Bringing Hope Building Society Paenday ko masa Organization
The pandemic severely affected almost all aspects of ordinary life. As the world continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the concerns that needs to be addressed is how to provide assistance to the Bangsamoro communities, especially to those who belong to the poorest of the poor or to those who are severely affected by the crisis.
Amid health crisis, there are members of the populace who demonstrated spirit of volunteerism— showing care, unity, and support for one another. The Filipinos have their “bayanihan” tradition, which is a perfect example of the spirit of communal unity, work, and cooperation to achieve a particular goal. In a crisis, some made it their goal to help their communities and provide support to marginalized families.
To show the spirit of volunteerism, a group of professionals from the Municipality of Malabang, Lanao del Sur, gathered together to demonstrate the spirit of “bayanihan” for their hometown. The group is called Paenday Ko Masa Organization. “Paenday ko Masa” is a M’ranao phrase, which means “Building Society.”
How they began.
On April 14, a group of professionals from the education and health sectors as well as community leaders met to discuss ideas and opinions on how they can address the needs of the poorest of the poor in their municipality. With shared commitment and desire to render service, they officially created their organization (Paenday Ko Masa).
Determined to achieve the organization’s goals, they started their operation to collect funds for their program entitled “Ramadhan Ayuda and CoViD-19 Relief Operation.” The program is focused on giving goods and other forms of assistance to the marginalised sectors. With their diligence in soliciting support from various donors, they were able to collect 309,000 pesos from April to May 2020. With these funds, they were able to reach more than one thousand (1,000) vulnerable families, provide two (2) ceiling fans in Masjids and support 150 Bilal and Imam. In addition, they also conducted several meetings, consultations and coordination activities for various purposes.
To date, they are in the 8th wave of their relief operation program. According to the acting head, Mr. Aquil S. Andong, “volunteerism is within in our heart.” He recalled that even during Marawi Siege, professionals have also conducted various activities to help the poorest of the poor and the Internally Displaced Populations.”
