CONVERGENCE MAKES CHARITY MOVE FASTER

I recently issued a statement as Chairman of the Philippine Charity Assistance Network (PHILSCAN), saying that new advances in multimedia technologies could make the process of charity work more efficiently, and all stakeholders of the process should take advantage of these breakthroughs. Although charity is usually seen as a non-commercial activity, it is actually a legitimate business process by itself, and there is no reason why we should not use modern approaches to make the process move faster and run better.
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Perhaps sounding philosophical rather than technical, I said that both charity and poverty have always been there since the early beginnings of human civilization, but it has been difficult for these two ends to meet efficiently and conveniently, explaining that it is usually the lack of information that hinders the seamless convergence of these two parts of the same process. Charity is not much different from the other business processes, I said, because all the other processes have also been hindered by what I call the “information block”.
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Convergence is really the key to a successful multimedia strategy, and that applies to all industries, in both the non-profit and the commercial sectors. Citing my own multimedia experience, I reported that I have successfully integrated the use of broadcast radio, mobile media and the Internet in bringing together those who need help in looking for a job or starting a small business on one hand, and those who could provide the jobs or financing on the other hand. My radio program is broadcast live on the Internet, but aside from that, I also transfer the content from my radio program into my web log and my Yahoo groups, aside from putting online the content I gather from my cell phone that is attached to a short messaging service (SMS) software application.
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Marlet Bartolome-Beirut, RSW wrote: “I have been receiving updates in Kawani ng Gobyerno yahoo groups concerning your efforts in doing charitable works through the use of multi-media. As a Christian social worker-Trainer currently working at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) we conduct training programs to capacitate Local Government Units (LGUs). It is also my desire that in my own little way, I could make a difference through helping others. It is my prayer that someday more people like you will be used mightily by God to help other people especially those who are marginalized and oppressed. Keep me updated with your charitable works”.
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Ernesto M. Gange of Pennsylvania wrote: “Thank you for including me in your email list. I really appreciate your KABUHAYAN initiative, which can be interpreted as ‘SELF HELP’. Unwittingly, you are trying to address the Philippine National Agenda on POVERTY, which is commendable. I read some of the positive comments of your readers which are contagious. This is the program that will gain a national support because Filipinos are known to be generous. The post Marcos slogan of ‘Philippines 2000’ was an attempt to industrialize our country by the year 2000. It is now 2006, and the Philippines national industrialization agenda is still an agenda. I believe that your KABUHAYAN initiative of SELF HELP will develop into a movement. ‘GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES’ is an old quotation, which is also applicable to the Philippines today. One of the biggest problems of a poor country like ours is the lack of marketable skills on the part of our out of school youths and our unemployed citizens. If you will recall in 1989, while your were posted as a diplomat in the United States, based in New York, we introduced the former President Corazon Aquino through the late DFA Secretary Raul S. Manglapus, the Opportunities Industrialization Center International (OICI), a training model which was originated in the City of Philadelphia by the late Reverend Leon Howard Sullivan in the early 1960's during the civil rights movement in the United States. I introduced Sullivan to Manglapus in September 1991 at the United Nations. The purpose of the meeting was to convince the Philippines to accept the OIC program in the Philippines. Manglapus was convinced, and he designated the former Under Secretary Federico Macaranas Jr., as a point person, and the OIC PHILIPPINES INC. was established in the Province of Iloilo since 1991, under the leadership of Dr. Melquiades Pugne, Chairman of the Board of Directors. OIC Philippines had trained hundreds of unemployed and underemployed citizens in Western Visayas, (Region 6) until today, using the OIC model in Philadelphia, which includes the micro enterprise training model. Sullivan often said, that ‘If you give a man a fish, you will feed him for a day, but if you teach a man how to fish, then you feed him for a lifetime’. I hope you too; will agree with Sullivan. You may contact Dr. Mel Pugne of OIC Philippines in Iloilo City, if you want to know more about the OIC. By the way, the SULLIVAN PRINCIPLE adopted by the United States in doing business in Africa and in the Third World was a brainchild of our late friend, Sullivan”.
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Jojo Miranda wrote: “I have been following your postings at Kawani. I have served the Philippine government intermittently for nearly 7 years and I am now working fulltime for the ADB in Mandaluyong. On a part time basis, I am with IMG, a local business organization that aims to revolutionize the financial services industry. We share concepts on prudent personal financial planning & the disciplined way of saving. We do the briefing on personal financial planning either individually or in group. We also do one-on-one personal financial assessment & planning for those who are interested. Aside from the concepts, we also recommend some programs based on the articulated need of individuals/families, their current financial condition and goals. We give our services free to those who seriously want to make positive changes in their financial status for themselves and their families. Our organization shares the nobility of your cause of uplifting our countrymen from poverty thru the direct provision of services to the needy and helping small entrepreneurs sustain and grow their businesses”.
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Rudy Ferran wrote: "There is no place like home. If you're born a Filipino, no one can change your culture! The inherent LOVE, hospitality and Rizalism (patriotism) is right flowing in our blood. In my readings of your messages in the PTAG website, you're truly a patriotic person. Your concern is universal, not selfish! Your concept is to bring power by ‘SHARING’ concern and love of country. Maybe of the 83 Million Filipinos you're among the few hundreds only. You are in the right position of making your founded organization, big, great and universal, and have the touch of humility. This will encourage the purpose of your CALL! During my forty's-fifty's I had a similar dream like you, but, my actions were small. The late Senator Raul Roco, selected me to be among his staff in 1998, and allowed me to run as a mayoralty candidate in Camarines Sur. I wanted to serve our country through him, but he was called early by the Almighty GOD. I am a survivor of hardship in poverty. It was through ‘hard-working-student’ from University of Santo Tomas, 1969, (Engineering), that I was able to get the chance of, what I am right now. This is also the reason why I am able to understand your call”.