The pandemic has brought enough challenges for everyone to resolve. Still, to those unfortunate members of our community, the pandemic brought nothing but disaster to their lives, with almost every aspect needed to survive concealed. Jobs are harder to obtain, education becomes exclusive, food security is suppressed, and the healthcare system is at its lowest.
Most of the affected unfortunate communities struck by this pandemic shelters in Metro Manila, where the poorest of the poor reside. In this time where hope is hard to find, they hold on to the church, which did not just give them the will and power to succeed every day but also provided them with the necessities needed to survive – and this is what Caritas Manila lives on to do.
Cargo Padala Express Freight Forwarding Services Corporation, widely known as “CaPEx,” has a history of working with Caritas Manila as both partnered to carry out their commitments to giving back to the community in September of 2021. CaPEx donated 15 boxes of thrift clothes and six bags of teddy bears which Caritas Manila will sell on their end to support the church’s YSLEP scholars.
Caritas Manila is a non-profit organization that serves as the largest social service and development movement of the Catholic Church of the Philippines. The organization is guided by its strong advocacy for human development, ending poverty, and amassing a Christian community headed by strong social conscience. Before it became Caritas Manila, it was first known as “Catholic Charities.” It was established on the 1st of October 1953 as a social welfare program for uplifting the spirit and soul of unfortunate members of the community and assisting them in all their needs.
Caritas Manila has helped many communities through various programs like Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP) – a scholarship and leadership formation program for the youth to hone leaders imbued with self-discipline, moral integrity, and social responsibility. Caritas Damayan – a preventive health and disaster management program that provides emergency assistance to affected families during calamities. Sanlakbay para sa Pagbabagong Buhay or Sanlakbay – is a community-based rehabilitation program that aims to transform lives, restore human dignity and reintegrate drug dependents into their communities. Restorative Justice Program – a program that values formation, paralegal assistance, counseling and healing of victims, livelihood, and aftercare.
CaPEx strongly believes that giving back is a significant gesture, especially when we are in a better position in our community. However, it should not be mandatory, but being present in helping others in challenging situations will uplift our spirits and bring joy to our hearts as well.
CaPEx commits to continue giving back and providing assistance to communities in need as much as possible and supporting Caritas Manila’s strong efforts of helping each other. We promise that we will get out of this adversity sooner or later, together, hand in hand.