tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79870519183651669362024-03-13T16:47:00.748-07:00ATD Fourth World PhilippinesATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-34502990330193579812014-10-15T20:08:00.000-07:002014-10-15T20:13:36.327-07:00ATD Fourth World Philippines UPDATES OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014<a href="http://es.calameo.com/read/003786544443ce46f5c70">http://es.calameo.com/read/003786544443ce46f5c70</a><br />
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<br />ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-55860409510327579342014-06-05T23:08:00.002-07:002014-06-05T23:08:52.964-07:00Families living under Quirino Bridge strive to survive<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/58982-families-living-under-quirino-bridge-survive </span></span></h2>
<h2>
Families living under Quirino Bridge strive to survive</h2>
<div class="title-meta2">
<span class="byline">by</span>
<span class="author2">
Jodesz Gavilan</span><br />
<span class="date2">Posted on 05/26/2014 5:33 PM
| Updated 06/04/2014 5:00 PM </span></div>
<div class="title-meta2">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEisd0RwGvN_rkfus2gruztIyH7x3-ZuSf77X4q9otCLMhLHbBGixeb2R1w8DJjv8SRXHfFSp1aYf8K48ZCNyGyx2GWadqX3Swk_wSegerKogEBOg8SPdVgrSG6_kCwvFZQzBfY9PJv1IX3Cp9A-TX0wYzKxt9FXHGfclhDReXhVaS14RBQ3yweUSSk4ztUW2t4jLw3-3lEFYy9EnE488sslxB1HynwbZpGDdg=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HOME. The busy Quirino bridge is home to more than 100 families. All photos by Jodesz Gavilan/Rappler " border="0" class="rappler_asset thinglinkFetching" src="http://assets.rappler.com/612F469A6EA84F6BAE882D2B94A4B421/img/49A5F5052901498EBF33BAF5283CBB69/photo4.jpg" id="49A5F5052901498EBF33BAF5283CBB69" /></a> <br />
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HOME. The busy Quirino bridge is home to more than 100 families. All photos by Jodesz Gavilan/Rappler<br />
<div class="caption">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="ext-gen7558">
MANILA, Philippines – Manila has long been the
glimmer of hope for many coming from the rural areas. They abandon their
life in their hometown to seek a brighter future here. </div>
Because of the absence of housing security, many resort to living in
informal settlements – idle lands and government infastructure. Most of
these places are already occupied by the same hopeful people.<br />
For several years, they have been facing the same financial, health, and housing problems. (READ: <a href="http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/36202-informal-settlers-integration,-not-just-relocation" target="_blank">Informal settlers: Integration, not just relocation</a>) And because of congestion and limited space in the big city, not a few squeeze into the unlikeliest of places.<br />
The Quirino bridge is one such place. It is home to approximately 100
families from different parts of the country. No one would think that a
functioning community exists under the short and narrow concrete
stretch.<br />
Shelters made of scrap wood hang from the ceiling of the bridge and
just a few inches above the surface of the water. More than one family
reside in each house, providing hot and tight living space.<br />
They make do with what they have. Living rooms where they spend
daytime double as their dining area during meals. At night, when the
noise of the trucks above drown the sound of the rushing water
underneath, they think about how to survive tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<div class="blob-inline">
<img alt="RISKY PLACE. Shelters made of scrap wood hang only a few feet above the water of Estero de Pandacan. " border="0" class="rappler_asset thinglinkFetching" src="http://assets.rappler.com/612F469A6EA84F6BAE882D2B94A4B421/img/BF9C2F1D978C496AB10D15F485F138ED/photo1.jpg" id="BF9C2F1D978C496AB10D15F485F138ED" /><br />
<div class="caption">
RISKY PLACE. Shelters made of scrap wood hang only a few feet above the water of Estero de Pandacan. </div>
<div class="caption">
<br /></div>
</div>
Gilda and her family settled in Estero de Pandacan in 1989 to start
afresh, away from the rural life, only to be met by the harsh reality of
urban life.<br />
Six children depend on Gilda and her blind husband who contributes
money from begging in the streets of Manila. A resident for 25 years
now, she has gained a lot of experience in trying to survive each day. <br />
In 2005, they were relocated to Cabuyao, Laguna only to return under
the bridge after a year due to a lack of job opportunities and access to
basic social services. <br />
"<i>Malayo yung center at ospital na may bayad pa,</i>" she lamented. "<i>Kapag may immediate na sakit tulad ng LBM, kailangan mo pa mag-tricycle nang mahal.</i>"
(Centers and hospitals are really far away, sometimes they charge, too.
If you have an immediate concern such as LBM, you still need to pay a
hefty price for tricycle fare.)<br />
<br />
<b>Temporary relief</b><br />
Her family became one of the 50 family-recipients of the <a href="http://www.ugnayan.com/ph/AgusandelNorte/Butuan/article/2R26" target="_blank">Modified Conditional Cash Transfer</a> (MCCT) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) last February 2013. <br />
The MCCT aims to help families who are considered to be among the
"poorest of the poor," such as those who live in informal settlements.
The program is intended to help these families overcome their present
situation.<br />
Families displaced by conflict and calamities, belong to Indigenous
Peoples' group, and have children with special needs such as disabled,
abandoned, and working children are also covered by this modified 4Ps or
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. <br />
The 4Ps offers the same benefits but is intended primarily for
families with children aged 0-14 years old and/or a pregnant mother. <br />
The MCCT program usually spans a year, enough time for the poorest
families to improve their situation. After a year and the expected
improvement in the quality of their lives, families under the MCCT
program are considered for the original 4Ps.<br />
For Gilda, the MCCT meant relief. <br />
"<i>Malaking tulong talaga iyon kasi puwedeng pandagdag sa pagkain, pandagdag sa school at pambayad ng ilaw</i>," she said. (It's a big help since it can be used to buy food, send my children to school, and pay electricity bills.)<br />
Another beneficiary of the MCCT, Lyda, who also lives under the
Quirino Bridge like Gilda, used to receive P1,400 a month under MCCT.
This amount was already a huge contribution to the meager income her
husband, a street vendor, brings home for their 5 children.<br />
"<i>Panigurado na rin na hindi magugutom iyong mga anak ko</i>," she said. "<i>Hindi na palaging hati sa konting pagkain.</i>" (It's already an assurance that my children won't get hungry. There is no need to always share.)<br />
Lyda's eldest child is already a mother of two at 19 years old. Her
20-year-old partner does not have a stable job. They both still depend
on their parents because of their young age. (READ: <a href="http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/54282-young-poor-pregnant-ph" target="_blank">Young and pregnant</a>)<br />
<br />
<div class="blob-inline">
<img alt="FUNCTION AS A COMMUNITY. Despite the unusual setup, the residents of Estero de Pandacan still go about their daily lives. " border="0" class="rappler_asset thinglinkFetching" src="http://assets.rappler.com/612F469A6EA84F6BAE882D2B94A4B421/img/4A1C912CCAD9438882DD5961322AC67E/photo6.jpg" id="4A1C912CCAD9438882DD5961322AC67E" /><br />
<div class="caption">
FUNCTION AS A COMMUNITY. Despite the unusual setup, the residents of Estero de Pandacan still go about their daily lives. </div>
<div class="caption">
<br /></div>
</div>
<b>Rising problems</b><br />
Gilda and Lyda made sure that they followed the rules set by the DSWD
to remain in the program. Among the requiremements was regular
check-ups of their children to ensure their health and nutrition. <br />
Both mothers did not want to lose one of the most helpful things in
their lives then, just like the other mothers in their community.<br />
However, problems began to emerge as early as the first month when
they were supposed to receive their pay-outs from the DSWD. The money
they were supposed to receive in February 2013 was released two months
later. They resorted to borrowing money just to be able to eat every
day. <br />
Some families have bowls of instant noodles as their daily meal
because of financial constraints, resulting in nutritional issues among
children. There are those who sometimes sleep at night hungry. (Read: <a href="http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/58700-lessons-everyday-hunger-champions" target="_blank">Lessons from everyday hunger champions</a>) <br />
Once they finally receive the money, a huge part of it goes to paying
debts they incurred during the months they had no resources. <br />
"<i>Kung tutuusin, malaking pakinabang talaga kung regular nilang maibibigay sa mga pamilya</i>," Lyda said. "<i>Minsan pambayad utang na lang</i>." (It's definitely a big help if they give it regularly to families. Sometimes we really use the money to pay off debts.)<br />
The problem with the MCCT worsened when the payouts stopped in
September 2013. According to Gilda, their current contract was supposed
to run until December of the same year.<br />
Her co-parent leaders contacted the local DSWD office only to be
given vague answers to their questions. They were told that there was a
problem with the papers submitted by the ones involved in the profiling
of families.<br />
"<i>Binibigyan kami ng petsa pero hindi naman natutuloy</i>," she said. (We're always given dates only for them not to push through.)<br />
The families of Quirino Bridge were expecting to be mainstreamed to
the original 4Ps after the supposed end of their current program in
December 2013.<br />
<br />
<div class="blob-inline">
<img alt="ALL IN A DAY'S WORK. A resident's products hang from the ceiling of his home. " border="0" class="rappler_asset thinglinkFetching" src="http://assets.rappler.com/612F469A6EA84F6BAE882D2B94A4B421/img/B7F3E7D280A44B8B8F304C95DC788FDA/photo2.jpg" height="360" id="B7F3E7D280A44B8B8F304C95DC788FDA" width="640" /><br />
<div class="caption">
ALL IN A DAY'S WORK. A resident's products hang from the ceiling of his home. </div>
<div class="caption">
<br /></div>
</div>
But without receiving 4 months' worth of support, they already felt
helpless. Some mothers were depending on the promises of some officials
they talked to.<br />
<br />
"<i>Pinanghawakan ko na talaga yung sinabi nila na makukuha namin iyon kung may mag-aasikaso sa amin, kaso wala pa rin</i>,"
Lyda said. (I'm holding on to what they said that we will receive the
money if there would be someone to work on this, but still there's no
one.)<br />
Other residents have started to feel as if they're being ignored by
the same government officials who promised to help them in the first
place.<br />
"<i>Sasabihin sa amin pasalamat nga kayo meron (CCT) pero sa akin di yan katwiran</i>," one parent-leader narrated. "<i>Mag-usap bilang tao dapat.</i>" (They tell us to feel grateful already since we have CCT but that's not an excuse. They should keep their word.)<br />
<br />
<b>A chance at a fresh start </b><br />
Unlike the <a href="http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/57635-dilg-relocates-families-flood-plan-efforts" target="_blank">Department of the Interior and Local Government's Flood Plan</a>
that gives P18,000 to relocated families from the 8 priority waterways
in Manila, the residents of Estero de Pandacan will allegedly only
receive a 40-square meter house and a bag of groceries for one day.
(READ: <a href="http://www.rappler.com/nation/42200-informal-settlers-relocation-manila-bay" target="_blank">Yearend target: Relocation of 20,000 Manila families</a>)<br />
Families who are relocated to Bulacan and Laguna will not
receive any financial support, only housing, which they will eventually
pay rent for after a year, in addition to water and electricity bills. <br />
Relocation of informal settlers has long been an issue in the
country. They complain that they are left with nothing to start with, no
money or job opportunity, in the places they're transferred to. Family
members, usually the fathers, go back to the city to work. (Read: <a href="http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/poverty/44363-failure-relocation-housing" target="_blank">Failed relocation in 'Bayan ni Juan'</a>)<br />
The Estero de Pandacan families are expected to be relocated in
the first few weeks of June. As the date approaches, they are doing
their best to brace for the possibility of having nothing to start their
new life with, especiallty since they have not been receiving their
MCCT payouts.<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.5;">Two months ago, Gilda and Lyda became
"Avon Ladies" or a direct seller of personal care products to support
their families in time for their relocation after "losing" MCCT support.
