Help the victims of Typhoon Paeng via Shopee

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Shopee users can choose to donate to UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, Waves for Water, and GMA Kapuso Foundation by purchasing donation vouchers in-app

MANILA, OCTOBER 30, 2022 - To provide support to Filipinos affected by the heavy rains and gusty winds brought about by Typhoon Paeng across the Luzon, Visayas, and most especially the Mindanao region, Shopee launches its Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Paeng Support initiative together with partner charity organizations. Through the initiative, users can purchase donation vouchers from Shopee’s partner charities on the app. These efforts are part of Shopee Bayanihan, the company's umbrella CSR arm that seeks to provide support for communities in need through partnerships with various humanitarian organizations.

From October 30 up to November 13, Shopee users can purchase the donation e-vouchers that will be used to provide victims of the typhoon with water kits, health, and sanitation stations, and other essentials such as food and clothes from partner charities UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, Waves for Water, and GMA Kapuso Foundation. Users can access e-vouchers for Typhoon Paeng through https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-bayanihan and purchase them via Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, ShopeePay.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are deeply saddened by the vast impact that Typhoon Paeng has brought to our Filipino communities across the country. Now more than ever, we will continue to maximize our platform and resources to provide immediate relief to our fellow Filipinos in need. With this initiative, we hope to provide our kababayans with the support they need to recoup and recover.”

To donate to those affected by Typhoon Paeng, users may:

1. Head to the microsite https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-bayanihan.

2. Choose the e-voucher of your preferred charity.

3. Click “Buy Now” to purchase the donation vouchers using ShopeePay.

With its heavy rains and strong winds triggering floods and landslides, Typhoon Paeng’s adverse effects were felt throughout the Philippines’ different regions, particularly in areas across Mindanao, such as Cotabato and Maguindanao. Through Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee is committed to making e-commerce accessible for everyone by helping communities benefit from the power of digital transformation wherever they are in the Philippines.

To know more about Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Paeng Support, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-bayanihan.

 

Registration opens for sixth Asia-Pacific Housing Forum

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Various stakeholders in the housing sector are coming together for the 6th Asia Pacific Housing Forum (APHF6) organized by Habitat for Humanity Philippines to be held on July 25-26, 2017 at Novotel Hotel in Quezon City, to discuss the growing challenges of urbanization and diminishing resources for human settlements, as well as share best practices to ensure that no one would be without roofs over their heads.

The APHF6 with the theme “Housing at the Center” will serve as an Urban Thinkers Campus under the UN Habitat’s World Urban Campaign. 

The Urban Thinkers Campus is an initiative of UN-Habitat conceived as an open space for critical exchange between urban researchers, professionals, and decision-makers who believe that urbanization is an opportunity and can lead to a positive transformation. The agenda of APHF6 is also in line with the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III), which was recently held in Quito, Ecuador. 

The two-days forum has enlisted veritable thought leaders in the housing sector across the region as speakers and panel resource persons to share their insights and jointly analyze problems besetting each country and how some have successfully licked the homelessness situation in the urbanizing centers.

“As a collective group, advocating and relentlessly pursuing a single purpose of totally eliminating poverty housing in the Philippines, we can do a lot. It is not an impossible dream because it has been done in other countries at a time when they were still developing. There are successful models in other countries where the poor were given a chance to break the cycle of poverty by providing them a decent, affordable home which become a platform for their development,” said Charlie S. Ayco, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

The two (2) days program with an anticipated attendance of 500 multi-sector thought leaders and stakeholders in housing will focus on four themes/tracks: 

Technology for affordable housing: 

Presenting the latest technologies that can bring social good, ranging from construction materials to satellite mapping methodologies and web applications.

Innovative partnerships: 

Highlighting the potential or multi-level partnerships in achieving goals related to poverty alleviation and the provision of affordable housing in the Asia-Pacific region.

Resilience and social development: 

Focusing on how affordable housing can lift entire communities out of poverty, protecting people from natural disasters and generating livelihoods.

Sustainable urbanization and housing: 

Discussing the implementation of the New Urban Agenda which serves as the roadmap for global sustainable urban development in the next 20 years as well as initiatives that focus on housing as central to proper urban development.

To register and get more information on the program and speakers, visit aphousingforum.ph. 

