Send 200 more needy Filipino Amerasians to school

Love in the Time of Crisis

The oil crisis that came like a thief in the night put the Philippines in an economic crisis. The day after people were informed about the situation, oil companies jacked up their prices triple than it was.  What was surprising was how the lesser-known fuel brands stood out at higher prices than the big 3 (Petron, Shell, Caltex).  A common question of the layfolk: why raise prices immediately for old stock of fuel?     

This situation disproportionately devastated students and families living below the poverty level in the Philippines. Because these households spend over half of their limited budget on energy-intensive food items, soaring fuel costs triggered crippling food and transport inflation.  This eroded purchasing power, forcing families to choose between putting food on the table and keeping children in school.  Not to mention the anxiety and stress having to survive daily.

This is what our scholars and their families were up against.  And while there is a reduction in the price of fuel over the past month, it is a pittance.  We have met with the families to understand the effects of this continuing crisis, and the discussions are in sync with the study made by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)

This challenging situation has crippled the purchasing power.  It is reported that our beneficiaries lose up to 16% of their purchasing power; students are forced to be absent or may drop out due to increases in school supplies, transport fares, and daily allowances.  Surging logistics and production costs translate into spikes in the prices of basic needs like rice, vegetables, eggs, and others.  This sad situation triggers involuntary hunger among vulnerable families forced to compromise nutrition.

With the minimum wage at a standstill and no efforts by government or the private sector to adjust, this crisis may create “new poor.”  Whatever is being done by the government to address the situation may be of help, but maybe for a day or two.  

This is the backdrop of our beneficiaries for the last few months and tomorrow.    

Your continued donation is love in the time of this crisis.  Thankfully, the children have continued to go to school.  We were also able to help out with at least some basic needs by giving one sack of rice (25kg), thanks to a kind donor who gave 100 sacks.   And we distributed sanitation and hygiene kits to 200 families to help keep them healthy. 

And the silver lining is that you have helped bring 9 college students to the finish line with one magna cum laude in Information Technology.   And your support inspired 12 children to move up to the next grade level with honors.   Every dime or dollar you send helps all the children maintain their average of 85% or a B, and even higher.  

Partners like you are the cornerstone of our success, and your willingness to invest in our mission means the world to us. We have attached a PowerPoint report and included a few highlights/photos.  Thank you for standing with us and for believing in our vision.   Your belief and love make them feel they matter.   This is what inspires them to work hard for their dream.

We wish you all the best.  

 Gillian Cortes

Executive Director

• June2026PPT.pdf (PDF)