If there is one thing you can give to the Philippines, what is that gift?

Everybody wants to receive gifts. And why not, when gifts produce that familiar feeling of warmth and appreciation.

As a nation, the Philippines is going to need a truckload of useful gifts to move forward, persistently and courageously, right into the future.

Last year, we have seen the worst of calamities befalling our nation. But despite all of that, nothing was able to dwindle the unshakable Filipino spirit. We are a great nation, although sometimes, it all boils down to thinking more about other people than minding ourselves.

Even so, every resilient Filipino deserves a gift. And my gift for the Philippines is  more like a vision:

A Better Future 

But how can we assure that each and every Filipino gets a brighter day up ahead? I am no economist. I don't even know anything about banking. What I do know is that every family need something to push themselves forward, like a leverage. And that's what I'd like to give...

the chance to make everyone's life better, one family at a time.  

So I'm proposing the Php 1,000 Challenge. Here's how it goes:

What : The Php 1,000 Challenge

I am thinking of giving every willing head of the family a Php 1,000 loan. It's a small amount but I know with a Filipino's ingenuity and perseverance, a Php 1,000 loan can go a very long way.

How : Take the loan and make it grow

This loan isn't free-for-all so all the financial experts need not be nervously upset. It will only be given to people who:

• have personally applied for the program (so it won't look like alms)
• has a concrete plan and budget proposal where the Php 1,000 would go (it has to be for a small home-based business)
• are willing to put into intricate detail where every penny will be spent (supplier, materials, ingredients, etc.)
• has a place to sell his goods (backyard, market, peddled around, resold to stores, etc.)

The Php 1,000 pesos would have to be paid back in a month's time, maybe with a minimal interest. And the same people can borrow again of course, to restart the cycle. 

Why: It's time to make every Filipino a winner against poverty.

Php 1,000 isn't too much. But for the people with the right mindset, it is enough to get them started. 

This project can start with just 10 beneficiaries. I don't think we need one million pesos right away. 10 beneficiaries means 10 families who will have a chance to make their lives better. I hope that's not a lot to ask. After all, this is a gift. But only for those who are worthy. 

I hope this becomes one of the #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014 project.

Can you suggest your own ways to help the Philippines? What gift would YOU like to give the Philippines? Please share your thoughts by adding a comment below.