Fulfilling our God-given roles - 2024 Q1 and Q2 Newsletter

HANDS OF LO VE PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION, INC. 2024 - Q1 & Q2 | www.holpfi.org | holpfi@gmail.com

Fulfilling our God-given roles Preface | Engr. Tamotsu Sakai, HOLPFI Executive Director

'Subdue the earth. Rule over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that inhabits the earth’ ~ Genesis 1:28 God created the world as perfect.

However, he then made one correction. He created man as a partner: ‘It is not good for man to be alone’ (Genesis 2:18).

Man was created in the image of God and could have lived alone as his independent being.

However, it does not say why God did this, whether it was to make the world he created more blessed, but it is clear that he wanted more people. He created this world as something to be managed. That role did not change after man was banished from Eden.

People blame God when various unreasonable events in the world occur. However, most of the problems in the world originate from man. People have been entrusted by God with the authority to manage this world. In other words, God leaves it to people to solve the problems that occur between people, in communities, countries and the world.

It also means that God has equipped people with the ability to solve problems.

God does not want a situation where many people are poor, hungry, battles are taking lives and people are divided.

If we want to be blessed by God, we must first fulfil our God-given role.

God loves people and the world He has created.

Changing this world starts with individual action.

First, start with those close to you and what you can do, and if you can't do it by yourself, take action in cooperation with others to solve various problems.

OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, PHILIPPINES, 2024

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

A Step Towards Development Sitio Salidang, a budding community in partnership with HOLPFI, has shown remarkable interest in improving their quality of life. With a population of 239 individuals comprising 48 families and 45 households, the community places a high priority on establishing formal education.

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Currently, children have to walk two hours to the nearest school in Sitio Yabat, a challenging situation that has inspired local leaders to advocate for a school within Salidang.

From September 27 to 29, 2024, leadership training was conducted for Salidang’s leaders, attended by 18 out of 25 leaders and two additional community members. The training revolved around the concepts of being "SALTY" (a changed person) and "LIGHTS" (becoming a beacon of hope as leaders) for their families and community, as well as living under the Kingdom of God. Through interactive activities such as focus group discussions, dramatizations, and teamwork exercises, the participants learned to prioritize others, take proactive steps in addressing community issues, and embody servant leadership.

The training and the community’s desire for a school reflect a shared vision: to build a brighter future for Salidang by equipping leaders with the skills and values to enact meaningful change. By working together, the people of Salidang are steadily moving toward their dream of a self-sustaining and thriving community.

COMMUNITY MAPPING WITH THE COMMUNITY PEOPLE IN SALIDANG COMMUNITY

BLESSED EDUCATION PROGRAM

From River Crossings to Graduation Cheers Lens of Experience | Atty. Jojo Veneracion, HOLPFI President/Chairman of the Board

Last May/June 2024, I had the privilege of attending the graduation ceremonies in 2 schools in Mindoro where HOLPFI has been deeply involved with for the past several years: Alsabi Elementary School in Socorro and Tugdaan Mangyan Center for Learning and Development in Naujan.

The first ceremony I attended was the one in Alsabi, Socorro, a community where the HOLPFI team had been engaged in capacity building for the past 6 years. The establishment of Alsabi Elementary School was one of the fruits of the community’s efforts to make their vision of the community a reality. I was looking forward to seeing the school even if the community can only be reached after a 5-kilometer hike.

Our Mindoro team gave me an overview of the trek to Alsabi as well as a packing list to ensure I brought the essentials to my Alsabi visit. So, I knew what to expect but I suppose no matter how much information you have about the trip, you still feel an initial shock when you start the hike, especially as you make the first of the Mayo River crossings. The calm waters of the river would occasionally surprise me with slippery rocks or a slightly deeper part that caused me to nearly lose my balance. Fortunately, members of the Alsabi community accompanied us on the hike and they would always be there to support, much like the HOLPFI team supporting the Alsabi community leaders in developing their vision for the community.