About the Asia-Pacific Housing Forum

The Asia-Pacific Housing Forum is a biennial conference organized by Habitat for Humanity. Since it was first held in 2007, the event has brought together more than 3,400 participants from over 52 countries. In 2017, the 6th Housing Forum will be held from September 4-7 in Hong Kong. It will bring together major stakeholders engaged in seeking solutions to the issues of inadequate housing and promoting affordable housing as a driver for economic growth. Preliminary events will be held in Cambodia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines. 

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort. The Christian housing organization has become a leading global nonprofit working in nearly 70 countries. In the Philippines since 1988, Habitat for Humanity has supported more than 140,000 people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org.ph.

Selfless selfies for Habitat for Humanity: top five global brand Vivo turns insta-hearts to insta-donations

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Charisma Buan and Christian Jocson, Vivo brand executives, Annie Lim, Vivo brand director and Nelson Perez, Vivo digital specialist hand over proceeds from its Vivo Perfect Selfie Cup to Francis Hussein Mamasabulod, Habitat for Humanity partnership manager, and Rowena Kakilala, Habitat for Humanity individual giving manager. 

After the first ever #VivoPerfectSelfieCup, top five premium global smartphone brand Vivo¹ fulfilled its promise: donating all proceeds of the promo (a total of Php 101,980) Habitat for Humanity Philippines, a non-profit housing organization tacking poverty by building and renovating homes for families in need.

(L-R) Vivo brand executives Charisma Buan and Christian Jocson, Vivo brand director Annie Lim, Habitat for Humanity partnership manager Francis Hussein Mamasabulod, Habitat for Humanity individual giving manager, Rowena Kakilala and Vivo digital specialist Nelson Perez pose for a photo after Vivo gave its donation to Habitat for Humanity.

Vivo brand director Annie Lim and Vivo brand executive Christian Jocson handed over the donation to Francis Hussein Mamasabulod, Habitat for Humanity Philippines partnership manager, and Rowena Kakilala, Habitat for Humanity Philippines individual giving manager last March 22 at the non-profit organization’s headquarters in Makati City. 

Also present in the event were Vivo brand executive Charisma Buan, Vivo digital specialist Nelson Perez, Habitat for Humanity Philippines individual giving officer Tricia Abrigo and Habitat for Humanity Philippines direct marketing officer Mateo Bautista.

(L-R) Tricia Abrigo, Habitat individual giving officer, Annie Lim, Vivo brand director, Francis Hussein Mamasabulod, Habitat for Humanity partnership manager, Mateo Bautista, Habitat for Humanity direct marketing officer, Christian Jocson, Vivo brand executive and Rowena Kakilala, Habitat for Humanity individual giving manager.

In the #VivoPerfectSelfieCup, celebrities battled it out with a goal of garnering the most number of likes for their perfect selfies. 

Selfies of Yeng Constantino, Erich Gonzales, Jessy Mendiola, Enchong Dee, Andrea Brillantes, Jane Oineza, Sue Ramirez, Miles Ocampo, Maris Racal, and Loisa Andallo were posted in the Vivo Philippines Instagram account (@vivophil), captured with the brand’s newest flagship phone, the V5 Plus, equipped with the world’s first 20-megapixel dual front camera and the most advanced selfie technology to date. 

These selfless stars asked netizens to like their selfies on the Vivo Instagram page (@vivophil), with every vote equivalent to a one peso donation to Habitat for Humanity Philippines. 

Teen star Andrea Brillantes emerged as the Vivo Perfect Selfie cup winner, with a total of 18,848 likes. 

Although only one star emerged as the triumphant #VivoPerfectSelfieCup victor, every like for each celebrity photo was converted into one peso, raising Php 101,980, all given to Habitat for Humanity Philippines. 

Annie Lim, Vivo Philippines brand director, expressed her gratitude to all the participants in the #VivoPerfectSelfieCup. “Vivo thanks everyone who joined our contest. Above all else, our brand always aims to help Filipinos have a better life and through participating, we gave hope to homeless families in the country,” she said. 

Aside from the donation to Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Vivo also awarded brand new Vivo V5 Plus phones to ten lucky likers. 

For inquiries about Vivo V5 Plus, visit the Vivo website at vivo.com/ph, 

or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), 

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/) 

and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.

