It’s all about concern for our most precious resources

MANILA, Philippines - From 32 street educators in the past to the current 18 overworked people who struggle to be able to do their best in helping children that roam Manila’s streets. Teresita Silva, founder and executive director of ChildHope Asia Philippines (CHAP), confirms that her organization has had to downsize programs because funds have fallen short. Apart from aid being diverted to typhoon Yolanda victims, funding from non-government organizations has been scarce these days — partly because of the NGO-related scandals gripping the public’s attention. The news of the Philippines as a “new emerging economy” has not helped funding woes either. The sad reality, says Silva, is that “economic growth does not immediately filter down to the poor.”

This is what makes Citi Philippines’ support to CHAP even more appreciated, “We are deeply grateful because Citibank has been our faithful donor and partner since 2008,” says Silva. “It is very rare that a non government organization here in the Philippines has shown such commitment and faithful partnership with a donor organization. The support has helped us reach out to children who have been abandoned or are working in the streets with or without their families.”

ChildHope Philippines is a non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization whose principal purpose is to advocate the cause of street children in the Philippines. It works towards “the liberation of children from their suffering caused by working by living on the street” and its flagship programs include an advocacy effort called Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) and the Street Education Program, which is an outreach and direct service arm. In addition, ChildHope works with an affiliate called Families and Children for Empowerment and Development (FCED), which is “committed to a holistic approach and brings together government and non-government organizations and volunteers in community-based services to drive social and economic development in depressed areas in Manila.”

 â€œCiti’s support over the years has made it possible for us to help street children and their families in two of the most important aspects of our program: financial education and vocational training,” adds Silva. â€œBoth are very crucial because these are the programs which help them move on from being abandoned and dependent to becoming more self-reliant and contributing members of our society.”

The remarks were made at an Earth Day program where Citi Philippines volunteers led by CEO Batara Sianturi and country human resources head Jorge Osorio tried their hand at weaving newspaper strips into the attractive bags, similar to those made at CHAP and FCED livelihood training workshops. The sturdy bags that can carry up to 10 kilograms are sold in Kultura at the SM malls and in Rustan’s outlets. Beneficiaries are also taught to make saleable items such as bags, wine caddies, tissue holders, coin purses, and cellphone holders so that they can augment their family incomes.

 â€œOur activity today is the latest in many partnerships we’ve had with CHAP and FCED, and we are deeply grateful for being given this opportunity to be exposed to viable initiatives to help save the environment, while increasing economic opportunities for low income families, and finally promoting a culture of service among our employees,” said Citi CEO Batara Sianturi Sianturi. While he is a trained engineer, he laughingly remarked that he was unsure that he would be very good at making the bags. “Over the last two weeks, we conducted a newspaper recycle drive, and from these newspapers we donated to our community partners, we are all delighted to take part in creating handbags to help fund the livelihood programs of the nanays who joined us today,” he added.

But more than up-cycling old newspapers into reusable and fashionable bags, or giving support in the form of financial aid, the willingness to be personally involved is what will ultimately change the lives of the less fortunate for the better. “While we are grateful for the financial support, we are even more grateful for the human support,” says Silva. By tirelessly helping organizations that work to improve the lives of the less fortunate, and by encouraging selflessness and the spirit of volunteerism among its employees, Citi recognizes that all people have the potential for being a country’s most important resource.