said she never expected to receive donations from various Filipinos, most of whom she had never met before.

In an interview with Rappler, Lope shared that she took the opportunity to join the #PisoParaSaLaptop campaign because she wanted to help ease her mother's financial burdens.

Since the start of the lockdown, Lope's mother has been struggling to find a stable job. The family of 3 has been relying on government aid for their basic necessities.

Lope has taken tutorial services for pre-school and grade school students in Las Piñas City to help her mother in their family expenses. But this is not enough for her to buy a laptop.

With the surge of donations, Lope said that she would purchase a prepaid WiFi unit to be installed in their home. She is also planning to buy a printer for the activities and modules of her students.

Aside from her personal expenses, Lope shared that she also wants to give a portion of the donations to her mother, who will use the money as capital to start a small ihaw-ihaw business. The remaining donations will be set aside in the bank for Lope's future school expenses.

Lope thanked everyone who reached out and sent donations to help her reach her goal. But she also expressed her worry for her fellow students who did not have the means to cope with distance learning, and pointed out that the country was not ready for the shift.

" Sa face-to-face classes pa lamang ay kulang na ang pondo, paano pa kaya para sa new normal learning ngayon? Sana lamang ay mabigyan kami ng kapwa kong mag-aaral na walang kakayahang magkaroon ng internet connection at gadyet ng konsiderasyon ukol dito," she said.

(We already lacked funds during face-to-face classes in the past, what more during the new mode of learning that we would have? I hope that my fellow students who do not have internet connections and gadgets are given consideration.)

Lope also hopes to donate some of the funds she received to other students who are also struggling to make ends meet.

" Hindi ko hahayaang mapunta sa wala ang mga donasyon na binigay sa amin ng mga tao. Dahil sa mga nalikom namin, nabawasan na ang pag-aalala namin kung paano kami makakapag-aral ngayon at paano kami kukuha na gagastahin para sa araw-araw naming pangangailangan, " Lope said.

(I won't let the donations people gave me go to waste. Because of the donations we gathered, our worries about how to continue our education and buy our basic necessities were eased.)

Shared with younger brothers

The #PisoParaSaLaptop campaign also made a huge impact on 20-year-old medical technology student Stephanie Ong, who was able to buy a laptop that she and her younger brothers can share for their online classes.

Ong, who is the eldest of 3 siblings, had been looking for a way to help her father with their family's expenses. Her father he lost his job as a truck driver when operations were halted back in March due to lockdown restrictions.

NEW LAPTOP. 20-year-old Stephanie Ong was able to buy a laptop that she and her younger brothers will share for their online classes. Photo from Stephanie Ong

Though Ong has been selling home-baked goods to help pay their household bills, it still wasn't enough to buy a laptop.

After joining the #PisoParaSaLaptop campaign on July 20, she was able to raise over P62,000 as of Sunday, August 9. MovePH also amplified her call on Wednesday, August 5.

Ong said the collected amount was much more than she expected but it was enough for her to purchase a brand new Acer laptop, worth P38,000, that she and her brothers could use for their online classes. (READ: Distance learning is 'perfect time' to teach students honesty, says DepEd)

The excess donations will be used to buy a printer, which the siblings would also need for school. Ong said that she has also been sharing portions of her donations with other students WHO have been featured in the Ayuda Pang Eskwela Facebook group.

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of donations and heartwarming messages she received, Ong stressed the importance of education as a "tool for [her] to succeed in life and get something different."

But Ong also emphasized that poverty still remained a barrier to education, as she was once left with no choice but to drop out of school for a year when she was in Grade 9.

" Tumigil ako sa pag-aaral para makapag-aral ang mga kapatid ko at mapagkasya yung nasave na pera para sa pang araw-araw namin. Lalo na ngayon na may pandemya, yung nasave na pera para sa edukasyon namin bago 'tong COVID, nagalaw na para lang mabuhay, " she said.

(I dropped out of school so that my siblings could still study and we could save money for our everyday necessities. Now that there's a pandemic, the money we previously saved for our education had been used just so we could live.)

She shared that her father's words have guided her as she pursued her education: "Education is the only thing that they cannot take away from you."

Determined to finish his studies

Within 4 days of joining the campaign, Den Adrian Pasco, 17, received an outpouring of donations amounting to P100,719.19 from netizens.

Pasco is an incoming Civil Engineering student at Cavite State University-Indang.

NEW DESKTOP COMPUTER. After donations poured in, 17-year-old Den Pasco purchased a desktop computer for his siblings to share in time for their online classes. Photo from Den Adrian Pasco

He shared with Rappler that his family has been struggling to make ends meet ever since both of his parents lost their jobs during the lockdown. His father was a pipefitter while his mother worked in a factory.

Though Pasco's older sister is working at a fast food chain to cover the monthly payment for their WiFi unit at home, their family has been worried about paying the rest of their household bills as well as the school fees of Pasco and his 4 other siblings.

To help his family, Pasco took part in the #PisoParaSaLaptop campaign on August 8. Hoping to help, MovePH amplified his post on Wednesday, August 12.

With the donations he collected, Pasco was able to purchase a Huawei MateBook laptop, a Realme phone for his younger sister, an HP DeskJet 2620 printer, a tablet, a desktop computer, and school supplies such as intermediate pads and a calculator for all of his siblings to share. In total, these amounted to P59,014.

Pasco will set aside the excess donations he received for his school's miscellaneous fees and dorm rent for the next few years.

He said that he is grateful not only for the monetary donations he received, but also for the prayers and inspiring messages that netizens sent him.

Pasco shared that since his parents were unable to finish high school or college, he wants to make good use of the opportunity that his parents missed when they were younger.

"My parents always tell us to finish our studies because that's what they want for us, and they do all they can in their power to do that. Now, there's assurance [it will happen]. In 3 or 4 years, my sister and I will graduate and we can make our parents proud and we can give them a better life," he said.

As there are thousands of students like Pasco who struggle to cope with the demands of online learning, he called on netizens to also help other students in need.

"There are students who are being hindered by poverty and this pandemic. I'm hoping that they'll also get the same, or more support that I got. Let's help them to continue chasing their dreams," Pasco said.

Unexpected help

Since August 8, Tristan Yutuc, an incoming 1st year Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering student, has been seeking help to buy a secondhand laptop through the #PisoParaSaLaptop campaign to share with his siblings, 19-year-old Tricel and 17-year-old Troy.

After MovePH pushed the call, a netizen who saw their story donated a brand new Huawei D-14 laptop to Tristan. Cash donations also poured in, with the siblings raising over P41,392.75 as of Sunday, August 16.

" Last August ay mayroong nag-donate ng laptop after makita ang story sa Rappler. Sobrang thankful po ako sa kanya at sa Rappler, hindi ko rin po ine-expect talaga since ang hinangad lang po namin ay secondhand [laptop] pero brand new laptop pa po ang dumating sa amin," said Tristan.

(Last August 14, somebody donated a laptop after seeing my story on Rappler. I'm so thankful to that donor and too Rappler. I didn't expect it because we were just aiming for a secondhand [laptop] but we even got a brand new one instead.)

The siblings also purchased a second hand Acer Aspire E-14 laptop which costs P10,300 and a sewing machine for P12,000 for their mother, who supports their basic necessities.

Tristan plans to purchase one more laptop for his siblings using the donated funds.

" Ang plan ko po ay bumili ng isa pang laptop para sa ate ko kasi sabay po kaming college. 'Yung bunso po namin ay makiki-share na lang sa aming dalawa," said Tristan.

(My plan is to buy one more laptop for my ate because we're both entering college. We'll just share our laptops with our youngest sibling.)

Since the start of the pandemic, their family has been struggling. Their father, a delivery man at a logistics company, lost his job. Their mother, a dressmaker, has also lost clients as demand for school uniforms, which she makes, dropped.

"After po naming ibili ng laptop si Ate ay nagdecide kami na ibili ng makina ang aming miother. Dati po kasi ay 'yung makina ng supplier niya ang ginagamit niya. Ngayong may sarili na po siyang makina, hindi na po limited sa school uniforms ang matatahi niya," said Tristan.

(After we bought a laptop for my sister, we decided to buy my mother a sewing machine. She used to use the sewing machine provided by her supplier. Now that she has her own, the clothes that she'll sew would not be limited to school uniforms.)

The siblings plan to save the remaining money for future expenses for their studies.

Tristan thanked everyone who donated and those who shared their story.

Good days ahead

Haneza Virtudazo, 26, was able to buy a laptop for her sisters' and daughter's online classes on August 17.

Haneza, a housewife from Imus, Cavite, joined the campaign on August 6 to raise funds for her two sisters, Rejeen and Marielle, as well as her child, Miara.

Move.PH amplified their call for donations on August 12. Soon after, the family was able to raise a total amount of P25,118.42 which was used to buy a secondhand Asus Vivobook 15 worth P21,000.

Haneza said they used a small part of the excess donations to buy computer accessories such as earphones and a flash drive. She will be distributing the rest of the money to other students who also joined the same campaign.

"Sa mga nag-join din po sa campaign na #PisoParaSaLaptop campaign, ay huwag [kayong] panghinaan ng loob. Napakaraming mabubuting tao na handang tumulong. Huwag sumuko at laging magtiwala sa Taas," Haneza said.

(To those who joined the campaign, do not lose heart. There are a lot of good people willing to help. Don't give up and just trust God.)

She added, " Para po sa mga students na nakaka-experience ng pinagdaanan ko po ay sa gitna ng mga 'bad days' na iyong mararamdaman ay lagi at parati pa rin na may 'good days' na mangyayari sa buhay."

(To students who are going through the same experiences as mine, bad days will happen but remember that good days are also ahead of you.)

Since March, her family has struggled to make ends meet. Haneza and her husband tried to open a small food business by selling beef pares in their area in Imus to support their family's needs.

She expressed her gratitude to everyone who donated and those who shared their story.

Laptop for the siblings

Patricia Lumanog, 18, an incoming 2nd year Business Administration student from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina was finally able to buy a brand new Acer laptop worth P31,000 for her online classes on August 24.

After the passing of Lumanog's father due to cardiac arrest last May 14, their family struggled to move forward. But with bills piling up and classes fast approaching, Lumanog was left with no choice but to find ways to help her mother, who works as a staff of the barangay secretary.

To help ease her mother's financial burden, Lumanog has been selling baked goods such as lasagna and red velvet crinkles through her online business Ciamae.ph on Facebook.

When she came across the #PisoParaSaLaptop campaign, Lumanog saw it as an additional opportunity to raise money for her tuition and a laptop that she can share with her sister. She joined the campaign on July 28, and her call for donations was amplified by MovePH on August 6.

Cash donations quickly poured in, with Lumanog raising P37,472 as of August 17.

