MANILA, Philippines – A British charity founder who has been supporting disadvantaged children living in Manila’s landfills has been awarded the honor of Member of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.
Jane Walker received the award on the occasion of the Queen’s official birthday yesterday.
Walker is no stranger to various charities, non-government organizations (NGOs), and local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines, shedding light on the plight of impoverished children and their families who take shelter in garbage dumps.
The MBE is based on merit for achievement and exceptional service, highlighting the sort of work that is deemed “over and above” what would be expected of one’s peer group in terms of achievement.
Walker founded the Philippine Community Fund (PCF) in 1996 after a visit to the Philippines made her aware of children and their families struggling to survive in squatter colonies in public cemeteries and open garbage dumps.
The PCF began its project targeting the youngest ones in the cemetery community by building a small day-care center to look after their health and social needs.
In the past decade, the PCF expanded its work from Manila to cover the forgotten and most vulnerable in Baguio and Bacolod as well.
Introducing a holistic program that combines nutrition, education, and livelihood for parents, with a strong human rights and social protection orientation, it ensures that children and their families are made aware of their rights as they lift themselves out of poverty.
Walker was surprised to receive the award, thinking that her efforts could not have succeeded without the commitment of her colleagues and the support of other people from local governments, the donor community, and the British Embassy in Manila.
“I feel incredibly proud to receive the award but I also feel somewhat undeserving. The accomplishments of the work that I began have not been attributable to all my own efforts. There are so many people, including my own sister, who have worked tirelessly to make our work effective and meaningful for some of the poorest families on our planet, and so as I receive the award I would like to think that this award will be shared among the many who have supported both PCF and myself,” Walker said.
British Ambassador Peter Beckingham and his wife Jill count themselves among the strongest advocates of PCF’s work, raising the profile and generating support for the organization within the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the wider diplomatic community.
“Jane’s work has touched many lives – not just the children and families she is helping, but also the volunteers and friends of PCF who are witnesses to her dedication and compassion. The honor is certainly well deserved,” Beckingham said.