¹according to International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker (http://www.idc.com/promo/smartphone-market-share/vendor;jsessionid=7595C1498F4F0FBF496CC767E273121B)

Thousands of youth in Philippines to join regional Habitat for Humanity Young Leaders Build campaign

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Annual campaign rallies young people to speak out, raise funds and build decent homes

Housing organization, Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP), announces today its 2017 launch of Young Leaders Build. The campaign is Habitat’s largest youth movement in the Asia-Pacific region. Organized for the sixth consecutive year, the regional campaign is driven by dynamic and socially responsible youth to ensure decent housing for all in a region where one in eight people live in slums, according to the United Nations. 

The Philippines is currently facing a housing crisis with 5.5 million Filipino families lacking access to their own safe, decent home. 

“At Habitat, we aim to serve these families in need by partnering with others to build better communities, and a better nation – together. We believe the best way to face this crisis is work alongside the next generation of empowered youth leaders who are socially conscious and energetic to volunteer, fundraise and advocate for poverty alleviation,” Charlie Ayco, HFHP Managing Director and CEO said. 

HFHP has engaged more than 1.2 million volunteers in the past fiscal year, which garnered more than 2.5 million volunteer hours and the organization looks forward to engaging even more youth volunteers through the Young Leaders Build campaign in the coming months. 

The Young Leaders Build was first pioneered more than a decade ago by Alexandra Eduque, Founder and Chairwoman of the Habitat Youth Council, who kick-started the project as a national effort. Now, due to the campaign’s successes, it is now a global youth movement. 

“We look forward to this years Young Leaders Build to be more empowering to the youth and more transforming for the families and communities we serve,” Ayco added. 

In the coming months, youth, celebrities, schools and corporate supporters will volunteer, raise funds and lend their voices to help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Events planned across the region include workshops, rallies, runs, volunteer trips, a youth forum, an advocacy grant program and a Twitter party.

The multi-month Young Leaders Build campaign will culminate on 22 April 2017 with thousands of young people taking part in simultaneous activities across Asia-Pacific. These include house building, school cleaning, fundraising events, and advocating for decent housing on social media.

The campaign in the past year (2016 campaign video link) saw a record 2,448,914 supporters from 16 countries and one Special Administrative Region in the Asia-Pacific region. Volunteers worked on 420 houses, and served 7,620 families. The campaign raised US$ 1.6 million to enable families to have a decent place to live. 

Join the Habitat Young Leaders Build community on Facebook bit.ly/HabitatYLB.
Post on social media with the hashtag #HabitatYLB. Follow on Instagram @HabitatYLB.

About Habitat for Humanity Young Leaders Build

Habitat for Humanity Young Leaders Build brings together youth from across the Asia-Pacific region in support of affordable housing for everyone. Young people volunteer, fundraise and lend their voices to help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. The campaign motivates youth to take the lead in building homes and communities, on a Habitat build site and/or online through their social networks.

About Habitat for Humanity Philippines 

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort. The Christian housing organization has become a leading global nonprofit working in nearly 70 countries. In the Philippines since 1988, Habitat for Humanity has supported more than 140,000 people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower.

To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.ph.

Habitat launches "The Plus Can Project" with ambassador Derek Ramsay

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Habitat for Humanity Philippines (Habitat) has launched its latest initiative: ‘The Plus Can Project’, alongside the organization’s celebrity Ambassador, Derek Ramsay, last August 3 at the Habitat national office.

Derek Ramsay

“The Plus Can means more homes for the homeless, more decent shelter for survivors of disaster, more permanent dwellings for the displaced and more productive communities for our nation. “It is also a reminder that we are all part of a larger family — the Filipino family.” - - - Derek Ramsay

Unlike an ordinary donation drive can, the Plus Can has a unique coin slot in the shape of a plus sign (+), illustrating that by getting involved everyone can be a ‘plus’ to humanity.

This latest fundraising project of Habitat aims to encourage more support towards the housing advocacy in improving the poverty housing situation of the country.

“There is a housing backlog of more than five million families in the Philippines, and in order for this to be addressed everyone needs to take action,” Charlie Ayco, Habitat’s Managing Director and CEO said.

 “The Plus Can is one way Habitat aims to reach individuals from all sectors to support our advocacy of building more healthy and sustainable homes for families in need.”

To show your support and for information on how to get a Habitat Plus Can of your own, please visit: www.pluscanproject.org.