Lumanog expressed her gratitude to the donors. She plans to set aside the excess donations for her tuition fee.

She also called on fellow Filipinos to help out other students who are seeking donations for their academic needs through the #PisoParaSaLaptop and #PisoMulaSaPuso campaigns on social media.

Other schools needs also provided

After donations poured in from netizens, 20-year-old Jomar Conde was able to buy a pocket WiFi and a Microsoft (MS) Office subscription in time for his online classes next week. The Smart Pocket WiFi was P1,295 while the MS Office subscription, including the installment fee, was P3,000.

Conde, a 3rd year college student from the Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation, Inc, joined the campaign to raise money for academic resources, as he could not cope with the demands of online learning without internet connection.

To help him, MovePH amplified his call on August 14. Netizens were quick to help Jomar, who was able to raise P7,720 as of August 18.

"My heart is overwhelmed for the help of those people who don't know me personally but they shared their extra blessings," Conde said.

He said that he will set aside the excess donations for his load allowance that he will need once his online classes start.

Since March, Conde has been trying to support his family financially by applying for work at a BPO company. However, when the lockdown was enforced, he was unable to pursue his application.

His father repairs air condition units while his mother works as a housemaid in Manila. They have been struggling to make ends meet since the pandemic started.

With classes set to resume for Conde and his younger brother, he had been looking for ways to raise money for a stable internet connection.

Conde thanked everyone who donated and asked fellow Filipinos to help out other students in need.

Never giving up

17-year old Anthonia Reyes was finally able to purchase a laptop for her online classes that will begin on August 24.

Reyes is an incoming Grade 12 student at Colegio de Santa Rosa de Lima, Inc. in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Since the pandemic started, her family has been struggling to make ends meet.

Although her father is still able to work as a tricycle driver in Santa Rosa, the pandemic has also reduced his weekly income of P600 that is barely enough to put food on the table. Her father has been a solo parent since 2016, when Anthonia's mother died of breast cancer.

She said their difficult situation made her strive to pursue her education. In fact, Anthonia has been a consistent top student since Grade 7.

To help her family, Reyes joined the #PisoParaSaLaptop campaign on July 26. MovePH pushed out her call on August 15.

Cash donations poured in, with Reyes raising P18,527.46 as of Tuesday, August 18. Her neighbors also pitched in an additional amount of P4,130, bringing her total donations to P22,657.46.

With this, she was able to purchase a secondhand Lenovo laptop worth P22,000 from an online seller on Facebook.

" Hanggang ngayon po hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na meron na akong laptop. Sobrang laking tulong po nito para sa akin at sa mga kapatid at pamangkin ko na estudyante rin... Hinding-hindi po ako makakalimot at patuloy akong magiging mapagkumbaba," Reyes said.

(Until now, I couldn't believe that I already have a laptop. This is a big help for me, my sister and my cousin who are also students. I will never forget this. I am very much humbled.)

Reyes also created a poem for everyone who helped her. She also encouraged other students who are also joining the campaign to never lose hope and continue to pursue their dreams.

Reyes plans to help others by distributing the excess donation she received and by pushing for their calls online.

Giving hope

With the money raised through the #PisoParaSaLaptop campaign, 18-year-old Renzy Gonzales was finally able to purchase a secondhand HP Pavilion laptop for his online classes.

Gonzales is a Grade 12 student in Senior High School in San Nicholas III, Bacoor City.

His family has been struggling financially since his father lost his job as a pedicab driver who now works as a part-time delivery man at a logistics company. His father earns P200 to P400 a day, which is barely enough to provide for their basic necessities and the medicines of her mother who has a heart problem.

MovePH shared Gonzales' story last August 14. Donations from kindhearted netizens poured in, with Gonzales raising over P14,650.00 as of Tuesday, August 19.

Gonzales bought his laptop from an online store in Bacoor for which he initially paid 8,000 through Gcash. He paid the remaining P2,500 when he met the seller.

Gonzales said said he will be saving the remaining amount of money from the donation for emergency purposes and other school and household bills.

" Itatabi po muna namin for emergency purposes at kung may mga kakailanganin pa po sa pag-aaral at sa pangangailangan din po sa bahay in case (I will set it aside for emergency purposes and if there are other needs in school and at home that I could use it for)," said Gonzales.

Gonzales thanked those who donated and encouraged the public to help struggling students like him.

A big help for her studies

After donations poured in, 17-year-old Kyla Michaela Parnala was able to purchase a laptop that she and her younger brother can use.

Kyla is an incoming Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics student at the Cavite State University in Imus, Cavite. Her younger brother is an incoming 6th grade student at Bucandala Elementary School.

Kyla's father is a tricycle driver earning less than P500 a day. Her mother is an assistant at a pediatrician clinic earning only P4,000 a month. With the pandemic and the continuous lockdown measures implemented in their area, her parents' sources of livelihood have been greatly compromised.

Kyla sells homemade sweet and chili garlic sauce - priced at P50 for a 250ml bottle and P80 for a 350ml bottle - to raise funds for a laptop she can share with her brother. She also joined the #PisoParaSaLaptop campaign on August 11, though she was hesitant at first.

Hoping to help, MovePH amplified her post on August 13.

Soon after, Kyla was able to gather P25,538.73 in cash donations from kindhearted netizens as of August 19. Her aunt also pitched in P5,000 so Kyla can buy a brand new Acer A514-52G-30Q2 laptop worth P30,000.

She expressed her gratitude to everyone who donated and assured them that they will use the laptop to do well in their studies.

"Until now po, hindi pa rin po nag-sink in sa utak ko na nakabili po ako ng laptop. Sobrang laking tulong po nito sa aking pamilya lalong-lalo na po sa akin. Makakaasa po kayo na gagamitin po naming magkapatid ang laptop sa tama," she said.

(Until now, I couldn't believe that I was able to purchase a laptop. This is a big help for my family, especially to me. You can expect that we will use this laptop properly) - with reports from Ericka Nieto, Loreta Arroyo, and Khaela Vijar/Rappler.com
Do you know of other students struggling to fund their resources needed for distance learning? Share their story with us, email move.ph@rappler.com.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Through #PisoParaSaLaptop campaign, students raise money to cope with distance learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The call for a donation of a single peso has gone a long way. With the shift to distance learning, students sought help on social media to meet the requirements for online classes. The Department of Education (DepEd) postponed the opening of classes from August 24 to October 5.

# data[].attributes.headline
Aboitiz donates P100M to ‘Project Ugnayan’ to aid urban poor families

# data[].attributes.subject
Aboitiz donates P100M to ‘Project Ugnayan’ to aid urban poor families

# data[].attributes.body
The Aboitiz Group has donated P100 million to Project Ugnayan, a collaboration among local companies, as part of the group’s sustained efforts in assisting communities affected by the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The P100-million donation is part of the P1.5 billion Project Ugnayan raised in cooperation with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) to purchase P1,000 gift certificates for around one million poor families in Greater Manila.

By Ximon Herbosa
THEO-12T

# data[].attributes.body
On the well-being of children, artists took the time to think about the sociopsychological repercussions of the pandemic on the mental health of children. Not being given the same privileged educational environment as the generations before COVID, some artists managed to simulate a heroic environment where children's favorite fictional characters are brought to life.

Kang Lee TH 12-JJJ

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
MANILA, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Ironman, Captain America, puppeteers and performers on stilts entertained children at a vaccination centre in the Philippines on Monday, part of a drive to boost its COVID-19 inoculation campaign among its youngest citizens.

Artists made swords and models from balloons as "superheroes" posed for pictures with children age 5 to 11 after they received their shots in the capital Manila.

The Philippines has vaccinated about half of its 110-million population, but many areas outside urban centres are still lagging far behind, complicating efforts to suppress fresh outbreaks of the novel coronavirus.

Children have been particularly affected by containment measures in the Philippines, which kept schools closed for nearly two years and required young people to stay indoors under some of the world's strictest lockdown rules.

"He's been at home for two years so he needs to go out and meet his friends, his classmates," said Marissa Say after her son received a vaccine.

"After he completes all doses we can at least somehow feel safe and relaxed and he could go back to his normal life."

The Philippines is seeking to inoculate 15 million children overall but vaccine hesitancy that pre-dates the pandemic has complicated the campaign. Other methods of encouraging child vaccinations have included administering them at a zoo.

There have been 3.6 million cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines so far, of which 54,000 were deaths. The Omicron variant spurred record case numbers on several days last month.

Parent Bernadette Cruz said child vaccinations will help the country get on with life.

"It's very important for me to have my child vaccinated because it will help to have herd immunity in our country and it will help our current pandemic become endemic much faster," she said.

Reporting by Adrian Portugal, Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
With superheroes and puppets, Philippines boosts child vaccination drive

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
MANILA, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Ironman, Captain America, puppeteers and performers on stilts entertained children at a vaccination centre in the Philippines on Monday, part of a drive to boost its COVID-19 inoculation campaign among its youngest citizens.

# data[].attributes.headline
Commissions for a Cause, Self-initiated Bayanihan and Donation Drives, etc.

# data[].attributes.subject
Commissions for a Cause, Self-initiated Bayanihan and Donation Drives, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Hindi man sa malakihang sukat ang mga proyektong inilunsad ng aking mga kamag-aral, masasabi kong ang mga paanyayang ito na tumulong sa mga nasalanta ng bagyong Ulysees noong Nobyembre 2020 ay mahalagang inisyatibo. Kusang-loob silang naglunsad ng mga commissions for a cause at donation drives at naglaan ng oras at pagod upang makarating sa mga nangangailangan ang natanggap nilang donasyon. Di-hamak na malaking dagok sa mga nasalanta ang makaranas ng bagyo sa kalagitnaan ng pandemya. Ipinapakita lamang ng mga pagkukusang ito na handang tumulong ang mga Pilipino sa kapwang nangangailangan.

(Gallardo, THEO12-KKK)

# data[].attributes.headline
What the community pantry movement means for Filipinos

# data[].attributes.subject
What the community pantry movement means for Filipinos

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
On a hot and scorching Wednesday afternoon, Ana Patricia Non walked along the streets of Maginhawa to find a spot that is both accessible and able to withhold sizable foot traffic. Somewhere in front of a Romantic Baboy and Ministop, she approached the owners of the place where she used to buy vegetables and requested permission to use the space for a community pantry. When it was granted, she rushed home to collect her already-packed goods, called for a tricycle, and quickly made her way back. She set up a bamboo cart along Maginhawa Street and stocked it with rice, vegetables, milk, vitamins, face masks, canned goods, soap and other essentials.

