John stunned by stark poverty

‘I want to improve lives of villagers’
A FORMER Oldham drama teacher is launching an appeal to raise awareness of the poverty in the Philippines.

John Flanagan (59), who lived in Watersheddings and Derker, moved to Manila in December, following 30 months teaching drama in Singapore.

He was astounded and appalled by the poverty-stricken people he met and the slum dwellings where they live.

Former Oldham college lecturer, John, who has appeared in TV shows Emmerdale and Cracker, wants Oldhamers to send essential items that would be of use to the villagers, such as toiletries, pens, paper, lightweight clothing, sports tops and toys.

John, whose wife, Leny, is Filipino, said: “Despite the poverty — which affects over half the population — there are many top-class facilities in education and the cost of living is far cheaper than the UK.

“But I have seen enough of the poverty here to know that I wanted to do something to help improve the lives of many of the villagers and squatters.

“My main aim is to raise an awareness of the situation here — I call it the unseen Philippines —as it still is a third world country but the people do want to work and better themselves. It just isn’t easy to do.”

John has set up a facebook account where readers can see 500 photos he has taken — in his “poverty” album.

He added: “I know that Oldhamers have good hearts and hope they will respond to my appeal and that the plight of the poor here will become more widely known.”

Goods can be sent to John, who will distribute the goods to the needy: John M Flanagan c/o Pastor Rannie Lacanlale, San Pedro, Masantol, Pampanga, Philippines 2017.

He can also be contacted by email: philpovappeal@gmail.com.