S2E120 : Empowering Change: Journey of Dignity – Interview with Armin Demetillo

From Dream to Rise · 00:47:00

Show by Cynthia Encinas-Concordia

An interview episode of the Dream to Rise podcast where CP Armin Demetillo, founder of Arise for Dignity, discussed his mission helping homeless families in the Philippines. Armin shared his personal journey growing up in poverty on Siquijor Island in the Philippines, where he walked five kilometers to school barefoot, and how this experience inspired him to create programs that provide dignity through work rather than just charity. He explained that Arise for Dignity has helped 300 homeless families transition off the streets and become taxpayers through food missions, livelihood programs, and education assistance, with participants earning money by collecting plastic bottles and cleaning the environment. Armin outlined his three-pillar approach: food missions as initial contact, livelihood opportunities to build personal economies, housing programs through government collaboration, and finally education as the long-term goal. The main challenges discussed included regulatory requirements from government agencies like DSWD, resource constraints for expanding the mission, and the need for more volunteers and partnerships with private sector, NGOs, and governmentinstitutions. Armin emphasized that his approach requires participants to work for assistance rather than receive it freely, believing that dignity comes through meaningful contribution and participation. Let is us listen to the full episode.

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