We started the hike at Brgy. Fortuna but did not get wet the first time we crossed the river because there was a hanging bridge which led to a small community. We followed a cemented pathway but at one point had to make a turn towards the river. It turned out that we were going to take the shorter route and hike along the river itself instead of going up and down the mountainous area of Socorro, which would take a longer period of time.

We were led to the hut (not sure what they called this ) where the teachers stay in their individual rooms. A portion of the hut had a kitchen/toilet and multi-purpose area for their meals and possibly meetings. It was not until the next morning that I was able to see the entire community. I noticed that the houses were built with some order/organization with the school at the center.

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The Mayo River

Walking towards the community with the community people

We encountered locals at different areas of the hike including a number of carabaos – some cooling off in the river and others helping their human to pull a cart. Our guides pointed to some parts of the mountains that were burned as part of the traditional kaingin planting culture, which will serve as the planting area for the locals.

The silence of the forest was disturbed by our group’s friendly banter as we exchanged stories and got to know more about each other. Seeing the greenery and breathing fresh air was indeed a refreshing experience which was made more energizing by the occasional sounds of the birds.

The trek was not an easy feat for me, but my exhaustion disappeared the moment we heard familiar voices which meant that we reached our destination, just in time as the sun began to set.

Atty. Jojo with the HOLPFI Staff and Sir Jay Mark, the guest speaker for the event (a former teacher in Alsabi Elementary School

A number of the members of the community were also bringing to the hut various root crops that they harvested. It was their simple way of expressing their appreciation and thanks for HOLPFI’s support to the community.

Hon. Nemmen Ortega Perez, M.D. (Municipal Mayor of Socorrro, Oriental Mindoro)

Graduation was a big day for the community, and it seems that everyone was involved in preparing for the event, which included a visit from the Town mayor. They were milling about the food preparation area which included roasting a whole pig.

The children were visibly excited as they waited for the ceremony to start. I did notice that most members of the community were shy. They would smile and then turn away when I started chatting with them.

The teachers, Kuya Ton, Kuya Edcel, Ate Ruby and Ate Lyn prepared well for the graduation which included a printed program, graduation processional march as well as a properly decorated stage which they worked on overnight.

Kuya Jay Mark, the former teacher in Alsabi, was the guest speaker and his sharing on how he, as a member of the Mangyan tribe, was able to overcome the challenges and succeed to become a teacher for the community was a very inspiring story which I hope the graduates will be able to emulate.

Seeing the school that the Alsabi community was able to build with their perseverance, I am certain that the school will be extremely helpful to bring progress to the community.

It was good timing that the graduation ceremonies for the Tugdaan Mangyan Learning Center was scheduled the day after Alsabi graduation. Having witnessed the graduation in the small and remote Alsabi community, I had expected a similar experience in Tugdaan. But it was markedly different.

Firstly, Tugdaan’s infrastructure was well developed as they had been at the forefront of the educational development of the Mangyan community for a number of years. Secondly, I was impressed that the mangyans wore their indigenous wardrobe for the ceremony.

My memorable experience with the 2 events had significant differences but I believe that these were outweighed by the excitement of both the students and the proud parents. The importance that the community bestows on education is indeed promising and we are hopeful that HOLPFI’s efforts to build the capacity of the community will further expand.

On behalf of HOLPFI, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Atty. Jojo for taking the time to meet the community and witness the graduation ceremony of the scholars of the BEP. His presence and support mean a great deal to us and to the scholars, as it reflects his commitment to empowering communities and encouraging the pursuit of education. Thank you for celebrating this milestone with us!

REACH OUT TO US! BEP SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

CDP - BEP -- ON EDUCATION

Rising Strong Lens of Experience

Sir Jay Mark Malimata

Sir Ton Francisco

In the heart of the remote Alsabi community, two remarkable teachers have become beacons of hope for indigenous children. Driven by an unwavering passion and deep compassion, they dedicate their lives to breaking barriers and nurturing dreams.

