Pag-asa has proudly reached a significant milestone by earning a prestigious national award as one of the nation’s five Outstanding Social Work Agencies. While the political landscape may be divided, the atmosphere during the awarding ceremony was one of unity, with individuals and leaders dedicated to meaningful activities that drive nation-building.
We have consistently been a law-abiding institution, supported by a devoted team that delivers outstanding services to the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged populations within our reach. Our ongoing collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reflects our commitment to creating a nation marked by fairness, justice, and peace, as we work tirelessly to alleviate hunger and improve the living conditions of Filipinos.
Our unwavering dedication to meeting the DSWD’s regulatory standards has paved the way for this remarkable achievement. This recognition not only motivates us to amplify our efforts but also serves as a beacon for other agencies to pursue excellence in their service to clients and communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for this honor, which we share with our generous sponsors. Your invaluable support propels our mission forward, and without you, our impactful work would not be possible. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference.
The DSWD Standards Bureau committee responsible for our recognition took notice of the four best practices that we have:
Dental Health Program
When we talk about the history of Pag-asa, we often start with our initial home visitations and the joy of bringing candies to the children. After all, who doesn’t love a sweet treat? However, eight years of experience taught us that watching the kids smile with candies didn’t truly address the challenges they face in their lives. We recognized the need for real change—change that would lead to healthier smiles. That’s why we transformed our kitchen into a state-of-the-art dental clinic, dedicated to providing essential services to those in need.
Since this transformation, the children have received regular dental cleanings each year, emphasizing the importance of their dental health. They can access a variety of services, from cleanings to bonding, as we strive to serve them at least twice annually.
Our unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our beneficiaries through health programs reflects our vision and mission. We believe that every individual deserves a better quality of life, and we are passionate about making that belief a reality for these children. Better teeth truly lead to a better life.
On Saturdays, Pag-asa comes alive with vibrant activity, especially with our dental services serving approximately 14 patients each week. Our dedication to the community’s health goes far beyond just clinical care; we strive to empower everyone through oral health education on our social media platforms, ensuring that dental care becomes an ongoing priority.
Guided by Dr. Vanessa, we have revolutionized the way we teach dental hygiene with our engaging interactive toothbrush drills. These activities are not only designed to promote good dental habits but also to make learning a delightful experience. Through coloring activities, storytelling sessions, and trivia games, we transform oral health education into an enjoyable and comprehensive journey for our community.
Having our beneficiaries’ teeth professionally cleaned helped reduce the risk of heart problems. Regular cleanings and scaling eliminated inflammation-causing bacteria, which improved blood vessel function throughout the body of our patients.
Routine cleanings and check-ups are essential for a proactive approach to preventing gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. At our clinic, we prioritize the early detection and treatment of cavities, providing our beneficiaries with reassurance and confidence in their dental care.
Regular dental check-ups are not just about examinations; they also focus on education. Our dentist takes the time to teach our patients proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as the importance of maintaining daily dental care habits. This empowers our patients with knowledge and fosters a positive attitude toward oral care and dental visits.
On average, we can perform 200 oral prophylaxes, 20 sealants, 20 fluoride treatments, ten extractions, 100 light cures, 25 dental checkups, 20 mouth examinations, and ten tooth restorations each year.
Our commitment to patient comfort and safety remains steadfast. With the support of a community of European dentists and our friends, we have made significant improvements to our dental facility. These upgrades include the installation of a new dental chair, a set of new air conditioners to enhance patient comfort, an additional autoclave for improved sterilization, and a new UV sterilizer with a single door to maintain the highest hygiene standards.
We have also replaced the blinds with sturdier ones that can withstand strong winds and resist tangling.
As part of our ongoing efforts to promote oral health awareness, we have invested in various educational materials. These include plush toys shaped like teeth, storybooks about dental care, informative posters, and tooth-themed art displayed in the waiting area. These resources are designed to engage and educate our patients, furthering our mission to promote oral health.