Thousand of students, youth volunteers take part in Habitat Young Leaders Build

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Student volunteers cleaning one of the several schools in Manila involved in Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ Young Leaders Build. Photo c/o JM Lago/ HFHP

 Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) held its sixth Habitat Young Leaders Build (HYLB) in various public schools across Manila, gathering more than 2,000 youth. 

The annual HYLB campaign is celebrated in over 15 countries across the Asia-Pacific region and Americas to engage participants to “Play a part, Lead today and Share with friends”.

Hundreds of Students from Jose Abad Santos High School in Manila getting ready for Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ Young Leaders Build. Photo c/o Miggy Rupisan/ HFHP

“Schools are considered children’s second homes and are a vital part of a community as they help build and shape the minds of our young people,” Charlie Ayco, Managing Director and CEO of HFHP said. 

As HFHP’s largest annually celebrated event, the youth volunteers led the movement by cleaning their schools in preparation for the upcoming school year.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ Young Leaders Build organized thousands of students to clean and organize school facilities in Manila in preparation for the national elections and next school year. Photo c/o Miggy Rupisan/ HFHP

Empowered young student leaders took part in Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ Young Leaders Build in several schools in Manila. Photo c/o JM Lago/ HFHP

The event gave young people a venue to advocate for decent housing for less-fortunate Filipino families, as well as share their opinions, concerns and ideas on how government, the private sector, organizations and individuals can be more involved in building a better Philippines. 

Student volunteers from Manila organizing their school vicinity in Habitat Young Leaders Build for the upcoming national elections and next school year. Photo c/o Miggy Rupisan/ HFHP

“This activity empowered our youth to play a more active role in revitalizing their very own community, as well as building their nation,” Ayco finished.

“A day of smiles” - Alden Richards imparts values to Habitat Community

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Alden Richards, Habitat for Humanity Philippines Ambassador, spent time with home partner children to teach them values formation through a storytelling activity dubbed, “A day of smiles”. 

Last January 29 with Alden, full of smiles it was with the children surprised and overwhelmed with joy to see their admired celebrity spend time with them despite his busy schedule. 

One fortunate Habitat home partner family was even personally visited by Alden himself in their home; sharing stories and time about their previous living conditions and how their life has improved since moving into their new home. 

“More than an obligation, it’s what I want to do, especially every January, during my birthday. It’s a way of giving back to the people,” Alden explains. 

 “I feel happy every time I get an opportunity to help others. Nandito kasi heart ko, whenever I help sa mga nangangailangan.” 

“It’s my first time to do storytelling... [When you see] The kids listening and see them smile, in the midst of all the stress of every day, it’s the least that we can do to give them a light moment (Sic),” he adds. 

When asked what he gets out of it, he said that “It makes me more of a person, the real Alden, a real human being (Sic). It’s a break from all the showbiz and our busy schedule. At least an hour or two with the Habitat families, nakaka-eject ako for [a while]. I can be a volunteer, I can help people.”

Adding more delight to the community and making them feel more loved, Alden treated the children and their parents to McDonald’s meals. 

The Habitat community known as “Bistekville 1” in Bgy. Payatas, Quezon City, is home to more than 250 families who were previously living in unsafe informal settlements and doubling-up in rental housing. 

This time last year, Alden also held his “Birthday Build” in the same community to celebrate by sharing with others – volunteering his time to build homes.

“Alden’s support to our advocacy is truly admirable. He has dedicated time, energy and resources to helping his fellow Filipino brothers and sisters in need,” Charlie Ayco, Managing Director and CEO of Habitat Philippines said.

“His generosity is an example to all of us in how we can help build a better Philippines.”

Build Hope this Christmas with Habitat’s “Pamaskong Handog”

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This Christmas, thousands of families will be celebrating in evacuation sites and temporary shelters because of recent calamities that struck the country. Amidst the busyness of the holiday season, Habitat for Humanity Philippines (Habitat) is committed to building their homes and bringing hope in disaster affected communities.

Habitat’s annual Christmas program “Pamaskong Handog” (Christmas offering) inspires the public to give back to our fellow Filipinos in need during this season of giving. Companies and organizations can set aside some funds from their Christmas party budget, or gather voluntary contribution among members which will help ongoing rehabilitation efforts in various areas nationwide. In appreciation of their generosity, Habitat will match every P1000 donation with a Noche Buena pack to be shared with its assisted family under the donor’s name.

“This season is the best opportunity to show that a little help goes a long way for a family who would like Christmas a bit more special.” Charlie Ayco, CEO and Managing Director of Habitat explains. 

