Puso Sa Puso – charity, children, slums, parola, salvatorians, catholic, youth, education

Puso sa Puso Edukasyon Inc.,

shares the mission and vision as well the spirituality of the Society of the Divine Savior, the international religious community composed by priests, brothers, sisters and lay people, that’s why is under its guidance and support, is a corporation duly established under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is a non-stock and non-profit corporation under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.

About us

Alsa in the Filipino language means to “lift up, or carry”, while Buhay means “life”. These words are rarely used in conjunction in the Filipino language, and yet used together as here, they capture with uncanny precision the goal of the project: To uplift the future lives of Filipino youth by way of education.

We, Puso Sa Puso Edukasyon Inc. set up this educational project in the Parola slum of Manila to offer people a way out of structural poverty. As it is not educational institute as such that are lacking in Manila, we focus on assisting slum children to take the Accreditation and Equivalency Examination (the equivalent of a long-term school education) rather than on building a new school. The project’s basic concept is to establish a prototype learning centre that shall offer the functions and operations of private alternative learning system delivery centers for out-of-school youth, but provide the services for free.

The target group of the Puso-sa-Puso Learning Centre shall be children who are of age to graduate from elementary or secondary school (median age will be between 11-14 and 16-19 respectively). Older children with potential shall also be considered, the main criteria being the desire and capacity to learn and pass. During the first year (in 2010), the service will be offered to 100 children. Thereafter the volume will increase by 50% per annum with an end target of 500 children within the 5th year of operation (2014).

Our Values

Education: A Right for Everyone

Puso sa Puso Edukasyon Inc., shares the mission and vision as well the spirituality of the Society of the Divine Savior, the international religious community composed by priests, brothers, sisters and lay people, that’s why is under its guidance and support.

Puso sa Puso Edukasyon Inc., is a corporation duly established under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Puso sa Puso Edukasyon Inc. is a non-stock and non-profit corporation under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.

CREDO

We believe that we are all children of God Who created us in His own image and likeness, loves each one of us in a personal and caring way, and destined us all to be happy with Him forever in His Kingdom.

We believe that He created the world and all its resources for all of Humankind, so that each of us can develop ourselves to our full human potential in working for the establishment of His Kingdom.

And, finally, we believe that this development can only be done in the context of responsible stewardship of God’s creation, and mutual help and sharing from those who have more in life to those who have less in earthly possessions.

VISION

With this Credo in mind, Puso sa Puso Edukasyon, Inc., envisions a caring and nurturing society wherein each individual is given a fair chance in self-development and to achieve the peak of his potential, irregardless of personal circumstance. Special attention is given to the young in this endeavor, especially to those who have less in life from those who have more. Thus ennobled and developed, each individual then shall more readily and ably perform the unique task and duty assigned to him by His Creator in the building up of the Kingdom of God.

MISSION

In fulfilment of this Vision and in accordance with its Credo, Puso sa Puso Edukasyon, Inc. shall do the following:

Embark into awareness and advocacy programs among the different sectors of society of the need to educate, develop and empower all individuals, particularly the youth and disadvantaged;
Make available to such persons education, training programs, workshops and seminars that impart not only the needed skills, knowledge and attitudes in the work place, but also authentically human values which shall always provide the base and context of technology and knowledge;
Develop, collaborate with and if necessary operate programs that uplift the human condition, alleviate poverty, and impart unto the individual the dignity he has as a child of God; and
Link up and collaborate with schools, NGO’s, corporations, foundations, civic society, religions and individuals who share our Vision, to harness their goodwill and resources towards the achievement of this Vision.

Our Staff

Fr. Artur Chrzanowski, SDS

President

• Direction of Puso sa Puso Board

• Strategic Planning

• Fundraising & Budgeting

• Communication

• Representation with official entities

• Annual Christmas Party Organizer (w. Vice-President)

Christian Inocencio

Vice President

• Supporting of the Chairman and taking over during his absence

• Human Resources Management

• Signing and evaluation of all employment contracts

• Payment of salaries and disbursement of money for the project and activities

• Annual Christmas Party Organizer

• Website design and Update; Technical IT Support

Sr. Frances Mangabat, SDS

Project Leader

• Reports to the President

• Project coordination

• Direct monitoring, supervising and implementation of the project in ALSA BUHAY Learning Center in Payatas

• Collection/Analysis/Submission to the President of the monthly reports from IM’s and Social Worker in Payatas

• Supervision of the implementation of Awareness and Formation Programs for beneficiaries and their families

Sr. Mila Singap, FLP

Project Coordinator

• Reports to the President and to the Project Leader

• Direct monitoring, supervising and implementation of the project in ALSA BUHAY Learning Center in Parola

• Collection/Analysis/Submission to the President of the monthly reports from IM’s and Social Worker in Parola

