Converge fully embraces Unang Yakap program with Caritas Manila, built healthier communities in 2024

Converge and Caritas Manila worked together to build an Unang Yakap community in Baseco, Tondo, Manila. Using the funds generated from the company’s silent auction, Converge has taken 14 pregnant and breastfeeding moms under its care to help provide their nutritional and medical needs in the next 1000 days.

Beyond empowering the country through fiber broadband services, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has also been bringing new life into communities in line with its commitments in the name of sustainability.

With one of its pledges anchored on creating positive community impact, Converge collaborates with organizations in different sectors, leveraging its capabilities, to create more opportunities for Filipinos to thrive.

The welfare and development arm of the country’s Catholic Church, Caritas Manila, bears witness to the company’s efforts in this regard. Since 2023, they have worked with Converge to lend helping hands to underprivileged mothers under its program called Unang Yakap. 

The initiative was established to provide nutritional assistance to pregnant and breastfeeding moms, as well as their infants, from birth through the next 1000 days – a critical period for a child’s growth and development. 

Participating in this initiative contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), ensuring a healthier and hunger-free world for all.

Establishing an Unang Yakap Community

Taking its Unang Yakap efforts further, Converge completed a series of initiatives to continue supporting the program throughout 2024. Taking off from the celebration of Mother’s Day last year, Converge hosted a fundraiser with the help from the senior leaders under its women mentorship program, Grace Under Pressure: MentorSHE. 

Several leaders, led by Converge President and Co-Founder Grace Uy, donated pre-loved items which were sold in a silent auction within the company. Nearly 100 high-grade, secondhand goods were collected and auctioned off, which generated over P100,000 worth of donations by the end of the exhibition sale. 

The funds raised allowed Converge to formally sponsor 14 women in Baseco, Tondo, and assist Caritas Manila to officially establish an Unang Yakap community in the area.

As a benefactor of these women, Converge supports the continuity of their nutritional and medical needs. Every day, Caritas Manila organizes feeding programs in the community, providing these women with nutritious meals and vitamins. They also receive regular check-ups and free laboratory tests and are engaged in various educational seminars such as proper taking care of their babies. 

“Sobrang nakakatulong sa amin lalo na walang trabaho ‘yung mister ko. Nakakatulong po ‘yung feeding sa amin sa araw-araw lalo na sa mga bata. Pagdating sa kalusugan, nakakapagpa-konsulta kami sa doktor at may mga laboratory test din na libre,” said Michelle, one of the beneficiaries of the program.

Additionally, Converge introduced new income streams for these mothers, as it also previously conducted training on social media and sales. Through its prepaid broadband brand Surf2Sawa (S2S), Converge explained how they could earn extra income as sales agents or resellers of top-up load to subscribers. 

Sharing Warmth through Giving

During the recent holiday season, Converge also didn’t fail to spread some joy and love to the members of the community. Inviting all the volunteers, recipients, and their kids to a day of celebration, Converge hosted a fun-filled, gift-giving activity for them.

A handful of mentors and mentees from MentorSHE joined in the fun, getting together with the mothers and their little ones through dance, games, and raffle prizes. No one went home empty-handed as everyone received Noche Buena packages from the company.

“Masaya kami kasi may natanggap kaming biyaya at may nag-share ng blessings sa amin,” shared Joan, one of Baseco’s Unang Yakap beneficiaries. 

“Natutuwa kami na bilang lider sa Converge, nakakatulong din kami sa kababaihan sa Baseco lalo na sa pag-nourish sa kanilang mga anak. Tuloy-tuloy ang programa na ito at sana marami pa kaming matulungang mga nanay sa Tondo,” said Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado, who is also takes part in MentorSHE as a mentor.

With renewed hope and a stronger sense of community, the mothers left the celebration not only with gifts but also with the hope of a better future, knowing that despite financial barriers, good health and well-being is within reach with the aid of organizations that truly care.