by admin | Nov 15, 2023 | Community Development, Outreach
Carmela C. is a 30-year-old resident of Olongapo City’s landfill community. She had to drop out of school in 7th grade to help her family earn money. She now shares her life with her 34-year-old husband and their four children, and they live close to the landfill site. Previously, Carmela worked as a garbage scavenger, and would also sell street food to supplement their income. Her husband also scavenges the garbage dump, looking for anything he can sell to recyclers. They are both hard working and committed to providing for their family. Despite their hard work and dedication, life remains exceedingly tough for Carmela and her family. The combined earnings from their roles as garbage collectors prove insufficient to sustain their daily needs, with a primary concern being securing enough food for their family. As a result, Carmela has been purchasing “pagpag,” to feed her family. At a cost of 50 pesos for one kilogram, these items may be perceived as scraps by some, but to Carmela, they represent a lifeline for survival. However, Carmela’s story is not solely one of hardship but also of hope and community involvement. She actively participates in the weekly Bible study held in the landfill area, demonstrating her strong faith and desire to grow spiritually. Additionally, Carmela had the opportunity to train at our free Sewing Training Program at the landfill center. She now has a skill that can help her find employment as a seamstress, a job that could help her earn a better income and provide healthier food for her family. In her own words, Carmela reflects on the impact of Project Life Subic in her life, (translated):, “Project Life Subic has played a big role in transforming my life. Beyond the many changes brought about by the Lord, this organization has equipped me with the tools to strengthen my relationship with Jesus. I am very grateful for the mission of Project Life Subic, which extends a helping hand to impoverished individuals like me. They help facilitate positive changes and enable us to break free from the harsh realities of our past. All thanks to the grace of the Lord.” Carmela’s story is a testament to the extraordinary power of faith, resilience, and the support of a caring community. She shines as a beacon of hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
by admin | Nov 15, 2023 | Community Development, Outreach
“A note from Leslie: How desperate would you have to be to eat “Pagpag”? No, it’s not a delicacy intended to tease the palates of the rich, it is simply days old food from the garbage dump, the maggots and dirt shaken off, and recooked for human consumption! To many of the garbage scavengers that live on or near the dump, it is all they can afford to eat. Some of this waste will be sold to Pagpag vendors who recook it and sell it at a low price to the many poor who are hungry and cannot afford to buy fresh food. There are many health risks for those eating Pagpag, including ingestion of poisons, toxins, and food-borne illnesses. Many health and government agencies warn against eating Pagpag because of the threat of malnutrition and diseases such as Hepatitis A, typhoid, and diarrhea. Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death for children under the age of 5 in the Philippines. Despite the risks, families living in extreme poverty continue to eat Pagpag because they are desperately hungry. Realizing the prevalence of the poor families eating Pagpag everyday has brought me to tears many times. Seeing the effect of malnutrition on the children such as stunted growth, poor brain development, and disease is overwhelming. But, once I get my emotions in check, I am more resolved than ever to continue our efforts to see change happen in the poor communities! There are many days where we at Project Life Subic celebrate the good changes that are happening through the efforts of our ministry and through your giving of time, finances and prayer. But there is still so much to be done! Health education, job training for the unskilled, and sharing Jesus and his love to the people here can help us see lives changed.
by admin | Oct 28, 2023 | Outreach, Youth Group
Today (October 28, 2023), we experienced an incredibly FUN-tastic day as we celebrated Funday with our joined youth groups from both the Landfill center and the Barretto center.
The event was marked by an abundance of creativity, sportsmanship, and teamwork, evident throughout a variety of sports and games. Our participants engaged in activities ranging from cheering competitions and balloon wars to water fights, badminton, volleyball, patintero, batuhang bola, touching
runner, and an exciting treasure hunt.
To add a touch of inspiration to our day, we also screened the movie “Blue Miracle.” Through this film, our youth gained valuable insights into the compassionate nature of Jesus. They learned that even in times of struggle, Jesus supports us, although our prayers may not always be answered immediately or in an obvious manner.
It was a memorable day filled with camaraderie, joy, and important life lessons. We look forward to more gatherings that strengthen our faith and friendships.
by admin | Apr 23, 2023 | Bible Study, Outreach
Project Life Subic approaches Biblical Community Development with focus on spiritual, health, education, and livelihood programs. At Saturday’s Landfill event we offered a time of fellowship, music, games and food. A short health teaching was also included. At the end of the program we fed the families, and then distributed 215 bags of food and soap. We want to thank the local barangay and purok officials who helped us keep order, and to our other volunteers for all you did to make this a success!
by admin | Apr 17, 2023 | Outreach
Yesterday’s outreach hosted by Project Life Subic was a fun and educational experience. We brought local young adults, US Navy and the Philippine navy together for this cultural exchange!
by admin | Apr 17, 2023 | Outreach
Another successful outreach to distribute reading glasses today! Many of our sewing training graduates have great jobs at factories on the Freeport Zone, but struggle with poor vision. These glasses will improve their quality of life and increase productivity at work.
