No more PCSO aid for MOP

In reference to a news item titled “PCSO stops fund ‘abuse’; 112 charity groups no longer getting P116M” (Inquirer, 9/25/11), I write to make a clarification. The Missionaries of the Poor (MOP), which runs the Heart of Mercy Apostolate Center (now known as Divine Mercy Apostolate Center) in San Rafael, Cararayan, Naga City, was mentioned as one of the PCSO beneficiaries that were “delisted” due to alleged misuse of funds.

The center provides shelter and care for 130 indigent and homeless persons—such as physically and mentally handicapped adults, children and the aged. It is true that the center received PCSO assistance from 2005 to 2008. But MOP used the funds as intended—specifically for the nutritional and health needs of needy and suffering people under its care. Relevant reports and photographs as to the use of these funds were periodically submitted to the PCSO. Indeed, no additional grants could be released without these reports.

No funds from the PCSO were at any time used for salaries, administrative or any other purpose outside the intent of the grant.

Moreover, in 2008, upon review of our internal policies, MOP decided not to request or receive grants or subsidies from government agencies. Hence, MOP made no further request or received any additional grants from the PCSO. And at no time did we receive any communication from the PCSO indicating any misdeed on our part or about being delisted from its roster of beneficiaries. We were therefore surprised to see the name of our organization in the list of “delisted beneficiaries” for supposed misappropriation of funds.

MOP is an international religious order of brothers and priests with the specific apostolate to the least of our brothers and sisters. Here in the Philippines, specifically in Naga City and Cebu City, MOP runs homes for homeless children, physically and mentally challenged adults, and the aged, as well as outreach programs for the poor and needy to address their nutritional, health and pastoral concerns. We offer our services freely to the least and we rely on Divine Providence and the kindness of people, whose wonderful generosity sustains our ministries. We welcome visitors to our centers.

Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, a former mayor of Naga City and someone who is quite familiar with our organization, can vouch for our integrity and mission.

—FR. KULANDAIRAJ AMBROSE, M.O.P.,

mission superior,

Missionaries of the Poor,

mopnaga@gmail.com