Caritas Manila's Segunda Mana going strong on year 18
Published Aug 26, 2026 11:31 pm
BPI Contact Center Vertis North turned over five SegMan boxes with donated items from their management and staff during a Segunda Mana Donation Drive. (Caritas Manila)
Caritas Manila in on its 18th year of advancing environmental sustainability through charity via its modest but meaningful Segunda Mana initiative.
Since 2008, Segunda Mana, the donation-in kind arm of Caritas Manila has been extending the lifecycle of clothes, furniture, books, toys, electronics and other items to benefit the environment.
Called circular economy, it is an economic model that stops waste and protect the earth. It cuts down manufacturing emissions and resource extraction.
In the first half of 2026 alone, Segunda Mana has diverted 269 tons of materials initially destined to the landfills.
These affordable, quality, secondhand items are then sold to the public through Segunda Mana's 27 charity outlets including those in Market Market, Starmall EDSA, and Fairview Terraces. An additional 20 bazaars were held in the first six months of this year.
Segunda Mana--a portmanteau of "segunda mano" (secondhand) and "mana" (inheritance)--also expanded its community engagement by conducting 53 donation drives with the participation of 33 condominiums and 20 villages across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The business model has generated P798 million pesos in the last 18 years. The money helps fund Caritas Manila's flagship project, YSLEP or Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program.
This provides college scholarships to around 5,000 underprivileged Filipino youth at any given school year. It also supports the livelihood of 80 active sako buyers or "ukay-ukay" resellers, and provides employment opportunities to nearly 100 vulnerable individuals, including persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.
Reduce, Reuse, Recyle
"We call this environmental stewardship the 3Rs or Reduce, Reuse, Recyle," says Caritas Manila Executive Director Fr. Anton Pascual.
"We should all counter the culture of waste. Buying is the new way of giving. Caring for the earth is a constant church teaching," Pascual said.
In his papal letters, the late Pope Francis has repeatedly called the attention of the faithful on what has become of our environment. "The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense file of filth." (Laudato Si', no 21).
He called out materialism and the ensuing single-use phenomena. "This 'throwaway culture' tends to become the common mentality."
He then lastly reminded all that "Living our vocation to be protectors of God's handiwork is essential to a life of virtue." (Laudato Si', no 127).
Caritas Manila invites everyone to continue supporting Segunda Mana by donating pre-loved items, shopping at its charity outlets and bazaars, or participating in its donation drives.
Drop off your donations at designated Segunda Mana Boxes located in partner malls, parishes, schools, and villages. Donations are regularly collected by Segunda Mana logistics team.
Bring or send your donations to Caritas Manila Headquarters at 2002 Jesus St., Paco, Manila, Monday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For large or bulk donations, send pickup requests through Caritas Manila's Facebook page or call 8562-0020 to 25 loc. 141/142, or call and text 0929-834-3857, 0945-971-2292.