A street sweeper, a priest and an employee of the National Management Office shared their personal stories that makes the listeners inspire and realize their life purpose during the Pondo ng Pinoy’s 15th General Assembly held on October 1, 2019 at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center, United Nations Avenue, Paco, Manila with the theme “15 Years of Engaging the Filipino in Caring for the Poor.”
Miss Emelia Sapitula, Crumbs Contributor form Baseco, Tondo Manila shared her inspiring story about collecting 25 cents while cleaning the streets.
“I am a street sweeper. Whenever I sweep the road and find 25 cents, I save it and donate to Pondo ng Pinoy. Before, when I did not know about Pondo ng Pinoy, it all goes to grocery stores -to buy soap and other necessities,” Sapitula cited.
She mentioned that saving as little as 25 cents eventually adapt by her grandchild.
“Now, my grandchild always tells me that he will save some coins by putting in a bottle and give to Pondo ng Pinoy to help those who are in need.” Sapitula ended.
Pondo ng Pinoy Priest Coordinator of the Diocese of San Pablo, Fr. Noel Conopio shared his experiences since the establishment of Pondo ng Pinoy.
“We were already here when Pondo ng Pinoy started. Our project, Batang Patio, a micro enterprise has been a model to promote the program. It all started when our parish priest in St. John the Baptist, Liliw, Laguna went to the patio after the mass. What he saw were out of school kids who were playing then and had a conversation,” Fr. Conopio stated.
He continued, “they came from the less privileged families. When asked why they do not go to school, it is because they do not have the resources. Our parish priest gives them food and wondered why the Church does not have programs for them. It began with an informal dialogue and friendship with those kids and became a challenged to create a program.”
Since then, Pondo ng Pinoy became very supportive to the projects initiated for the less privileged families.
Twelve years as employee of the National Management Office, Ms. Monaliza Borre started her career in the community foundation in 2007. Borre expressed her gratitude over the past years -from being single until she gets married.
“I am so much blessed to be part of Pondo ng Pinoy. There are challenges but at the end of the day, God provides. I want to thank our foundation for the great opportunities, a job at the same time helping others,” Borre said.
The Pondo ng Pinoy General Assembly is an annual event and an avenue for the member Dioceses to report; and to share their respective stories and updates. (Bebot Sabangan, PnPCFI News)
