Bound by blood, backed by purpose
Since Ana and her family moved to GK Sooc Arevalo, Iloilo in 2009, it became clear to her that there is something significant she must do for her community.
“I know God put us here for a mission,” she said in the dialect.
For three years, Ana and Michael have been conducting feeding programs in the nearby dumpsite and relocation area close to GK Village. “It’s our bonding time, sharing something for the disadvantaged ones. We may be struggling financially too but we make sure we can give a part of ourselves to others.”
As president of the Uswag (Sulong) PLDT-Smart Amazing GK Kapitbahayan Association, Ana envisions the people in her community getting out of the miserable conditions they are mired in. “I know there are so many challenges—lack of self-esteem, lean earnings, and inadequate jobs,” she said while waiting for her son in the model house where the association makes bags and other ornaments from discarded tarpaulins.
“If ever I’m no longer a community official, I’d still want to help. That’s why my son and I continue to do what we have been originally doing years ago.”
Michael, 19, on the other hand, had just finished his course in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Michael also serves in their community’s livelihood association, Sooc Social Ventures, as head of the Terra Cotta Project.
The livelihood programs in the village, such as the production of hip tarp bags and terra cotta pieces were the result of the training organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Currently, the bags and accessories produced by Sooc Social Ventures are being marketed under the Nautilus line of international lifestyle designer PJ Arañador.
Recently, Ana, Michael, and the other officers of Sooc Social Ventures joined the launch of Project Zero in Arañador’s Wawa Heritage Restaurant. The Project Zero fashion show served to showcase the products of Sooc residents such as the upcycled and re-purposed tarp handbags, pouches, knapsacks, purses, and other innovative accessories.
Project Zero is a social entrepreneurial program by PJ Arañador in partnership with Smart Communications, Inc., GK Sooc Arevalo, GKnomics, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Business Fair Trade Consulting, and Sooc Social Ventures.
The workers who handcrafted the bags were formerly earning a living as scavengers in the Manduriao dumpsite before the GK Sooc Arevalo was established. Ana and her team, with the help of funders and partners, worked together to boost the income of the Sooc people.
“We have many projects assisted by Smart, PBSP, and GKnomics. Our products are now being promoted and marketed and we feel this would grow soon,” said Ana.
She believes that with so many concerned bodies supporting them, more doors will be opened. “People here are creative and talented. All we need are the financial and marketing resources.”
Michael also shared his own vision. “It all started on that day when I was sitting alone and I saw children from the dumpsite playing, telling stories, and sharing food. It hit me. One girl would contribute one egg for arroz caldo (rice broth), another one would contribute for rice, and the others for the remaining ingredients. Right there and then, I was inspired.”
At that instance, Michael knew what he was supposed to do. “I know my mother would help in my plans.” He started his own organization called The Kingdom for Kids. Initially, it only has 13 members but it has eventually grown to approximately 250 kids, ages 12 to 16.
“In the organization, we teach the young ones how to do events like sports festivals and gift-giving. We also do charity work to benefit poor children who are in need of our presence and assistance.”
Michael is a volunteer teacher for Values Education in Sibol Day Care Center in the village. His dream is to have his own restaurant someday, but presently, he’s concentrating on his organization.
“I’m thankful that my mother is very supportive. We’re braving the difficulties together, looking for funders to sponsor our activities. She’s always on the move,” Michael said.
Sitting side by side in the model house, Ana and Michael compared their mother-and-son relationship to a seesaw.
“At times when I’m down, Michael pulls me up. And at times when he is the one feeling low, I go there to encourage him and lift up his spirits. Up and down. Up and down. We support each other,” described Ana.
“I may not be starting up my dream restaurant right now but being with the children and helping them become better sons and daughters to their parents, especially to their mothers, is also my dream,” stated Michael.
Michael’s bond with his mother is as tight as their commitment to their steadfast mission. While sharing their story, he wrapped his arms around Ana and said, “I’ve learned a lot from my mother.” Indeed, as Henry Ward Beecher put it, “the mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.”