2011 Annual Report - PhilDHRRA-Mindanao

KAHAYAG FOUNDATION, INC.
MAINLAND (MINDANAO) DEVELOPMENT CENTER
As a response to the requests of the local Church
in Mindanao, the Philippnes Jesuits opened Mainland
Development Center (MDC) in 1969. MDC started as an
independent, inter-disciplinary team composed of Jesuits
and Lay associates. In the 70’s it built strong links with
the emerging Socail Actions Center in the Mindanao-Sulu
region. More recently MDC has made the service of faith
by the promotion of justice, peace and reconciliation in the
troubled situation of Mindanao-Sulu, the principal focus of its
orientation and trust.
MDC has programs among small farmers and industrial
workers, rural and urban communities of the poor and
dispossessed, Mindanao Tribal groups, religious and
civic organizations, and conducts training programs and
research on development-oriented projects of the private
and public sectors.
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In Mindanao-Sulu, the faith that does justice inspires
people, particularly those engaged in building grassroots
communities and organizations, to struggle for coparticipation
and responsibility in vital decisions and actions
which affect their lives. Towards the attainment of this goal,
MDC likewise strives to foster conditions and socio-economic
structures conducive to the formation of more human and
self-reliant communities.
MDC Promotes an integral development process in which
people actively participate in building human, gender fair
and just organizations and structures. Its basis of commitment
aims to incorporate the faith and justice dimensions in the
development work. As a private, non-stock, non-profit social
development agency, MDC commits to assist, educate and
organize rural and urban poor communities in Mindanao
is establishing conditions and socio-economic structures
conducive to the attainment of its vision.
In 2010, MDC worked with minimal funding in seven
barangays in Davao City organizing women groups develop
small business enterprises. They are actively pursuing the
Children Basic Care Programs in three (3) Barangays in
Davao City.