People Power People Movement Write-ups

On August 21, 2003, the 20th death anniversary of Ninoy Aquino, his widow and former President Cory Aquino launched the People Power People Movement. I was part of the group that launched the movement.
I travelled with and wrote about the different communities that Mrs. Aquino visited prior to the launch. My work is posted on the People Power People website. The communities I wrote about are:

1. Bahay Pangarap
2. CRIBS
3. Cartwheel Foundation
4. Naga City's People Empowerment Program
5. Negros Kabisig Livelihood Foundation
6. Pasay City's Bayanihan Banking Program
7. Salba Dairy Cooperative

In this excerpt from the speech that she delivered that afternoon, President Aquino tells us the rationale and importance of having PPPM:

Today, I am formally launching the PEOPLE POWER PEOPLE MOVEMENT to honor Filipinos who have served their countrymen and women well - working quietly, willingly, neither seeking nor getting publicity, but making a real difference in their communities. They have brought health, livelihood, education, housing, and most important of all, hope and genuine empowerment, to our people - especially the poor, the neglected, the abused, and the oppressed.

I have decided to honor what I call People Power People in order to give all of us who love our country, especially our youth, another view of what is happening here, in spite of the gloom and doom that dominates our national consciousness. I want to share with all our people what is being done by many of our fellow Filipinos from all walks of life who have decided that all is not lost, that the Filipino is worth sacrificing their time, talent, and treasure for.

If only to prove that Ninoy did not die in vain, I would like to introduce to you today Filipinos who have untiringly dedicated their lives to the relentless pursuit of an overwhelming desire to serve others.