From Slum to CEO: A Journey With Dawn for the Poor in the Philippines

What happens when a child from a Manila slum becomes the leader of the very organization that once sponsored him?

In this episode of God on the Move, Fred Dungganon shares how growing up in extreme poverty in Welfareville, losing his father, and surviving through odd jobs shaped his life—along with his early involvement in a spiritist cult marked by fear, emptiness, and syncretism. He tells how encountering the gospel at a youth camp led him back to Jesus, into discipleship, and ultimately into ministry with Dawn for the Poor, an OMF-founded work serving the urban poor through scholarships, holistic programs, and house churches. Fred recounts becoming executive director at 26, navigating a near-closure in 2020 that turned into renewed support during the pandemic, and casting vision for “Project 25” as Dawn expands to more communities across the Philippines.

Links from the Interview

Dawn for the Poor
OMF International
Podcast: Episode 23, From the Slums of Uganda to Founding a Conglomerate Social Enterprise
Book: A Journey Of The Poor
Book: Journey to Growth

Join the God on the Move Community on the Lausanne Action Hub and be part of the conversation, see exclusive content and share your own testimony.

We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!

Listen and Subscribe

For more inspiring conversations about global mission and leadership.

More Episodes

View All

500k: The Mission to Plant a Church in Every Village in India

Ed Michaelson

38:41

The Essence of Relational Peace: A Journey in Faith, Education and Community

21:25

Serving God Under Siege in Ukraine

Valentyn and Liuba Siniy

30:54

Beyond Ritual: Mental Health Advocacy in Indonesian Churches

Totok Wiryasaputra

Guests in This Episode

Frederick Dungganon

Fred Dungganon is a Filipino pastor and nonprofit leader who serves as Executive Director of Dawn for the Poor, a Christian ministry working among urban poor communities in the Philippines. Having grown up in extreme poverty in Manila’s slums, he benefited from the organisation’s sponsorship programme as a child—an experience that enabled him to complete his education and encounter the Christian faith.

After later pursuing ministry and leadership within the organisation, Dungganon became its director in 2007, helping transition it into a locally led foundation. Under his leadership, Dawn for the Poor has expanded its work in education, healthcare, livelihood development, and church planting, impacting thousands of families and communities.

Dungganon is widely known for his story of transformation—from scavenging to support his family to leading the very organisation that once supported him—and for his vision of holistic mission that integrates faith, discipleship, and poverty alleviation.