More than just giving Noche Buena packs, Pamaskong Handog is really about rekindling hope among numerous families’ who slowly rebuild and improve their lives when they move to their new home. 

“Like Jesus Christ who was born in a humble shelter, he was able to inspire hope to a vast majority of people. Together with our donors, would also like to lead by example and demonstrate the love of Christ through this program”, Ayco adds. 

For more information on how to partner, kindly contact our Mass Marketing Unit at 846-2177 or email donorservices@habitat.org.ph. 

You may also visit www. www.give2habitat.org/philippines/pamaskonghandog and learn more about the on-going program.

7-Eleven and Habitat Philippines to build homes and schools for Yolanda-affected families in Culion, Palawan

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7-Eleven partner with Habitat for Humanity. With a commitment that will build 160 homes and 2 schools in Yolanda affected indigenous community in Culion, Palawan, Jose Victor P. Paterno, Philippine Seven Corporation President/CEO & Director (2nd from right) also signify its support to Habitat Vision 2020 and advocacy program to address poverty housing solutions. Photo shows Habitat for Humanity Philippines CEO and Managing Director Charlie Ayco (3rd from left) with Chief Marketing Officer Yvonne Lih, Donor Management Head Arlene Ramirez and Director of Communications Gina Virtusio.

After Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) levelled their province, some 150 families in Culion, Palawan will finally have the opportunity to rebuild their lives, as 7-Eleven Japan Co. Ltd. and PhilSeven Foundation Inc. (PFI) committed to provide them with new decent homes, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP). 

Families of Barangay de Carabao will be able to sleep soundly with the promise of 160 new environment-friendly, disaster-resilient homes. On top of shelter, the community will also be given two school buildings, which can accommodate up to 140 students, and doubles as evacuation centers in case of calamities.

Barangay de Carabao is located in the island of Culion, at the northern part of Palawan province, where there was virtually no media exposure of the destruction Yolanda dealt the province in 2013.

“The funds generated together by 7-Eleven Japan Co. Ltd.’s and PhilSeven Foundation Inc. aims to help communities, most especially in far-flung areas, significantly alleviating poverty and improve children’s education,” said Jose Victor Paterno, Chairman of PFI. “Through this assistance program, indigenous families whose only source of livelihood are farming and fishing in Culion are provided with the means to uplift their quality of life.”

The Barangay de Carabao rebuilding project is set to begin by January 2016, and is projected to be completed by the end of the same year.

For HFHP’s part, Managing Director and CEO Charlie Ayco said, “We are thankful to 7-Eleven Japan and PFI for partnering with us and heeding the call to help our Filipino brothers and sisters in need of dignified housing.” 

PFI also pledged their support to HFHP’s WeBuild advocacy campaign towards Habitat’s Vision2020, where it seeks to provide decent homes to and reduce the housing backlog of the Philippines by 20%.

Be a hero to a family who needs one

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A hero exists in each and every one of us. You can be a hero in your own special way to those who are in need. You don’t have to do the impossible to get things done. You can simply do one thing consistently that creates a life-changing impact for others. 

The simple act of donating to Habitat for Humanity Philippines enable thousands of lives to change every day by providing them with a decent place to live, building hope and countless opportunities to help themselves. 

Be someone else’s hero and help us improve their lives through affordable and decent housing.

Monthly giving is a great way to help those in need. You make a big impact over time through small gifts, and Habitat has dependable funding while saving time and resources on future renewals and appeals.

Please visit Habitat Website.

Education starts at home

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Children lack access to decent education when they lack access to decent home.

Access to proper education has recently been hampered due to various socio-economic factors, such as lack of proper healthcare, job opportunities for parents and notably, adequate housing. 

In the Philippines, more than four million families live in unsafe, unsanitary and unhealthy places which they call ‘home’, hindering the learning environment of the children living in these conditions.

The Urban Institute (2012) states, “High-quality, affordable housing, located in safe neighbourhoods can go beyond providing basic shelter and stability, and can help provide a stable environment where children access high-performing schools, learn, and succeed academically.”

According to Rothstein (2013), a child who lives in inadequate housing, has limited ability to enrich themselves, stunting their growth and development in their crucial formative years. It takes a direct toll on the child’s capacity to develop and fully realize the skill sets and potential they possess.