• Development of a Life Skills Training Program for ALSA BUHAY Learners

• Supervision of the International Volunteers in Parola

• Development and Management of Scholarships Programs

Joceline Basconcillo & Jennifer Basconcillo

Social Workers

• Monitor the condition of ALSA BUHAY Learners and their families in all aspects: education, physical, social, values

• Foster parents’ and community involvement in promoting the program

• Implement Child Development Program and all its services (educational, physical/health services, leadership and social activities, values formation activities)

• Implement the Parents Awareness Program; Develop and coordinate activities and projects for the Learners

• Conduct regular meetings with Learners, their Parents and the Community

Mylene Ballaran | Darren Ilarina | Bryan Gler

Instructional Managers : Parola Center

• Tutoring and Teaching of Groups and Individuals

• Develop and coordinate activities and projects for the Learners

• Conduct regular meetings with Learners and their Parents

• Submit monthly and annual reports

Jeremie Cruz | Carolyn Maches | Edwin Guevarra

Instructional Managers : Payatas Center

• The teachers are trained by the Department of Education of the Philippines.

• The training provides the skills to properly conduct classes for Alternative Learning System as well as to ensure that the students have the same competencies and learning given in formal schooling.

• At the end of the first training, the Department of Education awarded Puso Sa Puso Edukasyon, Inc. a certificate which proves that the organization is a duly recognized and registered ALS provider in the country.

Lucita Lachica

Livelihood Coordinator

• Leads the development of an appropriate Food and Sustainable Livelihood intervention strategy within the organization that includes early recovery, disaster risk reduction and community development.

Daniel | Fabian | Michael

International Volunteers : Parola Center

• Visit Pre-School age children under 6 of the area at their homes giving them Basic Education in English and Tagalog.

Eva & Larissa

International Volunteers : Payatas Center

• Visit Pre-School age children under 6 of the area at their homes giving them Basic Education in English and Tagalog.

Contact us

Get in touch with us at any time if you have a question, want to make an inquiry, or say hello.

11 Nicanor Reyes St., Xavierville II, Loyola Heights,

Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila, Philippines

pusosapuso@gmail.com

+63 2 386 6234 (9:00 – 17:00)

Support us

We are grateful for any help extended to us.
Thank you very much.

Account Name: PUSO SA PUSO EDUKASYON INC.

Bank of the Philippine Islands

Branch 0257-North Greenhills
G/F Greentop Condominium
Ortigas Avenue Greenhills San Juan City
Philippines

SWIFT CODE : BOPIPHMM

Australian Dollars Savings Account – 002574-0316-16

Euro Savings Account – 002574-0316-08

Peso Savings Account – 002573-1415-66

Projects

Awarness

LIFE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM

Capacity building and empowerment of ALSA BUHAY beneficiaries are essential elements to ensure the effectiveness, relevance and sustainability of the program.

Every two weeks, on Saturday (24 sessions/year), all beneficiaries of ALSA BUHAY Program have obligation to attend a 7 hours training day. In order to reduce the number of drop-out-beneficiaries, PUSO SA PUSO EDUKASYON, INC. has reinforced the formation of its beneficiaries, providing them a holistic program, based on the Personal Development of each one of them and requires also their active participation.

This Life Skills Training Program is based on three different activities:

the Values Formation conducted by Salvatorian Brothers,
the Modules of Personnal Development,
the Art and Talent Workshop.

PARENTS AND LEARNERS AWARENESS PROGAM

The program is meant to enlighten the parents that ALS learning process of their children has a positive socio-economic impact on their lives.

The program consists of six sessions to be attended by parents of the ALSA BUHAY Learners.

The first part of this sessions feature social and cultural development that makes education an acceptable pathway for upgrading their socio-economic conditions in a family where education is considered a luxury. It is conducted by licensed social workers.
The second set of seminars is a programme intended to make the parents understand that bringing children into the world has an attendant responsibility for the welfare and development of their children, including making sure they grow to be morally upright and responsible regardless of their economic status in life. This programme is handled by Fr. Artur’s group.
The Program includes also meetings gathering both, parents and learners, on different topics: acquisition of new knowledge on social interaction; parent management (how they can handle their own family, especially their children); process of knowing yourself and how to develop your self-esteem; Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC); activities on specific aspects of children’s rights: survival, development, protection and participation aspects.

Education

ALSA BUHAY

Alternative Learning System Approach:

Bridging Unlimited Hope for the Advancement of Youth

Key Program of PUSO SA PUSO EDUKASYON, INC., the project ALSA BUHAY aims to provide a framework for supporting out-ofschool youth to complete basic education through the ALS (Alternative Learning System), a Philippine government programme that awards certificates of equivalency for elementary and secondary school diplomas.

Our Centers in Payatas & Parola

ESKWELAHAN NG BUHAY

Preschool Program

Our International Volunteers (from 18 to 29 years old) undergo trainings on the practice of preschool teaching, before to hold lessons for children who are between three and six years old. The program aims to give these children the same chance than the ones going to kindergarten, by providing them basic education for free (Alphabet, numbers, colors, social skills, calculation…).

Our Volunteers

BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

A Special Training

The students of this program, from 8 years old to 45 years old, go every Friday to the ALSA BUHAY Centers of Parola and Payatas, where they undergo special training adapted to their academic level. This program aims to help them to acquire the basic knowledge and skills, that will allow them to better integrate into the economic and social system. We are perfectly aware that these learners will not be able to reach the level required to pass the examination, but alone the results of this program and the amazing progress made by the beneficiaries fully justify the attention that we give them.

Social Programs

FEEDING PROGRAM

Four times a day, a substantial snack is given to every Learner.

Two teams of volunteers, one for the morning and one for the afternoon, are in charge of preparing and cooking the food. The Program aims to improve the nutrition of our beneficiaries.

LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM

This program aims to give our beneficiaries the knowledge and skills to start a generating income activity so they can improve their living conditions.

Some examples of this program are soap making and basic culinary. Other important lectures are also being conducted like the financial education seminar that aims to teach effective budgeting and discussing the difference between wants and needs. Bracelet making – activity that can be learned during one of the sessions of the livelihood program.

HEALTH CARE PROGRAM

The aim of the program is to improve our learners’ health condition in order to enable them back to school. Some have never been to school and others dropped out, not only because of financial challenges but due to health related problems as well.

Project objectives: Bring them Education in terms of health; Make them aware of their health status and accompany them when it is needed to get the adequate treatment; Prevent risk behaviors; Provide them basic health care; Improve their oral and dental health; Increase knowledge regarding HIV and STD.

The Healthy Smile Project

Most of our beneficiaries lack education regarding dental health and the majority have never seen a dentist for consultation in their entire life
Logically, some of them suffer oral problems, including bad breath, dry mouth, canker, cold sores, tooth decay, or thrush, which may result in physical pain or discomfort.
In many cases, this leads to low self-esteem, particularly among the teenagers, and sometimes even affects their studies.
However, all these oral and dental diseases are treatable with proper diagnosis and good oral hygiene habits.
Early intervention with basic care, education for parents and children, plus distribution of oral hygiene supplies, can make a difference now and in the future.
Thanks to our International network of benefactors and volunteers, we are able to organize visits to a dentist for those of our beneficiaries who need it and to provide them the adequate dental cares for free.

Medical Missions

Puso sa Puso Edukasyon Inc. organizes Medical Missions for our beneficiaries by implementing partnerships with Caritas Novaliches and the Rotary Club Manila.

Since most of our beneficiaries can not afford to pay for a medical consultation, the idea is to provide them quality healthcare services for free, to enhance preventative care and to achieve long term and self-sustaining healthy communities in Parola and Payatas.

The AIDS epidemic in the Philippines has been rapidly changing in the past five years. The increase in the number of new HIV infections is at a place the country has never seen before. From one new case every three days in year 2000, to one new case every three hours by the end of 2011.

Since the Philippines is at a critical point, Puso sa Puso edukasyon, Inc. has decided to join the efforts made by the Government and the International Community to be able to track the magnitude of the growing epidemic.

In this way, we systematicaly propose our beneficiaries (with the consent of their parents/guardians when they are under majority) and their families to undergo a Free HIV Screening Test to make them aware of their health status and we continue accompanying them after it whatever the results are.

MOTHER & CHILD PROGRAM

The program is an integration of the scientific practices of the stages of motherhood with Spirituality and Gospel Values.

Goal: To gain a holistic formation as young mothers: life-giving stewards who are: Knowledgeable, Responsible, Nurturing and Accountable.

As young mothers they:

May be able to know God who is the Source of Life.
May be given deeper consciousness and awareness of their identity and role as Stewards of the life entrusted to them through a regular monthly spiritual input.
May gain knowledge on the basic steps of nurturing and care from conception to birth and after birth.
May become accountable and responsible Stewards – mothers by updating themselves with basic knowledge on the care for children and family.

Scholarship

We continue to support the former beneficiaries of the ALSA BUHAY Program in their efforts to effectively go back to the formal school, even after the end of the 12 months-Program, by offering scholarships to the most disserving ones.

Our scholars are selected upon four main criterias: indigency, family situation, motivation, and academic performance.

