Transformation

MANY Cordillerans and adjoining towns in the region are benefiting from personal and societal transformation empowering them as good citizens in the community.

Their successful stories of transformation from poverty leading to better status in life is the result of the implementation of Spiritual Personal Economic Physical and Social (SPEPS), a holistic approach of empowering the community towards development implemented by the Rangtay Sa Pagrang-ay Inc. (RSPI) for 25 years now.

RSPI is a non-stock non-profit non-government organization envisioning a society where Filipino families grow in God’s leading and grace, with thriving livelihood endeavors, improved living standards, and contribute to the welfare of others. Their mission is to transform lives through Christ-centered enterprise and community development.

According to RSPI Executive Director Alma M. Estolas development should start from within a person who should have first faith with the Almighty and learn to have self confidence. All these are done through bible sharing and self development seminar.

One’s personal development will lead to social development which is also a result of empowering the poor community as entrepreneurs through a series of livelihood programs.

“We are here to help in poverty alleviation by making more entrepreneurs. We teach them how to fish and eat for a lifetime,” Estolas said.

RSPI will help the poor clients by lending capital to start a business with a minimal interest. The loan will continue until such time that clients will no longer depend with RSPI which is the long term goal of the group.

But before starting a business RSPI will first help their clients on what business to pursue, how to run it, and how to market it as well. The impact assessment will show the change the member has experienced by being a beneficiary of the program.

“The fulfillment is to be able to see the simplicity of life. You have the reason to wake up every morning to help your fellowmen. You have to love the poor,” Estolas said.

As of December 2012 RSPI has now a total of 50,000 clients in their 25 branches. 19,000 are from area 1 serving the Cordillera Administrative Region’ towns and city like Baguio, La Trinidad, Buguias, Bauko, and soon Tabuk, Kalinga.

Committed to holistic approach of transformation, part of the project of RSPI that empowers the community is the Adopt-a-barangay program. Their 3-year program in barangay Gadang, Kapangan, Benguet just ended lately. The area benefitted from a series of medical-dental mission, spiritual study, feeding program, and school supplies donation.

With its silver year of service Estolas, said they will continue on reaching the hard to reach areas and will continue to develop the community.

As long that there are groups willing to empower the needy the hope for development will be fully realized. Transformation will be achieved. The key is to let the concerned beneficiaries be part of the solution because they are the ones that will really know the kind of development that they need.

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