</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.5;">"<i>Maliit lang talaga ang kita tapos hindi pa regular kaya hindi maaasahan</i>," Gilda explained. (The income is low and it's not regular so you really cannot depend on it.)</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> </span> <br />
<div class="blob-inline">
<img alt="SMALL LIVING SPACE. Shelters usually house two families. " border="0" class="rappler_asset thinglinkFetching" src="http://assets.rappler.com/612F469A6EA84F6BAE882D2B94A4B421/img/63585A218FC84D1189181A4F6936332A/photo5.jpg" id="63585A218FC84D1189181A4F6936332A" /><br />
<div class="caption">
SMALL LIVING SPACE. Shelters usually house two families. </div>
<div class="caption">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="line-height: 1.5;">Lyda hopes to get enough money so
that they can have something to start with once their little community
is gone. Her children's welfare is her top priority. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.5;">She's still looking forward to the
promised money from the MCCT as she's unsure how things will be after
her house is demolished. She heard from her former neighbors that
financial opportunities in the relocation sites were next-to-nothing. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.5;">Lyda's family is just one of the many
members of the Estero de Pandacan community that considers the 4
months' worth of MCCT they are yet to receive as their key to a brighter
future once relocated.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.5;">"<i>Syempre magagamit iyon pang-negosyo, pang-kapital, lalo na't bago ka pa lang sa lugar na pupuntahan</i>," she told Rappler. (We can use it to start a business since we're new to the relocation site.)</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.5;">Meanwhile Gilda, d</span><span style="line-height: 1.5;">espite wanting to be optimistic about the situation, couldn't help but feel as if there's no end in sight to their problems.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.5;">"<i>Kailan pa? May pag-asa pa ba?</i>" she asked. (When? Do we still stand a chance?)</span><span style="line-height: 1.5;"> – <b>Rappler.com</b></span></div>
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May these times be made of joy, rest, renewal and peace!<br />
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<br />ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-85627091495568837862013-11-19T17:37:00.004-08:002013-11-19T17:37:48.032-08:00Our Hearts Go Out to the Philippines<div class="extra_tools" style="background-color: white; float: right; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 20px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; width: 240px;">
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"<i class="spip">Came the high winds,<br />High winds rampaging, enraged.<br />They departed, leaving their scent of wild animals:<br />Tears, ruin and mourning</i>."</div>
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<span style="text-align: right;">By Florette Morand</span></div>
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For some time now, people in the Philippines have been saying, "<i class="spip">Our lands will soon lie totally beneath the water</i>." Typhoons and earthquakes obliterate homes, leaving millions of children and their parents at the mercy of the elements. And when the waters ebb, after villages are buried beneath the mud, the media looks elsewhere, leaving struggling families behind to face new challenges in a silence born of overflowing sorrow and injustice.</div>
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<i class="spip">As terrible as foretold, Haiyan/Yolanda’s winds have shrouded the earth.<br />Barricades, hiding—paltry efforts.<br />The high winds departed, having destroyed in a few hours<br />The love of a lifetime, _The fruit of hard labor,<br />Hope for a better tomorrow</i></div>
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The high winds departed,<br />Leaving only bleakness—<br />But the heart of humanity<br />Continues to beat.</div>
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Robing themselves with courage,<br />Amid the debris still swirling,<br />Children, youths, women and men<br />Go in search of what they lack.</div>
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For many, the passage of time ends hope of reuniting,<br />Or being able to honor the remains of a loved one.<br />The passage of time for survivors is nevertheless a fine thread<br />That says tomorrow is coming.</div>
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Everywhere up and down the Philippines, and beyond its borders,<br />Children, youths, women and men,<br />Some of whom know the violence of life constantly buffeted by poverty,<br />Have changed their priorities to ask: how can I help?</div>
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<i class="spip">In the chaos, how can we find the way forward that brings back what matters most and preserves the dignity of people who have lost everything, who are distraught?</i></div>
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Without knowing how to join them in their suffering and courage, we are thinking of a recent dialogue between people who live in extreme poverty in Manila and Filipino government officials. It was on 23 October, concluding events for the World Day for Overcoming Poverty. We were very struck on that occasion by the enormity of the challenges being tackled by the government in a country made up of islands in a time of rising sea levels. For the government’s flood management plan in Metro Manila, it has identified 104,000 families living less than 3 meters from a waterway. The president plans to support relocating all of these families by 2016 to places where earning a decent livelihood will be possible.</div>
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Several participants explained why they live in informal settlements considered “<i class="spip">danger zones</i>” along waterways, for instance in shanties hanging from the undersides of bridges directly above rivers, because this is where they have livelihoods that enable them to support their families. During the dialogue day, Undersecretary Jude H. Esguerra III, of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, spoke of the government’s humility in the face of this challenge. He referred to families who were relocated two years ago following a typhoon, saying: “<i class="spip">Today we have realized that even two years later, their children have still not been able to return to school.” He spoke of other challenges faced in that relocation that, despite planning, the government had not anticipated, lacking sufficient knowledge of how people live when they are condemned to barely surviving. He said, “We need to formalize our promises to the poor and to strengthen their voice in the president’s cabinet. Our agencies need to be more accountable.”</i></div>
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Today, the challenge for the Filipino people and their government is even greater than before—but many others are expressing solidarity.</div>
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Both the grief and the bravery of the families stricken by this typhoon remind us of what we learned from families in New Orleans when it was battered by the wrath of Hurricane Katrina, and from the families in Haiti, whose hopes and dreams were shattered in the half minute of an earthquake. This resilience to disaster reminds us of what we learn wherever we are, with families who must survive day-to-day with the uncertainty, chaos and emergency of each moment: The most important thing is believing in our brother- and sisterhood so that it can guide us to seek out whoever is the worst off, the one who will be lost if we do not try. It is this person who we recognize as someone with aspirations and plans, despite destitution, someone whose experience is of value to others. We recognize this person as a partner for whatever will be undertaken because this person’s contribution is the very foundation of a future where every person’s inalienable dignity will be respected and where we will all live in harmony.</div>
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Isabelle Pypaert Perrin, Jacqueline Plaisir, Diana Skelton, Jean Toussaint<br />International Leadership Team.</div>
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ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-80084030548257678692013-11-19T17:34:00.000-08:002013-11-19T17:34:33.202-08:00Partners in Development: a day of dialogue among civil society, the Filipino government and people living in poverty in the Philippines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“<i class="spip">Why do the poor choose to remain living under bridges, alongside waterways or railways, in the streets, in parks, cemeteries, and elsewhere even though they are very much aware that it is dangerous, dirty, smelly and in short, ugly? Who would want to live in this kind of place? Even we, ourselves, do not want to. However, we are powerless because this is all we can afford—and most importantly, these informal settlements give us access to places where we can earn our livelihood. Here, even if you have not finished school or had any education at all, you will manage to survive. Now about the people whose homes are demolished, why do they really come back to the places they were taken away from? What is really wrong with what the government has done that was intended to improve their lives? Certainly, the government wanted their lives to improve so they transferred them to a decent place. But if you really look at the lives of the relocated people, did they prosper, did their lives become better?</i>” —<strong class="spip">Raul Detona</strong>, community actor in ATD Fourth World’s participatory research</div>
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<strong>Raul Detona (Mang Waldo, street vendor)</strong></div>
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Mr. Detona’s questions were among those that launched a day-long dialogue this week co-organized by UNICEF and ATD Fourth World. It brought together many civil society organizations, and members of the Filipino cabinet and other government officials—about 100 people in all. Undersecretary <strong class="spip">Francisco L. Fernandez,</strong> of the Department of the Interior and Local Government spoke of the vast challenge being addressed by the government: for their overall flood management plan, they have identified 104,000 families living in informal settlements considered “<i class="spip">danger zones</i>” along the capital’s waterways. The president plans to support relocating all of these families by 2016. Mr. Fernandez added, “<i class="spip">Our economic growth has been very strong, but it hasn’t trickled down and poverty has remained the same here for two decades now.</i>” The plan is for some of this economic growth to support fighting poverty and relocating families to places where earning a decent livelihood will be possible.</div>
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<a href="http://www.atd-fourthworld.org/IMG/jpg/Undersecretary_Francisco_Fernandez_from_the_Department_of_Interior_and_Local_Government_reduite-2.jpg" style="color: #557799; text-decoration: none;" type="image/jpeg"><img alt="JPG - 18.7 kb" class="" height="188" src="http://www.atd-fourthworld.org/local/cache-vignettes/L250xH188/Undersecretary_Francisco_Fernandez_from_the_Department_of_Interior_and_Local_Government_reduite-2-e6582.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 188px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 250px;" title="JPG - 18.7 kb" width="250" /></a><div class="spip_doc_titre" style="font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; width: 250px;">
<strong>Undersecretary Francisco Fernandez from the Department of Interior and Local Government</strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.atd-fourthworld.org/IMG/jpg/Undersecretary_Jude_Esguerra_III_of_the_Anti-Poverty_Commission-_reduite-2.jpg" style="color: #557799; text-decoration: none;" type="image/jpeg"><img alt="JPG - 16.9 kb" class="" height="188" src="http://www.atd-fourthworld.org/local/cache-vignettes/L250xH188/Undersecretary_Jude_Esguerra_III_of_the_Anti-Poverty_Commission-_reduite-2-40ae8.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 188px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 250px;" title="JPG - 16.9 kb" width="250" /></a><div class="spip_doc_titre" style="font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; width: 250px;">
<strong>Undersecretary Jude Esguerra III of the Anti-Poverty Commission</strong></div>
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Undersecretary <strong class="spip">Jude H. Esguerra III</strong>, of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, spoke of the government’s humility in the face of this challenge. He referred to families who were relocated two years ago following a typhoon. “<i class="spip">Today we have realized that even two years later, their children have still not been able to return to school. Some of their young people have turned to prostitution. And the local population in the area where they were rehoused was resentful of them for the overcrowding. We need to formalize our promises to the poor and to strengthen their voice in the president’s cabinet. Our agencies need to be more accountable.</i>”</div>
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UNICEF’s Chief of Social Policy, <strong class="spip">Augusto Rodriguez,</strong> presented findings from an ongoing UNICEF study about Filipino children suffering from various dimensions of poverty. UNICEF co-organized this workshop with ATD Fourth World to create a venue where programs addressing poverty could be assessed with the input of their intended beneficiaries to help ensure that they really improve the lives of people in poverty.</div>
