24 Jul 2025
The MSC Centre for the Poor (MSC CFTP) was established in Butuan City in the Philippines in 2018, under the leadership of Fr Richie Gomez MSC. Dedicated to helping the poor and marginalised in society, it has a specialised focus on nurturing both the earth and the community in harmony.
The MSC Centre for the Poor Agricultural Cooperative (MSC CEPAGCO) followed in 2020. Now with over 300 members, and having received the award for most outstanding Civil Society Organisation in the country, the MSC CFTP and MSC CEPAGCO are going from strength to strength, with multiple community centres across the Philippines sharing their core vision:
“Care for the Earth, Care for the People, Share the Surplus.”
CAN YOU HELP US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES?
A SCHOOL OF LOVE
The MSC CEPAGCO works to advocate for the common good, ensuring food sustainability and empowering several marginalised groups including small-scale farmers, indigenous communities, repatriated overseas Filipino workers, and people struggling with personal challenges such as drug dependency.
With a focus on organic productions, they incorporate pigs, poultry, vegetables, rice, and fertiliser among their organic projects, as well as practical handiwork such as building furniture from wood.
IF YOU CAN, PLEASE SUPPORT THE MSC CENTRE FOR THE POOR
CARE FOR OUR COMMON WORLD
The cooperative’s newest project aims to empower a “New Breed of Indigenous Farmers” who will focus on “ecological resilience” to “carry, care, and continue to provide the nation with affordable, accessible organic healthy food, and bring security and joy to every Filipino’s table.”
With a firm foundation well underway, the MSC CFTP and CEPAGCO are always looking to improve and expand to benefit as many people as possible. Their latest endeavours include collaborating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) by applying to be an official TESDA assessment centre, and establishing additional vocational courses, as well as renovating and improving on-site buildings to become study and accommodation facilities for larger student groups.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR 2025 SUMMER APPEAL
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Thank you so much for your support.*
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