Paaral Fund

Educational support for mothers, widows and orphaned children of the “war on drugs” in the Philippines

Between 2016 and 2022, an estimated 30,000 people were murdered under the former Duterte-administration. Most of the victims of the " drug war" were young men who were breadwinners of the family and left behind their children. This results in intergenerational and structural disadvantages, making the surviving orphans sink further into poverty and unable to develop their full potential. Education is key to the possibility of a better life. Yet, many of the families face difficulties in meeting their daily expenses for education. Justice remains elusive as many of these killings were not properly investigated and the chief perpetrator, former President Duterte, and his state executives remain unaccountable.

Instead of finding social solutions for communities who struggle with drug addiction, the “war on drugs” became a violent and punitive campaign. Extrajudicial killings (EJK) at the hands of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the politics of impunity enabled anonymous vigilantes to further killings. Rodrigo Duterte is currently under indictment for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Therefore we call for an end to this organized abandonment of surviving families of the “drug war” by the government. We organize to assist and support the recovery of the affected communities. Social and political system changes are key to cater to the needs and demands of the people. Investing in community support will go a long way to augment these needs. On the path to achieving this, we aim to provide for one another in networks of solidarity. It is in this spirit of solidarity for the community, to not only provide financial contribution for their school needs but also to support their continuing call for justice and the campaigns that push this call to justice forward.

Justice delayed is justice denied! Your support will go a long way for the bereaved families to have the right to education and healing.

Who Will be Receiving Help

100% of donations of the Paaral Fund will directly go to the mothers, widows, and orphans affected by the "war on drugs" in pursuing their education. The fund will invest in capacity building and mutual aid to empower survivors and their community. We imagine and build a future in which communities are in power to provide for each other. Silingan Coffeeshop, a coffee shop and space organized by survivors of the drug war, is already putting it into practice.

Expenses per month per student:

College

• PHP1500-2000 (food, transport)
• equivalent to 25-30€

A mother who has lost her husband to the “war on drugs” is pursuing her bachelor's degree in economics while being a single mother and the sole breadwinner of the family.

High school

• PHP1500 (food, transport, school supplies for projects)
• equivalent to 25€

Jocelyn Garganta is currently a high school student who has lost her grandfather and father, both of whom died in extrajudicial killings:

Elementary

A child who has lost her father and uncle to the “war on drugs” started her first year of elementary. She lives with her grandmother who takes care of her and her 11 siblings and cousins under one roof. One month of elementary school costs for one child alone:

• PHP1000 (food, transport, school supplies)
• equivalent to 15€

About the Campaign Organizers

Respond and Break the Silence Against the Killings (RESBAK) is one of many organizations at the forefront of raising awareness about the effects of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. RESBAK is composed of artists, academics, and members of the community affected by the drug war. To learn more about RESBAK, please visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For inquiries, please email [email protected]

Copyright of images: Raffy Lerma

Your donations will grant families of an unjust war to at least continue the education of the affected family members to grant them a better future. We invest in a future in which communities are in power to provide for each other.

Cash donations can be made via:

• Banktransfer at GoGetFunding
• Paypal at [email protected]
• GCash at 09150172703 | RESBAK Alison S.

Maraming salamat po!