Institution Category
Building Lives for a Better Future (Winner)
- California, U.S.A.
They say that an investment in
knowledge pays the best interest, but for the children who cannot afford to go
to school, it is one group’s heart to help that has become their key to a
better life and future. Founded in San
Diego and with bases in both Philippines and Mexico, Building Lives for a
Better Future is a non-profit organization that offers financial assistance to
students in need.
The dream started when its
founder Jose Chan attended a high school reunion and realized that he needed to
do more to help other children get a chance at decent education. Himself a recipient of his grandparents’ love
and generosity when his father died while he was only seven, he knew it
sometimes took a whole village to see to a child’s better future. And he was determined to do his part.
As a way to raise funds, JC sold
tinapang bangus that he prepared himself.
This effort grew to become community level when like minded people joined
his group. Back in San Diego, they work
tirelessly to cater food to a day care center regularly while accepting private
events on the side. All the proceeds
from their services go to support their beneficiaries here in the Philippines.
To date, students helped by their
organization do not only get scholarships.
They are also provided with school supplies and meals, which is a big
help in motivating the children to study hard and excel in school. For JC and the rest of the organization,
these bridges they build to bring the children close to their dream are worth
all the hard work. For every child they
send to school is a life that is changed forever and for the better.
Parangal Dance Company (Finalist)
- California, U.S.A.
Existing for almost a decade, the
Parangal Dance Company promotes Filipino tribes thru the graceful art of
dance. Since their group started back in
2008, they have been passionately performing in order to showcase the Filipino
culture and the tribes of the country.
These young men and women fly
back to the Philippines and immerse themselves in different tribal groups so
that they could better understand the essence of each tribe. Which in return, they hope would result in
better portrayal and performance. This
dedication to Filipino art and culture makes Parangal Dance Company true
Filipino heroes.
Pilipino Association of Workers & Immigrants - PAWIS (Finalist)
- California, U.S.A.
At the forefront of fighting for
one’s rights is the Pilipino Association of Workers and Immigrants, also known
as PAWIS. This organization based in
California was established by Filipinos who felt that their rights were ignored
and even abused. These volunteers’ goal
is lobby workers’ rights and battle labor issues such as wage theft, underpay,
and fraud contracts.
For 14 years, PAWIS has ignited
fire within migrant workers, uplifted their morale and paved the way for
favorable working conditions. This
organization’s mere existence reminds us that Filipinos do not leave fellow
countrymen behind.
Filipino Women's League (Finalist)
- Alberta, Canada
No act is too small as long as it
is done with a big heart and it is their heart for helping that this group
based in Alberta, Canada was created.
The Filipino Women’s League is composed of women volunteers coming from
various age groups. These women spend
their time and effort to help those who are less fortunate within their
community.
They created a project called
“Adopt a family for Christmas” where they provided food and even gifts to
families who are in need during the season of giving. Moreover, this group also joins relief
efforts such as when Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines. FWL partnered with ATB, a well-known bank in
Canada, to send their donations to the Philippines.
No comments:
Post a Comment