Highlighted Projects and Events

Aral Kabuhayan in cooperation with BSU (On-going)

In 2011 GLIM partnered up with Bulacan State University developing Aral Kabuhayan. This vocational training program is taught by BSU professors to for students who have completed ALS or High School in Barangay Capalangan, Apalit, Pampanga and the Sama-Bajau community in Sulipan. To date there have been over 107 graduates in course such as Computer Literacy, Automotive, Food Service, Electronics, and Welding.

Graduation of Aral Kabuhayan Students

Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) + Family Development Sessions (FDS) in cooperation with DSWD (On-going)

In order to combat poverty present in the Philippines, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has initiated its Modified Conditional Cash Transfer Program (MCCT) specifically targeting street families and street children. This is an adaption of the larger conditional cash transfer program named Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Programa (4P’s). Due to the transient nature of the Bajau and the thousands of families squatting throughout Central Luzon, it has been identified that the Bajau would best served by the MCCT. GLIM is partnering with DSWD and is the main service provider for 126 Sama-Bajau families (420 Individuals) in four different communities in the Pampanga Province. GLIM teaches the Family Development Sessions, Child Welfare Development, and literacy sessions that must be attended by the community members in order to receive the conditional payment of the government. This project officially began in January 2013 and will be a main focus of GLIM’s efforts going into the foreseeable future.

Kulintangan Festival (2013)

The Kulintangan Festival is a musical and dance performance put on by GLIM to help advocate and spread awareness about the traditional culture of the Sama-Bajau. Beginning in 2012 it is held several times a year at local universities including Bulacan State University and the University of the Philippines Diliman. The performers are from the Bajau community in Sulipan, Apalit.

Formation of the Nation Taskforce on Sama-Bajau (2012)

The National Taskforce on the Sama-Bajau was formed in February of 2012 representing 12 government and non-government agencies that would help further develop programming and solutions to the challenges of the Sama-Bajau. The Taskforce meets monthly to discuss and coordinate the implementation and monitoring of programming of its agencies for spanning the entire Philippines. God’s Love for the Indigents Ministry (GLIM) is one of its constituent members.

Members of the Task Force on Sama-Bajau

Hon. Enrique T. Ona, Secretary, DOH

Hon. Bro. Armin A. Luistro, Secretary, DepEd

Hon. Manuel Araneta Roxas II, Secretary, DILG

Hon. Zenaida Brigida H. Pawid, Chairperson, NCIP

Hon. Carmelita N. Ericta, Administrator, NSO

Hon. Chito M. Cruz, General Manager, NHA

Hon. Virgilio R. de Los Reyes, Secretary, DA

Dean Carolyn Sobritchea, Asian Center, UP DIliman

Brenda S. Vigo, Executive Director, CWC

Ms. Sandra Camesa, President, NCSD

Pastor Edwin G. Villanueva, Chairman, GLIM

Marilou Von Arx, Project Coordinator, SFACI

Taskforce on the Sama-Bajau

Laot Lungsod Langit: Mga Kuentong Sama Dilaut (2012)

Laot Lungsod Langit was a theatrical presentation that helped to advocate and educate the general public about the cultural identity of the Sama-Bajau. GLIM assisted DSWD, the National Parks Development Committee and Teatrofilipino Integrated, Inc. in running the program. Performances were held from April 30 to May 10, 2012 in the Open Air Auditorium in Rizal Park, Manila.

Four Permanent Dwellings constructed with assistance of Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (2012)

Canadian Embassy Ambassador and DIplomats observe
the community

In September 2011 a large flood occurred that affected the Sulipan community forcing many of its residents to move to different areas of Pampanga. With their homes destroyed, many of the community members were forced to move to different areas of Pampanga. Several families also decided to squat in Sulipan in an attempt to continue the community. The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives saw the plight of those still living in Sulipan and assisted GLIM to construct four permanent concrete reinforced dwellings for those Sama-Bajau.

Socioeconomic Development Program in Cooperation with Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (2011)

Canadian Embassy Article: Canada helps Bajaus succeed in new community
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
Canadian Foreign Affairs Project Recipient Information

GLIM with the help of its United State Peace Corps Volunteer Phillip Olaleye, developed and ran its Socioeconomic Development Program with funding from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives under the Canadian Embassy. The program encompassed early childhood development, youth development, adult literacy and a livelihood for the community mothers. Over 80 Sama-Bajau of the Sulipan community participated in the program until its completion.

