Erratum

In the article titled “What Does the World Food Program do in Mindanao?” (Jeepney Magazine, issue “Tired of War”, p25), the caption states “The World Food Programme in partnership with the International Red Cross, provides rice to evacuees in Mamasapano, Maguindanao,” with a photograph depicting some ICRC staff preparing supplies for distribution.

The article title should be “What Does the World Food Programme Do in Mindanao?”

While the WFP coordinates with ICRC as well as with other humanitarian organizations for food distribution, in truth, WFP is in partnership with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) and the Philippine Government regarding food distribution.

We apologize for these errors.

Filed under: Announcements

Jeepney’s 7th issue is out!

Tired of War is Jeepney’s latest issue, released this week. In this issue, Jeepney captured the stories of those affected by the conflict in Mindanao.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) recorded a total of 693,158 Internally Displaced People (IDP) from August 2008 to May 2009 alone, a number continually increasing as the armed conflict between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and government forces escalates, with an estimate of 240,000 civilians still displaced in 127 evacuation centers over 8 provinces in Mindanao.

Our vendor, Emily Reyes, is featured as our vendor partner for this issue. She is the vendor who returned a lost wallet in Eastwood last week. (Click here to read the story)

Spaces for Peace is featured in the Who’s Helping section. Launched by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate’s Inter-religious Dialogue, the GiNaPaLadTaKa Spaces for Peace is a community driven project to establish zones of peace in 7 barangays in North Cotabato, both recognized by government forces and MILF.

Jeepney also featured the UN World Food Programme and its participation to address food security in Mindanao through different programs such as free food distribution, food for work and food for training.

Jeepney also added a new section called Inspirations. In this issue, Jeepney had Jessie Lichauco, 97, relive her memories of the Japanese occupation.

On July 4, 2009, fire swept through the Agham Road Settlement in Quezon City. The Jeepney has been following the developments going on after the fire specifically looking at the Pegar family’s struggle to build and start again.

Other stories in the magazine include Normalcy of Fear, a story of refugee from Zamboanga Del Sur, and on the lighter side, the Last Laugh, a hilarious account of a missionary in the Philippines.

Click here to find out where to buy the magazine.

Filed under: Announcements

Biggest One-Day Sale Ever

We had our biggest one-day sale ever for two people. Last Saturday, at Eastwood Mall, Emily sold 64 magazines while Dante sold 32. Emily’s sixty-four magazines, P3200, garnered her eight times the minimum wage.

The Jeepney, a member of the International Network of Street Papers (INSP), is sold for P100 and our vendors keep half of the proceeds.

The Eastwood locale is full of young professionals that are between 20 to 35 years old. They are the market that supports Jeepney. It may be the most encouraging sign I have seen in the Philippines, not just for us for we are a small piece, but for the country.

The youth of the Philippines are socially interested and socially responsible. That may not be unusual. But the fact that this segment of the population will be the voting majority in 2010, is unusual. It means the Philippines have young, educated, social caring people who are also the majority. The future is in their hands.

The only thing keeping us from employing more street and homeless people is safe and legal places for them to sell, places like Eastwood. We have the support of the majority. Help us use that support and provide jobs that move people into homes, provide education, and change their lives for the better.

—W.Shaw

Filed under: Updates on the Foundation

Lost Wallet

I think what Emily did was unusual. Three times in the past year I have returned to establishments to look for sunglasses. I have a problem with leaving my sunglasses on coffee tables. Three times my sunglasses have disappeared and no one has a clue.

Monday morning our social worker brought up a story that took place over the weekend. Emily was selling the Jeepney at Eastwood Mall and she found a wallet. Someone had dropped it. There was no picture ID or identification, but there was money and of course there was the leather wallet.

“Don’t turn it in.” Someone said. “If you do, they will just keep it.”

But Emily waited, thinking the person may come back. And sure enough an hour later she spotted someone looking around as if they had lost something.

Long story short, the wallet was returned. The woman wanted to give Emily a reward, but Emily said, “No, you need the money and I need the money. How about if you just buy a magazine?”

The lady bought three.

The guard, who has been stationed there, has been a bit concerned about our vendors, who in the recent past were homeless street people. Emily’s honesty has won him over.

— W.Shaw

Filed under: Stories

Jeepney in malls

Jeepney magazines are once more available at Park Square 1 with another booth set up from July 16 to August 1.

Two vendors are available daily from 10 am to 9pm to tell their stories and explain how a single purchase of a street paper can impact their lives.

All six issues of the street magazine are available at the booth. Fifty percent of the vendors’ sales will go directly to them.

Jeepney magazines will also be available at a booth in front of Eastwood City Cinemas from August 1 to 15.

Urban Opportunities for Change Foundation, Inc. is the publisher of Jeepney Magazine, the first street paper in developing Asia. The Foundation is recognized by the Homeless World Cup to organize the Philippine Homeless Team and establish a social impact using football.

Filed under: Announcements