ECONgagements: Baon Subsidy Project

We were able to distribute 100 pieces of sardines thanks to this month’s sponsor, our barkada, Mr. Shand Fontanilla. Divided into 5 cans each, we were able to reach 20 ate kuyas during the hot morning sun. Together with Winston, Mariana, and Ryan, we walked our usual route: Schmitt, Sec walk, JSEC, the rear intersection of SOM and CTC, PIPAC, Faura, Leong, Socsci foyer, Old Rizal Library, Dela Costa, MVP, and Berchmans.

Now, because the sponsored baon subsidy was plentiful, more ate kuyas were given this time—Chapel, Gonz parking entrance, and lastly, the point between SEC A and Cov courts. Easy 6k walk.

Although we want to reach guards farther away from the usual routes, the quantity of the baon subsidy is not enough.

For those following our page, any suggestions?

A year ago, during our synthesis session in ECON110, Dux proposed a community pantry: an assortment of delata, cup noodles, biscuits, 3-in-1 coffee, available for all the kuya and ate guards. We went through the process, but unfortunately, it wasn’t entertained. This is the reason why we’re doing twice-a-month distributions around campus to supplement Dux’s idea.

We’re always looking into the sustainability aspect of this project. I can continuously fund the purchase of groceries, but that’s not the point. Our point is connecting the students to our community members, specifically our ate and kuya guards. Empowerment.

So plot the dots on a piece of paper. We have the ates and kuyas, our student distribution team, and our monthly sponsors. Then connect those dots. Each line represents a personal connection: a short story, a joke shared among the participants. The collective sweat from the sweltering heat, a gentle panyo punas of the face, and the steady burn of calories represent our presence. Saying to our community members, “As you serve us, we are here to serve as well.”

If you want to sponsor a distribution, kindly email us at [email protected]. Php1.5k-Php2k would suffice. We vary the groceries we distribute based on the preferences of most beneficiaries.

You may also visit us at the Ateneo Economics Department, 4th floor, Leong Hall.

February distribution of Baon Subsidy with Iya, Haley, Franch, Amber and Ainey 🛒

For this cycle, Amber was the one who sponsored and bought the groceries. She was able to prepare 15 kits consisting of 6pcs beef noodle soup and 5pcs 3in1 coffee per kuya/ate guard.

Thank you Amber 💙💙💙

For those who are interested to sponsor a distribution or join us as we go around campus, email us at [email protected]

Since the 2009 school year, we have recognized the importance of getting to know our community members at Ateneo—particularly our xerox ladies, security guards, and maintenance staff. Through their stories, we have listened to their everyday challenges, hardships, and perseverance. With a collective effort, we organize fundraisers and purchase baskets of goods commonly used by the average household. Blockmates, friends, and orgmates have come together to support this endeavor. During that time, we were just third year students.

Over time, I integrated this project into our classroom setting, naming it ECONgagements: Baon Subsidy Project to highlight the synergy between economics and community engagement. In 2012, i began introducing the project as part of our lectures, and by 2014, it was included in our graded assessments, featuring in-class syntheses of students’ insights, experiences, and emotions.

With my BS ME class—specifically the batch of Dux, Choi, Stef, Chelsie, Amber, Drei, and Joshua Brandon Ong Qua—their classroom synthesis pushed the Baon Subsidy beyond being just a requirement. Through this dialogue, Sofi Jimenez and I decided to make it a regular activity. The first distribution was on September 8, 2025, when 50 pieces of Century Tuna were divided among 10 security guards. The second was on October 20, 2025, with 30 packs of assorted candies for 15 security guards. As schedules and initiatives aligned, my former BS COMTECH students—Haley, Karol, Iya, Solanoid, and Dichi Linette—took over the succeeding interactions.

The third distribution was on November 17, 2025, with 48 pieces of San Marino canned tuna divided among 12 security guards. The fourth was on December 1, 2025, featuring a merienda pack of Skyflakes, Presto biscuits, Nescafé 3-in-1, and suman for 14 recipients. Our latest, the fifth distribution, was on January 29, 2026, with 10 packs of pandesal for 10 security guards.

Karol funded one of the distributions, and Haley has expressed interest in funding a future one. For the rest, I have mostly provided the funding, with an average of Php1,500 used per Baon Subsidy distribution.

In a regular semester, there are 24 beneficiaries of the Baon Subsidy and School Kit Project under the ECONgagements reflection paper requirements. Students have the freedom to choose their partner security guard on campus. You may have already noticed the challenge: How do we increase equity and efficiency? How can this project transcend its current scope?

By reaching out to the rest of the community, we can increase our funding and expand the number of beneficiaries through our bi-monthly distributions.

Feel free to message us here on this page or email me at [email protected].