September 12, 2024 — Pride Cares, the disaster response, relief, and care program unit of Open Table MCC, has completed its reorganization with a new set of leaders and an official organizational document that formally outlines its goals and mission.
Originally launched as Pride Cares PH, since its conception in August 2022, Pride Cares has continually laid the groundwork for a more structured and defined organization while carrying out several relief efforts.
Two years later, by the grace of God, the program finally established a dedicated team and formalized its mission with a comprehensive program document, reaffirming its commitment to community support and disaster relief.
On August 28, the Open Table MCC Board, through Rev. Pastor Joseph SAN JOSE, officially endorsed and recognized the new leaders of Pride Cares who are set to spearhead the organization’s revitalized efforts for disaster relief and crisis response.
Sean MALANG shall serve as the program director, assisted by Irrisse SISON as associate director. Dale AVILA shall be the finance and fundraising head, while Dan GAMBE shall be the head secretariat and administrator. Their appointment is coterminous with the current Open Table MCC Board members.
Under this new direction, Pride Cares is concentrating on the collection and preparation of relief items to ensure the organization is ready for mobilization during disasters.
As part of its return, Pride Cares has set the goal of collecting 50 Care Bags — a bag of relief goods — each ideally containing the following items:
- Aquatabs (Water filtration tablet, 1 tablet good for cleansing 20L water)
- Crackers (10 individual packs)
- Tuna flakes (1 ready-to-eat can)
- Corned beef (1 ready-to-eat can)
- Meat loaf (2 cans)
- High-energy biscuit (1 pack military grade, can serve as meal replacement for 2 days, expiry after 20 years)
- Spork (preferably wooden)
- Tissue (1 small pack)
- Wet wipes (1 pack)
- Band Aid strips (5 pcs)
- Betadine (7.5mL)
- Isopropyl alcohol (1 bottle, 60mL)
- Soap (1 bar)
- Detergent bar (1 bar)
- Shampoo (4 sachets)
- Sanitary pads (1 pack of 8 pads)
- Disposable underwear (2 pcs)
- Clothes (1 set, shirt and shorts, unisex)
- Mat/blanket
- Slippers (1 pair, unisex)
- Toothbrush (1 pc)
- Toothpaste (twin sachet)
- Ecobag (1 XL size)
These Care Bags will be crucial in providing timely support to affected individuals and communities at times of disasters.
The renewed focus of Pride Cares underscores Open Table MCC’s dedication to live out the Christian faith, fulfill its mission of participating in the wider work of justice in our country, and embody Jesus’ love and compassion through responsive assistance for queer and vulnerable individuals affected by disasters.#
Individuals who wish to donate a Care Bag can drop the items off at Open Table MCC’s chapel at Unit 1604 Annapolis Wilshire Plaza, San Juan City, Metro Manila 1502.
Alternatively, those who wish to donate a Care Bag but do not have the time or means to procure the items may opt to donate ₱1,000, and the Pride Cares team shall buy a Care Bag on their behalf.
For monetary donations, visit our donation page here.