“Bajau Ako Pinoy Ako Magkakapatid Tayo” Event at SM Mall (2011)

The “Bajau Ako Pinoy Ako Magkakapatid Tayo” Event was held at SM Pampanga in mid-December 2011 to further advocate the culture and situation of the Bajau. The performances were the result of theatre workshops put on by Philippine Educational Theater Association. Through dance, music, and acting members of the Bajau community in Sulipan helped educate those in attendance.
Philippine Educational Theater Association works with GLIM

National Conference of Stakeholders on the Sama-Bajau (2011) 

The National Conference took place from November 30 to December 2, 2011 with nearly 250 participants representing stake holding governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations and Sama-Bajau leadership from across the Philippines including Department of Education, University of the Philippines Asian Center, National Council of Social Development, and GLIM among others. The conference represented the culmination of months of planning to help advocate, identify and address the challenges facing the Sama-Bajau. From the conference short and long-term plans were developed to help lay the ground work for the future.  A follow up event took place the following February to formally organize the National Taskforce for the Sama-Bajau.

DSWD Article: INTER-AGENCY FORUM TACKLES PLIGHT OF SAMA-BAJAU

Began relationship with the United States Peace Corps and the United States of America Embassy Philippines (2009)

Pipoy and Pastor Edwin

GLIM established ties United States Peace Corps (USPC), a volunteer organization underneath the United States government. In order to support GLIM’s efforts the USPC sent its first volunteer named Phillip Olaleye to help further develop the organization’s programming and strengthen its advocacy efforts. GLIM has also taken part in several US Embassy activities helping bringing attention to the plights of the Sama-Bajau.

Making Peace with the World: Photographs of Peace Corps Volunteers

US Peace Corps Director- Aaron Williams (Center)
US Peace Corps Philippines Country Director- Denny Robertson

Partnership with Department of Education running the Alternative Learning System (2009)

Since 2009 God’s Love for the Indigents Ministry has partnered with the Department of Education to run the Alternative Learning System (ALS) for the local community and the Sama-Bajau. GLIM identifies students and supports the program’s facilitation. Upon completion of the ALS program and passing of the ALS exam, students that have not finished formal schooling receive the equivalency of graduation of High School and are able to apply to vocational schools and colleges. GLIM also runs literacy programs to help prepare participants for ALS.

Established relationship with Bulacan State University (BSU) and conducted various projects with its extensions department (2007)

Beginning in 2007 GLIM has partnered with Bulacan State University and its extensions department to conduct different activities to advocate on the Sama-Bajau’s behalf. A main focus of the partnership has centered on the BSU student National Service Training Program (NSTP), and community service projects that have been facilitated under GLIM’s guidance to benefit local Sama-Bajau communities.

Elementary School Assistance Program (2005)

From the first batch of students from the Bajau community in Sulipan attending formal schooling in 2005, GLIM has monitored the children’s attendance and progress assisting them to excel in their studies. GLIM also provides school supplies for aforementioned students.

Began relationship with Helping Hand Ministry, Inc. (2003)

A long time supporter of ministry and scholarship programs present here in the Philippines, Helping Hand Ministry, Inc. founded by Juanita Rosales and based in Great Falls, Montana, USA became a major contributor of GLIM’s programming serving the Bajau in Sulipan and beyond that continues to this day.

Established resettlement community beneath Sulipan Bridge in Barangay Sulipan, Apalit, Pampanga (2002)

Upon the completion of their cross-cultural mission service, Perla and Edwin continued their outreach for Bajau families living in their home municipality of Apalit, Pampanga. Beginning with a few families and the cooperation of the Philippines National Police, a community was established beneath the Sulipan Bridge in Barangay Sulipan, Apalit Pampanga in 2002, and God’s Love for the Indigents Ministry (GLIM) was born. Over the next few years, many families would relocate to the Sulipan Bridge community and call it home.

Sulipan Bajau Community Center

Missionary outreach working with the Bajau community in Batangas City (2000-2001)

Shortly after being married in 1999, Perla and Edwin Villanueva decided to serve as missionaries in a Bajau community in Batangas City, Batangas.  For two years they were engrossed in the culture, language and circumstances of the Sama-Bajau. Perla and Edwin’s assignment was to focus on the community’s organization and children’s development.  Perla and Edwin guided the community’s youngest members through activities such as gardening and sports to help teach literacy and life skills. They were also involved in running the community pre-school education program.