Help bridge the gap between communities experiencing social injustice by donating and supporting these local charities.
Seeing well-documented scenarios of social inequalities in social media has led us to feel more empathetic to those around us. With every scroll in our newsfeed leads to questions: How can I help? Where do I start? What can I do? As individuals, we can help those heavily affected by social injustice by supporting foundations that work with less fortunate communities.
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To guide you in choosing what charity to support, Lifestyle Asia editor-in-chief Candy Dizon has curated 10 local charities you can donate to and support.
LoveYourself.ph
One sector of society that has been riddled with prejudice and judgment is individuals living with HIV. For a long time, fear and ridicule created a stigma that made disseminating information about the virus difficult. LoveYourself.ph’s primary mission is to remove this stigma and build a community for those at risk and those infected. Furthermore, they facilitate free HIV testing and counseling and serve as a hub for individuals who want to learn more about their options regarding sexual health. LoveYourself.ph has gradually lifted the cloak of shame by fostering conversations about sexual health and HIV.
Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey is an advocate and a face for the organization / Photos via Instagram @loveyourself.ph
Little Gaza
The invasion of Gaza has displaced thousands of Palestinians—the constant bombing and invasion has led to seeking refuge in other countries. Some managed to escape Palestine and seek asylum in the Philippines. To help them start their new lives in a new country, Little Gaza at Don Antonio was established. The organization is composed of Palestinian families. Furthermore, they create ways to help Palestinian families thrive in a new country like food bazaars, collaborations, etc.
Palestinian refugees in the Philippines / Photos via Instagram @little_gaza_donantonio
Angat Buhay
The NGO was launched by former Philippine Vice President Atty. Leni Robredo—Angat Buhay continues to make waves of change through volunteerism. It is an organization that focuses on mobilizing its huge pool of volunteers for different beneficiaries. Moreover, Angat Buhay currently has 16,719 volunteers—making it the largest volunteer network in the country.
Atty. Leni Robredo and her NGO Angat Buhay / Photos via Instagram @angatbuhay
Compassion and Responsibility for Animals
Inequality and injustice also happen to animals. Abuse and maltreatment of animals are often overlooked. Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA) is a non-profit, non-government organization that helps the plight of animals in the Philippines. Moreover, they foster public awareness of animal welfare and rights through educational programs. In addition, the charity provides affordable veterinarian treatment and sterilization, as well as rehabilitation and rehoming services for needy cats and dogs.
Matteo Guidicelli helping the cause of CARA / Photos via Instagram @carawelfareph
Manila Water Foundation
Aside from electricity, water is an integral part of living. It is a known fact that there are still communities in the Philippines, even in Metro Manila, experiencing scarce water supply. The waterless communities experience a lack of sanitation and toilet facilities—causing sickness. The Manila Water Foundation (MWF) uses holistic approaches to bring water to waterless communities. The organization’s WASH Program uses people-centric approaches to empowering and helping the communities.
Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc.
Street children are one of the most vulnerable sectors of our community. Instead of enjoying their youth, these children are exposed to the harsh realities of life—threading through life in the streets every day. Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc. makes sure that these children are protected and allowed to escape the situation they are in. Furthermore, the NGO’s initiatives and activities have been propelled by their devotion and passion. They provide street children with chances for a better future and possibilities for personal development.
Volunteers reaching out to street children / Photo via Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc. website
Foundation Haribon
The oldest and first environmental conservation organization in the Philippines—HARIBON continues to help preserve and conserve our flora and fauna. An organization that began as a Philippine Eagle conservation group, its mission evolved and interconnected science with community-based strategies. Furthermore, the organization pays homage to its strong foundation via novel, regenerative methods. By utilizing inclusive and interdisciplinary methods, HARIBON® continuously expands its progress and explores new areas.
HARIBON conservation programs / Photo via Instagram @goharibon
MentalHealthPH
Conversations regarding mental health in the Philippines are still taboo. For #MentalHealthPH, they are helping start conversations that lead to saving lives. The organization provides an avenue for everyone, especially those not informed about mental health, to learn about it. Furthermore, its biggest campaign is centered around removing the stigma against mental illnesses.
#MentalHealthPH removing the stigma of mental illnesses through programs / Photo via Instagram @mentalhealthph
Malaya Lolas
The Malaya Lolas are women who were victims of sexual abuse during the Japanese occupation. Decades have passed yet these women are still unrecognized and given proper support. Furthermore, this organization helps these old women fight for justice and their rights.
The Malaya Lolas in Mapaniqui, Pampanga / Photo via Malaya Lolas Facebook page
Program Paghilom
The Drug War is one of the darkest periods in the Philippines. Many people, whether innocent or not, were killed and jailed without due process. This has left plenty of families without providers and breadwinners. Program Paghilom by AJ Kalinga Foundation provides a holistic program that aims to help the widows and orphans of the war on drugs campaign rebuild and re-create their lives.
Program Paghilom supporting the widows and children of those who are victims of the Drug War / Photo via AJ Kalinga Foundation website
Banner photo via Instagram @loveyourselfph.
