By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
MANILA — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Thursday (Sept. 5) hosted its Charity Summit with the aim of enlisting the support and cooperation of other stakeholders, while also mapping out strategies on improving the delivery of charity services in the country.
In his message, PCSO General Manager Melquiades “Mel” Robles stressed the importance of the summit even as he enumerated at least four of their stated goals.
The objectives include creating a powerful network that transcends boundaries, and connecting them to serve the most vulnerable in our society, and provide a platform for knowledge exchange among delegates.
They also intend to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in the delivery of charity programs and services.
Participants also discussed challenges and explored opportunities to advance the goals, initiatives, and advocacies of charitable institutions, and how they can make a difference on the lives of the people, especially the poor.
Robles emphasized “We have a unique opportunity to foster collaboration and strengthen the charitable sector. Through our combined efforts, we can contribute to the development of a more just, equitable, and compassionate society for all.
“As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. always says, “Sama sama tayong babangon muli tungo sa isang bagong Pilipinas! (Together we will rise again toward a new Philippines)”.
The event which was held at the Manila Hotel also kickstarted activities for the 90th Anniversary of the PCSO, which coincides with the National Day of Charity on October 30 as declared in Proclamation No. 598 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
With the theme “Building Bridges through Partnership and Cooperation with Charitable Institutions,” the summit gathered some 200 participants in a hybrid format.
Some of the participants include representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), charitable institutions, NGOs, PCSO partner agencies and other stakeholders.
Candidates of the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2024 also graced the event, as the pageant will award one of them as “Miss Charity”.
The winner of this special award will attend the National Day of Charity celebrations on October 30.