However, there are instances when scheduled patients are unable to attend their appointments due to reasons such as illness, parent obligations, or school activities. When this occurs, we draw from our waiting list to fill those slots. This approach not only ensures that our services are utilized effectively but also offers an opportunity for other patients, including parents and adults, to access our services.
HEROHAN
The high labor costs in construction led us to initiate this program. This effort aligns with our vision of creating a better life by meeting needs through the free sharing of goods and services. It also reflects our mission of serving families by providing concrete assistance through improved housing programs. Every year, approximately 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), with around 8 to 9 crossing the Philippines. These storms often cause varying levels of damage to homes. For families struggling to make ends meet, affording labor costs that range from PHP 500 to PHP 800 per day—depending on the worker’s skill level and experience—can be a significant challenge. Labor costs tend to be higher in urban areas due to increased demand and a higher cost of living.
In Filipino culture, Herohan (for Pag-asa) or Bayanihan stems from the Tagalog word “bayan,” which means nation, town, or community. It represents the spirit of unity, cooperation, and mutual assistance among community members working towards a shared objective.
At Pag-asa, the Gospel revolution occurs through Bayanihan when the fathers of our beneficiaries volunteer their time on Sundays to help less fortunate families in need of assistance with house repairs. Their selfless dedication demonstrates the true spirit of Bayanihan.
These fathers have been utilizing their Sundays to assist families in need.
Since launching our first project, originally named the House Repair and Rehabilitation Project, in February 2003, we have never wavered in our commitment. We made a meaningful impact by assisting two households in need during that time. Our goal has been to help at least ten households each year since then.
Our evaluation process consists of a case study and a progress report for each beneficiary, which we gather through regular home visits. This approach helps us determine the type of assistance each family requires. As part of the documentation process, we take three photos. The first photo captures the damaged area, allowing us to prioritize families who need immediate assistance. Typically, aid is provided in the form of construction materials. The second photo is taken during the repair process, and the final photo showcases the completed work. We prioritize assistance for families in the most urgent need.
Repairs are scheduled based on the availability of materials and the donations required to purchase them.
This program, a powerful reminder of our tradition, has not only inspired us but also brought the Bayanihan spirit to life in numerous activities. This has led to significant cost savings, or even no expenditure at all, when undertaking necessary tasks. We’ve learned that not everything requires money. By simply voicing our needs and pooling our resources, we can achieve many things. These achievements, in turn, serve as an inspiration to others, encouraging them to join our cause.
The only challenge we faced in this program was the weather, particularly the unpredictable conditions in Tagaytay. The scheduled Bayanihan activities were occasionally disrupted by heavy rains. If there’s one thing we wish for this program, it’s to receive more donations. With increased support, we can consistently meet our goal of repairing ten houses or more each year, ensuring the continuity and success of our initiative.
Hopping Community Pantry
After 15 months since the Covid pandemic, the entire Philippines continues to suffer from the consequences of community quarantine lockdowns while waiting for vaccines, which are in scarce supply worldwide. People continue to lose jobs and have barely anything to put on the table. The national government, on the one hand, seems to have taken for granted the country’s hunger.
For this reason, a 26-year-old Filipina set up a humble community pantry with barely 800 pesos worth of food items in a small cart. In front of this cart is a cardboard box with the message, “Give according to your means, take according to your needs.”
It quickly drew inspiration, and other places started their community pantries. Only then did we see it on the news. Although this idea is not new, it would still be nice to adapt it to Pag-asa Social Center. Our PWD friend, who herself is in need, saw the news about this also, and it kept her awake all night in amazement with this selfless act of love for the community. She said she doesn’t have much, but she has “five loaves and two fish” to share. This ripple of inspiration and hope is what our community pantry initiative is all about.