Not long after, she marked the first day of the Maginhawa Community Pantry through a public Facebook post. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., this community pantry is stationed in front of a convenience store where it is accessible to residents located in Krus na Ligas, UP Village, San Vicente, Teacher's Village, Sikatuna, and Bliss who are free to take as much supplies as they need or share with others whatever they could. A few hours later, she received cash donations from her friends and family which she used to purchase bundles of vegetables that replenished her cart.

Ana Patricia Non owns and runs a small furniture refurbishing business that employed workers severely affected by the pandemic - construction workers turned woodworkers and jeepney drivers turned delivery men. When two months passed with no income, she found herself struggling to make ends meet. Frustrated with the situation she had no control over, she recalled the frequent advice of her sister: "Ang importante ngayon ay mabuhay, mag-survive, at magpalakas. Kung may sakit, magpagaling."

Non always thought of the people left most vulnerable by the pandemic - those who don't have the option to stay at home and stay safe and whose meals depend on the income they earn on the same day, if any at all.

Within 24 hours, Non's post had gone viral across all social media platforms and hundreds of Filipinos were requesting for more information on how they could help further this initiative. To those beyond the radius of Maginhawa, Non urges starting a community pantry of their own. As of April 19, there is a growing list of 28 active community pantries across the Philippines, according to a Facebook post by Non - all inspired by the Maginhawa Community Pantry initiative. According to the organizers, the community pantry has helped 5,000 beneficiaries as of this writing. They also mentioned that donations have been "overflowing" and that they shared them to 15-20 other community pantries.

Following Non's advice, Elijah San Fernando augmented this initiative with his full-time advocacy and policy work as he set up the Matiyaga Community Pantry in Diliman. On the regular, his days were largely focused on working with farmer organizations to buy their surplus vegetables and distribute it directly to consumers through what they call the Magsasaka Outlet. The Matiyaga Community Pantry gives out free sweet potatoes and other vegetables that they purchased directly from the farmers strained by the pandemic.

Ja Abdel, a small business owner, explained why she was inspired to build a community pantry in Barangay Malake, Los Baños. "The pandemic is tough for some of us but it is even worse for most."

In Sampaloc, Manila, Toots Vergara and his wife Ana adopted Non's pantry model. Riddled with doubt in the early stages of planning, they were worried about not having enough resources to sustain the community pantry. Merely a few hours after they were approached by a cohort of community members in P. Noval wanting to support what they had started. "We realized people were just waiting for a venue where they can help, however much they can," he said.

Another primary concern of the couple was the possibility of people hoarding supplies and leaving nothing for those that come after them. This skepticism was quickly dispelled as Vergara witnessed nearby locals carefully discern the amount of supplies they needed before even taking anything from the table.

Non shared her experience with Maginhawa Community Pantry where people were lining up again under the extreme heat of the sun or going home to change shirts in an attempt to be unrecognizable in order to get a second ration from the pantry. She explained that these people are the ones who need the community pantry the most, "Sila po yung nasanay na hindi nila alam kung kailan ang next meal nila." She questioned the unfair judgment of selfishness thrown at these individuals, "Kung maubos ang laman ng community pantry, magandang problem iyun. Ang goal naman sa pagkain is maubos, maconsume at kainin - hindi i-display."

Cyril Balderama, a dancer/choreographer who also works for the City Government of Valenzuela, had recently begun their own community pantry in Barangay Dalandanan with Valenzuela's Performing Arts Community. While their local government unit continues to distribute ayuda in their area, Balderama considers this initiative as a more immediate response to the people within the vicinity who are waiting for their household's share. He recalled that the most important lesson he had learned being in the arts is to become an even better member to the community he is part of.

Situated in front of Casa Labada, the Marikina Community Pantry set up by Mara de Guzman, an executive director at an NGO, hopes that street sweepers and tricycle and jeepney drivers receive as much support as they can. "We wanted to empower struggling Filipinos because they are a huge help to make this community a better place." She likens this movement to a big step towards a stronger Philippines where we demonstrate humanity, hospitality, and everything that makes us Filipinos.

In Nueva Vizcaya, a group of graduating college students came together to organize the Bayombong Community Pantry. "Minsan, nawawalan na [kami] ng pag-asa sa bansa pero itong mga ganitong movements na nakikita namin na nagsusulputan sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa ang isa sa mga rason kung bakit nagkakalakas pa kami upang magserbisyo sa ating bansa," a group representative said.

New community pantries are being formed each day. However, efforts supporting what Non had started are not limited to the physical spaces they inhabit. People have taken their contributions online in the form of spreading information and step-by-step instructions on how individuals can partake in this movement.

The concept behind community pantries is not new. For example, universities in the U.S. developed food pantries purpose-built to provide assistance to students in crippling debt back in 2013. Thailand's Too Pan Sook (Pantries of Sharing) emerged late 2020. But Filipinos have unequivocally instituted a movement that's entirely their own. From affected restaurant owners in Maginhawa to farmers in Tarlac, Non continues to be surprised by the ones who are taking action and participating in the initiative she started only a few days ago. For as long as there are Filipinos willing to share the resources to sustain it, the community pantry is here to help those in need. Non circled back to her rationale, "Hindi niya ma-sosolve ang kahirapan at kagutuman pero sapat siya pantawid gutom para makapagaral, makapagtrabaho, makapagisip at even lumaban."

The idea behind the community pantry was that people could take as much as they need and donate whatever they can. What Non believed was a necessary act of help cascaded into a social solidarity that spans a nation. She strongly argued against the glamourized narrative that the community pantry movement represents Filipino resiliency, but rather evidence of response and unity born out of necessity.

Elijah San Fernando echoed the sentiments of those who set up communal pantries in their area. "In the absence of good governance, tanging tayong mga ordinaryong Pilipino talaga ang magtutulungan."

***
Here's a link to how you can help the Maginhawa Community Pantry.

UPDATE: Here's a list of the current community pantries across the country which is being updated by the Community Pantry PH Facebook group. There is also a Google Maps version of the list.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What the community pantry movement means for Filipinos

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
On a hot and scorching Wednesday afternoon, Ana Patricia Non walked along the streets of Maginhawa to find a spot that is both accessible and able to withhold sizable foot traffic. Somewhere in front of a Romantic Baboy and Ministop, she approached the owners of the place where she used to buy vegetables and requested permission to use the space for a community pantry.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
BPI Foundation helps urban poor families in the time of COVID-19

# data[].attributes.headline
BPI Foundation helps urban poor families in the time of COVID-19

# data[].attributes.subject
BPI Foundation helps urban poor families in the time of COVID-19

# data[].attributes.body
BPI foundation turned over Php 4M to Caritas Manila’s Project Damayan, to support over 1,400 families or around 7,000 individuals in Metro Manila’s urban poor area who have been greatly affected by the enhanced community quarantine. Through Project Damayan, a donation drive to protect the poor from COVID-19, thousands of food bags and hygiene kits were recently distributed.

CJ Bautista
THEO 12-JJJ

# data[].attributes.body
COVID-19 Response Fund (who.int)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Help WHO fight COVID-19

The world is facing an unprecedented challenge with communities and economies everywhere affected by the growing COVID-19 pandemic. The world is coming together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic bringing governments, organizations from across industries and sectors and individuals together to help respond to this global outbreak. The outpouring of global solidarity and support sparked by this shared challenge has been phenomenal.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading and coordinating the global effort, supporting countries to prevent, detect, and respond to the pandemic.

Everyone can now support directly the response coordinated by WHO. People and organizations who want to help fight the pandemic and support WHO and partners can now donate through the COVID-Solidarity Response Fund for WHO, powered by the WHO Foundation in collaboration with the UN Foundation and a global network of partners at www.COVID19ResponseFund.org.

Support needed for 2021

WHO has launched an appeal for US$ 1.96 billion to fulfil the requirements of the 2021 Strategic Preparedness and Response plan (SPRP2021).

The work in 2021 builds on the progress achieved in 2020, continues to support the response in countries towards suppressing transmission, reducing exposure, countering misinformation and disinformation, protecting the vulnerable, reducing mortality and morbidity rates and increasing equitable access of diagnostics and vaccines for all.

Donations received through the fund will go towards activities such as:

Suppress transmission through public health and social measures, including detecting and testing cases, tracing and quarantining contacts, shielding high-risk groups

Managing the infodemic and fighting disinformation and misinformation

Protect the most vulnerable by building vaccine acceptance, ensurance vaccine deployment in all countries and carrying out vaccination campaigns

Reduce mortality and morbidity and save lives by ensuring quality care, training of health workforce and access to essential commodities

Accelerate equitable access to new COVID-19 tools, including vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics in all countries

WHO wants to thank all donors and partners who responded with generosity and solidarity to the appeals made in 2020, which allowed WHO to support countries and partners all over the world on their response.

How is WHO responding to COVID-19?

Learn about what WHO is doing to help countries combat COVID-19, thanks to the funding support of countries, institutions and individuals around the world.

Click on the DONATE NOW button below to donate to the COVID-19 Response Fund through this secure digital portal. You can find information there on payment options and tax exemption possibilities for some countries.
NOTE: There have been some cases reported of people fraudulently presenting themselves as WHO or the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, and/or sending invoices requesting payment on behalf of the Fund. WHO, the UN Foundation, or the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation will never contact you for your credit card or banking details. Please see our FAQ to learn more about the ways you can legitimately give to the Fund. You may also report scams here.

Support fundraising efforts

COVID-19: Latest News

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Help WHO fight COVID-19 The world is facing an unprecedented challenge with communities and economies everywhere affected by the growing COVID-19 pandemic. The world is coming together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic bringing governments, organizations from across industries and sectors and individuals together to help respond to this global outbreak.

# data[].attributes.headline
'Fashion for Others': Celebs and style creatives band together for a Siargao fundraising initiative

# data[].attributes.subject
'Fashion for Others': Celebs and style creatives band together for a Siargao fundraising initiative

# data[].attributes.body
This initiative aims to rehabilitate Siargao, raise funds for the livelihoods of the people who live in the island, and distribute food packs to those who are in need. 100% of the profits from auctioning of clothes will be donated to the beneficiary partners of the initiative.

Terry Torres, THEO 12 KKK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Using fashion for a good cause

After its efforts benefiting healthcare workers and medical frontliners during the height of the pandemic, fashion rental shop Vestido is now aiming to help, support, and empower communities in Siargao. Last December, Siargao and other locations in the Visayas and Mindanao regions were hit by Super Typhoon Odette, leaving places in devastation and people in need of assistance.

Photos from @vestido.manila on Instagram

Dubbed "Fashion for Others (FFO)," the digital fashion auction features items from fashion designer Martin Bautista, stylists Pam Quiñones, actors Bea Alonzo and Jericho Rosales, pieces from Vestido's archives, among others. Their goal is to help rehabilitate the island, raise funds for livelihoods, and provide survival packs to people in need.

