October 15th is 

 with the main theme on Poverty. Below depicts the poverty in Philippines.

As a third world country, Philippines, is not an exemption in the poverty list. There are hundred thousands of people not eating when you have completed six meals a day. They shiver at night and heavily sweat at day time as their own skin wither as a result of varying temperatures. You can see their dry, cracked heels strongly stepping on rocky soil and hard pavement. They sleep against each other to maximize the space of what they have for shelter and drink thirstily of the little water allocated for them.

I have witnessed all of these back home. I can read on their faces that they are used to what little they have continuing to strive everyday for their own lives. It is as if this is their meaning of beautiful life. I have visited countless of what they call “home” accompanied by a certain aroma that smells like garbage. Despite the hardships, they still manage to smile widely up to their ears and I would smile back at them. In my eyes, they are like gems with so much power. A certain power that I tend to absorbed everytime I see them, the power of change.

There are so many ways that millions of people can help the unfortunate and the oppressed. It is not enough to give them what they need. I think what they need most is guidance. When donating some money, why not share a few minutes with them, talk them through on how they will use it, where can they buy the cheapest food and clothes, or share some thoughts on the brighter side of life. Another vital information to spread is the importance of education. Most of them do not know that primary or secondary education is free in public schools. If only they can be educated at least up to elementary, their vision to strive more can be a start of something. In return, there are so many things to learn from them and it would take only a few seconds out of the busy life that we have.

There are a lot of wonderful volunteer organizations in the Philippines that one can actively participate during free time. Some of my favorites are Hands on Manila and Gawad Kalinga. It has no pressure on the individual, just yourself ready to share and help the most needy ones. It always start from within. Eventually, with great number of hands, that is where big change can be accomplished. It has always been. So what about starting now?