Consequently, these children are more likely to become exposed to violence, crime and drug abuse, further postponing their development (Urban Institute, 2012). 

The case of youth offenders has increased and continues to as the Philippine National Police found an 18% increase in juvenile crimes reported, in 2008.

“Children have the right to have a healthy home and neighbourhood which provides them a sound learning environment – where learning is easy, and cherished. If we focus on giving children the decent homes they not only deserve, but have the right to, our future will be prosperous,” says Charlie Ayco, Managing Director and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

School provides our children the knowledge to equip the next generation, but without the environment to foster that knowledge, they are unable to apply these lessons to their lives.

A home is more than just four walls and a roof. It is where children develop into the best versions of themselves. 

“Together, let’s build a world where every child has a decent place to live, and study,” says Ayco.

The Back-To-School campaign’s aim is to help generate funds in order for Habitat for Humanity Philippines to provide adequate means of living such as a home for families. Children of these families have every right to study in a conducive environment to be able to reach for their hopes and dreams. Give millions of children the opportunity to improve their lives and support Habitat’s Back-To-School campaign.

Kindly link the “Donate Now” button to this link: http://bit.ly/DonateToHabitat

Coca-Cola and Habitat Ph give cleaner, safer water systems to two Bohol towns

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The towns of Tubigon and Maribojoc in Bohol province now have clean and safe drinking water due to a joint effort of the Coca-Cola Company and Habitat for Humanity Philippines. The two towns have newly rehabilitated water supply systems, a project which began in February 2014.

Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation President Cecile Alcantara and Habitat for Humanity Philippines Managing Director and CEO Charlie Ayco (far right) formally turned over a new water filtration system to Maribojoc Mayor Leonicio Evasco Jr. on May 22, 2015 at a ceremony in Brgy. Jandig. The filtration system will benefit nine barangays in Maribojoc town.

In Tubigon, a redeveloped 105,000-liter water storage tank will be able to provide clean water to 500 families in the barangays of Panaytayon, Ilijan Norte and Ilijan Sur. Meanwhile, 2,000 families across nine barangays in the town of Maribojoc will benefit from a new multi-filtration water system that outputs 1.2 million liters of clean water per day.

Representing the provincial government of Bohol, Atty. Anthony Damalerio expressed his gratitude to Coca-Cola Philippines and Habitat for “this good example of public-private partnership. This is one way to honor our strong commitment to deliver that basic commodity to our barangays.”

From left to right: Habitat for Humanity Philippines Managing Director and CEO Charlie Ayco, Tubigon Mayor Marlon Armila, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, and Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation President Cecile Alcantara test the newly installed 105,000-liter water storage tank in Barangay Ilijan Sur in Tubigon. The tank will benefit 500 families from three barangays in the municipality.

Damalerio said that the province’s demand for clean water will be increasing this year since Bohol will be embarking on massive infrastructure projects. Due to this, he explained, providing barangays access to clean and safe drinking water is a topmost priority. “We must not forget the role of our barangays.”

Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation President, Cecile Alcantara, said that the two projects are the company’s way of giving back to the community the water they’ve consumed for their products. “We call this ‘replenish,’ and we are happy to say that we have given back 40 to 50 percent of the water we’ve consumed back to the communities,” she said.

Alcantara also requested local government officials to educate their constituents to take care of the resource entrusted to them. She emphasized that “[since] water is not an infinite resource, we have to conserve it.”

Habitat for Humanity Philippines Managing Director and CEO Charlie Ayco and Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation President Cecile Alcantara present a model of the newly rehabilitated 105,000-liter water storage tank to the local government of Tubigon, Bohol represented by Mayor Marlon Armila and Gov. Edgar Chatto, during a turn over ceremony held on May 22, 2015. Also in the photo are officials from Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Coca-Cola, and the local government of Tubigon.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines Managing Director and CEO, Charlie Ayco, says they took on this project as part of the organization’s goals of ensuring that Filipino families can have more decent and secure lives. “We are known for shelter, but in our housing-quality standards, clean water and sanitation are a vital components of a decent home.”

Both the Coca-Cola Company and Habitat for Humanity Philippines see themselves as partners for development, eyeing more projects together with the local government of Bohol to help rebuild the lives of those who have been affected by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake last October 2013.

“Perhaps the blessing is that the earthquake brought us all together, to work together so that we can [also] rise up together,” Coca-Cola’s Alcantara said.

