By Christina Hermoso  Church leaders have called on the faithful to support the “Segunda Mana” donation-in-kind project of Caritas Manila to help support the needs of the poor. Caritas Manila Executive Director Father Anton Pascual
(CARITAS MANILA / MANILA BULLETIN) Antipolo Bishop Francisco De Leon said, funds raised by Caritas Manila, the social action arm of the Archdiocese of Manila, through “Segunda Mana” are used to support programs for the poor. “Segunda Mana is a good way of helping because funds raised through the sale of donated second-hand items are used to support social services programs of the Church such as scholarship programs, relief efforts, and even housing assistance,” De Leon said over Church-run Radio Veritas. “The parishes in Antipolo each have programs for education to help poor but deserving students finish their studies. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, for instance, supports more than 300 scholars. Our only request for our scholars is for them to persevere and to finish their studies,” the bishop said. Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual, executive director of Caritas Manila continuous to encourage the public to support “Segunda Mana” for a good cause. “Donation to the Segunda Mana helps eliminate the throw away culture of many Filipinos. By donating your unused items or items that you no longer use or need, you are able to help your fellow Filipinos. We also help in the Church’s recycling environmental advocacy,” Pascual said. “Caritas Manila,” he said, “supports more than 4,000 young scholars in their education including indigenous people and those from other religion like Muslims.” Seventy percent of the items sold in Segunda Mana Expo and charity outlets are new and were donated by big establishments while 30 percent are personal donations. Items sold include clothes, bags, shoes, and household stuff.