Together, we planned on making our community pantry. She and her daughter repacked their canisters of coffee and creamer to donate because of our respective works, though it would be difficult for us to do it ourselves. Meanwhile, we saw a group initiate a community pantry in Tagaytay. We suggested that we just support this group by giving them our donations. This is a community activity anyway, and we are just doing what we can as part of this community. It’s this sense of unity and collaboration that makes our community pantry initiative so powerful.
Believing in the Gospel of John’s feeding of the 5000 with five loaves and two fish, we did it trusting that the Lord would do the miracle. And so He did. A series of acts of love followed. It caught the attention of people we know from all walks of life without us having to ask.
To mention a few that made this activity more meaningful are:
Our security guard voluntarily gave up his craving for alcohol and donated the supposed budget for it to our community pantry.
Richard and their family, whose livelihood was greatly devastated by the volcanic eruption last year, followed by this pandemic, were hesitant to ask me if he could contribute coconuts. He came the next day carrying a heavy big sack of coconuts and bitter gourd. The following week, he gave again sacks of coconuts, jackfruits, and cassava. His act of love later on spread on social media and inspired many people and fellow farmers until it was picked up by a famous national TV and news outlet and inspired more people.
Many more similar acts of love followed until we decided to launch Pag-asa Social Center Foundation Hopping Community Pantry since the protagonists of this activity are beneficiaries of our foundation. This version of our community pantry hops from one town to another.
So that the farmers and those with a variety of stores that donate realize themselves a hundredfold, we make sure that whenever we receive cash donations, we buy the produce from them. From the communities back to the communities, we really didn’t have to look far. No haggling was involved throughout this activity; it was purely voluntary, selfless giving. It’s this selflessness that we are truly grateful for and that makes our community pantry initiative possible.
Many community pantries have sprung up all over the country and even reached and inspired other countries to do the same. Many community pantries take a break every day, and many new ones also spring. Donors and volunteers will eventually get tired, so we have to remember that community pantries like these are just temporary relief.
Once the dust had settled, it would be nice to see a community pantry again, but not one caused by hunger but solely by the need to give.
This program aligns with our vision of a better life, where needs are met through the free sharing of goods, and our mission to serve families concretely through health programs.
Three years have passed since we started this program, and our goal is to continue the spirit of sharing, pandemic or not, with or without calamity.
First, we gather monetary donations and non-perishable items. We use the monetary donations to purchase vegetables and other necessary supplies. Once we have sufficient donations, we schedule the next stop for our Hopping Community Pantry. The location is chosen based on the urgency of the need for assistance.
Perishable items are placed on a table at our center, where anyone can take what they need.
Monetary donations are physically handed to us or sent through apps and online banking to our designated treasurer. Donors receive an acknowledgment receipt for their contributions. In-kind donations, especially those from companies, are issued acknowledgment receipts upon request.
We document the entire activity and share it with the benefactors, showing them where their donations went to ensure transparency.
Until today, the collective efforts of our beneficiaries and benefactors, even in times without calamity, are a testament to our shared values as a community. It is a source of pride that we have instilled the importance of sharing and supporting one another.
During the pandemic, we mobilized ten large boxes of canned goods, ten large boxes of noodles, 200 sacks of rice, 150 kilograms of dried fish, 2,500 kilograms of vegetables, 300 loaves of bread, 15 large boxes of biscuits, eight sacks of fruits, and eight large boxes of toiletries.
This year, our program has made a significant impact by distributing vegetables worth 400,000 to 160 families in our communities in Tagaytay and Noveleta, inspiring hope and making a real difference in their lives.
Every contribution, no matter how small, is significant. What may seem small to some can provide food for families for several days or even weeks.
This program has sparked hope in regions previously deemed hopeless and neglected. Consider the 240-kilometer journey to a town in Quezon Province. In interviews with recipients, many shared their heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to secure another day of survival. After losing their jobs for various reasons, our relief efforts have become a vital lifeline, providing essential support, even if only temporarily.