"We sought out friends with good hearts and great style to donate special fashion and home pieces for a benefit sale," it says. "We aim to extend a hand to the island by hosting an online auction of big-ticket clothing and home pieces. 100 percent of the winning bidder's profits will be donated to our beneficiary partners."

Each of its beneficiary partners has a focused mission in supporting the people of Siargao. The funds will help Lokal Lab Farm Project in aiding farmers and ensuring food security, Lotus Shores Rebuilding Fund in restoring homes, Next Gen in providing communications and water to communities, and Harana Rehabilitation Project in producing homes for its displaced staff.

The online auction started early this February, and pieces are still up for bidding. Items like Bea's Aquazzura nude stilettos, Steph Gonzales' Diane Von Furstenberg top, Vestido's Marni necklace, and more are still up for grabs.
See more of the "Fashion for Others" stylish lots on Instagram. Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter and let's talk about it.

SIGN UP TO DAILY NEWSLETTER

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
'Fashion for Others': Celebs and style creatives band together for a Siargao fundraising initiative

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Using fashion for a good cause After its efforts benefiting healthcare workers and medical frontliners during the height of the pandemic, fashion rental shop Vestido is now aiming to help, support, and empower communities in Siargao. Last December, Siargao and other locations in the Visayas and M

# data[].attributes.body
This is an initiative of the good Samaritan Ana Patricia Non, which led to a "domino effect" wherein other communities began opening their own community pantries. This is similar to the example that Dr. Bobby Guevara explained in the video about the Aeta community.

(Navarrosa, Kianna Louise S.)

# data[].attributes.body
The community pantry is a program that promotes honesty and generosity among citizens of the Philippines. It is a never ending cycle as long as there are people in need and people willing to give. (Mercado, Ysabel)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A handwritten slogan can be spotted on cardboard posters at stalls across the Philippines: "Give according to your means, take according to your need." These are makeshift community pantries, ad hoc efforts that provide free items such as rice, vegetables, canned goods and even facemasks that benefit millions of Filipinos. And while there are food banks in countries across the world, the community pantry in the Philippines has come to represent so much more. It is not only an expression of compassion for the poor, but a political statement against the state - a symbol of national solidarity in a country struggling to survive the pandemic.

Fishermen give away their catch while farmers donate baskets of their produce.

The double economic burden of job losses and rising prices of commodities has afflicted the Philippines, which has yet to recover from one of the world's longest and strictest Covid-19 lockdowns. Goods from community pantries can therefore mean the difference between life and death for many Filipinos. Most contributions flow from the rich and the middle class. But people who are struggling financially are also donating what little cash or groceries they can share. Some even come from rural areas to give - fishermen give away their catch while farmers donate baskets of their produce.

Community pantries not only exhibit generosity, they also demonstrate respect and consideration for others. Most of those who line up for hours take just enough for themselves and their families, mindful that others behind them are also in need. There is no sign of the type of hoarding that was evident in supermarkets across the world at the onset of the pandemic. Instead, the system is built on what Filipino sociologist Randy David describes as "faceless giving and discreet receiving". The community pantry, David says, "offers no space for the self-promotion and obligatory acknowledgments that usually accompany the mass distribution of emergency assistance".

"Sharing is caring" (Marian Ticzon)

But this is more than a noble instrument to help others. The community pantry also sends a political message of public frustration about government ineptitude in providing for the nation. The Philippine government provided only up to PHP 8,000 (A$215) in 2020 and a maximum of PHP 4,000 ($107) this year for each of the country's 18 million low-income families, not enough to buy their daily essentials. Ana Patricia Non, the 26-year old lady who first started a pantry in her neighborhood that inspired replicas nationwide, explained the reason behind her initiative: "I'm tired of complaining. I'm tired of inaction," she said. "The fact that this has gone viral, it means this is a gut issue." As it inadvertently exposed institutional shortcomings, the boom in community pantries should therefore serve as a wake-up call for the government to do more for its people.

The community pantries in the Philippines can also be seen as a political statement repudiating government malice towards charity and volunteerism. A few days after Non's community pantry spread far and wide, the national police openly linked it to the communist movement and accused it of being a vehicle to recruit members. In keeping with President Rodrigo Duterte's resolve to quell the long-running communist insurgency in the country, those " red tagged" as communists by the police often end up dead. Fearing for her life and the lives of other volunteers, Non was forced to close her community pantry after police officers visited her and started asking questions. It took assurances from the city mayor and the head of the country's Department of the Interior and Local Government for her to reopen.

The temporary closure of Non's pantry prompted public outrage, which unexpectedly resulted in more food and cash donations, which she used to support other community pantries. Its growing support tacitly indicates the Filipino public's pushback against the Duterte administration's unwarranted intimidation.

Batasan Hills, Quezon City (Eyriche Cortez)

Because of limited government assistance, community pantries symbolise national unity born out of necessity - of weary folks finding solace in helping others. From just one community pantry in Metro Manila, by the end of April there were 358 community pantries scattered across the Philippines. Such initiatives are essentially a stopgap measure to help more people survive the socio-economic crisis plaguing the country. The community pantries essentially target these Filipino families who have gotten used to not knowing when their next meal will be. As Non puts it: "If the items in the community pantry ran out, that is a good problem. The goal is for the food to be consumed, not to be displayed."

But as with other charities, these community pantries may eventually suffer from fatigue and slowly fizzle out, as their sustainability and longevity are not guaranteed. Yet community pantries in the Philippines demonstrate a revolutionary expression of human compassion, political activism and national solidarity that will continue to bring out the best of Filipinos during the worst of times. Philippine Senator Francis Pangilinan regards such initiative as a form of people power against hunger: "It warms the heart. It fills the tummy. I believe that there's no greater power than a united, empathetic action altogether toward one goal."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Philippines community pantries give help - and send a message

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A handwritten slogan can be spotted on cardboard posters at stalls across the Philippines: "Give according to your means, take according to your need." These are makeshift community pantries, ad hoc efforts that provide free items such as rice, vegetables, canned goods and even facemasks that benefit millions of Filipinos.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
"Payakap" | a pandemic short film by Anne Keilah Morales

# data[].attributes.body
Society today is experiencing trials. Relationships are unexpectedly tested by the consequences of the pandemic: the disease, the pain, and above all, the distance. But there's something that society has to know that the short film could reveal. Empathy is greater than these three consequences. And empathy requires a form of embrace — one that does not require physical presence but instead requires a connection.

Keilah Morales
THEO 12-JJJ

# data[].attributes.headline
Barefoot Philippines' Peace Kamp Tutoring Program

# data[].attributes.subject
Barefoot Philippines' Peace Kamp Tutoring Program

# data[].attributes.body
In collaboration with Peace Kamp, Barefoot Philippines' organized a tutoring program, wherein members of the organization can help students in subjects such as Arithmetic and Reading and Writing.

(Posted by Nicole Buensuceso, THEO 12-T)

# data[].attributes.body
Mikhaella Santos (Theo12 KKK)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ATENEO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION COMPUTER DRIVE HELPS 81 SCHOLARS FOR SY 2020-21 - Ateneo Alumni Association

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Ateneo Alumni Association (AAA) provided free computers and tablets to scholars for School Year 2020-2021. AAA President Jason Cabrera said the recipients include 30 junior high school, 11 senior high school, and 40 college scholars for School Year 2020-2021.…

# data[].attributes.headline
List of where we can donate to those who were victims of Bagyong Odette

# data[].attributes.subject
List of where we can donate to those who were victims of Bagyong Odette

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/12/20/2149102/list-heres-where-you-can-donate-odette-relief-efforts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
LIST: Here’s where you can donate to ‘Odette’ relief efforts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here’s a running list of initiatives and donation drives where you can send donations of relief goods or monetary support to those affected by the super typhoon.

# data[].attributes.body
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is an organization dedicated to rescuing animals who have suffered neglect, abuse, and cruelty, and helping them find better homes. (Kaye Librea - Theo 12-T)

# data[].attributes.headline
Ateneo Gabay's Share-Ya raised a total of P47k, distributed as school supplies and groceries for the families of public school kids. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Ateneo Gabay's Share-Ya raised a total of P47k, distributed as school supplies and groceries for the families of public school kids. 

# data[].attributes.body
VP Leni Robredo's Bayanihan E-konsulta provides free consultations with doctors to all Filipinos. Many people have volunteered to be doctors for this program, as well as to be the middlemen in connecting people who need their service to the doctors.
- Sophia Caedo (THEO 12 -G)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bayanihan E-Konsulta. 226,145 likes · 2,491 talking about this. Public Service

# data[].attributes.body
Gen Z youth in the Philippines seek affordable donations, as low as PHP 20, to provide support for communities in need.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Charisse Parchamento, 19, has spent all of her life in Metro Manila, Philippines. A metropolitan area that has an iconic cityscape, historic national parks, and the record of being the city with the largest homeless population in the world. There are estimated to be over 3 million people, a quarter of the city's population, who struggle with poverty.

A community who were severely affected when COVID-19 came to the shores of the Philippine archipelago.

"What will happen to the homeless? We are secure in our homes but they have no shelter to protect them from the virus," shares Charisse. "They have no protection outside, and they can't get their own hygiene kits and food everyday."

It wasn't just the homeless who were impacted by the global pandemic. The virus has affected the livelihoods of many of Charisse's fellow Filipinos.

Charisse's friend, Erika Ente, 27, was affected by what she saw happening around her as well, ""At a critical time such as this, will you have the capacity to think of other people?"

This desire to see impacted communities receive the vital support they needed, saw the two friends come together, to create #MayTwentyAko. An initiative to lend support to anyone and everyone in need.
#MAYTWENTYAKO
They launched the witty hashtag, meaning 'I have 20 pesos' in Tagalog, on social media to encourage a growing youth presence to donate 20 pesos (US$0.39). It is the smallest note denomination in the Philippine currency, making it an affordable donation.

When youth "rant, tweet or post on Facebook" to voice their frustrations, says Charisse, they are often viewed as keyboard warriors in the Philippines. The co-founders wanted to convert this online enthusiasm into offline action, channeling their energy and conversations into positive outcomes that contribute directly to society.

"That's our goal with #MayTwentyAko - to help the homeless, and those who will lose their jobs during COVID-19," she adds. "We believe that this is the time to consider the plight of others too."

The youth-led initiative quickly grew to 13 people, including 12 youths aged between 17 and 27 years, and a 53-year-old, who is the mother of three of the volunteers.

The initial goal was to raise 2,000 pesos (US$39.75) to buy and distribute hand sanitisers to communities in need. But they received overwhelming support from the public and exceeded their fundraising target, therefore they channeled the additional donations to purchasing food, drinks, canned goods, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hygiene kits, consisting of liquid soap and hand sanitiser.
'I HAVE TWENTY PESOS'
Charisse explains that people are often averse to donating, because they feel that it requires "a lot of money from their pockets." But the idea of contributing 20 pesos is similar to donating spare change, making this a more achievable request.