#HabitatYBPhils : Thousands of Youth Culminate to Build a Better Philippines

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Brick by brick, click by click; Thousands of Filipino youth will make an impact on the Philippine housing sector this March 21st with Habitat for Humanity’s annual “Habitat Youth Build.”

Now in its fifth year, Habitat for Humanity Philippines is again organizing this major event, pioneered by its Habitat Youth Council, to engage the youth to build and repair homes, drawing attention to the global housing crisis.

“Habitat Youth Build” will be hosted simultaneously in fifteen (15) countries across the Asia-Pacific, and in the following ten (10) Habitat Philippines sites: Mindoro (the main event), Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Navotas City and Quezon City.

With over four (4) million Filipino families lacking access to decent shelter, this campaign aims to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope – by raising funds, mobilizing volunteers and gathering supporters to be catalysts for poverty alleviation.

To take part in “Habitat Youth Build” 2015, please visit www.habitat.com.ph or engage with us via the following (using #HabitatYB and #HabitatYBPhils):

Facebook – www.facebook.com/habitatphilippines 

Instagram –@habitatphils 

Twitter – @habitatphils YouTube – HabitatPhils

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) is a non-profit organization that serves Filipino families in need of decent homes. We bring together partners who share the same vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable communities. Established in 1988, HFHP is a national office of Habitat for Humanity International based in Georgia, USA. For 26 years, HFHP has served over 110,000 families throughout the country. HFHP envisions that every Filipino family has a decent place to live.

Visit www.habitat.org.ph or www.facebook.com/habitatphilippines for more details.

People’s Champ’ Manny Pacquiao renews commitment with Habitat for Humanity

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Sarangani representative and ‘People’s Champ’ Manny Pacquiao renewed his commitment to be an Ambassador and spokesperson for Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

Pacquiao signed a new memorandum of agreement on January 5, 2015 indicating his commitment to support Habitat for Humanity’s “WeBuild Campaign”, which is kicking off early this year. The agreement also outlines the congressman’s P5-million donation, which will be used to partially fund 195 houses for families in Glan, Sarangani.

The families — mostly composed of fisherfolk and sari-sari store vendors — will be living in “Pacman-Tata Yap Ville” in Barangay Tango in Glan, a housing project of the congressman. 

Each duplex unit is 32 square metres on an 80-square metre lot area. The 2.8-hectare site includes a multipurpose centre, a community park and a concrete stage that can be used for community’s special events.

Pacquiao also announced plans to purchase more land for permanent houses, much to the delight of his constituents.

Habitat for Humanity launches appeal to assist those affected by Typhoon Hagupit

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Habitat for Humanity has launched an appeal to assist families affected by Typhoon Hagupit (called Ruby in the Philippines). The storm made first landfall on Samar, an island in the Visayas, Philippines, late in the evening of Saturday 6 December.

According to the Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, more than 146,000 families were evacuated in six regions of the Philippines.

“Habitat for Humanity is sheltering evacuated families in Leyte, Cebu and Surigao del Sur provinces of the Philippines. Staff and materials are positioned and we will begin to support affected families to repair their homes. The more funds we raise, the more families we can help,” said Rick Hathaway, Habitat for Humanity vice president for Asia-Pacific.

To donate, please visit habitat.org/giving/hagupit (global) or give2habitat.org/philippines/TyphoonHagupit (within the Philippines)

Habitat for Humanity is appealing for funds to assist families and help them rebuild their lives and gain access to decent shelter. Habitat staff are on the ground ready to assess the situation and coordinate with government agencies and other partners on the disaster response operations.

Typhoon Hagupit comes just 13 months after Typhoon Haiyan killed 6,300 people and damaged or destroyed more than one million homes, according to government figures. To date Habitat for Humanity Philippines has supported nearly 28,000 Haiyan-affected families with emergency shelter and shelter repair kits and begun construction of core houses at ten sites in Cebu and Leyte provinces.

Typhoon Hagupit is expected to continue moving across the Philippines.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines partners with Minka for a common purpose

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Habitat for Humanity Philippines  and Minka Toothbrush, a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush that is environmentally-friendly,  inked a Memorandun of Agreement for the latest campaign of Minka and Healthy Options - the Toothbrush Revolution.

