Tanauan (AsiaNews/Cbcp) - Extending assistance is not just about giving one-time aid to the needy, but doing it with long-term effects in mind. This is why a compassion organization is pouring efforts into outreach programs in barangays that were devastated by typhoons Yolanda and Ruby.
Corporal Works of Mercy Foundation, Inc. (CWMFI), which is managed by Fr. Abe Palaña JCD, parish priest of the Assumption of Our Lady Parish in Tanauan, Leyte, offers livelihood opportunities and scholarships in Tanauan and Tolosa, two towns in Leyte still struggling to get back to normal after two major natural calamities.
Shunning the usual style of other foundations that constantly solicit financial help from benefactors, patrons and the public to prevent their resources from getting drained, CWMFI make it a point that beneficiaries, especially the recipients of their pedicab distribution and scholarships make a good living for their family.
Vicki Palaña-Rollins, one of the major backers of the organization, said the scholars are requested to give 5 percent of their annual income back to the foundation once they land a job. The scholars are likewise encouraged to sponsor the schooling of a family member the moment they find work.
"In this way, we are teaching them of helping back, paying forward to other people needing help," she stressed. She added, "When we help people, we do not want to go back to them. We have to move to another family and help them."