"The 20-peso bill is the smallest bill. We have to be inclusive, especially for students," says Charisse.

The team brings the giving of others to the doorsteps of those in need. Travelling across different cities and provinces in Metro Manilla, they distribute to schools, slums, shelters, hospitals and even along the streets.

"Our recipients are the homeless, informal workers, displaced workers and frontliners, because they are the ones at greater risk," says Charisse. "They have no protection, and are the ones that are unable to provide their own hygiene kits and food."
BUMPS ALONG THE ROAD
With the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the Philippines restricting movement of the general public in place, the team has faced various challenges.

For one, obtaining a special quarantine pass to commute around the city is mandatory.

"We had to get passes at City Hall. We really pleaded because we need those to continue distributing," recounts Charisse.

Another issue was securing the items they needed promptly, as most of the suppliers of PPE, disinfectant alcohol, hand sanitiser and liquid hand soap are located outside of Metro Manila.

They also encountered a shortage of manpower when some of their volunteers, who are minors (aged below 18 years old), were prevented from participating in the distribution rounds. At one point, only four of them were left to pack and distribute the items to the communities. But they continued to work tirelessly without complaining.

"Exhaustion is secondary, actually, we didn't mind it because we know we are helping others," explains Erika.

Their parents have been very supportive of their initiative, and even packed the kits with them.

Erika's mum, Elizabeth Ente, says, "What concerns parents like me is that they might get sick. We can never know because we cannot see the virus. So every time they go out, I always remind them to be careful."

On their rounds, the volunteers take precautions, such as wearing face masks and sanitising their hands after each distribution.

While the campaign started small, these youths have managed to widen the scope of their distribution beyond the original communities they intended.

For instance, they have distributed face masks, cookies, and kids' colouring worksheets to Kapitbahayan Elementary School SPED Center, a school dedicated to students with special needs.

"I am happy because I didn't expect that someone would respond to my call for help. I am grateful, because I know these are for kids with special needs, who do not understand what's going on in their surroundings," says Carmela Evitales, a teacher at the centre.

"We are thankful because you considered us and gave us the chance to receive these gifts. It may seem little to others but this means a lot to these children," she adds.

The homeless were supported as well.

"What I can say to these young boys and girls is that I am thankful that they helped me to have this folding bed. They gave me the joy of having a bed that I can sit and sleep on," says street dweller Lilian Salvatierra.
A CHALLENGE TO YOUTH
With the initiative gaining publicity and public trust, these youths do not take it for granted. They put up photos and posts of their distribution on social media, ensuring transparency in how they use the donations.

"The people placed their trust in us, hence they donated. We have to show them that their money goes to individuals in need and to the cause," says Charisse.

Through their journey on this social campaign, they have encountered the kindness of the public from donations, to words of thanks to frontliners and appreciation from beneficiaries. Their plan is to keep the initiative going, even after the pandemic has eased up.

" As long as the donations keep coming in, as long as there are people who trust us, as long as there's someone in need, we will carry on," Charisse says. "We have already established this campaign and we see no problem if we continue doing it."

Mrs Ente encourages other parents: "If you have kids like mine who are willing to help, I suggest that you let them, and give them support."

And to other young people, Charisse issues this challenge:

"We have to stop being apathetic. There is no time for apathy. All of us are accountable to other people. We have to consider the welfare of others and not just ourselves."
LET'S TALK ABOUT IT
How are the youth in your community contributing and inspiring good? Share them with us here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
#MayTwentyAko: Making a difference with the smallest peso ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Charisse Parchamento, 19, has spent all of her life in Metro Manila, Philippines. A metropolitan area that has an iconic cityscape, historic national parks, and the record of being the city with the largest homeless population in the world. There are estimated to be over 3 million people, a quarter of the city's population, who struggle with poverty.

# data[].attributes.headline
Street to Schools, a youth organization, continues to amplify the Global Goals for Sustainable Development and UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

# data[].attributes.subject
Street to Schools, a youth organization, continues to amplify the Global Goals for Sustainable Development and UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

# data[].attributes.headline
Ayala Group aids health front-liners, residents affected by Taal

# data[].attributes.subject
Ayala Group aids health front-liners, residents affected by Taal

# data[].attributes.body
The Ayala Group has provided assistance to at least three hospitals in Metro Manila, as well as to communities affected by the Taal Volcano's restiveness.

- Isaiah Yu

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ayala Group aids health front-liners, residents affected by Taal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
MANILA – The Ayala Group has provided assistance to at least three hospitals in Metro Manila, as well as to communities affected by the Taal Volcano’s restiveness. Connectivity support, entertainment package, and cash assistance were given to the Philippine General Hospital...

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Community pantries we set up in various places around the Philippines, fuelled by the government's poor response to the pandemic. The initiative was started by 

# data[].attributes.headline
Community Pantries for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic

# data[].attributes.subject
Community Pantries for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic

# data[].attributes.headline
PlayPark PH and its gaming community donate over P1M to COVID-19 response, various charities

# data[].attributes.subject
PlayPark PH and its gaming community donate over P1M to COVID-19 response, various charities

# data[].attributes.body
PlayPark PH and its gaming community donate over P1M to COVID-19 response, various charities | Philstar.com
Submitted by - Jethro Caayupan

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
PlayPark and its community came together and shared their blessings to raise a total of Php1,066,252.

MANILA, Philippines - The community was able to raise more than Php300,000 during Cabal Mobile's Charity Stream event last August. PlayPark, for their part, matched and raised the amount and covered more than Php700,000 to reach over Php1 million.

The amount was duly turned over to the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation Inc., along with several other charitable institutions that offer services to our COVID-19 affected countrymen. All the beneficiaries were notified of their respective donations ahead of time, and all safety precautions were observed prior, during, and after the turnovers were conducted during the month of September.

"In behalf of our kababayans affected by COVID-19, taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng nagbigay ng tulong. Our community's willingness and heart for sharing are beams of light in the midst of the pandemic," said Apollo Dionglay, Managing Director for PlayPark Philippines.

The caring and sharing do not end there, however. As Christmas is coming up, so is a beloved PlayPark tradition: the PlayPark Xtreme Paskuhan or PPXP! Expect a lot of tournaments, raffles, and a great Christmas party to spread a little cheer from the PlayPark family. In the spirit of the holiday season, another donation drive is planned to share the blessings we all had to our less fortunate sisters and brothers who have been greatly affected by the pandemic.

PlayPark Inc. hosts a wide variety of PC and mobile games on its site, ready for download and playing. Aside from the massively popular Cabal Mobile, PlayPark also offers other games like Club Audition Mobile, Cabal, RF Online and others.

For the latest news and information about Cabal Mobile: Heroes of Nevareth, check out the official website https://cabalmobile.playpark.com/ph/, as well as the official Facebook Page. Look for @CabalMobilePH on Discord, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PlayPark PH and its gaming community donate over P1M to COVID-19 response, various charities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
MANILA, Philippines - The community was able to raise more than Php300,000 during Cabal Mobile's Charity Stream event last August. PlayPark, for their part, matched and raised the amount and covered more than Php700,000 to reach over Php1 million.

# data[].attributes.headline
UB: Donation drive para sa mga frontliner ng COVID-19

# data[].attributes.subject
UB: Donation drive para sa mga frontliner ng COVID-19

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD2OqgqJrbM

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
UB: Donation drive para sa mga frontliner ng COVID-19

# data[].attributes.headline
UB: Donation drive para sa mga frontliner ng COVID-19

# data[].attributes.subject
UB: Donation drive para sa mga frontliner ng COVID-19

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD2OqgqJrbM

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
UB: Donation drive para sa mga frontliner ng COVID-19

# data[].attributes.body
Being in this pandemic has kept people apart, literally. But in another way it has also forced us to come together. Which in trying times isn't entirely a bad thing.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a non-profit organization aimed to solve social problems all around the world.

-Terry Gan THEO 12 KK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We already have the breakthrough technologies needed to provide safe and affordable sanitation services to the billions of people who are at risk of waste-borne diseases. Building markets and attracting businesses to this emerging sector are the next big challenges.

By Doulaye Kone Deputy Director, Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Subscribe to The Optimist to get weekly updates on the latest in global health, gender equality, education, and more.

Subscribe to The Optimist to get weekly updates on the latest in global health, gender equality, education, and more.

Foundation facts

For the year ended December 31, 2022. Amount in U.S. dollars.

More about the foundation

For 20 years, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has been committed to fighting the greatest inequities in the world.

We are focused on results. Those that can be measured. And those measured in ways beyond numbers.

Learn about the origins of the foundation and the values that drive our work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are a nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world

# data[].attributes.headline
Learn how Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm in the Philippines is Changing the World

# data[].attributes.subject
Learn how Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm in the Philippines is Changing the World

# data[].attributes.body
"Gawad Kalinga is building a nation empowered by people with faith and patriotism; a nation made up of caring and sharing communities, dedicated to eradicate poverty and restore human dignity. We aim to engage at least 20,000 barangays through our platforms of solidarity, resulting in millions of lives transformed and hope stories told. " from https://www.gk1world.com/aboutgk

- Flores, Mark. THEO 12 - RR

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Learn how Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm in the Philippines is Changing the World

# data[].attributes.headline
Jollibee Group continues to support frontline health workers responding to the Covid-19 pandemic

# data[].attributes.subject
Jollibee Group continues to support frontline health workers responding to the Covid-19 pandemic

# data[].attributes.body
Rachella Tagle

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
THE Jollibee Group continues to support frontline health workers responding to the Covid-19 pandemic by donating meals from its brands to about 300 hospitals around the country in August 2020. Healthcare workers have received food packs from Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon and Mang Inasal.

"Providing them meals to enjoy is a way to refresh their tired bodies and refuel their heroic efforts. We are more than grateful for what they are doing for our countrymen," said Jollibee Group Foundation Executive Director Gisela Tiongson.

"Sobrang nakaka-boost ng morale at nakakataba ng puso na mayroong kompanya na tumutulong sa aming mga frontliners (It really boosts our morale and warms our hearts that there are companies that send support to us frontliners)," said Melagros Ancheta, a Veterans Medical Memorial Center health worker, who received food packs from Greenwich Pizza.

"Your donation made us feel that you are one with us in this fight against the pandemic," said Medical Director Magbitang. Frontline staff of the MS Magbitang Hospital of San Ildefonso in Bulacan received Mang Inasal meals.

