Agree.  There's definitely a proliferation of Filipino organizations focussing on micro interventions.  This can be observed not only in the Philippines but also in many Filipino-hyphenate communities worlwide in the form of multiple hometown associations, civic organizations etc. all formed with good intentions to help back the Philippines through social development projects but in most cases there is no impact assessment framework.  There is surely a need to develop the NGOs'/other organizations' capacities in analysis and strategic planning , implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

We can start by caring. We always have this notion of "Hayaan mo na..., " "Ganun talaga e..," If we start saying, "Teka. Mali ata yun a. Dapat ata ay ganito.." and take action, suggest a solution and monitor, then I think things will start to get better.

We need to intervene. We need to act. Joining BGN is a good start, too.

Yes, then we break off into concrete projects that leverages each ones skills and preferred avenues of interventions. Also taking into account each one's capacity to give back. So nice to have people like you both Judith and Vincent! - Paco

May I also add to this conversation that we would some ounce of synergy? Brining together things or movements - be it complimenting or supplementing exisiting efforts.

Sometimes I think all of us want to help the Philippines but it turns out to be selfish in the end because we want to be at the centerstage when we just really have to do the production work and coach or guide those who are at the center stage. Kaya everything's a circus! Let's prevent from having to produce more clowns in our government and in Philippine society.

There's nothing intrinsically wrong with doing small things at a time as you guys mentioned. IMHO, our biggest problem is that, compared to the baic FACTS we face, there are very few of these initiatives out there to make a dent at the changes which have to be made. What we lack as a people is unified sense of urgency to illicit change. If we can do this, then we can change our facts. Simply put...

You can't change the world
But you can change the facts
And when you change the facts
You change points of view
If you change points of view
You may change a vote
And when you change a vote
You may change the world

Hi! I'm new here! My name is Tammy. I'm a young entrepreneur searching for funding for my business ideas. I have two actually. But I browsed to the braingain website and it seems the focus is ventures in technology? My current business, though it does leverage the use of technology, is more focued on the beauty industry. I come from a middle class background and I'm searching the web over for investors,even partners in business. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I appreciate the help. =)

Thank you po sa lahat.

As a US-Based Filipino, I am personally being called to help in the following ways:

1. Share what I've Learned-
   • How: Volunteer to talk, mentor, or write about Cloud Computing, Virtual Goods Marketplaces (eg. App Stores, Xbox LIVE),  and/or Business Intelligence. I'll be in Manila from mid-November through to December this year and will be available to deliver talks.
   • Needed Help: I need BGN help to get connected with educational institutions and/or groups who would want their students or members to learn about these important trends.
2. Help my sons form a strong bond with the Philippines-
   • How: For this to happen, the kids need to experience living, studying, making friends, and seeing first-hand the many opportunities to help.
   • Why Needed: Without the exposure, they'll more likely grow up to be like many second generation FilAms who are Americans first and Filipinos second, and with no true "malasakit" for the country or its many ills.
3. Participate in the Philippine Economy-
   • How: To me, this means moving home to either start a local business or to be a resource for others in the local value chain. I have 6 months to figure this out and in the meantime, I'm focused on #1.
4. Philantrophy-
   • How: Through GiLAS, we have already helped a couple rural public schools get connected to the internet. Interested to hear other ways to contribute at the PhilDev forum in SFO on 9/25.