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Another of the community actors in ATD Fourth World’s participatory research, <strong class="spip">Charlene Igano,</strong> spoke more about the question of livelihoods: “<i class="spip">Whenever we ask about livelihoods in the relocation sites, they tell us to learn how to fish. Do they think we are lazy? We have our means of livelihood: as street vendors, rain or shine we are selling in the streets. Some scavenge or collect trash to earn for their family. Here, even if we have not had any schooling, we earn somehow. But if we are transferred to relocation sites, what will our livelihood there be? If we ever ask questions or give ideas, nothing changes in the laid-out projects, the original plan is what is followed anyway.</i>” <strong class="spip">Marilou Villota</strong>, another community actor, added: “<i class="spip">I wash clothes for a living. My husband is a rust-remover for fishing boats. But no matter what our efforts are, often our work is forbidden. For example, to sell the paper we scavenge, we need to dry it well so that we can sell it at a good price to junk shops—but we are forbidden to dry it in the streets because they say it is not a pretty sight!”</i> Other crucial issues addressed throughout the day included: what constitutes genuine participation in relocation programs; stigma and discrimination in school; and the issue of school fees and Conditional Cash Transfers intended to address these costs.</div>
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<strong>DéplierCharlene Camacho Igano (a mother living in one of the poor communities)</strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.atd-fourthworld.org/IMG/jpg/Marilou_Magat_a_mother_living_along_the_estero_of_Navotas_reduite-2.jpg" style="color: #557799; text-decoration: none;" type="image/jpeg"><img alt="JPG - 17.7 kb" class="" height="188" src="http://www.atd-fourthworld.org/local/cache-vignettes/L250xH188/Marilou_Magat_a_mother_living_along_the_estero_of_Navotas_reduite-2-1b88e.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 188px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 250px;" title="JPG - 17.7 kb" width="250" /></a><div class="spip_doc_titre" style="font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; width: 250px;">
<strong>DéplierMarilou Magat (a mother living along the estero of Navotas)</strong></div>
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One of day’s co-hosts,<strong class="spip"> Nina Lim Yuson</strong>, president of ATD Fourth World and of the Museo Pambata where the event was hosted, summed up the events this way: “<i class="spip">The Philippines do not lack for people’s initiatives and organizations. The gathering of the UNICEF-ATD event at the Museo Pambata showed this. The Open Forum was too short as many voices wanted to be heard and questions posed to the civil servants (from education, local government, housing, social welfare, National Anti-Poverty Commission, etc.). That the poorest do not have a venue to share their own worries, concerns and daily struggles was a recurring thought, especially during the break-out session. <strong class="spip">Cora de Leon</strong>, former Social Welfare Minister, who was present told me that we must have more of these conferences with the poorest in the forefront. I also liked that<strong class="spip"> Mary Racelis</strong>, moderator for the day, made sure that the English portions would be translated in Tagalog. The due respect and acknowledgment of the poor was there. I have not attended such a session before with the poorest in session, civil servants and persons working along with the poorest who had clearly come to learn from one another. It was a day to be well proud of</i>!”</div>
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<a href="http://www.atd-fourthworld.org/IMG/jpg/Nina_L-_Yuson_President_of_Museo_Pambata_and_ATD_Fourth_World_International_reduite-2.jpg" style="color: #557799; text-decoration: none;" type="image/jpeg"><img alt="JPG - 17.4 kb" class="" height="188" src="http://www.atd-fourthworld.org/local/cache-vignettes/L250xH188/Nina_L-_Yuson_President_of_Museo_Pambata_and_ATD_Fourth_World_International_reduite-2-862f0.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 188px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 250px;" title="JPG - 17.4 kb" width="250" /></a><div class="spip_doc_titre" style="font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; width: 250px;">
<strong>Nina L. Yuson, President of Museo Pambata and ATD Fourth World International</strong></div>
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ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-61259691622398676062013-11-19T17:30:00.004-08:002013-11-19T17:30:43.060-08:00Let's Just Help the Nice Ones<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
By <a href="http://togetherindignity.wordpress.com/contributors#Guymalfait" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Guy Malfait</a> – <a href="http://togetherindignity.wordpress.com/category/Philippines" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Philippines</a></div>
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<a href="http://togetherindignity.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/1381440_10151868642533346_1734829103_n.jpg" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="1381440_10151868642533346_1734829103_n" class="alignright wp-image-318" height="240" src="http://togetherindignity.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/1381440_10151868642533346_1734829103_n.jpg?w=498&h=373" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; float: right; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="320" /></a>I still remember my mother, returning one day from the bakery, all turned up side down – a poor woman named Andrea (“And even more, a woman of ill repute!” added my mother) had made a scandal after the baker had “given” her a loaf of bread from the day before (which was at any rate unsellable). She had shouted at the baker that, “She should eat her own bread if she thinks it’s so good!”</div>
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“It’s really outrageous,” my mother cried. “Those people, they just don’t deserve our help!”</div>
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I wasn’t in the bakery that day, and I didn’t know Andrea, but I think I know her through all the people I’ve met over the past few years spent with <a href="http://www.atd-fourthworld.org/" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ATD Fourth World</a>. Take Ate Tela for instance, who lives like hundreds of families, under a bridge, above a sewer, without a roof, in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ATD.Philippines" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Manila</a>. Once more this year, despite all the interventions of social services, her children continue to miss school to beg for coins at the windows of cars.</div>
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These are the poor for whom society didn’t “take”, with whom aid programs don’t “work.” Basically the ones who resist instead of cooperating! “Those people, do they even want to be helped?” we cry eventually in frustration.</div>
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To me, it is a fake question because it puts all the problem on the side of those “in need.” It’s a comfortable idea for anyone disposed to “help” – whenever the offer of help isn’t welcomed with gratitude, or is refused, it’s the recipient who is called into question. Only very rarely does the person or the organization behind the offered assistance, let alone society in general, call itself into question.</div>
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Let’s get back to Ate Tela in Manila – despite informational meetings and even threats from social services, she keeps sending her children regularly on the streets to beg. How can we understand a mother who voluntarily denies her children schooling? We don’t have an answer. So we invited her children and others from “under the bridge” to the “<a href="http://www.atd-fourthworld.org/Street-Libraries-and-Doorstop.html" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Street Library</a>.” Via the children, we were able to build a relationship with Ate Tela. It was hard work at the beginning, she was clearly wary of being “preached to” yet again. But then suddenly a change happened. She came more and more often “Just to take a look,” she told us. That simple look became, after a few months, active participation, and then later even taking responsibility in the street library.</div>
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It turned out that in fact, Ate Tela was an iconic figure for the families under the bridge. It was to her that they confided their problems, and she would accompany them if necessary to one social service office or the other.</div>
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Along with other families, she had participated in a study we conducted seeking to evaluate the <a href="http://www.atd-fourthworld.org/Knowledge-Drawn-from-Experience.html" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Millennium Development Goals</a>. Ate Tela knows better than anyone that school is the key to a better life. But better than anyone too, she knows the reality of most poor children who go to school – they go to school, but they learn next to nothing! It’s logical then that in times of need, children miss school to support their family.</div>
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Last June, that conclusions of the study were presented to the United Nations in New York. Ate Tela and the others from under the bridge didn’t become any richer for it! But a fundamental change did come about in them. The sense of being superfluous, of being unheard, was replaced by respect, confidence, self-esteem.</div>
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The reaction of Andrea which had so shocked my mother, was it that of a “spoiled child” who refuses bread? Or was it the last piece of self-respect that she wanted to save, telling us that she didn’t want to be satisfied anymore with our “charity?”</div>
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That is why I love the Andreas of the world so much – they force me to do a total change of perspective – to turn a problem into an opportunity for humanity!</div>
ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-68045792787418054682013-11-19T17:29:00.001-08:002013-11-19T17:29:23.244-08:00Dogs, electric shocks and poverty<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
By: <a href="http://togetherindignity.wordpress.com/contributors#Anne-SylvieLaurent" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Anne-Sylvie Laurent</a> (<a href="http://togetherindignity.wordpress.com/category/Philippines" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Philippines</a>)</div>
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<a href="http://togetherindignity.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/as-photo-1.jpg" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="AS Photo 1" class="alignright size-full wp-image-258" src="http://togetherindignity.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/as-photo-1.jpg?w=830" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; float: right; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a>I stumbled upon the concept of “Learned Helplessness” <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=4oFcu-kMJV4C&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">almost accidentally</a> and I promise that it has something to do with dogs, electrical shocks, poverty and human beings.</div>
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But first, the theory</h2>
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We owe this concept to two North American psychologists: Martin Seligman and Steven Maier. They did some experiments (here animal lovers might get very angry, but please continue reading as you might be happier at the end of the text….). The two men and their team conditioned dogs (that’s a change from the ‘rat experience’) to expect an electrical shock after hearing a tone. (I agree this is not very nice, here is the phone number of a group called “Animal World” dedicated to the welfare of animals: 901-791-2455.)</div>
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After the dogs were well conditioned, they were moved to a box (hopefully a big enough one), separated in the middle by a low barrier. The dogs were on the right side. On the left side, there was no electricity, no electric shocks.</div>
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<a href="http://togetherindignity.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/as-photo-2.jpg" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="AS Photo 2" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-257" src="http://togetherindignity.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/as-photo-2.jpg?w=830" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; float: left; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 20px 0px 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a>Did the conditioned dogs jump over the barrier? No, they did not. They did not even try. They did not even try when other companions of the same breed (who had never received shocks or only sometimes received shocks, lucky and half lucky them) were placed in the same box, and found out the trick by jumping over the barrier to safety.</div>
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So what is the link with poverty here?</h2>
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Am I trying to say that poor people are like dogs? Well, obviously they are not. And if they were, we would all be like dogs as well. I would choose to be Labrador, black preferably, because they are my favorite.</div>
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No, what I am trying to say, and actually it is not me saying it, but researchers and scientists, is that when people live in long-lasting and extreme poverty, it is highly probable that, having received so many electric shocks throughout their lives, they might come to a point in which they are convinced and expect that nothing they do will change anything in their situation.</div>
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So you have understood that I am not comparing dogs with the poor, but electrical shocks with extreme poverty.<br style="line-height: inherit;" />Let’s go back to the dogs.</div>
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The first time Isaac (that’s the name of the dog, who, by the way, was a great-great-great-…..grand-father of Jesus, two respectable men) received the shock, what did he do? I bet you some 10-billion Filipino Pesos, that he jumped, shouted and howled (he’s a dog), and tried to escape in order to put an end to this highly unpleasant experience. The shock stopped, but without him, out of breath, being in the position to understand how it started and how it stopped.</div>