(L-R) Anthony Fernandez, Habitat’s Online Fundraising Officer; Jonah Marie Chipeco, Habitat’s Mass Marketing Manager; Mark Rivera, Minka’s Managing Director; Xrell Nikki Mallonga, Minka’s Director of Operations; Charlie Ayco, Habitat’s CEO and Managing Director; Yvonne Lih, Habitat’s Chief Marketing Officer; and Luisito Baclagon, Mass Market Development Head.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) is a non-profit organization that serves Filipino families in need of decent homes, together with partners who share the same vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable communities. 

“Minka” a South American term meaning “collaborating together for a common purpose” is now starting to be the trendy byword amongst the health-conscious market with its advocacy of being known not just as an ordinary toothbrush, but spearheading a so-called “toothbrush movement” . 

In a groundbreaking partnership, Minka Toothbrushes, which are available at all Healthy Options stores nationwide, have partnered with Habitat for Humanity Philippines in its ongoing social advocacy campaign. 

For every sale of a Minka Toothbrush at Healthy Options, 10% of its sales will go towards ongoing projects by Habitat, particularly its water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program. The Minka Toothbrush packaging will also include Habitat’s logo, to further promote its advocacy and awareness to socially conscious customers. 

Minka Toothbrushes, incidentally, are biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes, that are environmentally-friendly. 

“At Habitat, we believe sanitation and health are improved when you provide a family with decent housing, tying hand-in-hand with Minka’s vision to raise worldwide awareness on sustainability and health,” said Charlie Ayco, CEO and Managing Director of Habitat. 

Minka also plans to produce a biodegradable soap in line the WASH program and the Toothbrush Movement. 

“Partnering with an organization which aims to improve livelihood across the world, strengthens both Minka’s and Habitat’s collaborated work towards a global, unified goal,” said Ayco.

Habitat for Humanity with Advocate Habitat Online Champions

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Habitat for Humanity aims to meet the shelter needs of communities affected by calamities such as super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Working with partners, volunteeers, and disaster response program to provide emergency and shelter repair kits, basic amenities, such as electricity, and builds core houses for affected families in communities.

When the typhoon hit, help was needed immediately. Thousands of families were devastated and there was no time to waste.

With the urgency of the problem and the need to disseminate information fast, Habitat turned to social media for an answer. And during the height of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November, as timely and coordinated, Habitat for Humanity proved that there’s definitely more to social media than just posting selfies, and sharing throwbacks.

Habitat for Humanity / Habitat Online Champions

In a few days word about Habitat’s Yolanda response was all over social media; bloggers, celebrities, and other willing individuals readily stepped-up to help spread the word and rally for donations. With millions in donations coming in, Habitat quickly went to work distributing emergency Shelter Repair Kits across affected areas. In the weeks and months that followed, social media support continued.

Habitat Goes Social

Habitat Philippines CEO & Managing Director Charlie Ayco 

Habitat acknowledges the power of social media for social change. In its effort to maximize social media to help reach more people with its mission, Habitat is holding its first “Social Media Circle”, a gathering of bloggers and social media enthusiasts with a heart for social change; the event is also Habitat’s way of honoring its online supporters.

Habitat Philippines Communications Director Gina Virtusio.

Habitat hopes to inspire these people to continue supporting Habitat’s work in their own way and through their own network of influence.

Habitat Ambassador Kuya Tonipet Gaba  

With the undeniable power and vast reach of social media, Habitat is excited at the prospect of engaging more volunteers, donors, and advocates through this support group.

By signing Habitat’s Pledge of Commitment willing bloggers and guests were tagged “Habitat Online Champion” a title reserved for those who are up for the challenge and journey of using their influence and network to spread the word about Habitat, its programs, and advocacies.

“Habitat Online Champions" are advocate and respected bloggers, personalities and also members of online communities from various group who have been supporting and have been spreading the word about Habitat and its work.

Some Habitat Online Champions receiving Certificate of Appreciation from
Habitat CEO Charlie Ayco

I am grateful to be part of Habitat for Humanity Philippine's first Social Media Circle held at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Century Mall. And I am super blessed and honored to be one of the Habitat Online Champions given appreciation for continue supporting Habitat’s work.

Regular “Social Media Circle” gathering will be held to share news and updates with these Online Champions.

Habitat also offers other volunteering opportunities on their site at http://www.habitat.org.ph/

If you want to help the families affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), please visit http://habitat.org.ph/donate-now.