Humanitarian Aid

Feeding the Needy

Bigay Bigas (“Rice for the Poor” in Tagalog) is the signature humanitarian project of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Association of America, Inc.

Bigay Bigas was launched in 2006 as the brainchild of late National Director Nick Libramonte as a personal mission to help the poor as well as to evangelize San Lorenzo Ruiz. The inaugural rice distribution operation took place in the province of Catbalogan in the Philippines. Since then Nick’s vision has grown in scope and reach. Bigay Bigas now helps feed, nourish and sustain thousands of needy people every year in the Philippines and beyond.

In addition to rice and general groceries; free medicine, eyeglasses and are also provided to those in need. Clothes, shoes and toys are collected throughout the year by SLRAA at the San Lorenzo Ruiz & Scalabrini Center so that they can later be distributed at Bigay Bigas distribution locations overseas.

In recent years, the Bigay Bigas humanitarian project has

How the process works

  • Identify a community to assist: A community in need is identified (locally or internationally), evaluated, and logistics assessed for feasibility of the project.
  • Target community is vetted: This community is presented and proposed to the officers and board of advisers of SLRAA for approval.
  • Raise funds: Upon approval, a fundraising project begins like selling raffle tickets, or have activities like bowling for fun or in conjunction with Fiesta Celebration, and actualized.  
  • Goods for distribution are collected: When funds are available, the lead organizer or partner of SLRAA, commence the activities of purchasing the rice or any needed items of the deserving needy community, preparing the lists of recipients, and acquire any permissions needed for the activity locally.
  • An Officer or member of SLRAA maybe present for the Bigay Bigas activity