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We have to say here that Isaac is from all angles a standard dog. He is not cleverer or more stupid than the average. In short he is like you and me (well, of course, if we were dogs).</div>
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Isaac experienced some moments of respite, but again, out of the blue, the shock started again. He jumped and howled even louder than the first time, but nothing happened. Moreover the shock stopped when he was not trying anymore to avoid it.</div>
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Etc,etc, etc, for many sessions, until Isaac, passing from the rank of Jesus’ ancestor, turned into a passive self, not even trying to make one single movement to stop the shocks: he knows they will occur again, he has learned he cannot do anything about it.</div>
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Let’s go back to the humans.</h2>
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The first time Rebekah (dear wife of Isaac in the Bible, not in this story, obviously) remembers having experienced frustration, it was when she wanted to eat ‘hotsilog’, which is composed of fried rice, egg and hot dog (one of my favourites by the way, even though I prefer tosilog). But her parents told her there was only rice with half an egg each.</div>
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They gave her P10 for her baon for school. She thought to ask her friend to share the cost so that each would eat half of the hotdog. Rebekah so much wanted to know the taste of it. But her friend had no money on that day and nobody else agreed to share with her: “we don’t share with squatters, you are all thieves”, was what some said.</div>
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<a href="http://togetherindignity.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/as-photo-3.jpg" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="AS Photo 3" class="alignright size-full wp-image-256" src="http://togetherindignity.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/as-photo-3.jpg?w=830" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; float: right; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a>We have to say here that Rebekah is from all angles a standard girl of 12 years old. She is not cleverer or more stupid than average. In short she is like you and me (and whether you are a woman or a man, doesn’t make much of a difference).</div>
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Frustration was more often present at school. Despite all her efforts, she was failing in too many subjects. It was already the second time she was in grade 4 and again, she would not pass. She started to be teased by classmates and even the teacher for her older age. Having to study using candle-light, with the heat, moisture and mosquitoes never ending their bites, was not helping. Her parents were trying to help sometimes but they could not do so much.</div>
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<a href="http://togetherindignity.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/as-photo-4.jpg" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="AS Photo 4" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-255" src="http://togetherindignity.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/as-photo-4.jpg?w=830" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; float: left; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 20px 0px 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a>Her frustration over the following months grew bigger and little by little she put fewer efforts in studying, until she dropped out. She looked around her, at her parents and neighbours: Everyday they were waking up early, doing odd jobs until night fall, but they still didn’t have enough to feed their children. The only time she ever ate hotdog was a few years ago when a charity group had their Christmas outreach and treated them to fast food. The cheapest meal there was hotsilog.</div>
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She also looked at the other youth and adults around, who from morning to evening were not doing much, looking gloomily around.</div>
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Rebekah started to be convinced that no matter what she does, her situation will not change; she is internalizing that she cannot do anything about it.</div>
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Let’s go back to….life.</h2>
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Can someone explain why it is easier for me to make jokes about a dog receiving electrical shocks during an experiment (again, my apologies to the animal lovers) than about a girl who already looks helplessly towards her future?</div>
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So what is the solution?</div>
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To stop the helplessness felt by Isaac, the scientists simply have to stop pressing the button. Thank you to everyone who called the phone number mentioned above!</div>
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And what can be done to stop the helplessness of Rebekah? xxxx simply have to xxxx (hummm, I need your help here: “who” has to stop or start doing “what”? What is the phone number?)</div>
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The website “<a href="http://www.animalworldusa.org/index.html" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: black; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Animal World</a>”</h2>
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<a href="http://www.animalworldusa.org/index.html" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This website </a>(a very nice one by the way) gives part of the solution: “Animal World is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals and is working with organizations, decision makers and the public-at-large to bring about awareness as to the plight of the animals of our world. Our mission is to create a better understanding and underscore respect for all the planet’s precious creatures through a strengthening of communities. Mobilizing citizens, working with schools, youth groups, and governors in each state, Animal World is creating a new direction to advance the greater good through exciting progressive strategies that are creating a movement.”<a href="http://togetherindignity.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/as-photo-5.jpg" sl-processed="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(254, 119, 147); background-color: transparent; color: #2e6eb0; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="AS Photo 5" class="alignright size-full wp-image-254" src="http://togetherindignity.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/as-photo-5.jpg?w=830" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; float: right; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a></div>
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Now, let’s change the name “Animal World” into “A World without Poverty” and the word “animals” into “humans” and we may get some draft of answers as to the ‘who’ and ‘what’. Just the phone number is still missing, but you can try to dial (0063) 2 563.93.12</div>
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For an ending</h2>
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I need to clarify that in my life I have had 4 cats, 2 dogs and 1 piggybank (…ah no! it was a guinea pig) and when each of them died (of natural causes), I cried, and I buried them with a little ceremony and flowers.</div>
ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-61686010732904911642013-11-19T17:23:00.003-08:002013-11-19T17:23:56.341-08:00Voices_3: “Our priorities”<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlblDrwHi60QclGhk_5oDfP0rqzPuyULfirZp2RhrOpVbcfAAJeM0h8hjbUOcKvs-DCkrxy-D79I3IjhQbzBWKFc6Kh12b7dKb8I1r87_5v38bZfOgzH1kXH-0iE0T51Agk5Io8jB8csrf/s1600/voices+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlblDrwHi60QclGhk_5oDfP0rqzPuyULfirZp2RhrOpVbcfAAJeM0h8hjbUOcKvs-DCkrxy-D79I3IjhQbzBWKFc6Kh12b7dKb8I1r87_5v38bZfOgzH1kXH-0iE0T51Agk5Io8jB8csrf/s200/voices+-+Copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">In our previous Voices, we told you that we have to choose “our priorities.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">Why? With our income we cannot spend on everything. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">Based on the survey and interviews, our priorities are our children’s education and our livelihood. Food came in third. Of course, housing is also important as we do not wish our children to stay in such places.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodKjJP-l3H0-zwje2oShGOTZv7o_VpouOwFfkdAdKfS5kVr_MXOzp8DU4c5ntz44ZQOIIZgqaST_fTODVzXeXxn7zwErsfEDyLnn6CdJvojF6qGRCKkfEqjrGLN-EsIxZ177HDXNgLRbm/s1600/pie+our+priorities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodKjJP-l3H0-zwje2oShGOTZv7o_VpouOwFfkdAdKfS5kVr_MXOzp8DU4c5ntz44ZQOIIZgqaST_fTODVzXeXxn7zwErsfEDyLnn6CdJvojF6qGRCKkfEqjrGLN-EsIxZ177HDXNgLRbm/s400/pie+our+priorities.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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“<i>I became interested in the study group because it is about education and housing. Those two things are all I dream of for my grandchildren. I want to find a way, while I can and while I am still alive, so that they will finish their education. It will give them more chance to find a decent job.</i></div>
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<i>In the family, we often lack of money. I have a neighbour who owns a sari-sari store. Her son is a classmate of my grandson. When they have projects, my neighbor will give me money and I will buy the material for both of the students. It is a form of agreement I have with my neighbour. </i></div>
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<i>I want my grandchildren to leave the cemetery. It is crazy here. Anywhere you go, you see the dead. Many people ask me, “Do you want them to grow up there?” I answer: “No, who wants that kind of life for her grandchildren? It’s just that there is not much I can do about it.”</i></div>
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<i>A grandmother living in a cemetery</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oaX_0Rt1-3PWn-s8MvUy5dR7TKc6kPLiiCzKjfl9YAkaHb8gqGEDpInAJwcz5ZieP4Jt1Hx_cvDhG4IHaQAUsd6Homx-PDAlwCRxHlGCirfUcB9J4K5XBK-B-HlCJhL9louQu-Ze2EIS/s1600/priorities+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oaX_0Rt1-3PWn-s8MvUy5dR7TKc6kPLiiCzKjfl9YAkaHb8gqGEDpInAJwcz5ZieP4Jt1Hx_cvDhG4IHaQAUsd6Homx-PDAlwCRxHlGCirfUcB9J4K5XBK-B-HlCJhL9louQu-Ze2EIS/s400/priorities+school.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4c7kmvXWjQP-HguGIrU5LOM9IcUAbsoGBPZW-efUre4g8UF7agEBpRVpGHI5NX3tMi1VXG0ujGjBUzuPqBfkigJtVKH1dOkQ0x9ZdYCqhbvlCmje2zvUxVomyCCZ7kSlcl6fFUDvtATij/s1600/priorities+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><i> .</i></div>
ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-28598030840642958022013-11-19T17:17:00.000-08:002013-11-19T17:17:53.573-08:00Voices 2: "The People behind the Voices"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nwjqgMlnxeqQR9-YjUI6t_8Y6Hdn7mgAHCHOcYR12riSJX40W8xDEfJ4joJYuWrZHyrlOfAe0Z_Ao3UWybxIVnSRArOgSNBXxugUsPI8PowU-wMawK_x51fYFq0rX_ELa0DTGTdyU0tx/s1600/voices+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nwjqgMlnxeqQR9-YjUI6t_8Y6Hdn7mgAHCHOcYR12riSJX40W8xDEfJ4joJYuWrZHyrlOfAe0Z_Ao3UWybxIVnSRArOgSNBXxugUsPI8PowU-wMawK_x51fYFq0rX_ELa0DTGTdyU0tx/s200/voices+-+Copy.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Who are we? We are 90 adults who participated in this research: ages 18 years old above, single, married parents, and grand-parents. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNdgNdufQNdGOnzLN__ks6R7Bil0ds-tLAnE0kZXhsOghCmVBNKVMERnB-chEiKaCdHChSwqNb-HxniuQi0ZYt6xzTiys8HhsUb1beMa4M9EHuQHPMEmYBWkMHW6pxeFqjL1Q354fBbLy/s1600/our+participation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNdgNdufQNdGOnzLN__ks6R7Bil0ds-tLAnE0kZXhsOghCmVBNKVMERnB-chEiKaCdHChSwqNb-HxniuQi0ZYt6xzTiys8HhsUb1beMa4M9EHuQHPMEmYBWkMHW6pxeFqjL1Q354fBbLy/s400/our+participation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We live in 4 different Metro Manila communities.</div>
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1) Under the bridge and just above the estero. We have to be very creative and resourceful in building our rooms. Without a degree, somehow we are architects. We know how to organize our little belongings in such a tiny place.</div>
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2) In a public cemetery, either inside the mausoleums (with the authorization of the owner) or make-shift structures on top of tombstones. We are not afraid of the ghosts. We don’t count any more the number of burials and tears we have witnessed.</div>
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3) Under another bridge, along another waterway, but with the same endurance and resilience as our friends from the first bridge. </div>
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4) In a small upgraded informal settlers’ area. We don’t make both ends meet but some of us manage to live in a ‘formal housing’; tough, a minority.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-jmKr650CBlN5RsQ3l0plX85i-WiX07-pz-63yAjBcaqbC09P6ydtGKszjs32Isp9bgN6DEVPLqZaVJBjNd2GLy4QNJO-ZUzNYzBBbbL91I1yQN-a_yQcSB5s15OxovYSpY0enn0Y7v5/s1600/our+livelihoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-jmKr650CBlN5RsQ3l0plX85i-WiX07-pz-63yAjBcaqbC09P6ydtGKszjs32Isp9bgN6DEVPLqZaVJBjNd2GLy4QNJO-ZUzNYzBBbbL91I1yQN-a_yQcSB5s15OxovYSpY0enn0Y7v5/s400/our+livelihoods.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In our last "Voices", we told you that we earn an average of P190/day. Some of us earn more than this while others earn less. Within our communities, we experience different levels of poverty. </div>
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Most of us are self-employed,having informal work. We live near our source of livelihood and utilize whatever skills we have learned or experienced. A minority (around 15%) have contractual, casual or regular employment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjEduWcrCpVzQCauneK17qd_YIJ8Avih17h18CeKybhlvTIIm0YFxdiF5Tu7KAvalM6UdIPR28tzNPXfJF6XY9_3p22-Lnaovmda_IIK4VITeIn0i8X6hVX4tuqQVPqZub0wJWSYquUX3/s1600/table_some+of+our+jobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjEduWcrCpVzQCauneK17qd_YIJ8Avih17h18CeKybhlvTIIm0YFxdiF5Tu7KAvalM6UdIPR28tzNPXfJF6XY9_3p22-Lnaovmda_IIK4VITeIn0i8X6hVX4tuqQVPqZub0wJWSYquUX3/s1600/table_some+of+our+jobs.jpg" /></a></div>
