Three key areas rose to be of utmost importance for development to achieve their goal, namely: (a) a higher sense of nationhood; (b) positive work ethics; and (c) genuine spirituality.

The movement began with eleven nights of prayer in early January 2006. The core group then started weekly gatherings, which lasted from February to May and brought in the initial group of Uplift volunteers. Though with very limited resources both in terms of manpower and finance, yet fully encouraged and with a strong resolve, the Uplift Movement was officially launched on June 16, 2006 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, through a free concert featuring Ms. Jolina Magdangal. Uplift President Mr. Rito Saquing’s provoking message of hope was delivered to and welcomed by a 6,000-strong audience where he strongly underscored the need for Filipinos to uplift one another instead of pulling down each other in the midst of the sad state of the nation.

The successful launching event ushered in, the beginning of Sabado Ibang Klase, Uplift Movement’s first community outreach program. Professional teachers who took on the Uplift challenge volunteered to conduct informal Saturday classes for at least 200 children ages 3-12 years old in the depressed community of Tramo in Pasig City. The S.I.K. classes in Tramo have been running since July 2006 and will culminate by January 2007.