"A man with a purpose" - simple words that best describe Mr. Jake Oliver Nicolas who earned the honor for this year's Most Outstanding Community Development Officer of ASKI.

Armed with confidence and courage, Jake extended his passion to serve the poor in ASKI's remote areas. Being a youth missionary, before his career as a Senior Community Development Officer exposed him to community organizing. He once served the people in the most remote areas of Lucena City, Laguna and San Jose City for two years - giving him worth-reminiscing experiences and learning. He found out later that these are God's preparation for him for a broader duty.

Jake has been in ASKI for more than four years now. He started with CARE (Credit Assistance for Rural Empowerment) Project in Nagcuralan, Cuyapo in 2002. Through CARE, many people's organizations are formed and are active until now. Being an instrument of blessing, it was easy for him to perform his task in organizing, assisting, and helping communities.

A strong combination of heart and determination is required for a community worker to become effective. These qualities are innate to Jake making him capable to serve the people in the community.

"Natutunan ko na ang mga tao sa komunidad ang pinakasusi sa pagbabago" (I've learned that the community people are the main actors of change), quoted by Jake. "Sila mismo ang nakakaramdam at makakaalam ng solusyon sa kailang problema." (They are aware of the problems and they know exactly the processes to solve it)

He was able to train community leaders who later become his partners in helping communities whom gave opportunity to act and speak. Through people's initiative and ASKI's support, they facilitated activities and projects to meet the needs within the communitites.

Through people's cooperation in the community and Jake's assistance, members of POs in Nagcuralan were able to solve problem on electrification of their villages.This electrification project benefits 42 families.

"Natututo ang mga tao mula sa kanilang karanasan (People will learn from their own experiences)," is the guiding principle Jake believes. He let people grow and learn from their experiences. He let them understand that development would come from the people and should be enjoyed by the people.