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We know very well that we live in dangerous or inhospitable environments but we keep on residing there. Why? We always have to choose between “impossible choices”: Purchase materials for the school projects or buy food? Pay for the snacks of the children or buy medicine for my sick husband? Move to the relocation site to have a real 'house' or stay in Manila to keep the livelihood and scholarships? etc... </div>
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Endless impossibilities. </div>
ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-79779190622678867492013-07-30T23:35:00.000-07:002013-07-30T23:35:06.109-07:00Voices: “We don’t earn enough to live in security”<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://fbcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1000216_10151718768773346_2117159135_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="photo_img img" src="https://fbcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1000216_10151718768773346_2117159135_a.jpg" title="" /></a><b>This
is part 1 of regular updates we will post about our participatory
action-research done with families living in poverty, on housing,
education and livelihood.</b></div>
</div>
<b><br /></b>-The daily average income of an adult is 190Php. -If husband and wife both earn = 380Php/day average income for a family. <br />
-22% of adults don’t earn or so irregularly that they can’t tell an average. <br />
-On the adults earning, 41% have more than one way of earning. <br />
<br />
Based
on NSO expenditure data, the lowest 30% of the population spend 59% of
their earnings on food = the family spends 224Php out of 380Php in order
to eat, independently of the number of children they have. Thus they
still have 156Php to spend for other purposes. <br />
<br />
<b>Little exercise: </b><br />
On
what will the family spend on priority? Where will they live? How will
the parents provide for the education of their children? What happens
when health problems arise? What about leisure, culture?<br />
<br />
The
National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) in its “Report on the
state of poverty in the country, as of first semester of 2012”, states
that one family, in the NCR region, is not poor if they have more than
336Php per day. <br />
<br />
So don't these families mentioned above live in poverty? Shouldn’t the amount from NSCB be reviewed upwards?<br />
<br />
[Note:
54adults answered the survey. Including their spouses, 94 were
questioned regarding their earnings (73 earn and 21 don’t earn)]ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-45199498011469618162013-01-20T01:19:00.000-08:002013-01-20T01:19:07.942-08:00Why I Volunteer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjObaU8px_OyND1cBQFqsHTJgHTkKsMMbksv7V0WzIfn5QzgbMK5nZKuueL0KmZJyX9ZLvjKNI6KxfZcXSZThbxuWKtPehMjguExo4FOP8u52V7oayqIbPEuSzt2VyATNg7765RVF2wiD_/s1600/548583_10151271075948346_608647902_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjObaU8px_OyND1cBQFqsHTJgHTkKsMMbksv7V0WzIfn5QzgbMK5nZKuueL0KmZJyX9ZLvjKNI6KxfZcXSZThbxuWKtPehMjguExo4FOP8u52V7oayqIbPEuSzt2VyATNg7765RVF2wiD_/s320/548583_10151271075948346_608647902_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">by Carmen Perez</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', courier, monaco, monospace, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For six years, I have joined an activity for mothers living in deprived areas, creating Christmas decorations to brighten their homes. Some live wooden structures built under a bridge. Some live in makeshift tarpaulins hooked up between mausoleums located in a cemetery. Some are in crowded rooms found in overpopulated cement buildings. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Each year has come with its special memories. This year's highlight was again joyful. I arrived at the appointed hour but the first session had already started. This is to show how eager they are to do something to brighten their homes. One young mother with her two-month old baby was first to sit for the activity I offered. The children were allowed to come this year. Previously, the mothers were discouraged to bring their children with them. Workshops were also held for children only. But with whom could they leave their children behind? A young girl came to sit on my other side. Then, a little boy (around 8 years old) asked me if he could participate. So I made space for him to sit beside me and I helped him. Soon after the half of the table were full of children. They were two boys who also wanted to join. So I asked them to bring stools, sit on the door ledge behind me so I could help them. It was interesting that the boys were more enthusiastic. The activity involved pasting sequins and glitter on an angel cut-out. In the beginning I gave them pentel pens for them to color but they wanted to use the glitter. Imagine four or five boys (8 to 9 years) working so hard, no fidgeting, no jostling, sharing the glitter, helping one another. Only at the end, did the little boy beside me spill the glitter on the table. I could easily excuse him. He was making his second angel, another one for his 2 year old brother. As I packed my things to leave, the little one offered to bring the boxes to the car. At the gate, they all said their good-byes, some hugging, some making "Mano"(custom of pressing the hand against the elder's forehead and some kissing my arm. If I took into consideration, the preparation time (photocopying, putting materials and tools together), the travel time, the 3 hour-activity, the minimal expense of materials (scraps from previous workshops), I could not compress all these to gauge and measure the touching recompense I received in return. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In giving and not expecting nor anticipating anything in return, one is rewarded, often times instantaneously. It may not be from the person one had intended a gift nor for whom one has done a good deed. It is usually brought forth from within, a verve of feeling, an inner source or surely grace from God. This is why I volunteer.</span><br />
ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-44146082852765194522012-10-11T22:37:00.001-07:002012-10-11T22:41:47.981-07:00Commemoration on october 14 at Malate Catholic Church<h3>
October 17: International Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty </h3>
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Ang Pandaigdigang Araw Upang Sugpuin Ang Matinding Kahirapan </h3>
A commemoration on Sunday October 14 at Malate Catholic Church Gymnasium from 1:00 to 5:00pm <br />
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<br />ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-17166861855188179932012-10-07T17:40:00.001-07:002012-10-07T17:40:09.199-07:00International Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty<h3>
Extreme Poverty: a violation of Human Rights. </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGKE8ku6Kcd0wRjlX2vALvWxrQcJtWDgTuR8-4cRsqZDlab5mud0BpKGE4iHOeryeENOVACzDC8zpB5C9PclSj-zPtMR2v-VCs0alvX3TMw8XsHxep4huQ2WtrftZDKlGC0KynwiJrmH-/s1600/vignette_la_violence_de_la_misere_-8.preview.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGKE8ku6Kcd0wRjlX2vALvWxrQcJtWDgTuR8-4cRsqZDlab5mud0BpKGE4iHOeryeENOVACzDC8zpB5C9PclSj-zPtMR2v-VCs0alvX3TMw8XsHxep4huQ2WtrftZDKlGC0KynwiJrmH-/s1600/vignette_la_violence_de_la_misere_-8.preview.png" /></a>At the initiative of ATD Fourth World Movement, over one thousand people from five continents, who face the violence of poverty every day, shared their pain, their resistance and their initiatives. They shared their knowledge and their proposals with academics, public officials and others active in this field.<br />This film presents the violence of contempt, of being considered useless, of seeing ones rights to learn, to decent housing, to healthcare, to family life being endlessly violated. Sometimes it is aid itself which is so maladjusted that it becomes violent.<br />Breaking this silence concerns us all. It starts by recognising the courage of those who resist this violence and supporting their efforts. Because these men and women struggle tirelessly to build peace.</div>
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You can use this video for an event on October 17. It is a good tool to get into the international theme of this World Day for Overcoming Poverty.</div>
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<a href="http://overcomingpoverty.org/article/extreme-poverty-is-violence-video-8">http://overcomingpoverty.org/article/extreme-poverty-is-violence-video-8</a>ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-70573176586889658842012-07-09T03:18:00.000-07:002012-07-09T03:18:38.245-07:00A voice asking and acting for change<div style="text-align: left;">
Mang Waldo lives under a bridge in Manila since many years. With others he has experienced demolition already but no sustainable projects were proposed. He points out to the need that the government asks the people what they wish, because they are the ones who know best what they need. They have to be considered as partners.</div>
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A 6min video in Tagalog subtitled in English.<br />
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<a href="http://www.unheard-voices.org/objectifs-du-millenaire-a-partir-de-lexperience-des-plus-pauvres-manille/?lang=en">http://www.unheard-voices.org/objectifs-du-millenaire-a-partir-de-lexperience-des-plus-pauvres-manille/?lang=en</a>ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-88980418378302861682012-06-20T21:12:00.001-07:002012-06-20T21:12:13.042-07:00<br />
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A Fruitful Day Of Learning<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-PH">By Tracy Cruz</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-PH">All Together in Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Philippines in
partnership with Fusion Essence, a charitable organization of Frontrow multi-level
marketing firm, conducted workshops for 50 children of Hilum/Lozada on June 16,
2012 at Pandacan, Manila.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASIXAOBhp0RPJyZhdu9VDO4CIO2RK-Vg7O57bzd3tMWaCRXrvUxb_Q4QZw8pdctLxjnb9bu0Fh8zEiSEow6rUQ9qF3vWukrN9A3O7Q0TWEA1HDmOp3p2loaPuu2uwtC-QMz1EWgo5M2OJ/s1600/303357_10150908674943177_159310694_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASIXAOBhp0RPJyZhdu9VDO4CIO2RK-Vg7O57bzd3tMWaCRXrvUxb_Q4QZw8pdctLxjnb9bu0Fh8zEiSEow6rUQ9qF3vWukrN9A3O7Q0TWEA1HDmOp3p2loaPuu2uwtC-QMz1EWgo5M2OJ/s200/303357_10150908674943177_159310694_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-PH">“I always like it when people are ready to share their time and
talents with the children of disadvantaged communities. When you do this, you
learn from each other, it’s an enriching experience for everyone,” Guy Malfait,
ATD Program Director, shared. “From that moment on, the anonymous poor child
has a name and a face, he or she becomes your brother or sister. As brothers
and sisters, you’re responsible for each other. You can’t ignore them anymore.”</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-PH">Volunteers were comprised of young entrepreneurs/networkers led by
Nesty Ortiz, Frontrow’s Operations Manager. “The aim was to help the less fortunate
kids and build the foundation of our company – humility, the ability to love
more and do more for others,” Ortiz said.
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<span lang="EN-PH">It was a magical day of genuine camaraderie. When the rain poured on
the streets of Hilum/Lozada during the storytelling, we transferred to the ATD
office and had fun walking to the venue.
We were one team, a family united by unconditional love. We protected and
looked after each other. Even the rain
failed to damper the high spirits of volunteers, facilitators, and the kids.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-PH">The youth volunteers generously devoted their time and talents to
the little ones. The workshops included
singing, dancing, and arts and crafts and the kids were grouped into several
age groups (2 – 16 yrs old) to match their level of learning. The children had
so much fun learning and they proudly showed off their artworks of paper
folding mobiles, blow art, activity sheets and gamely performed their songs and
dance numbers. There were several spontaneous dance showdowns were the kids
enjoyed friendly competition while the adults lovingly watched and some even
danced. The gifts of talent were given and received whole-heartedly and it was
a beautiful event.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ykNOz8ux9RZyqigImNmN_D-cSSC4os3uZty2uenSPcDO5u94bKrLZO8x5CwyO7l2JK3Kzo03Atc5oOHc-izRVhJN0kB_Eed_gc3U5SiwVDo6cqq3OIsXuqkf2L7lN5kfcl-EgBqz1lO-/s1600/317901_10150908734663177_2074543018_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ykNOz8ux9RZyqigImNmN_D-cSSC4os3uZty2uenSPcDO5u94bKrLZO8x5CwyO7l2JK3Kzo03Atc5oOHc-izRVhJN0kB_Eed_gc3U5SiwVDo6cqq3OIsXuqkf2L7lN5kfcl-EgBqz1lO-/s200/317901_10150908734663177_2074543018_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-PH">Let us live in a world empowered by compassion, understanding, and
love. May the seeds of charity continue to grow in our hearts and bear fruits which
sustain the plight of the poor. ATD
welcomes partnerships and volunteers.
For inquiries, contact ATD at 5639312 or Guy Malfait at 09474237238.</span></div>
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<br /></div>ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-64074993658201239692012-05-07T20:34:00.000-07:002012-05-07T20:34:26.290-07:00Festival of Learning 2012<span style="font-family: inherit;">By Tracy Cruz</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-PH"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0.5in;">All Together In
Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Philippines successfully held its Festival Of
Learning (FOL) 2012 on the month of April with the three communities of North
Cemetery, Ilalim Ng Tulay, and Hilum/Lozada, friends and volunteers.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-PH" style="font-family: inherit;">Communication was the central theme of the
festival and the aim was to “stop, look, and listen” to the voice of a child.