As of August 2020, the Jollibee Group has mobilized a total of P268 million worth of food packs that have benefited some 4.3 million people in communities and served 1.5 million meals to frontline health and checkpoint personnel. Of this, the company donated P227 million while the additional P41 million came from business partners through the Jollibee Group FoodAID Coin Bank.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Jollibee Group continues food donations to frontliners

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
THE Jollibee Group continues to support frontline health workers responding to the Covid-19 pandemic by donating meals from its brands to about 300 hospitals around the country in August 2020. Healthcare workers have received food packs from Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon and Mang Inasal.

# data[].attributes.body
Tugon conducts play therapy for our girls and babies to foster the psychosocial well-being of survivors of child sexual abuse and abandonment.

# data[].attributes.body
https://chemonics.com/impact-story/relief-is-just-an-app-away-in-the-philippines/

Relief was an app developed amidst the pandemic to address and avoid the potential hazard of viral transmission through physical cash.

- Brent

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As with many citizens in the Philippines, Jesson Galvez's job was affected by COVID-19. A resident of Trece Martires, he and his common law partner Divine Grace Penaflor sold used clothes but could not go out due to nationwide community quarantine.

"We had great difficulty," Jesson said. "We have no other jobs, and we ended up selling things we owned just so we can buy food. Overall, it was very hard for us."

Concerned about how he would support his family, Jesson learned about emergency cash subsidies distributed by the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). DSWD distributed the first tranche of SAP funds in May.

Jesson was among the first 18 million to receive funds. However, due to manual registration by DSDW, five million families were waitlisted. Other issues occurred nationwide, due also to the manual distribution of cash and the lack of beneficiary data. In one case, an entire community waived their benefits slots so others, in greater need, could get assistance. To better help low-income families affected by the pandemic, DSDW needed to address issues with manual registration and dispensing hard currency.

Jesson Galvez and Divine Grace Penaflor, whose family business struggled economically due to COVID-19, were among the first to receive emergency subsidies before the ReliefAgad app.

The Problem with Cash

Hard currency is not the best form of money during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing is essential. A single bill could pass through scores of hands in a typical day. Any other time, this would be socially accepted, but it has become a matter of concern now. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently encouraged people to use digital payment options as a deterrent to the spread of the coronavirus. In addition, with the manual distribution of cash, local government units (LGUs) require significant resources to secure and handle the bills, not to mention the importance of transparency and properly transporting the currency across the Philippines' 7,641 islands.

Jesson remembered some of the challenges during the first tranche of manually distributed SAP funds. "I had to walk at least one hour to reach the place where they gave out the cash (a covered basketball court)," he said. "When I got there at 9:00 a.m., the line was already very long. I was afraid that there might have been a COVID positive person in the crowd."

To receive SAP funds, citizens needed to complete a Social Amelioration Card (SAC). During the first tranche of funds, recipients submitted their data non-electronically and LGUs manually encoded or batch uploaded the data. The Philippine government believed it needed a more efficient 21st century solution.

A "Prompt" Digital Solution

To improve the distribution of emergency cash, the government of the Philippines approached the USAID E-PESO Activity (implemented by Chemonics) and Developers Connect Philippines ( DEVCON) to create the ReliefAgad app. This app streamlines the capture of SAC data and dispersal of relief funds by using an e-wallet or bank account that enables DSWD to send aid directly to beneficiaries, using the e-payment systems of the regional banking industry.

The Philippine government sought the help of E-PESO due to USAID's past work in the country. Since March 2015, E-PESO continues the progress of USAID's Microenterprise Access to Banking Services projects, which ran from 1997 to 2012. As a result of that work to increase access to financial services in the Philippines, more than 700 bank locations dispersed $900 million in microfinance loans.

E-PESO, through its collaboration with local partners, field tested, designed, deployed, and provided overall project management for the ReliefAgad app (derived from the Filipino word for "prompt"). Meanwhile, DEVCON, a non-profit organization promoting Filipino IT talent, assembled a team of volunteer software developers and created the system.

A marketing photo for the ReliefAgad app.

The app works by having recipients complete a SAC form, which contains a unique barcode. The recipient then scans the barcode using a smartphone and the app to confirm that the form is valid prior to encoding the individual's personal information on the reliefagad.ph website. After registering their SAC form, the data goes directly to DSWD. The app also allows citizens to enroll their bank or e-money accounts for faster, direct deposit payments. DSWD receives fast, accurate information, while recipients receive their funds in a timely manner.

Joyce Villanueva, a manicurist from Kawit, Cavite, registered for SAC through the app. "It's a good thing we learned about ReliefAgad," she said. "We found the instructions easy, and we did not have a difficult time registering for it."

Applicants who do not own a smartphone can use someone else's to apply. As long as they have access to the phone number, they are registered for the one-time passcodes. To aid those beneficiaries with any app challenges, USAID has facilitated the development of a daily customer support hotline (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), a Facebook Messenger chat facility, and a digital user guide.

The Value of Public and Private Partnerships

Beyond DEVCON providing software developers, the app's creation involved feedback and resources from multiple public and private sector actors, which will ensure the digital beneficiary registration system will work for the current pandemic as well as for future emergency or social subsidy programs uses (see video below for more information about the design process for the app). Private-sector partners include Amazon Web Services (cloud services), PLDT Group and Smart Communications (website whitelisting), and SM Group and the BDO Foundation (for one-time password short message services). Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology provided IT infrastructure and cybersecurity support. And banks and e-money issuers collaborated with the app team to identify ways to seamlessly process new accounts for app users.

ReliefAgad Is a Net Positive

As of August 3, 2020, a total of 8,979,360 beneficiary families nationwide (63%) have received subsidies through digital and manual payout. Registration for the app was closed as of June 25, with 4.3 million who registered then, and in mid-July the second tranche of disbursements began. Overall, responses from beneficiaries have been positive.

Roy Mendoza, a fisherman based in Binangonan, Rizal, was unable to sell his fish due to lockdown. "The second tranche through ReliefAgad registration was easy, faster, and safer because I did not have to mix with other people and be scared about COVID," he said.

Myla Bautista, an egg seller in Morong, Rizal, was also unable to sell her eggs due to the community quarantine. However, through ReliefAgad, she invested the funds into her business. "I used part of the money as capital for restarting my egg and cooking oil business that I now sell at home and also in the market that opened recently."

Roy Mendoza, whose fishing business has suffered during the pandemic, used the ReliefAgad app to receive emergency funds without risking exposure to COVID-19 in crowds.

What Happens Next

The E-PESO Project is anticipated to end in February 2021; however, ReliefAgad was designed in collaboration with DSWD to ensure the agency has ownership of the app - in terms of management and knowledge of its value.

After USAID support ends, DEVCON will sustain the app, which it developed with no cost to DSWD. The non-profit will retain the IP rights to the system, with DSWD having unrestricted use in perpetuity.

It is uncertain how long people like Jesson will need SAP funds from DSWD, but at least he and his family will receive help in a more efficient and consistent way.

"ReliefAgad is a blessing and helped us a lot because it made everything very convenient and fast," Jesson said. "The money has helped us meet the immediate needs of my family. We are very thankful and grateful."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Relief Is Just an App Away in the Philippines - Chemonics International

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As with many citizens in the Philippines, Jesson Galvez's job was affected by COVID-19. A resident of Trece Martires, he and his common law partner Divine Grace Penaflor sold used clothes but could not go out due to nationwide community quarantine. "We had great difficulty," Jesson said.

# data[].attributes.body
No Classmate Left Behind is a fundraising project initiated by teachers, aspiring educators, and education advocates that aim to provide educational tablets for deserving public school students.

Posted by: Rianna G. Ronquillo, ADMU, THEO 12-RR

# data[].attributes.headline
Pasig City to provide tablets and laptops for students

# data[].attributes.subject
Pasig City to provide tablets and laptops for students

# data[].attributes.body
Upang maayos ang Online Distance Learning (ODL), nagtalaga ang Pasig City ng P1.2B na halaga ng mga laptop at tablet para sa mga estudyante na nangangailangan nito noong Oktubre 2020.

Sophia de Galicia, THEO 12 - RR

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
MANILA, Philippines - The local government of Pasig is set to distribute next month tablets and laptops to public school students and teachers, respectively, in a bid to help them comply with requirements of distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto said the tablets for students and laptops for teachers are expected to be delivered by Sept. 30, days before the 2020-2021 school year opens, and will be given to students and teachers starting October 1.

"Delivery of TABLETS to the city scheduled for Sept. 30 (may penalty silang milyon kung 'di nila mabigay sa takdang oras). Ibig sabihin matatanggap ng mga mag-aaral ang tablet nila Oct.1 onwards," Sotto wrote.

(Delivery of tablets to the city scheduled for Sept. 30. [they will face penalty in millions if they will not deliver it on the agreed time]. It means students will already receive their tablet Oct 1 onwards.)

[EDUCATION SECTOR UPDATES]✓ MOVING QUICKLY TOWARDS "BLENDED LEARNING":1. DepEd continues DEVELOPMENT OF MODULES2....

Posted by Vico Sotto on Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Sotto previously announced that the Pasig City government earmarked more than P1.3 billion to purchase laptops for teachers as well as tablets for students in the city public schools.

Aside from providing gadgets, Sotto said the local government also partnered with business school Thames International to train teachers for digital learning.

The "Nanay/Tatay Teacher workshop" was also held online to prepare parents for distance learning as well since they must assist their children with the learning modules.

The learning seminar for parents was aired on the Pasig public information office Facebook page.

KGA

Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.

For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pasig public school students, teachers to get tablets, laptops by October

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
MANILA, Philippines - The local government of Pasig is set to distribute next month tablets and laptops to public school students and teachers, respectively, in a bid to help them comply with requirements of distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

# data[].attributes.headline
Exemplifying Bayanihan Spirit  through Community Pantries

# data[].attributes.subject
Exemplifying Bayanihan Spirit  through Community Pantries

# data[].attributes.body
The Bayanihan spirit is manifesting through the spread of community pantries all over the Philippines. Community pantries have been sprouting all over the Philippines to help those in need. With simply a table as the pantry, kitchen staples and other necessities are placed on it where people can access it easily. All of these are initiated by groups of people who simply want to help. (Gonzales, 2021). I've personally have friends who are also conducting online and offline aid in order to keep their  respective community afloat during this turbulent times.

- Ria Suyat, Theo 12-RR

Source: Gonzales, C. (2021, May 4). Featured: The rise of Community Pantries embodies the Filipinos’ “Bayanihan” Spirit - adobo Magazine Online. Adobo Magazine Online. https://adobomagazine.com/featured/featured-the-rise-of-community-pantries-embodies-the-filipinos-bayanihan-spirit/

‌

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - "Kumuha base sa kailangan, magbigay base sa kakayahan."

Take what you need, give what you can.

The phrase above can be seen in signs all over the Philippines. Written on paper or cardboard, the sign directs people to what is known today as a community pantry.