One challenge we face is related to some clothing donations. Although we appreciate contributions of used garments, we prioritize the dignity, health, and well-being of our beneficiaries by rejecting items that are no longer suitable for wear. To combat this issue, we have actively communicated on our social media channels that if donors have clothing deemed as textile waste, they can instead support garment factories that upcycle, downcycle, and recycle these materials. This approach not only reduces waste but also extends the life and usability of clothing. Donating used clothes is not just a charitable act; it benefits the planet, declutters wardrobes, gives garments a second life, and fosters a sense of generosity and community spirit.
OB-Gyn Check-ups
As a foundation committed to the welfare of children, we recognize that the well-being of mothers is paramount. Supporting maternal health is not just an option; it is essential. When mothers are healthy and cared for, their ability to nurture young children thrives. That’s why, in 2009—twelve years after the founding of Pag-asa—we took a significant step by introducing free OB-GYN services as a program. This initiative was inspired by the invaluable insight from our OB-GYN friend during her first visit in February of that year. We believe that by caring for mothers, we are investing in the future of our children.
We envision a future where our beneficiaries thrive and their needs are met through the generous sharing of essential services. Our mission is to tangibly support them through comprehensive health programs designed to promote overall well-being. To realize this vision, we focus on a diverse range of health issues, including:
- Reproductive health
- Sexual health
- Menstrual health
- Breast health
- Urinary health
- Mental health
- General health
Our dedicated volunteer gynecologist proudly offers a comprehensive range of essential free services once a month, ensuring that women receive the care they deserve. She provides thorough evaluations for reproductive health issues, including endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and pelvic pain, helping individuals find comfort and solutions.
In addition to routine check-ups, she conducts vital cancer screenings, such as Pap tests, to detect cervical cancer early, significantly improving treatment outcomes. With a commitment to health and wellness, she meticulously screens for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and delivers compassionate preventive care that prioritizes the overall well-being of her patients.
Our gynecologist also addresses menstruation-related problems, including irregular cycles, hormonal imbalances, and uterine fibroids, offering expert guidance to help manage these conditions. For additional peace of mind, she refers patients for breast exams and mammograms, ensuring proactive measures against breast cancer.
Moreover, she assists patients facing urinary issues, such as urinary tract infections and incontinence, fostering a holistic approach to health. Recognizing the link between physical and mental health, she screens for mental health concerns and recommends appropriate professionals when necessary.
Finally, she reviews blood test results for common diseases and provides prescriptions for common ailments, empowering her patients to take control of their health.
While seven health issues were listed as goals for our OB-Gyne services, this does not necessarily mean we have patients for each health issue during every visit. On average, we record 17 to 21 new and recurring patients each year.
For our beneficiaries, the burden of choosing between buying food and paying for check-ups, which typically cost between ₱700 and ₱1,000 depending on the clinic’s location, the doctor’s experience, and the services provided, has been significantly alleviated. The free OB-Gyne service has become a vital resource, allowing them to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist regularly without worrying about costs. Their health concerns are addressed, and they receive guidance throughout various life stages, including puberty, family planning, pregnancy, and menopause.
In addition to free consultations, our OB-Gyne also provides hormonal pills, vitamins, and other medications to her patients. Every Christmas, she donates money to our center as well. Overall, these free services greatly benefit Pag-asa, as the funds we would typically spend on professional fees can be redirected to other programs in need of support.
Dr. Lara provides free check-ups not only to beneficiary members of Pag-asa but also to non-beneficiaries, demonstrating her commitment to community health. Her patients also have the unique advantage of accessing her husband, an anaesthesiologist, who generously offers his services without charging professional fees for those referred by Dr. Lara. Despite sometimes seeing as many as 10 patients in a day, she remains dedicated and even shows up for just two. However, the impact of her work could be greatly enhanced if her visit schedules were communicated in advance, as they are often announced at the last minute. Additionally, there are occasions when patients with appointments cannot attend. Ensuring timely announcements of her visits would significantly improve patient turnout and continuity of care.
Heero Cayasa
Public Relations and Communications