The festival consisted of story-telling, diverse arts & craft and talent/media
workshops, and fun activities such as games, puppet shows, etc. The culminating
outing was at GMA Network, Inc Studio where the kids and facilitators toured the
studios and met artists and news personalities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-PH" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Yeng Calaguas, ATD friend who conduct a singing workshop with David Cator, said,<b> "</b></span><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-PH">I learned that two children in our workshop </span><span lang="EN-PH">didn’t know how to read and had a hard time reading so they were not
able to follow the vocalization exercise. With this handicap, they continued on
and didn’t leave the group. Later, David was able to have them join the singing
of a Tagalog lyrics of which they know and didn’t need to read the lyrics.”</span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-PH" style="font-family: inherit;">FOL 2012 reached its goal of
communicating the children’s situation to strangers. Friends and volunteers
were not only able to “stop, look, and listen” but they also acted on the
reality of the lives of the residents of the communities which needs to be
addressed immediately. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-PH"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0.5in;">Children and
adults shared meaningful time together and it was such a great experience. Talents
and knowledge were generously given to the kids and their radiant smiles and
eagerness to learn fuelled the passion to serve. Lasting and meaningful
relationships were formed. Lives were touched. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0.5in;">We learned from
each other and gave without expecting
anything in return. That is the beauty of unconditional love. That is ATD –
preserving and protecting the dignity of the communities through sustainable
programs and educating the volunteers about understanding.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-PH" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">To be of service the least of our fellowmen is
an honor and a great privilege. ATD gives us the chance to serve our country
and to be one with our people. Let us help each other and build a nation with a
pure heart.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDVXkW-JlDCRJhiDsNTiMrZ1bEktCep2H1HzyhRijJ8OSAqQ0FgPjdvM0RxQi4ChCOFEM7omf26FqBloCqpKXep408vuhqsMljc321Uym4qdGmFAVeWOcVhn_soXXaizzpi7pxtxI7XmM/s1600/ATD+kids+who+reside+at+Ilalim+Ng+Tulay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDVXkW-JlDCRJhiDsNTiMrZ1bEktCep2H1HzyhRijJ8OSAqQ0FgPjdvM0RxQi4ChCOFEM7omf26FqBloCqpKXep408vuhqsMljc321Uym4qdGmFAVeWOcVhn_soXXaizzpi7pxtxI7XmM/s640/ATD+kids+who+reside+at+Ilalim+Ng+Tulay.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
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To volunteer, contact ATD Fourth World Philippines.<br />
E-mail: philippines@atd-fourthworld.org<br />
Anne-Sylvie Laurent: 9089426819<br />
Guy Malfait: 9474237238<br />
ATD House: 025639312ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-45852476053483096572012-03-13T22:39:00.002-07:002012-03-13T22:50:40.566-07:00Join the Festival of Learning 2012<span style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5gxkV8_sxZ3ZSZfeNWd3ov9ns3lN6WpbuNUUjqqTNbkvQhqVGk91ujOABAomCwEEDL36LC6hL4GQ-wATVQ9c6a_KMUz0_jcY7CYrONwY4N5h0rJsS-WHoXPRHXr6n_SUdnWgNB7VpJMq/s1600/fol+3+2012.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5gxkV8_sxZ3ZSZfeNWd3ov9ns3lN6WpbuNUUjqqTNbkvQhqVGk91ujOABAomCwEEDL36LC6hL4GQ-wATVQ9c6a_KMUz0_jcY7CYrONwY4N5h0rJsS-WHoXPRHXr6n_SUdnWgNB7VpJMq/s400/fol+3+2012.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719623685671850146" /></a>Saturday March 17 (2-5 pm): </span><b>Orientation Meeting</b> at ATD House in Pandacan<div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal; ">The </span><b>Festival of Learning</b> in the three communities: </div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">see for details the Face Book event page: Festival of Learning Orientation Meeting or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/405379949478221/" style="font-size: 100%; ">http://www.facebook.com/events/405379949478221/</a></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">The central theme of this year is<span > ' communication ' or 'Ang Buhay ko, Tingnan at Pakinggan ninyo'</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">Guy Malfait</div>ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-15833653256696092642012-03-11T16:10:00.004-07:002012-03-11T16:21:47.549-07:00Family Day at UP Diliman, March 4ATD’s United Family Day<br />By Tracy Cruz<br /><br /> All Together In Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Philippines held its Family Day with the comm<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMgBwNx9xCjhr7EXV9qTfMiMkzvd5m2Svqr_gPntNowjAhrYDltUIlaKN8us75wzCb_wAuBU08JxBOAsbivPBiUOWN3pIEDE9bp8lT6SQ3q8IAFlYMtsWlEjxUVbGwUga1LbNxzdMCJfv/s320/IMG_6959.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718782134053994354" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " />unities of North Cemetery, Ilalim ng Tulay, Hilum, and Lozada, One Voice Communication Forum delegates, volunteers and friends last March 4, 2012 at the Sunken Garden, University of the Phi<div>lippines, Diliman in Quezon City.<br /> 200 participants interacted and basked in the rays of the Sunday sun shaded by century old Acacia trees. Traditional Filipino games spiced up the day which delighted both children and adults. A simple merienda lovingly prepared by volunteers and friends was distributed in an organized manner by community members. The crowd also enjoyed outdoor activities such as kite flying, volleyball, and badminton.<br />Laughter echoed throughout the park and it was a pleasure to feel the happiness of the group. Strangers openly shared personal stories in an intimate setting of communal mats. Family members were candidly introduced and the children gamely played with each other. Environment conscious participants cleaned up afterwards and tediously disposed the trash in its proper place.<br /><div><br />The honesty and simplicity of the event reflected ATD’s ideal of ‘involvement with disadvantaged communities’. Equality and magnanimity were strongly felt by everyone. The unity of the team was palpable. We were one family.<br />ATD Family Day was a reminder that the best things in life are indeed free. What matters the most is the quality of the relationships that we build, regardless of class, gender, age</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOSHIctCAq5kPUbxAtdGQ9DvwaJM1EIb9UTh8XWn37dL7cyz-PbFtJyT9hELUc1kRENcSptC0KYk98YhQcr9wWYG9-Kqx1CMJQFGTS3dAFl4YbjPOganf3EDoSWqq6eCrNKfWMfJ9uRud/s320/IMG_6742.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718782140053817378" /><div> and race. It was a speci<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%; ">al day shared by all without bias and social barriers, like the way it should be in the outside world. May the positive spirit of the event last in our hearts and extend in our everyday lives! </span></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-9tNKym8ar1aIEknnITCI4y6KiABRki6csdi63ys8-NhonhFCdGPR5WkTbWfjz7OB4H7HZewN0HuXbRdZQEh8psCmb_9EqiXzHu_BEcab-z1PmqJQPKNO7l8OycSWwbrCZFGImsxZdim/s1600/IMG_7130.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-9tNKym8ar1aIEknnITCI4y6KiABRki6csdi63ys8-NhonhFCdGPR5WkTbWfjz7OB4H7HZewN0HuXbRdZQEh8psCmb_9EqiXzHu_BEcab-z1PmqJQPKNO7l8OycSWwbrCZFGImsxZdim/s320/IMG_7130.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718782131052984690" /></a><br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkpypzlj-tu6pfuCwTl7eTx1y19O27txwbjexk6tAcGtUsRLk5MjLrGmLynloas2hvV14QZ5lCJzcRLHk92eZEUUE8x0EAWLueSZmiZbKS_AqfaqRZlCdWv438GwzpVoxqXzXEMJEFGHH/s320/IMG_6465.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718782134288556946" /></div></div>ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-65051455696303140062012-01-28T19:10:00.000-08:002012-01-28T19:13:30.613-08:00Sponsors for One Voice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9P3SonIE74yL15V0K9beDPjF7mbta6o3LVmBFUB_07WNIXFw2h76hmPvt6-ITSpq9zUSkw-aBjrbQUQ2aSzaP5OChFzjYVvcLqwsUEGVcOsEN3pxZNCudXCrvqljdv6HynbCkXn56k-Bb/s1600/revised+invite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9P3SonIE74yL15V0K9beDPjF7mbta6o3LVmBFUB_07WNIXFw2h76hmPvt6-ITSpq9zUSkw-aBjrbQUQ2aSzaP5OChFzjYVvcLqwsUEGVcOsEN3pxZNCudXCrvqljdv6HynbCkXn56k-Bb/s320/revised+invite.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702886715980554130" /></a><br />Dear ATD Friends,<br /><br />On March 1 – 5, 2012, ATD Fourth World Philippines is proud to host ONE VOICE, the ATD Asian Communication Forum. It will be conducted in the Cenacle Retreat House and UP Alumni Hostel, both located in Quezon City. A day prior to the forum, February 29, we will also have a formal launch of the Walking Exhibit: Larawan ng Pag-Asa in a venue at UP Diliman. <br /><br />One Voice aims to enrich the participants not only with new communication tools but to write and tell the ATD story and message to their respective countries, communities, and the public. The Forum will be participated by 20-25 full time volunteers, friends, and community members (ATD families) in Asia. It will entail expenses particularly in the venues and the participants’ meals. <br /><br />We are looking for sponsors in the following:<br />1. Food & Beverage Sponsors:<br />a. Cocktails for the Opening of the Walking Exhibit on February 29, 2012, 3 p.m.<br />b. Picnic/Merienda Get- Together with ATD Friends, Families and the Forum participants on March 4, 2012 at UP Diliman’s Sunken Garden<br /><br />2. Monetary Contribution: The budget is P8,000/participant for the entire 4.5 days event. There will be five adults joining from the ATD communities. If you wish to sponsor a community member, you can donate any amount. Every contribution will help defray the total cost. <br />You can deposit your contribution to this Philippine National Bank (PNB) account:<br />ATD Fourth World Philippines<br />Account #: 106784200017<br />PNB Pandacan branch. <br />For international, add: PNBMPHMM<br /><br />Call us at telephone number, 563.9312 or email philippines@atd-fourthworld.org if you have difficulty in depositing in the said account. You may refer also your friends who own restaurants or catering businesses and organizations who are interested in being sponsors for One Voice.<br /><br />Thank you and looking forward to your support in One Voice!<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />ATD Fourth World Philippines TeamATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-79627076222293068032012-01-28T18:47:00.000-08:002012-02-03T05:06:30.743-08:00A First in Understanding Our People<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQfd2YfLDFfdepVjzdqW1qdU_9WqajPOGxQUQr6fP87SAQ-d2KoHOvxyJlcT_1okhIjszV1FcnugiUozRTO1O-wUzml6kwZcnJSOFuMNB_4GATh0rtP5j8QV0S7O5J66hWC7E9SGhNeef/s1600/IMG_3284.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQfd2YfLDFfdepVjzdqW1qdU_9WqajPOGxQUQr6fP87SAQ-d2KoHOvxyJlcT_1okhIjszV1FcnugiUozRTO1O-wUzml6kwZcnJSOFuMNB_4GATh0rtP5j8QV0S7O5J66hWC7E9SGhNeef/s320/IMG_3284.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702883645628712466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2l1FqkqGA95plQJR7iuFmmB-k99j1EfxDn0hr0f5JYlDAgTSSm2E1fQI1630LChnTEwmfSC4OUQd6GYvtVuBbGgL8PNh9zzcMYhYvzJirUnw8CCT6MlcpM2RO8Ps6n1DBt-8X9vWjcIQz/s1600/IMG_3333.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2l1FqkqGA95plQJR7iuFmmB-k99j1EfxDn0hr0f5JYlDAgTSSm2E1fQI1630LChnTEwmfSC4OUQd6GYvtVuBbGgL8PNh9zzcMYhYvzJirUnw8CCT6MlcpM2RO8Ps6n1DBt-8X9vWjcIQz/s320/IMG_3333.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702883625738569746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2PM5jdh1gv-AG8EWIiEFMYo0o_qPYQyQM2GBI7lilOPYP9qyrXRx7Q9W2nOCHB5DUsRh_OqYTyx6wwJ8SBYUcN8Yv9h6VCS0nivUbC3hyd0rpwnNURyrejozpLT6DPkQByje37AC73jD/s1600/IMG_3334.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2PM5jdh1gv-AG8EWIiEFMYo0o_qPYQyQM2GBI7lilOPYP9qyrXRx7Q9W2nOCHB5DUsRh_OqYTyx6wwJ8SBYUcN8Yv9h6VCS0nivUbC3hyd0rpwnNURyrejozpLT6DPkQByje37AC73jD/s320/IMG_3334.