OSAM and IBP’s Justice Outreach Program Advances Reintegration Efforts for PDLs with Drug Dependency Examinations

Bulacan, Philippines – December 6, 2024 – the One Simple Act Movement (OSAM), in partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Bulacan Chapter (IBP), successfully facilitated the third round of Drug Dependency Examinations (DDE) as part of their ongoing Mission for Justice Outreach Program. The Mission for Justice Outreach Program, which was officially formalized in a signed Memorandum of Agreement between OSAM founder and program director, Savior Manalang, and the IBP’s Legal Aid Committee on June 11, 2024, has been making strides in supporting PDLs, particularly those who have served their time but still require rehabilitation to re-enter society. The agreement marked the beginning of a collaboration to provide legal and rehabilitative assistance to first-time offenders with no pending cases, whose only missing requirement to reintegrate was the completion of the DDE.

Abot Kamay Ni Padre Pio and OSAM Lead Christmas Community Outreach

Manila, Philippines – December 8, 2024 – On December 8, 2024, a successful community outreach program was held in Tondo, Manila, led by Abot Kamay Ni Padre Pio, in collaboration with the One Simple Act Movement. The program aimed to spread Christmas cheer and provide essential services to the underserved residents of Tondo.

The outreach event served approximately 2,000 residents from the community, delivering a variety of services and support to help improve their quality of life during the holiday season.

Medical Mission and Food Drive

On June 6, 2024, the One Simple Act Movement (OSAM) successfully conducted a Medical Mission and Food Drive in the municipality of Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines.

Led by a dedicated team of five compassionate medical doctors and thirteen highly skilled medical professionals, OSAM provided vital healthcare services to those in desperate need. The medical team offered comprehensive examinations, treatments, and consultations, ensuring that residents without access to adequate healthcare received the care they deserved. This remarkable initiative exemplifies OSAM’s unwavering commitment to serving communities in need. By providing not only medical aid but also essential resources, OSAM empowers individuals and families to thrive. The successful medical mission and food drive stand as a testament to the positive impact that organizations like OSAM can have in bringing hope and well-being to underserved communities.

Outreach Program with Tulay Lingap ni Padre Pio

Abot-Kamay ni Padre Pio, an extension group of Tulay Lingap ni Padre Pio Inc. (TLPPI), leads social action initiatives to empower and uplift the underprivileged. Recognizing their shared commitment to serving those in need,  One Simple Act Movement (OSAM) has generously partnered with TLPPI. On June 10, 2024, with the unwavering support of OSAM, TLPPI volunteers, and other benefactors, Abot-Kamay ni Padre Pio and TLPPI conducted a comprehensive Medical Mission & Feeding Program in the impoverished community of Isla Sta. Cruz, Paombong, Bulacan, Philippines. Benefiting approximately 500 residents. Inspired by the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Pio of Pietrelcina, this outreach program exemplified the spirit of compassion and service. It offered a wide range of services, including medical and dental consultations, distribution of medicines, nutritious meals, haircuts, and a festive children’s party.

Mission for Justice

The rapid growth of Bulacan has outpaced its justice system, leading to congested dockets and a shortage of courts, judges, and legal professionals. In response, the IBP-Bulacan Chapter has taken action through its Legal Aid Committee (LAC) to provide free legal services to underprivileged litigants, including those accused of violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended. However, the Drug Dependency Examination, a mandatory procedure for reintegrating drug offenders into society, has been significantly delayed due to overwhelming demand at public hospitals. The IBP-Bulacan Chapter has assisted several individuals in entering plea-bargaining agreements under specific circumstances—particularly those accused of possessing small quantities of illegal drugs—where the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. Unfortunately, some of these individuals, though having served their sentences, remain incarcerated while awaiting their Drug Dependency Examination.

Food Packing for Bocaue Food Drive

In June 2024, One Small Act Movement took its first critical step by assembling food packages for hundreds of families in need. Volunteers worked in seamless assembly lines, carefully filling bags with rice, canned goods, and other essentials. Each package symbolized more than just sustenance—it embodied hope for the communities they would soon reach. This effort showcased how a simple act of kindness, multiplied by many hands, can spark a wave of positive change that transcends borders.