Outreach

Background

The Outreach Committee  is AFICS’ primary arm in extending services to marginalized and disadvantaged  groups and communities  since the inception of the organization. It serves as the venue for UN retirees to demonstrate their continued adherence to UN values and principles  by way of “giving back” in service to the country’s poorest sectors.

Main Tasks and Functions

In accordance with UN principles and values and in support to the attainment of the country’s Social Development Goals, the Outreach Committee is tasked to:

• Extend services, advocacy and training assistance to  marginalized and disadvantaged groups and communities;

• Respond to needs for humanitarian assistance of internally displaced populations in times of natural and human-induced disasters including  health emergencies;

• Help mobilize resources to support outreach activities;

• Network and collaborate  with relevant government, NGO, civic and other private sector groups and organizations which share the same UN principles and values and which have the capacity to implement and sustain outreach initiatives; and

• Provide inputs to appropriate policies, strategies and projects to advance the outreach objectives of AFICS Philippines.

Outreach Activities 2020 - 2026

The Outreach Committee has actively supported the needs of vulnerable individuals and groups and quickly responded to humanitarian emergencies in partnership with non-government and private organizations since its establishment:

• • 2020:  Modest support to the homeless thru food, hygiene and shelter through the AJ Kalinga Foundation

  • 2022: “Meals on Wheels” project providing meal packs to health workers in 19 hospitals and medical facilities during the COVID emergency

  • 2023:  Addressed the needs of the abandoned and neglected elderly in two  homes for the aged, Anawim and Bahay Kalinga,  thru provision of food, milk, diapers, medicines and medical devices e.g. wheelchairs

  • 2025:  Contributed electronic tablets for use of women deprived of liberty in  3 female government detention centers  under the BJMP’s E-Dalaw program to provide access of these women to their families and legal counsel.

  • 2026: Emergency assistance to around 300 distressed jeepney and tricycle drivers affected by the current oil crisis thru the conduct of two community pantries.

Implementing Mechanisms

• Membership:    The Outreach Committee is headed by a Chairperson designated by the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee.  A Vice-Chair or Co-Chair is also appointed.  Both serve for a term of two years. The Chair/Vice-Chair can recruit  interested retirees  from the general membership of AFICS to become members of the Outreach Committee. 

• Work and Financial Plan: On a biennial  basis, the Outreach Committee prepares a Work and Financial plan defining the  objectives, priority outputs, targets and budget.  The Chairperson takes the lead in the preparation and presentation of the Committee’s bi-annual workplan and budget to the BOT/EXECOM  for deliberation and approval. 

• Process: The work and financial plan is developed  through a process of democratic consultation, peaceful negotiation  and consensus building with the members of the Committee. Likewise, the same process will be adopted in recommending  outreach-related policies and undertaking specific projects to the BOT/EXECOM. 

• Meetings:   The Outreach Committee shall meet quarterly on a regular basis through face-to face and/or  by Zoom.  Special meetings may be called to address policy, program or implementing issues of urgent concern. 

• Reporting:  The Outreach Committee shall prepare annual reports in compliance with AFICS end-of-the year reporting requirements. It will also submit project accomplishment reports to the BOT/EXECOM within two weeks after completion. It will update and seek approval from the BOT/EXCOM for major revisions in the work and financial plan, if any.

Objective 1: Extend services, advocacy and training  assistance to the marginalized and disadvantaged groups and communities

2026

Output 1.1   Assistance to malnourished, stunted and wasted children through ante-natal      care , early nutrition, nutrition education and other sustainability mechanisms

Output 1.2   Continued support to the E-Dalaw program of BJMP through the provision of additional tablets for  use of women deprived of liberty (WDLs)

Output  2.1   Celebrating the International Day of Older Persons to advocate the adoption of more policies that improve the well-being of the elderly through the conduct of Telekwentuhan Series

2027

Output 1.1   Provision of Education Subsidy for potential public school dropouts under the  Students At-Risk of Dropping Out of Senior High School (SARDOS) program

Output 1.2   Continuing Outreach Program for Indigenous Peoples through medical missions, health education, and distribution of food packs and hygiene kits

Objective 2:    Respond to need for humanitarian assistance of internally displaced populations  in times of natural and human-induced disasters including health emergencies

2026

Output 2.1   Emergency Assistance to Transport Workers affected by the current oil crisis through food packs distributed in two community pantries