John Carl Ayaton

When his mother died few years ago, John Carl (8) stayed with his father, while Tanding, his younger brother, went to another province to live with her grandmother (the one of the mother’s side). Since then, the two brothers have not seen each other again. The father of John Carl has sometimes a violent behavior and her new live-in partner, Janeth, does not accept to live in the same house as John Carl. The little boy feels safe only when he is with Evangeline, the mother of Janeth, who feels affection for him. In fact, she raises him as her own son and takes care of him. But, Evangeline, who is now 78 years old, cannot afford to enroll him in school because of her financial situation. John Carl is a really sweet and smiling little boy, who dreams to have the chance to go to school one day. This year, he is participating to a program that Puso sa Puso Edukasyon, Inc. has set up in order to provide basic education to around 80 children between 3 and 8 years old.

Alvin Monte

Sonia, the mother of Alvin comes from the island of Negros, in the Visayas region. When she was 17, she left her province to work in Manila as a Housemaid. That is where she met Angelito, her husband. The couple married twenty years ago. Together they have 4 children, three girls and a boy. The family was happy until their situation brutally changed, when Angelito has got sick three years ago. According to the doctors, he has tuberculosis, a very incapacitating sickness that avoids him to work. Sonia, the mother of Alvin, is sick as well and is not capable anymore to go the nearest neighborhood of Divisoria, where she was used to sell ears of corn. As a consequence, the family lives from now on in a situation of indigence and the parents cannot afford to send their children to school because of the lack of incomes. According to his former teachers, Alvin is an incredible fast learner and he is highly motivated to study. Logically, he dreams to become later on a teacher.

Janelle Carla Arevalo

In 2010, when she was in 4th Year high School, Janelle, 22 years old, had to suspend her studies because of financial problems. Indeed, her father got tuberculosis, a very incapacitating sickness, and was not able to work anymore. To support financially her family, Janelle moved to Parola, where was living her auntie, and got a job as Saleslady in an Office Supplies Shop. Few months after her arrival, she met Jhemel, her partner. Together, they got a baby, Lian Nathalie, who is now 3 years old. Even if they do not see each other more than two days every week (Jhemel works as a Timekeeper in a construction company in the city of Antipolo located at several hours from Parola – and goes back home only during the week-end), the couple is struggling to raise her daughter and to give her the best possible education. Janelle, is a really responsible young mother. Although the Life has not always treat her kindly and even if she had to sacrifice her studies in order to support her family, Janelle keeps believing in a better future for her and her little daughter.

Charity Christmas Party

Since 2008, our yearly goal is to provide an unforgettable Christmas Party for at least 1,000 less fortunate children in Metro Manila. Several hundreds of volunteers chaperon every year the children with games, food, clowns, and a two-hour stage presentation. The show has singers, dancers, animal tricks, and other performers who keep the children entertained until the main attraction: a supper of spaghetti, roasted chicken, fruit, and soft drinks. Several thousand pounds of food are prepared and served by a small army of cooks. At the end of the Christmas Party, each child receives a gift bundles containing sandals and school supplies.

PUSO SA PUSO 2017

December 02, 2017 Quezon City, Philippines

PUSO SA PUSO 2016

December 03, 2016

A. Mabini Elementary School

The annual Puso Sa Puso Charity Christmas Party came about. It was held at A. Mabini Elementary School in Quezon City last December 03, 2016. This is the 9th year of bringing happiness to children especially those underprivileged and comes from poor families. More than one thousand children participated in the event with hundreds of volunteers and staff of Puso Sa Puso Edukasyon, Inc. and English Language Development Program who made the event successful and evocative. Indeed, the smiles, laughter, and joy in the heart of the children are among the gist of the Christmas season.

PUSO SA PUSO 2015

December 05, 2015

Manuel Roxas High School

Once again, in the spirit of giving and sharing this Christmas season, the annual Puso sa Puso Charity Christmas Party came about. It was held at Manuel Roxas High School in Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City last December 05, 2015. This is the 8th year of bringing happiness to children especially those underprivileged and comes from poor families. Almost one thousand children participated in the event with hundreds of volunteers and staff of Puso sa Puso Edukasyon, Inc. and English Language Development Program who made the event successful and evocative. Indeed, the smiles, laughter, and joy in the heart of the children are among the gist of the Christmas season.

PUSO SA PUSO 2014

December 06, 2014

The Cathedral and Parish of the Good Shepherd, Quezon City

When you hear people talking about the Puso sa Puso Christmas Party already in mid-October – at a time when in other countries nobody would think of Christmas – you get an idea, how long the organization and how much all are looking forward to this party. This year it took place on December 06 at The Cathedral and Parish of the Good Shepherd in Quezon City. Around 1,000 kids participated, particularly from families from the very poor Barangay Payatas. After lunch a varied program was offered to them: Besides acrobats, a ventriloquist and some dances that the Salvatorians themselves presented, the children were most enthusiastic about the magician who could even conjure pigeons out of all kind of objects.

PUSO SA PUSO 2013

November 30, 2013

Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Elementary School, Quezon City

PUSO SA PUSO 2012

December 01, 2012

PUSO SA PUSO 2011

December 03, 2011