Community pantries have been sprouting all over the Philippines to help those in need. With simply a table as the pantry, kitchen staples and other necessities are placed on it where people can access it easily. All of these are initiated by groups of people who simply want to help. There is no organization that people need to join to start this because anyone can start their own community pantry from wherever they live in the Philippines.

The community pantry was first started by Ana Patricia Non along Maginhawa street. With only a handful of groceries and essentials, Non set up a bamboo cart along Maginhawa and then put up a sign that encourages people to take what they need and leave what they can.

Once Non made the community pantry public on Facebook, it wasn't long before donations poured in. Today, the first community pantry in Maginhawa is now a hub that distributes donations to other pantries as well. And ever since Non's post went viral, people all over the country started adapting Non's community pantry model to help the communities in their respective areas.
Exemplifying the Filipino 'Bayanihan' Spirit
This Filipino trait of working together and helping each other can always be felt whenever there are natural disasters in the country. However, the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the Filipinos' 'bayanihan' spirit and now, the model of the community pantry is making it easier for people to lend a hand to those in need.

The concept of the community pantry is similar to bartering in the olden days. When there was a lack of money, people resorted to exchanging goods and services to live. The same can be seen in the community pantries. Those who are capable give what they can and those who are in need take them.

While it's so easy to abuse a system like this, the community pantry model has worked. Instead of people hoarding the supplies in one go, those who line up to get what they need understand that there are a lot who need them as well.

While lifting houses with the help of your neighbors isn't that common anymore, the 'bayanihan' spirit among Filipinos is alive and well.

The rise of community pantries is proof of that.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Featured: The rise of Community Pantries embodies the Filipinos' 'Bayanihan' Spirit - adobo Magazine Online

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Share this postMANILA, PHILIPPINES - "Kumuha base sa kailangan, magbigay base sa kakayahan." Take what you need, give what you can. The phrase above can be seen in signs all over the Philippines. Written on paper or cardboard, the sign directs people to what is known today as a community pantry.

# data[].attributes.headline
La Salle Green Hills provides temporary shelter for The Medical City frontliners

# data[].attributes.subject
La Salle Green Hills provides temporary shelter for The Medical City frontliners

# data[].attributes.body
This was an initiative by the school to help out frontliners who were having difficulties in lodging and transport during the early days of the pandemic. (padlet by Christofferson Balanon)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) has opened its doors to frontliners from The Medical City (TMC) amid the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Under the "Safe Shelter Project," LSGH provided 100 healthcare workers with makeshift sleeping areas, access to clean bathrooms, and internet connection.

On Facebook, The Medical City thanked LSGH and shared photos of the shelter for the healthcare workers.

"Truly, these challenging times have brought about an increased sense of humanity, community, and compassion," TMC said.

LSGH said the project is its way of thanking the medical workers for "the sacrifices that they and their families have made to protect people's health, aid the afflicted, and help halt the spread of the coronavirus."

Meals are also provided with the help of De La Salle Philippines, LSGH Alumni Association, and La Salle Parents' Association.

In return, TMC will be installing disinfection areas to their entrances and follow regular decontamination measures to ensure safety of everyone inside the premises.

Several churches and convents in Metro Manila have also welcomed medical frontliners who are battling COVID-19.

As of Monday, the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines rose to 3,660 with 163 deaths and 73 recoveries. --Jannielyn Bigtas/MGP, GMA News

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
La Salle Green Hills provides temporary shelter for The Medical City frontliners

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) has opened its doors to frontliners from The Medical City (TMC) amid the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Under the "Safe Shelter Project," LSGH provided 100 healthcare workers with makeshift sleeping areas, access to clean bathrooms, and internet connection.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The Ateneo Bulatao Center is the service arm of the Department of Psychology of the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU). Photo from the Ateneo Bulatao Center for

# data[].attributes.headline
Ateneo offers free counseling services online

# data[].attributes.subject
Ateneo offers free counseling services online

# data[].attributes.body
The Ateneo de Manila University is now offering free psychological counseling services online in order to help those in need during this pandemic. Through this counseling, people can have a safe space where they can freely talk about anything. They will also receive professional advices on how to deal with their life concerns effectively.

# data[].attributes.body
During the pandemic, McDonalds have given food to the nation's frontliners and underprivileged communities through the McDonald's Kindness Kitchen Mission.
- Marcelle Calingasan
Th 141 - I

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Manila, Philippines-It all started with McDonald's Philippines' commitment in March 2020 , at the height of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). The intent was to serve McDonald's meals to the nation's frontliners and underprivileged communities, through McDonald's Kindness Kitchen, an initiative of Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines (RMHC), McDonald's charity of choice. Select McDonald's branches comprise the venues, manned by managers, staff, and volunteers alike, in line with the brand's commitment to spreading kindness and customer delight, especially amidst challenging times.
Malasakit, when it counts the most
"Guided by our core value of , giving back or supporting the community has always been part of our culture at McDonald's. We are happy to serve meals to our fellow Filipinos especially to the health care workers and various volunteers who have been in the front line of this battle against the pandemic. We are grateful for the generosity of our corporate partners and individual donors who chose to help through RMHC. Together, we can continue to help through McDonald's Kindness Kitchen, " shares Kenneth Yang, McDonald's Philippines President and CEO.
Frontliners give thanks
And, this kindness has not gone unappreciated. Frontliners from various beneficiary hospitals have fervently expressed their gratitude for McDonald's Kindness Kitchen's generosity. Since the campaign began in 2020, social media appreciation posts have poured in. "The food provided truly help and uplift our spirits in providing continuous health care to our patients and staff," shared Lovelight Cruz, POC-ER Nurse Station, Philippine Orthopedic Center, on behalf of the hospital's Emergency Room Department, in her Facebook post last September 2020.

In a post from October, 2020, Ospital ng Paranaque frontliners reached out in thanks, as well: " Lubos po itong nakatulong upang makapaghatid pa ng serbisyo sa ating bayan (This has greatly helped us in our continued service of our nation). We are so thankful for your generosity and may the Lord continue to bless all your hard work. You are all truly our heroes. Mabuhay po kayo !"

The team at Dr. Jose Natalio Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center thanked McDonald's for its act of kindness, which they said "means a lot to our medical frontliners." Meanwhile, the on-duty frontliners at the Gumaca Isolation Facility in Barangay Panikihan voiced similar sentiments of gratefulness for the 50 meals shared with them and with patients at the facility. Likewise, the Mary Immaculate Maternity and General Hospital's team thanked McDonald's Kindness Kitchen in Malolos Bayan for the "love and support," saying "love " (we love you).

Numerous other hospitals and facilities, as well as individual frontliner beneficiaries, posted not only messages of thanks, but also photos of themselves and their team enjoying the meals. Most noticeably, said frontliners were smiling through their hardships.
Kindness wins-always
Since the launch of the initial McDonald's Kindness Kitchen project over a year ago, McDonald's has more than exceeded its initial commitment of 50,000 meals. To date, with the generous support of its partner companies and private donors, has distributed a total of more than 500,000 meals to over 400 hospitals and quarantine centers, as well as 500 communities, from north to south of the metro. Most, if not all, of said facilities are in areas of critical risk and are at full bed capacity. Indeed, the value of McDonald's Kindness Kitchen's service cannot be underestimated, given the extremely challenging situation, especially for frontliners and for Filipinos in marginalized communities.

McDonald's Kindness Kitchen's efforts will continue into the coming months, and those who wish to be involved may visit Ronald McDonald House Charities website for details on how to help. Be part of the cycle of giving to discover how kindness always wins.

Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.

For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Frontliners express gratitude for McDonald's Kindness Kitchen; mission goes on

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Manila, Philippines-It all started with McDonald's Philippines' commitment in March 2020 , at the height of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). The intent was to serve McDonald's meals to the nation's frontliners and underprivileged communities, through McDonald's Kindness Kitchen, an initiative of Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines (RMHC), McDonald's charity of choice.

# data[].attributes.headline
OVP's Dormitory for Frontliners Initiative

# data[].attributes.subject
OVP's Dormitory for Frontliners Initiative

# data[].attributes.body
Gideon Banzuela

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Vice President (OVP) once again opened new free dormitories for health workers and frontliners as public transportation ban has been in effect again in Metro Manila due to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) status.

According to a post on Vice President Leni Robredo's Facebook page on Thursday, the latest dormitory to be opened was in Novaliches, Quezon City, which lies near hospitals in the Commonwealth and Fairview areas.

As of now, five dormitories are operational across Metro Manila, through OVP's Angat Buhay program and their private partners.

"Ang Dorm 5 ay matatagpuan sa Novaliches, at malapit sa Commonwealth Hospital, FEU Hospital - Marian Medical Arts Building, at Neopolitan General Hospital," Robredo said.

(Dorm 5 is located in Novaliches, near Commonwealth Hospital, FEU Hospital - Marian Medical Arts Building, and Neopolitan General Hospital.)

"Bukas po ang ating dorms para sa mga health workers, medical practitioners at iba pang frontliners tulad ng mga security guards, at iba pang volunteers sa mga programa kaugnay sa laban sa COVID-19," she added.

(Our dorms are open for health workers, medical practitioners and other frontliners like security guards and our volunteers to our programs concerning the fight against COVID-19.)

Interested parties may send their personal details like their name, gender, contact numbers, e-mail address, current address, emergency contact and others to [email protected] or to +63 998 5917 408.

The OVP would be accepting applicants to their free dorm service on a first-come, first-serve basis due to the limited amount of beds.

The OVP's free shuttle and dormitories were made available again after President Rodrigo Duterte placed Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna under an MECQ due to the rising COVID-19 cases in these areas.

As of now, COVID-19 cases in the country are still rising, with the Department of Health reporting 3,561 new infections bringing the total to 119,460 cases - of which 2,150 have died while 66,837 have recovered.

JPV

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link .

Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.

TAGS: 2019 Novel Coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, Commonwealth, COVID-19, Fairview, free dormitories, frontliners, health workers, lockdown, MECQ, modified enhanced community quarantine, nCoV update, Novaliches, Office of the Vice President, OVP, Philippine news updates, Quezon City, Vice President Leni Robredo

For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
OVP opens additional dorms for frontliners in Metro Manila during MECQ

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Vice President (OVP) once again opened new free dormitories for health workers and frontliners as public transportation ban has been in effect again in Metro Manila due to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) status.

# data[].attributes.body
My girlfriend and I, along with a few others, were able to make and donate almost 1,000 face shields during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was this time when there was an apparent lack of protective gear for our medical frontliners; and so, we decided to take immediate action.

The video attached below was footage we received last April 2020, showcasing some of the actual healthcare workers who benefited from this initiative.

