Strengthening Global Impact Partnerships in the Philippines
By Emma Gittins - Posted Dec 4, 2024
As part of Conexus MedStaff’s commitment to making a positive impact across borders, our Global Impact program is dedicated to supporting communities through meaningful partnerships. This November, Conexus CEO, Andrew Moreton, accompanied by Immigration Manager, Mark Ronquillo, and Community Development Manager, Benjie Jalasco, visited some of the incredible Global Impact partner organizations Conexus is working with in the Philippines.
Fairplay for All Foundation
The first stop was the Fairplay for All Foundation in Payatas, Metro Manila. Conexus funds Fairplay For All’s youth scholar program, helping ensure children’s continued education and improving access to nutritious meals and clean water, essentials for learning and achieving academically. This work is vital in the underserved community of Payatas, which is one of the former dumpsites in the Philippines, where residents primarily earn a living through scavenging.
Fairplay takes a holistic approach to improving the lives of children by focusing on sports, education, mental health, and nutrition.
“It was so special to meet the children Fairplay supports and tour the center, everyone was incredibly welcoming. The opportunity to learn about their needs for 2025 and beyond and discuss ways Conexus can continue to support Fairplay has given us a lot to think about.”
Before heading off, the team donated two laptops for Fairplay scholars to use to support their learning.
Capitol Medical Center
Next was Capitol Medical Center, a private, 300-bed hospital with a nursing department comprising approximately 400 employees. Conexus is building a partnership with the hospital to support its staff by enhancing nursing education and development.
To date, Conexus has donated items in celebration of Nurses’ Week and plans to expand its support by providing educational training on key topics and nursing leadership to support patient care.
The team discussed Capitol’s existing community outreach programs, and possible future collaborations supporting communities around the hospital. Conexus’ long-term vision includes helping hospitals improve working conditions for nurses, supplying care kits, and creating pathways to advance nursing careers.
Angat Buhay Foundation
The final stop of our visit was Angat Buhay Foundation. Translating to “Uplift Life,” this Filipino non-profit organization emphasizes community-driven development through volunteer networks. Originally established as a government initiative under the Office of the Former Vice President, Angat Buhay has since evolved into an independent entity addressing key areas, such as:
- Public Health: Providing quality healthcare access and nutrition support.
- Public Education: Promoting inclusive, quality education with effective learning resources.
- Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation: Supporting immediate disaster response and long-term recovery.
- Community Empowerment: Encouraging active citizenship to tackle poverty and promote sustainable progress.
Reflecting on the visit, Andrew noted that “it was wonderful to visit Angat Buhay to see first-hand the impact of community-driven initiatives. Their dedication to programs uplifting lives is truly inspiring, but they also respond to communities in times of crisis, for example helping get medical supplies to areas badly impacted by the recent typhoon. We look forward to working with them to support Filipino communities, where and when it’s most needed.”
“Conexus remains dedicated to building lasting partnerships that strengthen education and healthcare in communities in the Philippines through our Global Impact program. Personally, meeting with the dedicated individuals conducting this work and creating meaningful relationships with these organizations has allowed us to build connections and understand their challenges, so we can collaborate more effectively in future. Thanks to everyone who has been involved in supporting them so far.”