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702883617635370770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtT73PqRwODniBrt6ugR3haYhyphenhyphenolA3Fl_rhHLXNtE4IfxRIaPW2PVxDxTNgGOc4KxENVXBjM04knrh_4n0JwpWn3Q7ixNX2ibyLx190blhw54wpcLLUEnqEDZzsuhH2dGTZVlT3KxWTaM/s1600/IMG_3346.JPG"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLnIOAB-eXNpO2nSDPK7shkh95ooryKZrwqQMvYwtKJ1SMiQd7ruRO1lCgG9pp4ji09kAU61ZpCwcecFimwueWYsc9L8G8_M58Js6TsRKtzLyWsw1hxr5edgpAu904_NUCPK274Vsn3KJ/s320/IMG_3386.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702882557661439666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtyHLG9Mc3hLNMKnM5j5RLcdMDSRxWSDfz4cL87XjmYKHPOhBcpmAN73avw0OMWnPYH_5VXu71m_r_r2Vml7dEnJ-MIBWr6g5g1Z61FZn_BM9fdWABX_XYgK21ppwYnD03HqUz14g_XKI/s1600/IMG_3399.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtyHLG9Mc3hLNMKnM5j5RLcdMDSRxWSDfz4cL87XjmYKHPOhBcpmAN73avw0OMWnPYH_5VXu71m_r_r2Vml7dEnJ-MIBWr6g5g1Z61FZn_BM9fdWABX_XYgK21ppwYnD03HqUz14g_XKI/s320/IMG_3399.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702882552035755138" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">By Tracy Cruz</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Inspired by Channel News Asia’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Asian of the Year” feature on Robert Alejandro, I attended All Together in Dignity (ATD) Third World Philippines’ Street Library project last January 21, 2012 at the streets of Pandacan, Manila and this experience awakened me to a lot of hopeful realities. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was my first time to navigate the vibrant alleys of Pandacan and it was a pleasure to meet the community who lives under the bridge, especially the kids. I never really understood the situation of the street children and being inside their neighborhood and connecting with the families gave me a different perspective of the lives that they live. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will never forget the shame that I felt when a foreign volunteer explained to me the situation of the community who reside under the bridge. He understood, I only knew. He educated me about the people of my own country. How could this be? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sure, I saw them everyday when they knocked on the doors of the car or when they approached me when I was walking but I never really considered what they are going through. It was so easy to judge or be rude and turn them away but when I saw the condition of their homes and the environment that they thrive in, I understood that they have no choice. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is where ATD comes in. I admire the organization’s advocacy of giving equal chances to the poorest of the poor. What they give are not hand-outs, they have sustainable programs such as the Street library which promotes education. This is another distinct trait that I love about ATD. Instead of soliciting donations to give to the underprivileged, what they ask from volunteers are their talents. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To be able to share your talents to the needy is a great privilege. It does not cost anything except time and effort. When you feel the enthusiasm of the kids to learn and their hunger for knowledge, you realize that the only difference between the rich and the poor is the chances that we are given.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-22915429212667948052012-01-18T21:09:00.000-08:002012-01-18T21:15:33.579-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeg1drm2lWiMEkhaiGAmPP_SiHzSUhzZqIrk1J30KePkxP6jeDOgE6FCcqMjTUyn47HgmdtlDoTxHq3MgYTh7J4qtqXg0wbV6tihzc4WCYiuhHo-Res2PFppVczhkUk8gIoMESxjiue25/s1600/revised+invite.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeg1drm2lWiMEkhaiGAmPP_SiHzSUhzZqIrk1J30KePkxP6jeDOgE6FCcqMjTUyn47HgmdtlDoTxHq3MgYTh7J4qtqXg0wbV6tihzc4WCYiuhHo-Res2PFppVczhkUk8gIoMESxjiue25/s320/revised+invite.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699206864946682066" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Dear ATD Friends,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">On March 1 -5, 2012,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>ATD Fourth World Philippines is proud to be hosting the first Asian Communication Forum, One Voice.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">The Forum aims to help and support the communication campaign of the different ATD Asian countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It will be participated by 20 - 25 delegates (full-time volunteers, friends and ATD community members) around Asia and some other regions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The venues are Cenacle Retreat House and UP Alumni Hostel, both located in Quezon City.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">During the four and half-days event, we need volunteers to help in conducting the forum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We have formed committees to support the core team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">If you are interested in being part of the committees, kindly indicate below at the reply form your interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">You do not have to be present every day; we can arrange a convenient schedule for you.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Your support is highly appreciated in making One Voice a success!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Sincerely,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">One Voice Core Team</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Robert Alejandro,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Guy Malfait, Sana Sta. Ana,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Gege Sugue & Tisha Timbang</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span> </p><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">REPLY FORM</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">Email to philippines@atd-fourthworld.org</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Name:<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Contact Numbers:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Email Address:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am interested in joining the following committees:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.35in;text-indent:-.35in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .35in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Wingdings;mso-fareast-font-family:Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family:Wingdings;font-size:12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">¨<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Fundraising Committee: Soliciting sponsors and helping raise funds for the forum.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.35in;text-indent:-.35in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .35in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Wingdings;mso-fareast-font-family:Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family:Wingdings;font-size:12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">¨<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Logistics Committee: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Setting up the venues (equipment & decorations) and preparing materials.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.35in;text-indent:-.35in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .35in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Wingdings;mso-fareast-font-family:Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family:Wingdings;font-size:12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">¨<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Food Committee:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Coordinating with restaurants/caterers regarding the meals of the participants.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.35in;text-indent:-.35in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .35in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Wingdings;mso-fareast-font-family:Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family:Wingdings;font-size:12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">¨<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Transportation Committee:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Organizing the transport needs of participants (renting or offering vehicles)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.35in;text-indent:-.35in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .35in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Wingdings;mso-fareast-font-family:Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family:Wingdings;font-size:12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">¨<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Socials Committee:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Helping in the welcoming & closing parties, activities (outside the forum) and proposed tours. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-87045924340909014132012-01-18T21:04:00.000-08:002012-01-18T21:19:09.136-08:00Robert Alejandro, Asian of the Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWSy-2IIyovNWZvQn3hy9To4HnC1U0GeAj_q7pyRLihAbe_AHao_e_VZE-0uVb6j75j5K8qys2ZIG8fFAXbVfQO9dczPIB1CrBjUPmcqX-5L4WvYNFpyvmNTP-PMw7-y-Fomi_TqjDvpN/s1600/298370_10150367901905190_748755189_10127744_1881939739_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWSy-2IIyovNWZvQn3hy9To4HnC1U0GeAj_q7pyRLihAbe_AHao_e_VZE-0uVb6j75j5K8qys2ZIG8fFAXbVfQO9dczPIB1CrBjUPmcqX-5L4WvYNFpyvmNTP-PMw7-y-Fomi_TqjDvpN/s320/298370_10150367901905190_748755189_10127744_1881939739_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699208290794900594" /></a><br />We are very proud and happy that Robert Alejandro, a long time ATD friend, was chosen by Channel News Asia as one of the Asians of the Year.<div><br /></div><div>Watch how Robert has inspired and help others!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BCPsfI9OS8w">http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BCPsfI9OS8w</a></div>ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-53256467893821098152011-10-23T03:46:00.000-07:002011-10-23T04:02:38.510-07:00ATD Walking Exhibit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJXXjh5sWh7bzqpfWualu88D0cWz_4G0HjlvOr994-9KpVHEFtVeckkizj7QqM3ukqKGA6buN8b_a1gnOH5breQeBSdBbVj3kWxfqkup2nNCY5_KW78gNTFNYC7Vsn0VhtJP7E1OtHLeV/s1600/DSC04001.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJXXjh5sWh7bzqpfWualu88D0cWz_4G0HjlvOr994-9KpVHEFtVeckkizj7QqM3ukqKGA6buN8b_a1gnOH5breQeBSdBbVj3kWxfqkup2nNCY5_KW78gNTFNYC7Vsn0VhtJP7E1OtHLeV/s320/DSC04001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666641019841515218" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ecu7kP0_PE01eK8SBZ_wxFQvwMUfezqX3y2EfJAVKIQYJZ6byOH5kTKstMPxSZix-GgWy2tTJGXPiN3nK98PkvnQe4M8wlWsQuK4wQcpBPKB3XxFh27o9iPU3qrlvEguXusB6uFRfbfd/s1600/DSC04054.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ecu7kP0_PE01eK8SBZ_wxFQvwMUfezqX3y2EfJAVKIQYJZ6byOH5kTKstMPxSZix-GgWy2tTJGXPiN3nK98PkvnQe4M8wlWsQuK4wQcpBPKB3XxFh27o9iPU3qrlvEguXusB6uFRfbfd/s320/DSC04054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666640579311496178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIGx7gyh7yiAe13pWUMKqI6QzTAbM_Yp9LEmETM3zAkxKP_lNlonU5hdnUVv8wcQu9jTHx4e_cy2Kl2IJejp2dwq5orf6rGa75cZY_xyav3uentZ1nh3IFqZWUQzajqtmLWrXiMYoSl63/s1600/DSC04055.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIGx7gyh7yiAe13pWUMKqI6QzTAbM_Yp9LEmETM3zAkxKP_lNlonU5hdnUVv8wcQu9jTHx4e_cy2Kl2IJejp2dwq5orf6rGa75cZY_xyav3uentZ1nh3IFqZWUQzajqtmLWrXiMYoSl63/s320/DSC04055.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666640564489346962" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CeMZJ8aXRfobKeV0Yt4x_PqHCDkxlOk0sHJJJF5U4NcdNJclhlz6HHOVDtcH7qeBF_Ehms1BYbKwAQgEdqWWabY0Fgf45SvljOQA4NMFp9b0YlziuesW1tAzMKpJdyJH-stjuT2G81zA/s1600/DSC04056.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CeMZJ8aXRfobKeV0Yt4x_PqHCDkxlOk0sHJJJF5U4NcdNJclhlz6HHOVDtcH7qeBF_Ehms1BYbKwAQgEdqWWabY0Fgf45SvljOQA4NMFp9b0YlziuesW1tAzMKpJdyJH-stjuT2G81zA/s320/DSC04056.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666640545670152226" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpgxdweizkVT3qL5eVYJNptBueeE4ffBMagGt8xPt_W371cCOPtBT3Bo-C_L4jPpSOnsTXwJh4FGRaUuAjF7Uxnk8X1rT8YUgt1epwUHgu2aImUYnl3FN4wZFClhy51ZInAAPsO6y2AXq/s1600/DSC04057.