They are not just teachers—they are mentors, advocates, and pillars of change in a community striving for a brighter future. Let us see heart of the two teachers: Sir Jay Mark Malimata and Sir Ton Francisco.

During the graduation ceremony in Alsabi, Sir Jay Mark was invited as a guest speaker. He delivered an inspiring and heartfelt message to the firstever graduates of Alsabi Elementary School, with the theme, "Filipino Youth for a Stronger Future of a New Philippines."

To conclude his speech, he emphasized the meaning of MA-TAT-AG as a guiding principle for their journey ahead: MA - Mag-aral (Study) "Education will be your foundation to lift your lives.

Regardless of being indigenous, you have the right to free education and the same opportunities as others, whether Mangyan or Tagalog." (Ang pag aaral ang magtataguyod sa inyo upang maiahon ninyo ang inyong buhay. Kahit kayo ay isang katutubo, kayo ay may karapatang makapag aral ng libre, may karapatang makapagaral tulad ng natatamasa ng ibang Mangyan man o Tagalog.)

TA - Tatag (Resilience) "Challenges will come as you study—lack of food, discouragement, or even limited resources like clothes or school supplies. But through it all, resilience will be your strength. How far can your determination take you to reach your dreams?"

(Habang nag aaral kayo nariyan ang sunod sunod na pagsubok. Unang una ang kakulangan sa pagkain, tatamarin nang mag -aral dahil walang pagkain, baon, walang pambili ng magandang damit at iba pang gamit sa paaralan. Pero sa kabila ng lahat nang pagsubok nariyan ang tatag ng loob.

Hanggang saan ka tatatag para maabot mo ang inyong minimithing pangarap. ) TAG - Tagumpay (Success) "As a former teacher and administrator of this school, I want you to be resilient, even when the path seems difficult. Your strength today will pave the way for your success tomorrow.” (Bilang dating guro at tagapamahala ng paaralang ito, nais kong maging matatag kayo kahit mahirap at gusto kong maging matatag kayo.)

“You are the hope of the New Philippines.

Someday, you will return to teach and inspire the next generation."

(Dahil kayo ang magiging kinabukasan ng Bagong Pinilipinas, kayo sa susunod ang babalik para maturuan ang susunod pang henerasyon. )

Sir Ton on Transforming Education in Alsabi Community What are the changes seen in the students?

They have learned to read, write, and respect one another. Additionally, they have developed the confidence to interact with people from other cultures without hesitation or fear. Most importantly, there is now a noticeable improvement in maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings compared to when they were not yet in school. (Ang mga bata po ay namulat na po sa kaalaman, natuto na po silang bumasa, sumulat at natutunang igalang ang bawat isa. At gayundin naman ay natutunan nilang makisalamuha kahit sa ibang lahi ng walang pag aalinlangan at takot. At higit sa lahat ay napapansin na ang pagiging malinis na kapaligiran kumpara noong sila ay di nag aaral. ) What were the most difficult aspects of teaching?

As teachers, what matters most to us is being able to impart knowledge to the children in ways that are simple and relatable to their experiences.

However, the most challenging aspect of teaching is the lack of resources, such as books, electricity, and, of course, access to the internet.

(Bilang isang guro ang pinaka mahalaga po sa amin ay yung makapag bigay kaalaman sa mga bata sa pinaka madaling paraan na kanilang nararananasan. At ang pinaka mahirap naman pong parte sa aming pagtuturo ay ang kakulangan sa teaching materials,tulad ng libro, wala din pong power supply at syempre internet. ) Have there been any changes in the educational environment since moving from Mayi Village to Alsabi?

There have indeed been significant changes. The children were provided with two concrete classrooms, eliminating the need to move around when it rains and ensuring uninterrupted learning.

