This idea came from sensei Ariel Geronimo, our Japanese teacher.

The 3% of 30 for 3 Act

“When governments, civil institutions and churches fail to create and carry out enough programs to alleviate the conditions of all the poor, the burden now lies directly to all the non-poor members of the society to fight the misery. Emphasis is given by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
Command those who are rich in the present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share?

3% of 30 for 3 Act suggests that we give to the poor 3% of whatever income we get beyond 30 thousand. (900 for 30K, 2,700 for 90K). The idea is NOT to donate the 3% to institutions but to facilitate the person doing the act to relate to the poor. Rich people can easily spare tens of thousands of pesos to charity without really taking time to talk and understand the poor. To be different, this act heavily requires personal involvement -the person?s time and creativity to enter into a fruitful relationship with the poor. Rules to follow; have a genuine commitment to give 3% of a 30 thousand peso income and beyond for 3 years. And, the 3% must be handed to poor by the person doing the act himself either to meet the immediate basic needs or to achieve the self-reliance of the poor. Here lies a complex responsibility of relating in love and not in superiority while teaching the poor some sound financial/economic principles. Believe, that all the poor, given the right education and opportunity
can get out of their misery. In doing this, we are not only helping the poor, but probably helping ourselves more - in realizing what are the most important things in life.

3 years is the suggested minimum term of the Act because normally it takes that duration to perfect something in us. Random act or routine doesn?t really matter. Everyday we are called for to do a random act of love and we may choose to answer using the 3%. But to really make a difference, one would require a personal vision and a routine act to realize it.

This 3 of 30 for 3 is a symbol inspired by our Lord. In saving all of us, the poor in hearts, Jesus died at 3 o?clock after 3 years of His ministry which started when he was about 30. In doing this act let us always be reminded that we are not the ones doing something for the poor. It is the Lord Jesus doing it through us.

Remember, 3 of 30 for 3 is a symbol. It may mean 1 of 10 for the rest of your life.
What really matters is the ACT to reach, understand and love the poor.”