Caritas Manila’s ‘Segunda Mana’ advances environmental sustainability

MANILA, Philippines — Since 2008, Segunda Mana, the donation-in kind arm of Caritas Manila, has been extending the lifecycle of clothes, furniture, books, toys, electronics and other items to benefit the environment.

Called circular economy, it is an economic model that stops waste and protect the earth by cutting down on manufacturing emissions and resource extraction.

Segunda Mana has diverted 269 tons of materials initially destined to the landfills from January to June, offering them as affordable and quality secondhand items at 27 charity outlets, including those in Market Market, Starmall EDSA and Fairview Terraces.

“We call this environmental stewardship – the 3Rs or Reduce, Reuse, Recyle. We should all counter the culture of waste. Buying is the new way of giving,” Caritas Manila executive director Fr. Anton Pascual said.

In the last 18 years, the business model has generated P798 million, which helps fund Caritas Manila’s flagship project – the Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program.

The program provides college scholarships to 5,000 underprivileged Filipino youth and supports the livelihood of 80 “ukay-ukay” resellers, aside from providing employment opportunities to 100 people in the vulnerable sector.

Pascual said caring for the earth is a constant church teaching, citing the papal letters of Pope Francis on caring for the environment.

Caritas Manila invites everyone to support Segunda Mana by donating pre-loved items, shopping at its charity outlets and bazaars or participating in its donation drives.

Donors could drop off donations at designated Segunda Mana boxes in partner malls, parishes, schools and villages or at the Caritas Manila headquarters along Jesus Street in Paco, Manila.

For large or bulk donations, send pickup requests through Caritas Manila’s Facebook page or call 8562-0020 to 25 loc. 141/142. Donors could also call or text 0929-834-3857 and 0945-971-2292.