They now have proper chairs. Most importantly, more teachers have been assigned, making teaching and learning much more efficient and manageable. (Ang mga pagbabago po ay nabigyan po sila ng pagkakataong mabigyan ng 2 konkretong clasroom kung saan hindi na po nila kailangang magpalipat-lipat kung umuulan at hindi na naantala ang kanilang pag aaral. Meron din po silang upuan. At ang pinaka mahalaga po sa lahat ay nadagdagan ang mga guro, kaya naman ang pagtuturo at pagbibigay ng kaalaman ay mas napadali at napagaan. )

RESOURCE AND DEVELOPMENT ADVOCACY KAPASA PROJECT

METAMORPHOSIS Project Officer | Ms. Annie Asi

BANYUHAY! Metamorphosis – a process of change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of an organism, Inspired by metamorphosis, Kapasa Project begins using this butterfly life cycle journey to reach its goals and start life.

As Roy T. Bennett said,

“ You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

Empowering women and building a leader in the community, is not easy. As we aim to build a leader in our partner community, we begin with knowing what they can and what they have.

Through this, we facilitate them to move toward the life they want, slowly but stepping away from the life they used to be and using their God-given potential. Everyone receives a gift and we are given capacities and skills to grow and explore those gifts not just for ourselves but for our neighbors and communities. Together let us use those gifts to change life. As we reflected last year, we featured the “gift for change” and act of service as the greatest gift we can give to our clients. To facilitate them to reach their ideal life by recognizing their God-given potentials.

two of them were students who deserved to be treated equally and get a chance to be educated and have access to every way possible to be better. Not just a mom who took care of her child at home, not just a wife who waited for their husband to go back home and a student who went back home to do their homework.

But a woman who is stronger and braver to face the challenges in every way possible to build and support her family. A woman who is empowered enough to show her light in their home and her community. A woman with purpose to inspire others to uplift their lives. To lead the community to catch fish and not to lean to others hand out.

Series: Empowerment Journey We are delighted to instill knowledge and awareness to our partner and with that we have come up with a series of sessions where we can build a strong relationship with each other.

Creation Care: We just kicked off team building in Paitan River followed by Creation Care.

We believe that women can do more, not just keeping the house but making the community a better place. Regardless of their ethnicity and race they deserved every support they can get.

These women of KAPASA Project are from Alangan and Hanunuo tribes,

This will be the starting point of our sessions throughout the whole year. These women planted seeds in four different pots, where pots had various kinds of soil the 1st one contained soil with sand, 2nd pot had soil with pebbles, 3rd pot was ordinary soil then the 4th pot was with fertilizer.

Everyone has 4 pots to monitor. They are responsible for caring for the given seeds to grow and bear fruits.

If we have luck and are given a chance to grow, this seed will serve as our material on our upcoming series of sessions. Upcoming sessions will be based on the track of what they need to develop their character and mindset.

The first stop we have WORLDVIEW - As a facilitator, understanding the perspective of our partner community is vital. In doing this, we can organize a meeting to talk about how to approach them and lead them toward the outcome we hope to achieve together. With the helping hand of the Almighty, they are becoming gradually shaped and bringing their mindset established.

We think that with efficient leadership and management, we can empower and inspire one another. This can be achieved with the right direction and communication

PURPOSE. Why are we here? Why do we need to help others, when we can't even upgrade our own? Have you asked yourself this kind of question? Or just like the others na hindi natin alam bakit nga ba? At Bahala na bukas? Of course, we had also consider to discussed problems and why there are problems.

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." ~ Matthew 5:13 Knowing our purpose is just like salt. A question pops up asking are you a salt or an insult? Salt does not seem to have the same appearance as other ingredients or smell the same as other seasonings, but soup would be tasteless without it.

The most prevalent and sole way salt begins to lose its flavor is if it gets blended with excessive amounts of other substances. Powered by our vision and purpose, we will not likely easily get lost when we choose to be with the right people. With the knowledge and experiences we gain, we can maintain our dignity while grounded and continue growing. Sharing taste to render a good menu to the challenging days of our lives. Be vigilant about who you associate with if they lack values of morality. Salt is quite significant and is not to be thrown away.

Remain pure.

“MAINTAIN YOUR DIGNITY and INTEGRITY”.

