FOR millions of Filipinos living in poverty, a single opportunity to build a sustainable livelihood can open the door to a brighter future. Pure Bayanihan, a US-registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, aims to combat poverty in the Philippines.
The organization has started a nationwide effort with the objective of establishing 1 million new livelihoods to solve the ongoing economic difficulties that many Filipinos, particularly those living in rural regions, experience.
Despite a drop in the poverty rate from 18.1 percent in 2021 to 15.5 percent in 2022, over 17.5 million Filipinos continue to face financial hardship. By giving people and families the resources and assistance they require to become financially independent, Pure Bayanihan’s sustainable livelihood initiatives bridge this gap.
Rooted in the Filipino tradition of “Bayanihan” — solidarity and neighborly support — Pure Bayanihan builds skills, fosters entrepreneurship and connects communities to resources, driving resilience and growth.
Barry Harrigan, chairman of Pure Bayanihan, encapsulated the organization’s mission: “The fact is that some Filipinos are just one storm away from having nothing; they might also be one hand up away from getting out of nothing. Filipinos, with a little help, could make a big recovery from hardships and lift themselves up. Our effort has really been about perfecting the ways in which we could give them a hand up and put them on a good track.”
Transforming lives across the Philippines
Since its founding, Pure Bayanihan has significantly impacted 50 communities, benefiting 1,898 families and 9,490 individuals. Among its standout programs is an initiative empowering widows and single mothers through skills training, enabling them to establish small businesses and achieve financial independence.
In Baseco, Manila, Pure Bayanihan combats poverty and pollution by turning waste into valuable products. In Iloilo, the organization supports kangkong farmers, enhancing their income and contributing to regional food security. These efforts reflect its holistic approach to addressing social, environmental and economic challenges.
Scaling impact with tech-driven solutions
The innovative approach of Pure Bayanihan extends to tech-led solutions, thanks to its collaboration with Pure Incubation Ventures, a tech-focused venture firm and one of its founding partners. One notable project tackles a critical challenge for farmers in Pangasinan by constructing a solar dryer. This durable concrete structure helps farmers dry their rice grains efficiently, improving productivity and reducing post-harvest losses.
By integrating technology into traditional livelihoods, Pure Bayanihan enhances the efficiency and sustainability of its initiatives. The organization is committed to sharing more about these tech-driven programs, which aim to create lasting, meaningful impact for Filipino communities.
Upcoming initiatives
Building on its successes, Pure Bayanihan is broadening its impact with a range of new initiatives designed to empower communities and foster economic independence. In Tanay, Rizal, the organization is preserving cultural heritage while creating livelihood opportunities through traditional “hilot” healing skills training, enabling indigenous communities to commercialize this ancient practice. In Ilocos Sur, sugarcane farmers are equipped with juicing tools to boost their productivity and profitability. In Navotas City, stay-at-home mothers are being supported with entrepreneurial opportunities through a washing machine vending business program, providing them with a sustainable source of income while addressing community needs.
All administrative costs for Pure Bayanihan are covered by its founders and sustaining supporters, ensuring that 100 percent of donations go directly toward programs aimed at addressing poverty. These initiatives range from skills training to technology-driven solutions, aiming to create meaningful change for individuals and communities across the Philippines.
Addressing the limits of the Bayanihan spirit
While the Bayanihan spirit is a powerful symbol of unity, it must be complemented by systemic reforms to address structural challenges like poverty, governance inefficiencies and inadequate infrastructure. Subtle critiques, as seen in recent X posts, emphasize the need to move beyond celebrating Filipino resilience and instead focus on addressing the root causes of these challenges. While the Bayanihan spirit fosters solidarity, it cannot replace the need for policy reforms, better governance, and systemic solutions to address societal problems effectively. There is a continuing need to balance traditional community support with systemic changes to achieve sustainable development.
To support or learn more about Pure Bayanihan’s transformative work, visit www.purebayanihan.org.
Be the first to comment