(Posted by Matthew Dizon, Theo 12 R-Q4)

# data[].attributes.body
- Phoebe Asperin
Theo 12 G-Q4

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Maginhawa community pantry goes viral amid COVID crisis

# data[].attributes.headline
Call for breast milk in the aftermath of the PGH fire

# data[].attributes.subject
Call for breast milk in the aftermath of the PGH fire

# data[].attributes.body
Anton Sobreviñas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
[With updates]

Hi guys. You might have seen the fire that happened in PGH this morning.

The evacuated newborn babies from the NICU need breast milk po.

If you have extra that you can donate (refrigerated/frozen) or if you have sources you can refer, we would appreciate your help

Stay safe, everyone!

-

UPDATE:

The power and refrigerator in the milk bank seems to have been affected by the fire, and they are still doing repairs today (Sunday, 5/16/21). They are currently using the on-hand milk supply.

To prevent spoilage, they encourage people to send donations starting TOMORROW (Monday, 5/17/21) when power is expected to be running. Please coordinate with the PGH Milk Bank prior to sending so the cold chain can be maintained.

PGH MILK BANK: 0920 665 5490

You can drop off donations or send via courier (with insulated bag).

For all those who messaged and expressed interest in sharing, may the universe send your family, especially your little ones, with lots of blessings and good karma.

Salamat pong muli!

-

LATEST UPDATE: official infographic on how to donate added to post.

Nakakataba ng puso lahat kayong concerned. Sorry po di ako makareply agad, hectic din
We are all thankful for you!

(Pic of some babies evacuated, now in the PGH chapel. CTTO)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With updates] Hi guys. You might have seen the fire that happened in PGH this morning. The evacuated newborn babies from the NICU need breast milk po. If you have extra that you can donate (refrigerated/frozen) or if you have sources you can refer, we would appreciate your help Stay safe, everyone!

# data[].attributes.headline
Through the Dark PH: Aiding Filipinos from Afar

# data[].attributes.subject
Through the Dark PH: Aiding Filipinos from Afar

# data[].attributes.body
Back during the beginning of the pandemic last April 2020, my friends and I who were stuck in other countries launched a fundraiser that aimed to help displaced workers around the country. We were able to raise over $700 or 35,000 PHP that we donated to street vendors, service workers, construction workers, and garbage collectors in Manila.

You can find the page here: https://www.facebook.com/throughthedarkph

- Assumpta Nina San Andres
Theo 12 G-Q4

# data[].attributes.headline
Ateneo Hosts QC COVID-19 Vaccination Site

# data[].attributes.subject
Ateneo Hosts QC COVID-19 Vaccination Site

# data[].attributes.body
As the number of cases continue to rise, institutions such as ADMU and UPLB begin to utilize their facilities in order to accelerate vaccination of the masses. Ateneo is being used as a vaccination site for Quezon City citizens belonging in A1, A2, and A3. In addition to this, Ateneo has also established quarantine facilities for COVID patients with mild symptoms to asymptomatic.

Eryn Chua
Theo 12 G-Q4

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) opened its Grade School cafeteria as a venue for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination of some of the residents of Quezon City.

(Photo from ADMU)

The vaccination site, which is being operated by the Quezon City local government unit, was opened on Tuesday, May 4 as part of the university's concrete response to the needs of the community during the pandemic.

It is open for Quezon City residents who belong to the A1, A2, and A3 priority groups with confirmed slots.

"The Grade School cafeteria's structure is an ideal place for mass vaccination operation, with wide open spaces and good air circulation," ADMU said.

"The area around the cafeteria also allows for more spaces for patients who will have to wait their turn to get inoculated," it added.

Some of the volunteers working at the site are from the Ateneo's School of Medicine and Public Health.

ADMU has also put up a quarantine facility for asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 patients. The facility was established in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross and the local government of Quezon City.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) lended its gymnasium as an additional COVID-19 vaccination center.

UPLB also tapped its medical professionals and support staff to assist the inoculation of Los Baños and Bay, Laguna residents.

SIGN UP TO DAILY NEWSLETTER

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ateneo hosts QC COVID-19 vaccination site

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) opened its Grade School cafeteria as a venue for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination of some of the residents of Quezon City. (Photo from ADMU) The vaccination site, which is being operated by the Quezon City local government unit, was opened on Tuesday, May 4 as part of the university's concrete response to the needs of the community during the pandemic.

# data[].attributes.body
As the pandemic continues to leave many people unemployed and without any income to provide for themselves and their families, the government is doing what they can to provide basic needs. They are providing financial help also known as ayuda so people can cope through the pandemic better. This is a structure of grace because it's easy to just not give anything at all and promote selfish interests, but there is an effort to make the lives of people better during these times.

https://www.bworldonline.com/ameliorating-the-social-amelioration-program/

- Javi Duavit
Theo 12 G-Q4

# data[].attributes.body
While the pandemic looms around the city, another monster finds its way to closed quarters, as stay-at-home policies have placed women and children at an increased risk of domestic violence. This article from UN SDSN Youth PH features the issue of domestic abuse during the pandemic.

- MinHwi Kang,
TH 141 - F

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
UN SDSN Youth Philippines - COVID-19 Response Interactive Dashboard

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The rise of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines has prompted stay-at-home directives. However, a home is not always a safe space for some fellow countrymen. While many enjoy the comforts of their home, this is not the case for some people, especially those who live with their abusers.

Sometimes, our means of escape are certain places such as coffee shops, malls, our schools or offices, and our friends. However, the pandemic has forced these places to close and has therefore confined us all to our homes. Where do the unprivileged turn to without these means of escape?

While the pandemic looms around the city, another monster finds its way to its victims in closed quarters. Cases of domestic violence are believed to be increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, stay-at-home policies place women at an increased risk of suffering from intimate partner violence (IPV). Women have become more vulnerable due to additional stress and burden brought about by economic and financial difficulties and decreased access to psychosocial support from family and friends. Crisis and protection centers may also be affected by the lockdowns especially at a time of limited mobility. Since abuse is not confined to the physical aspect, abusers also tend to manipulate their victims by keeping them misinformed about the pandemic which further prevents them from leaving and seeking help.

In the Philippines, monitoring and tracking of cases of domestic violence has always been particularly challenging. Before the pandemic, cases of violence against women and children from January 2020 appeared to be on a steady decline (as reported by the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Commission on Women). Moreover, there is a further decrease in reported cases since March. However, conflicting reports suggest that people must remain cautious of these numbers as these may be a result of underreporting of complaints and inaccessibility of social services at a time of crisis.

As mentioned above, incidents of abuse and harassment on women, children, and members of the LGBT community have been reported to increase in Quezon City. Recent data shows that 602 people were being victimized early into the imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon from March 17 to May 23. With these reports of violence, the local government has responded through the reopening of the QC Protection Center or QCPC. From an article published by Rappler, data from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) report that 804 incidents of gender-based violence on women and children were reported from March 15 to April 30.

With stricter and prolonged quarantine measures, children have also become more vulnerable to child pornography. Though cases of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) have already been present in the Philippines, COVID-19 lockdowns have led to the surge of OSEC cases. At the time of the lockdown, data from the Philippine Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime shows an upturn in cases. A 265% increase in the number of reports from the year 2019 of the same period was observed for online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) specifically from March 1 to May 24, 2020. The rise in cases could be attributed to economic strains to marginalized households especially at this time.

While the government aims to strengthen its efforts in alleviating the impacts of COVID-19, abuse and rape cases continue to be neglected. As the coronavirus pandemic is a public health issue, measures to be taken for preventing violence against women and children should be considered as well since these pose serious risks to the physical and psychological health of its victims. Although the victims may not die of the virus, must we let them suffer because of what happens within their houses?

The government must empower the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC)'s resources, look into people's state of living, and extend help to those who are abused. Anti-VAWC laws should be supplemented with mass instruction campaigns and services, and this information should reach those who have little to no knowledge of such cases. If a house is no longer a home for victims, they should be given a chance to walk away and receive the help they deserve.

Sources:
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331699/WHO-SRH-20.04-eng.pdf. https://rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/during-coronavirus-lockdown-abused-women-children-more-vulnerable https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103866(https://rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/during-coronavirus-lockdown-abused-women-children-more-vulnerable)https://www.cnn.ph/life/culture/2020/6/11/online-exploitation.html) Data Churner:
Nicole Ortiz
Volunteer, Data Churner
UN SDSN Youth Philippines

Graphic by:
Kei Siguenza
Volunteer, Data Presentor
UN SDSN Youth Philippines

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
list of examples of sustainable development

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
explain the goals of sustainable development

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The rise of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines has prompted stay-at-home directives. However, a home is not always a safe space for some fellow countrymen. While many enjoy the comforts of their home, this is not the case for some people, especially those who live with their abusers.

# data[].attributes.headline
Free Seeds and Seedlings from the Government

# data[].attributes.subject
Free Seeds and Seedlings from the Government

# data[].attributes.body
During the first ECQ, the Department of Agriculture distributed free seeds and seedlings to help people grow food and fight food insecurity during the pandemic.

https://www.agriculture.com.ph/2020/04/03/da-gives-away-free-seeds-and-urges-the-public-to-grow-their-own-vegetables-amid-the-enhanced-community-quarantine-period

-Kersten Loo,
THEO 141 Section I

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Buying food in the market entails a longer waiting time due to the protocols that are being implemented to halt the spread of the COVID-19. It will take hours of either waiting in line or in traffic caused by quarantine checkpoints before you get to shop for your food supply.

So to make things easier and convenient for everyone, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) is encouraging people to grow their own food in their backyards instead to avoid congestion in the markets.

In a Facebook post, the DA-BPI announced that there are free vegetable seeds and seedlings available at DA-BPI offices in Malate, Manila, and Quezon City. Seeds can be claimed from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. The DA-BPI also encourages the public to wear a mask and to abide by social distancing measures.

Meanwhile, the Iligan City Agriculture Office also urges the public to make COVID survival gardens by planting the free vegetable seeds that the agency is distributing in their respective homes. Its goal is to make every household have their very own a long-lasting food supply while everyone is experiencing Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). The Iligan City Agriculture Office is giving each household a pack composed of five different kinds of vegetable seeds.

To obtain free assorted vegetable seeds, interested parties may go to Slaughterhouse Compound, Merila, Ubaldo Laya, or you may contact 221-4466 or 09350340477.

In Baao, Camarines Sur, Mayor Jeff Besinio of the Local Government Unit of Baao also distributes free assorted vegetable seeds for the residents of every barangay.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
DA gives away free seeds and urges the public to grow their own vegetables amid the Enhanced Community Quarantine period

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Buying food in the market entails a longer waiting time due to the protocols that are being implemented to halt the spread of the COVID-19. It will take hours of either waiting in line or in traffic caused by quarantine checkpoints before you get to shop for your food supply.