After several weeks we have come to have our review for what we had the last time and it slowly reveals the different viewpoints on the nanays.

Alangan and Hanunuo tribes had different and vast points with regards to life as a whole.

Bearing their cultural background and tribal practices. As for them, they focus on their family, and as mothers, they haven’t thought yet or questioned themselves “What is going to happen if they die.”? “Why I am here?” “Is my life beautiful” These are the series of questions that lead us to our next session.

We have this session course and we shared them in our community. Here we have defined each letter. SALTY and also translated into Tagalog for our clientele to easily understand. Ans we didn’t end here, we have LIGHTS.

COMMUNITY CORNER We have struggles in the first quarter since we don't have a venue to do our activities. We met by the side of the road for the most part. The weather and lack of electricity presented challenges when we switched locations for our lessons. Also, several of the mothers had recently given birth, so we had to have a serious discussion and search for a better location. A location to store our unfinished crafts and raw materials and secure space for our meetings with the newborns.

14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." ~Matthew 5:14-16

And for our last session this year we get to reflect on the IMPORTANCE OF LIFE and our past sessions.

Life is flavorful, sometimes we can't measure how little or how much we should give up for others to serve and please them. However, by doing this we can’t satisfy all. And we end up losing ourselves serving others who don’t see our worth.

Living in a community with diverse culture and tribal practices, one of the nanay shared that sometimes to help others she becomes the one initiating to find the solution to someone's problem. The other one shared that when a misunderstanding arises, she immediately talks to the person to address the issue. Sometimes it causes her not to have many friends, however, that’s how she was. She is not afraid of showing her identity to others even though she loses acquaintance. Another one shared that even though you already spent time and do good for others, still they are not contented and spread rumors in exchange. With all these sharing we concluded our sessions with

Don't always run to someone else's aid when they make blunders. Because you might be robbing them of an opportunity to develop and learn as a result. If you always save them from the pain, they'll never know the value of resilience, the power of learning.

After long consideration and family talks, for the second time, the Taywan Family decided to renovate the dampa beside their house where we hold our recent activities. In this place, we can be protected from rain and other worries we had in the previous quarter.

TIMELINE (COMMUNITY CORNER):

HANDICRAFTS BY KAPASA

MARCH 2024

JUNE 2024

JULY 2024

This is now our dampa on 1st Quarter during summer and it help us to let the passerby be aware that we exist in the community. And as by days and months passed by, we are happy to thrive and use our resources and abilities to drive people to recognize our crafts. Months by months we tried our best to communicate what we think was best that could alter our situation.

KAPASA Project on REMAP Chapter Cap-build Seminar and Workshop REMAP CHAPTER: Rebuilding Marginalized Families into Constructive Households and Promoting Children’s Welfare Towards Emergence from Poverty: A collaboration and networking project where HOLPFI acts as a coordinator to support the AISES team (Advanced Institute for School Education and Support) to delivers training and workshop here in the Philippines. A Japanese organization called AISES seeks to improve the underprivileged sector by partnering with communities and providing workshops and trainings to implement the changes that are needed.

We seized the chance to introduce the crafts to this REMAP CHAPTER: Two-Day Workshop and Seminar, which ended on November 27 and 28. In collaboration with HOLPFI staff members Ms. Agnes, our administrator Malyn, our recently hired staff member, our bunso, and a Registered Social Worker. With a great deal of support and awareness from the participating groups throughout Metro Manila, the event was successfully ended under the guidance of Kaira and Annie, the event coordinators.

SPOTLIGHT PRODUCT

With a grateful heart, we recognize the effort of our dear customers in choosing our crafts.

Despite, of heavy rain and distance from our physical store this group of buyers from Evangelista had come. This year our most sought item and best seller is the....

Year-End Evaluation and Thanksgiving Party

Christmas and Thanksgiving Party: Celebrating God’s Unwavering grace and Mercy Before we start with our Thanksgiving Party, we have reviewed first our past array of sessions in the past months. Fortunately, they remember several of our sessions like Worldview, SALTY and LIGHTS, and more enumeration questions.

