Since five months now, we have known these 220-250 families along Congressional Avenue and other roads, traversing this long boulevard (Munoz, Mindanao, Visayas, Tandang Sora - from end to end of Congressional). They live under the bridges, stay at the side streets, stay in the parked jeepneys. They are scavengers, jeepney drivers, or just doing nothing, looking for something to eat at the end of the day.

Because we were together for five months, we have known their personal stories, their quarrels, their tsismis, their love stories. One time earlier, we were there when one of them died in the hospital and we mourned together. Another time, they were rounded up by the police, brought to the QC Circle. So we waited until they came back after a few days.

But since our resources were meager, they all get 3-5 kilos of rice plus 3-4 sardines. Nothing more. One can just imagine to eat sardines for the last five months of your life. It is must be difficult. But they patiently wait for this bag every week of their lives. Sometimes, when our distribution was late, they stretched what they have for that week, hoping that we will come soon.

But this week was different.

A group of good Samaritans, the August birthday celebrants of the prayer group "Amazing Grace" initiated by Claire Ann Yap, and friends, Solita Tan Gatue and Jayson Tan, pooled their resources and came up with this bright idea – a big bag of vegetables and tuyo. What a meaningful way to celebrate birthdays. #VincentHelps is deeply grateful for your generosity.

Our friends, Ditsi Carolino and Aison Garcia (who are working in a vegetable distribution group) came to distribute with us the big bag of veggies for each family. That is a real treat for the hungry. Without these generous people, the hungry could never afford such a treat.  With that bag of veggies, their rice supply may last them for two weeks. And what a healthy treat. The lactating mothers are happy. And everybody too. At least they will not sleep with the sardines' taste in their mouths in the next few days.

Thanks you so much friends.

All are welcome to follow and support us @ #VincentHelps.

Daniel Franklin E. Pilario, CM
St Vincent School of Theology
Adamson University 
danielfranklinpilario@yahoo.com
08.16.2020