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpgxdweizkVT3qL5eVYJNptBueeE4ffBMagGt8xPt_W371cCOPtBT3Bo-C_L4jPpSOnsTXwJh4FGRaUuAjF7Uxnk8X1rT8YUgt1epwUHgu2aImUYnl3FN4wZFClhy51ZInAAPsO6y2AXq/s320/DSC04057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666640526982557330" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uT2R-ZUwrnjjV3ih5aNzQtRMuzR7qAplUYlBw74PMbhKfbMsinpp4yI8F08p-h3OuoCAN9OhH6pr6wRS4YXG1g8EKP9sfYunXQDbalZW8CC8ndhJndYUi74EkgXGoHOVvP4DV_QlAdqq/s1600/DSC04058.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uT2R-ZUwrnjjV3ih5aNzQtRMuzR7qAplUYlBw74PMbhKfbMsinpp4yI8F08p-h3OuoCAN9OhH6pr6wRS4YXG1g8EKP9sfYunXQDbalZW8CC8ndhJndYUi74EkgXGoHOVvP4DV_QlAdqq/s320/DSC04058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666640514456822402" /></a><br />Lakad Laban sa Kahirapan, Mga Larawan ng Pag-asa was launched last October 16, 2011 at the Rizal Park after the commemoration of the International Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty.<div><br /></div><div>The sketches were done by artist, former Probe Reporter and ATD Friend Robert Alejandro. The people portrayed marched along their banners.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nico, an out-of-school boy living in a public cemetery who dreams to become like Francis M.</div><div>Carmen, an OFW who teaches arts & crafts to youths living under the bridge.</div><div>Lita, a tomb caretaker </div><div>Elina, a grandmother constantly fighting against people who are demolishing her house by the river.</div><div>Anna, a teenager who wants to set up a pre-school for poor children</div><div>Mary Grace, a girl who hopes to be a teacher</div><div>Waldo, a cigarette and newspaper vendor</div><div>Marie, a laundry woman, barangay tanod and ATD facilitator</div><div>Anne-Sylvie, an ATD full-time volunteer</div><div><br /></div>ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-71439365156339947022011-10-23T03:24:00.001-07:002011-10-23T03:46:35.797-07:00International Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DZJqcNmbE531tUR5ik-f11iyi_Wu0us2qavbXW0w-vRnq-tjUE1b-6omzwei_Wy7rZJ-H9qYTbyK3BuoctC9DRlCJbo6oV1YZqtP_VXdiRvU1ynoRpfakt1HWTexnZPWO6G8lPZ6Rzdv/s1600/DSC03864.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DZJqcNmbE531tUR5ik-f11iyi_Wu0us2qavbXW0w-vRnq-tjUE1b-6omzwei_Wy7rZJ-H9qYTbyK3BuoctC9DRlCJbo6oV1YZqtP_VXdiRvU1ynoRpfakt1HWTexnZPWO6G8lPZ6Rzdv/s320/DSC03864.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666634479151090690" /></a>Here are photos from the commemoration held at Rizal Park last October 16, 2011. <div><br /></div><div>Hundreds of people from different communities, civic organizations, and government agencies as well private citizens attended the commemoration.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Highlights include the testimonials of ATD community members and friends regarding their fight agains poverty, the performance of the Balatuba Boys (group of teenagers from a public cemetery) performing and composing a rap number for their friend who died due to violence and poverty, and the launch of the ATD Walking Exhibit: Lakad Laban sa Kahirapan, Mga Larawan ng Pag-asa.</div><div><br /></div><div>Local and international officials graced the event like DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, NAPC Secretary Joel Rocamora and UN Resident Coordinator Jacqueline Badcock.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9S-J_ufOuj0I9CwoCumIDkcD0Mt9sh6_0I-kBvLLxbh49VUnBq1IkIM37snY6N5XkGKdWrYNcoxDtcvccIfKsTaltu3RABHWNKID7qPHs39s74UhU6uh49Oc-CVvJx4rymmVtKxMXmXbE/s1600/DSC03939.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9S-J_ufOuj0I9CwoCumIDkcD0Mt9sh6_0I-kBvLLxbh49VUnBq1IkIM37snY6N5XkGKdWrYNcoxDtcvccIfKsTaltu3RABHWNKID7qPHs39s74UhU6uh49Oc-CVvJx4rymmVtKxMXmXbE/s320/DSC03939.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666634469288252962" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAYPqHUMu17OeNxQ2HFdvvuT6iI44IMR1ZAdChvcbH2sRfo4JFt77V-D7cmTrb4JMy3MapIgNvBvRkdHckrsd7e9e5dFjpNMEyMkCEi3q6UE0AP9D0hYW7QaU_3G5dYhwLtNODMkJhTtA/s1600/DSC03936.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAYPqHUMu17OeNxQ2HFdvvuT6iI44IMR1ZAdChvcbH2sRfo4JFt77V-D7cmTrb4JMy3MapIgNvBvRkdHckrsd7e9e5dFjpNMEyMkCEi3q6UE0AP9D0hYW7QaU_3G5dYhwLtNODMkJhTtA/s320/DSC03936.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666634467860769634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2Mr1xUunEcK_b6gT-0JsnCyZBUwCa2AG2HTnvOM4WsjHm4P-3iEClQ2BDz_gEqaHOlf8Is0mrWQDBw5rTUpGvGvGgtouxzr9Yl2FSmPAU0gerSJ1Nruu-5C1qEWvXj4l91Kxrv9Happ0/s1600/DSC03961.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2Mr1xUunEcK_b6gT-0JsnCyZBUwCa2AG2HTnvOM4WsjHm4P-3iEClQ2BDz_gEqaHOlf8Is0mrWQDBw5rTUpGvGvGgtouxzr9Yl2FSmPAU0gerSJ1Nruu-5C1qEWvXj4l91Kxrv9Happ0/s320/DSC03961.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666633276371740914" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8eL064r60RgczPPpMiBtDRfOxahgloSfe8o6lmtU-dNojQdIsbsmkd82yV09YH0UA8vdxkjxTK09QbwfpBOmFBGA44I0zTo50S0QwXoo4KVdgxTz7aUYOZxptQ376-5Sj-IT_KWHe50F/s1600/DSC03968.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8eL064r60RgczPPpMiBtDRfOxahgloSfe8o6lmtU-dNojQdIsbsmkd82yV09YH0UA8vdxkjxTK09QbwfpBOmFBGA44I0zTo50S0QwXoo4KVdgxTz7aUYOZxptQ376-5Sj-IT_KWHe50F/s320/DSC03968.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666633279013416386" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xGfbUPHI1L9GoX5xcoF6xH-yJe-YQdjY_ODAgSqNACQ7sS7PwgGEzlbAjKtxNATq_PXYIlCen4hUdMlEgoM04UTvE8UKOJlx70MUeWN2aCh7fZoG_y7FULb_L9LiSxbae4Nnf8tLKFTa/s1600/DSC04061.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xGfbUPHI1L9GoX5xcoF6xH-yJe-YQdjY_ODAgSqNACQ7sS7PwgGEzlbAjKtxNATq_PXYIlCen4hUdMlEgoM04UTvE8UKOJlx70MUeWN2aCh7fZoG_y7FULb_L9LiSxbae4Nnf8tLKFTa/s320/DSC04061.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666633252500344402" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZezTonPfTD8z2mh-Afmv33ln87ExBxdzFdD2k5j-PYUdFmJguErbVa_9WMVeHQ31hG0KgNAFFOFBA00-eKzGg8k01zOf3xEDNbzpcNd1PugjTlyFhsF7UBY420NjQMKeVw4Hk7kazZUCt/s1600/DSC03992.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZezTonPfTD8z2mh-Afmv33ln87ExBxdzFdD2k5j-PYUdFmJguErbVa_9WMVeHQ31hG0KgNAFFOFBA00-eKzGg8k01zOf3xEDNbzpcNd1PugjTlyFhsF7UBY420NjQMKeVw4Hk7kazZUCt/s320/DSC03992.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666633242747094386" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCj1rWZebwfps2hFvv_ktc4wbKPu2EJXm5xxPp8ooKuZ69PXXUMwj8BwJ4DpEnZ2xyppvPT8IKiLrzEFjsnEjvmFn1MqUSpBbcnLZ2QvGaJlrEVgfIYWpgFP2VL36Vk2VCQygV1F0u09G/s1600/DSC03991.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCj1rWZebwfps2hFvv_ktc4wbKPu2EJXm5xxPp8ooKuZ69PXXUMwj8BwJ4DpEnZ2xyppvPT8IKiLrzEFjsnEjvmFn1MqUSpBbcnLZ2QvGaJlrEVgfIYWpgFP2VL36Vk2VCQygV1F0u09G/s320/DSC03991.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666633238023862034" /></a><br /></div></div>ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com176tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987051918365166936.post-46373123250618909732011-09-19T05:51:00.000-07:002011-09-20T19:13:48.260-07:00Oct. 17: International Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtvVWJwPtWmpOgLtr2ttNWXAjgstC4L2W-LRs-x4mQCRTKK0l4A5GS9h8pbjIMWMRKIPFXmtzwx2A6cbr2u-YO1g99ywbu6t8CZeXq6n5DduUntVsjcSlymZIggZbJZIfLdu5aBRp1CwG/s1600/commemorative+stone.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtvVWJwPtWmpOgLtr2ttNWXAjgstC4L2W-LRs-x4mQCRTKK0l4A5GS9h8pbjIMWMRKIPFXmtzwx2A6cbr2u-YO1g99ywbu6t8CZeXq6n5DduUntVsjcSlymZIggZbJZIfLdu5aBRp1CwG/s320/commemorative+stone.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654054109159894898" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PdcsTNQkZYbZdBn5lzWG_9YNIt-RrFZb3nPlPZEUkavRGa9bkMsRe73Rvr4GtmOhUHBPdrlAXhJBtZMv-wDchJkJeYULi0LTG-iKLmnd-xCsJoKTVOZ36625AHtOrWgPbGsdQjhvWclH/s1600/LogoRVB+oct17.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PdcsTNQkZYbZdBn5lzWG_9YNIt-RrFZb3nPlPZEUkavRGa9bkMsRe73Rvr4GtmOhUHBPdrlAXhJBtZMv-wDchJkJeYULi0LTG-iKLmnd-xCsJoKTVOZ36625AHtOrWgPbGsdQjhvWclH/s320/LogoRVB+oct17.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654054105106601218" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">All Together in Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Philippines and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) invite every one… all organizations, NGOs, companies, academe, students, and private individuals to commemorate October 17, International Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty.<br /><br />This year, the commemoration will be held on October 16, 2011 (Sunday) at the Commemorative Stone (near the Japanese Garden) at the Rizal Park.<br /><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">What is Oct. 17?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /><br />On October 17, 1987, upon the appeal of Father Joseph Wresinski (a French Catholic priest and founder of ATD Fourth World Movement),<br />100,000 people gathered together on the Trocadero in Paris to honor victims of hunger, violence, and ignorance.<br /><br />A Commemorative Stone in Honor of the Victims of Extreme Poverty, was inaugurated on this occasion on the Plaza of Human Rights and Liberties (formerly Trocadero Plaza), at the place where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948 .<br /><br />In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly declared October 17 as the International Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty.<br /><br />In the Philippines, Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos declared it as a National Day in 1993.<br /><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Activities</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /><br />Aside from the main program, ATD will launch its Walking Exhibit: Lakad Laban sa Kahirapan, Mga Larawan ng Pag-Asa. It features sketches of people (families in poverty, ATD volunteers and friends) as drawn by award winning graphic artist and former Probe reporter, Mr. Robert Alejandro.<br /><br />Other activities… Museo Pambata Mobile Library and Arts & Crafts workshops will be open to all the children.<br /><br />We will be posting the final program very soon!<br /><br /><br /></span><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">If I can’t come, what can I do?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /><br /></span><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Share the Oct. 17 message via email & social network (Facebook & Twitter) and writing to media and blog sites. We have prepared some Oct. 17 Facebook messages on "Sharing" which will be available soon.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Join a commemoration in your community, school, church, and organization.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Organize a gathering, public walk, or other commemorative event, large or small. Be creative, while respecting the spirit of the day.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Observe a minute of silence in a significant place or a meeting happening that day.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Create a cultural event like a concert, play, and art exhibit in your community or school.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Call on your religious leaders and encourage them to promote times of prayer in recollection of the very poor’s suffering and their initiation of this day.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Write your own Testimony if you have experienced or seen the injustices of poverty and exclusion and share it to others.</span></li></ul><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br />For more information on the Oct. 17, log on to http://overcomingpoverty.org/ </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">To confirm your participation, log to our Facebook Oct 17 Event </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116533265117941<br /><br />Come and join us to work together in overcoming extreme poverty!<br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Message in the Commemorative Stone:<br /></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty. " Father Joseph Wresinski</span></i><br /></div></div></div></div>ATD Fourth World Philippineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00100260141405252708noreply@blogger.com157