Emmanuel: The greatest gift we received from above is the Prince of Peace and our Savior.

The activities continued and the evaluation has been measured through various games. Several games will measure their strategy, communication, and teamwork. Some games will measure their presence of mind and listening skills. Games like:

PASS THE FACIAL EXPRESSION

PINGPONG BALL

We have celebrated and concluded 2024 with a grateful heart, thankful for allowing us to reach this moment safely. This year has been a journey filled with challenges, growth, and countless blessings. As we look back, we cherish the milestones achieved and the people who have been part of this journey. With hearts full of gratitude, we look forward to embracing the opportunities and hope that the coming year will bring.

HEART OF KAPASA Lens of Experience | Mother’s of KAPASA

Building a paper cup tower without using a hand and shooting the ball using the board with lots of uneven holes challenges the participants to work together as a team and embrace the ideas of the team.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This verse, penned hundreds of years before Jesus' birth, points to Christ as our Lord and Savior. ~Isaiah 9:6

The Heart of KAPASA tells the brief insights of mothers who channel their resilience, creativity, and love into crafting handmade products.

Rooted in a deep sense of community and tradition, these mothers not only create beautiful crafts but also weave their hopes, dreams, and stories into every piece. Through their work, they uplift their families, preserve their cultural heritage, and embody the strength and heart of their community.

Handicrafts by KAPASA @handicrafts_by_kapasa

Ate Rose Taywan

Our family is not always in the community of Paitan, we reside in the southern part of the province that's why it was a few sessions ago and I was not able to attend. However, I begged my colleagues to allow me to join. And I am grateful for the opportunity because it opened up a door for me to gain a small amount of income. My son got dengue and our hospital bill is increasing. There's no cure for dengue and at the same time, he had measles too. I cannot bear to see my son dehydrated and not taking any food or water. With the small amount I received from weaving beads, it makes me a bit relieved to see my family slowly getting by.

Ate Belen Agabayan Our children are the ones who benefited the most in this project. My husband worked in the farm. The earnings serve as the pocket money of my child going to school and the rest is our household. Weaving beads makes me stay at home most of the time. It lessens my mingling with my neighbors. Especially I have a new born.

Ate Lisa Lintawagin I've been a part of this effort for several years, and I'm grateful because it has benefited my kids. My revenue helps us support their need in school. Such as pocket money and transportation.

KAPASA PROJECT OFFICER: MS. ANNIE ASI on

Journey of Resilience and Respect Among the Mangyan Tribes I learned a lot working with Mangyans. They are constantly criticized by others for the way they carry themselves in public. The term "Mangyan" is frequently used in bullying. When describing someone as mangmang, they used Mangyan. Mangyan is a group of people and it is not a word we could use anytime to bully someone na mangmang.

Carrying the vision of reaching marginalized communities, brought me to be more vigilant on how I am going to approach them respecting their culture and tribal practices. Paitan community is a residential community of mostly Alangan Tribe and Hanunuo tribe. KAPASA Project started its livelihood engagement in April 2021 and it aims to create an avenue for women where they can harness their skills and God-given potential where they can empower the community to continue the project on their own.

Empowering women from different walks of life presents challenges to my ability to carry out my task.

First, they are older than me have lots of experience, and are kind of reserved. There are parts of them that aren’t easily shared with the Tagalog people considering the language as well, Alangan and Hanunuo had a distinct language. However, it doesn’t stop me as days and months pass by we are happy to thrive and use our resources and abilities to drive people to recognize that despite the race, tribe, culture, and practices we have, we can work together and bring awareness to people that they are also human with abilities who deserved respect.

For the three years that I have been working with them, struggles have been present and sometimes I think there's nothing more I can do and feel inadequate, yet that is how we reach down into our souls for bravery and resiliency. To face the battles with what we have learned from our experiences. Leave the comfort zone we used to sit in and face the world with tenacity and faith that everything will fall into part at the right time and in the right place.

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