Help Nanay Merlie Feed Her Family in Manila’s slum

In the heart of Manila, deep within the slums of Tondo, we met Nanay Merlie—a mother, survivor, and provider. For years, she’s made a living by selling pagpag, leftover food scavenged from garbage bins, cleaned and recooked to feed the poorest of the poor. It’s risky, but it’s how she keeps her family alive.

Each morning, her daughters sift through piles of trash to find scraps of chicken. Nanay boils and fries whatever they can salvage and sells it to neighbors who have no other options. Her adopted son, Austin, is just a child—but this is the only food he knows.

But there’s a deeper struggle. Nanay fights every day to protect Austin and other children in the neighborhood from falling into solvent addiction—a growing crisis here. Many kids are turning to sniffing glue and chemicals to escape hunger and despair.

We’ve seen their reality up close—and now we want to help.

This fundraiser will support:

• The opportunity for Nanay to open a business to be able to pay for the basic needs for her family

• financial support for the school and essentials for Austin and local children

• Community programs to protect kids from substance abuse

• Basic medical aid and hygiene items

Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a real difference. Together, we can give Nanay Merlie and her neighbors a chance at a better future

Please share and support if you can.