The Story of Jay-Jay
Pondo ng Pinoy’s First “saint”

As inspired by the Homily of
+Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales
on the occasion of the 2nd Anniversary of
Pondo ng Pinoy, June 17, 2006
written by: Lisa Bueno

“We can do no great things,” said Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, “only little things with great love.”

    The story of young Jay-jay is, in essence, the story of Pondo ng Pinoy, a story of little things, done with great love. Jay-jay, a child in the 5th grade, in all his youthful wisdom understood the theology of Pondo ng Pinoy – of how small things, given with great love and concern for others, can change the world for the better. Each day, he would gather all the 25-centavo coins he could find, to drop into a small, empty mineral water bottle that stood on his mother’s desk at her office. Remembering his teacher’s admonition that the bottles should be filled with small amounts every day instead of in a rush at the last day of submission, he would fill it slowly, day by day, with whatever amounts he could offer as a small sacrifice for the sake of others. He even went as far to refuse the payment of P5.00 from a friend of his mother for a little service he rendered, “Beinte singko na lang po, para sa Pondo ng Pinoy” was his rejoinder to the offer.

    Heaven, it seemed, could wait no longer to have this dear child in the company of the angels. A disease similar to leukemia spread quickly through his body. Yet even when confined to his sickbed at the height of his illness, Jay-jay’s thoughts were never far from his little bottle of coins. Murmuring to his mother, he would ask, not for toys or books or food but for his little bottle: “Mommy, akin na, pupunuin ko ‘yun para sa amin ni Jesus.” His mother learned to see, through her son’s eyes, the slowly-filling bottle not as a discarded piece of refuse, but as a vessel of love and a symbol of compassion.

    Today, Jay-jay sits at the feet of Christ, and is embraced by the arms of the Savior he loved with all his innocent and trusting soul. His memory lives on, though, not only in his beloved mother’s heart, but in the hearts of all those who see in Pondo ng Pinoy the chance “to do small things with great love”, and to change the world one small loving step at a time. Jay-jay’s love story – for it is indeed a story of love – inspires everyone to look upon the humble containers bearing the Pondo ng Pinoy logo as the Hand of God extended in abiding love and unfailing mercy. His story caused Cardinal Rosales, the father of Pondo ng Pinoy to declare joyfully, “We have our first “saint!” as he asked us to commit to our hearts the gentle words of innocent faith”: Pupunuin ko ‘yun, para sa amin ni Jesus.

    The new face of Hapag-asa is the face of Empoy, a young boy with polio who did not smile or laugh.   But his Hapag-asa meals enriched with vitameal have turned him into the smiling, animated boy in the picture who was the highlight of his mother’s testimonial sharing during the Hapag-asa Caravan program held on February 10, 2007.

    The day began with Diocesan groups from the north and south converging at Guadalupe Brdige. Leading the caravan were the mother and child higantes of Antipolo with banners proclaiming “Maternal health” and “Reduce child mortality.”  At the San Carlos Seminary gym, the group celebrated the volunteerism and dedication that is the hallmark of the Hapag-Asa feeding program with a Eucharistic Celebration with main presiders Bishop Pedro D. Arigo, D.D. of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa and Bishop Leo M. Drona, D.D. of the Diocese  of San Pablo and Fr. Anton C. T. Pascual of Caritas Manila and concelebrated by priest representatives from the PnP dioceses.  
  
    A parade of diocesan flags signaled the beginning of a joyous program of dances, skits and testimonials from each participating diocese. But before this, Ms. Bell Lafuente of Assisi Foundation gave an update on the accomplishments of the Hapag-asa program.  To date, Hapag-asa has fed over 75,000 children with the help of 37 dioceses and various local government units, schools, NGOs and religious organizations. She reminded the participants that much still needs to be done with a target of 120,000 children for the year.  The program was animated by the emceeing of Fr. Anton and Mrs. Susan de la Cruz of the Diocese of Kalookan. The dance numbers of the childrenof the Dioceses of Cubao, Parañaque, Novaliches and Antipolo showed the difference improved nutrition makes through their energetic movements and bright expressions.  Mothers and grandmothers alike showed the lively voluntary spirit with their enthusiastic dancing and touching stories of health restored, faith strengthened and lives transformed by the Hapag-asa program.  Pop singers from GMA’s Pinoy Pop Superstars were on hand to enliven the show with their stirring ballads.  Video presentations from the other dioceses gave the experience of being on-site with their pictures of their feeding program and varied celebrations.  The smile of Empoy said it for all - Hapag-asa’s feeding program is well worth the effort because a child’s life is too precious to waste.

    St. Hannibal Subdivision Phase 1, marked its inauguration last November 2, 2006 at BRGY. 156 Tramo, Pasay City with the presence of His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, D.D.  who  cut  the ceremonial ribbon together with  Fr. Joey Tuazon,  the Rogationist Fathers and many other guests as witnesses to the grace-filled event.  This memorable moment is the start of a new life for almost 300 beneficiaries, who were left homeless last December 21, 2005 when a huge fire  raged through  their community.  The joy of 34 new houses, and the promise of a new life became a reality through the help of Pondo ng Pinoy, Habitat for Humanity - Philippines,  the Pasay City Local Government, St. Hannibal Empowerment Center and many friends who supported the effort to build decent houses for the community. Five  months of intensive labor by the homeowners and their neighbors turned their dreams into reality.
During the celebration tokens were given to the new homeowners (bible, keys, collection cans for PnP) by  Ambassador Henrietta T. De Villa. The subdivision was named in honor of the Founder of the Rogationists of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: St.  Hannibal  Mary di Francia.  Fr. Dexter Prudenciano of the Rogationists has been tirelessly working and living among the people of Bgy. Tramo through the St. Hannibal Empowerment Center which he heads as Executive Director.

    After many years of waiting, finally they have realized  their desire to become homeowners. Estrella Buenaflor, Vice-President of the Association and a new homeowner expressed the gratitude of all through her tearful thanks to those who helped make their dreams come true.

SPIRITUALITY OF THE CRUMBS
Homily of Archbishop Gaudencio B. Rosales

THEOLOGY OF THE CRUMBS
By. Bishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle