In a bid to improve the well-being of underprivileged families in Manila, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has teamed up with Caritas Manila to establish the Unang Yakap community at Baseco Compound, Tondo. Officially launched on 28 August 2024, the initiative focuses on delivering sustainable healthcare and nutritional support to pregnant and lactating mothers, along with their children, in one of the city’s most disadvantaged areas.
Converge, a leading fiber broadband provider, spearheaded this project as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. The Unang Yakap initiative is designed to address urgent health needs in the community, targeting vulnerable mothers and infants who face nutritional challenges due to poverty.
The launch of this project follows a fundraising campaign led by Converge President and Co-Founder Maria Grace Uy, along with women leaders from the company’s mentorship program, Grace Under Pressure: MentorSHE. The group held a silent auction, where high-value items were donated and sold to support the healthcare and nutrition needs of the selected beneficiaries in Baseco. The funds raised from this event will be used to sustain the healthcare efforts within the Unang Yakap community.
“Good health and nutrition is essential for creating a stronger and more successful community. As an organization motivated to empower the country, we want to contribute in creating a solid foundation for the health of these mothers and their children, especially in the early stages of their lives,” said Uy.
Converge has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, and this project reflects that commitment. Jay-Anne Encarnado, Converge’s VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations, highlighted the company’s mission to extend this advocacy to communities in need, such as Baseco.
The collaboration between Converge and Caritas Manila is aligned with the company’s goal of creating a positive community impact. It also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 3, which focus on Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-being.
As part of the Unang Yakap program, the women leaders and mentees from MentorSHE actively participated in a feeding program, preparing meals for the community. Caritas Manila Damayan Program Manager Gilda Garcia expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support, noting that Converge employees went above and beyond in their efforts to contribute to the welfare of the mothers and children in the community.
In addition to the feeding program, healthcare kits were distributed to the beneficiaries, and the mothers received training on social media as a potential livelihood source. The training, facilitated by JK2L2 Distributorship, a Converge partner, focused on helping participants learn the basics of social media management, marketing, and avoiding online scams.
Caritas Manila has been a long-standing partner of Converge in delivering aid to disadvantaged communities. Since 2023, the two organizations have collaborated on various charity activities, reinforcing their shared commitment to improving the lives of the less fortunate in the Philippines.
The Unang Yakap initiative not only brings immediate health benefits to the Baseco community but also equips its members with skills and knowledge to improve their socio-economic conditions. Through this partnership, Converge and Caritas Manila continue to work hand in hand in creating lasting positive change for those who need it most.