Highlighted Project: MCCT and FDS with DSWD

Helping to support Bajau communities of Central Luzon.

The Bajau

The People of the Sea.

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Monday, August 26, 2013

June 2011 Newsletter


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May 2013 Newsletter



April 2013 Newsletter



Febraury-March 2013 Newsletter



January 2013 Newsletter


May-June 2012 Newsletter






March-April 2012 Newsletter



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January 2012 Newsletter




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Augst 2011 Newsletter



July 2011 Newsletter




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April 2011 Newsletter




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January-February 2011 Newsletters




GLIM 2010 News Recap



GLIM 2010 NEWS RECAP

JANUARY
We celebrated Christmas with the women inmates last December 15. Forty of them joined the party – where each of them received a token of love ( a small bag of laundry and bath soaps, and few packs of sanitary napkins). Nanay Ching delivered the Christmas message and we all had snacks after the party – Rice Cakes.
The presence of our US Peace Corps volunteer in the Bajau mission is a great relief for us. Although  PHILLIP OLALEYE came just two months ago, knowing that we are already four hardly working for the ministry is indeed an inspiration compared with our previous years when we were only three doing the labor. Peace Corps Philippines did find him as a MATCH to our needs. His expertise in analysis and planning, his two-years of working experience promises a significant output to whatever he can contribute to the Bajau community and to the GLIM for two straight years.
Another extension service of GLIM is the Alternative Learning System (ALS)  of the Department of Education (DepEd) to the Out-of-School Youths.

FEBRUARY - MARCH
Month of February ended up with so much plans, and now for this month of March, we are implementing them one by one:
a.      We have finished our life skill training programs from Jan-March to the Bajaus and we are setting for the final project these remaining Saturdays (March 13-20-27) which is the MURAL PAINTING.
b.      Commencing the Alternative Learning System  (ALS) Batch 2 this March, we are presently handling  the youths and moms:
for the secondary level in Capalangan                            every Sunday (March 7,14,21,28)                                                                                                                  at the Community Hall Library
for the secondary and elementary levels in Sulipan,     every Saturday (March  6,20, 27)                                                                                                                      at the Sulipan Bgy.Hall
Now conducting Basic Literacy Program for the Bajaus     Mon./Wed./Fri. started March 10                                                                                                                     at the GLIM-Bajau Com. Center
c.      Now formulating and constructing plans and programs for life skills training and community service with the Japanese students of Bulacan State University commencing on August to October of this year.
It is also wonderful to note that this school year ends on the 3rd week of March. We thank God for the 13 students who made it to the last days… and we will be resting in two moths from our feeding programs. The Lord is just so-so-so faithful!

APRIL
We are so blessed! These past weeks have been another proof of God’s miracles, great favor, and bright hope.
First, we thank God for the privilege of spending the Holy Week with the family in a house of a relative in Baguio. We stayed there free of charges for five days including food, lodging and car service. It was also a wonderful time to minister to our relatives especially when the father committed his life to the Lord. He is now entreating his children and wife that they surrender their lives to the Lord after realizing that without Him, all their labors and hard works are in vain.
Second is the accreditation of GLIM to the Sangguniang Bayan of Apalit. For seven years operating as an NGO in this municipality, it was a great relief that this time, the Apalit local officials are open for partnership with us. As an immediate result, the municipal mayor sponsored the Bajau Youth summer camp we held last April 18-19. The children enjoyed and learned a lot. The camp went with the theme “Kaya kong Maging Mas-mahusay na Mag-aaral!
Third is the special privilege we had for our Alternative Learning System-ALS passers. Jaymark and Joseph are both in 2nd year high school level. After joining our ALS program and passed the national exam and now they are now certified  4th year high school graduates. Last April 20, Jaymark enrolled for a degree course of Food Production and on first week of May Joseph plans to enroll to a 2-yr course of Culinary in Bulacan State University. The boys are so grateful for this wonderful chance of pursuing their study. They themselves proved that God has a wonderful plan in their lives and this plan is what they are pursuing.  
Fourth are the youth inmates in Tanglaw Pag-asa – Malolos Bulacan. They are very happy to receive our donation of electric burner. Before, they use charcoal in cooking their food and boiling water, and they cannot cook without their own fuels. The electric burner is a relief as they can cook easily and enjoy the free supply of electricity.
Fifth is the upcoming partnership of a Korean University starting this April 30. Please pray for project/program that will truly address the needs of our Bajau community.
Opportunities keep coming. God’s rich favor is pouring…this is the result of our tireless prayers. Indeed the Lord listens and answers. To God be all the glory, honor, power and praise!
MAY
A.     MONTH of May brought another milestone to the community of Bajaus in Apalit. The national and local election gave way for these indigenous people to prove once more that they are Filipinos and willingly take part in deciding for the future of our country. The Bajau voters were so delighted to exercise their right. It was a beautiful site to see them walking on their way home from the polling precinct with a smile after successfully casted their votes. They were so proud to show their forefinger tinted as proof that they are just equally privileged as any other Filipino and seemingly saying.. ”Bajau Ako, Pinoy Ako”. Hence this phrase becomes our theme for the advocacy-campaign project last quarter of this year.  
B.     We gave tribute to the Bajau moms in celebration to the Mother’s Day last May 9th. Focusing to the role of a mother as loving, caring and truly patient in growing their youngs, we gave emphasis to the importance of “Hear and Obey”. This is one ingredient necessary for a successful parenthood in forming a solid, strong family…and community. Feasting over delicious spaghetti and orange juice culminated the celebration!
C.     Summer Break also keeps us busy in preparing for the opening of school this June:
a.      Summer preschool class for the (4) four Bajau children daily held to ensure their school readiness.
b.      Gathering of school supplies needed for Graders 1-6.
c.      Gathering of food supplies for the daily feeding program
d.       Coordination with the Sulipan Elementary School
e.      Coordination with the Bajau parents of the regular students.

D.     Our Alternative Learning System runs until the next two months June-July. We continue the education with the Bajau women for basic literacy, with the Bajau youths for elementary level, and both Sulipan and Capalangan out-of-school youths for the secondary (high school) level. 
E.      On May 18th, in an attempt to prioritize saving and investments, we recently engaged in a piggy-bank project with the Bajau women. The women created and decorated makeshift piggy banks which will provide a storage mechanism for the families to employ weekly. We will start out by asking each family to save only P20 a week (less than 5% of an average weekly family income P500) so that we can instill the habit of saving. Given the delicate nature of our families’ situation at the Bajau community, we are hoping that they can recognize the value in planning for the future, not becoming victims of debt/loans, and having income to start small cottage industries and/or investing in local micro businesses.



JUNE
June is the busiest month of the year. All families are preparing for the school opening. We at the GLIM have witnessed once again the faithful provision of the Lord for our students. We thank our committed partners for their help that enabled us to completely prepare the school supplies of the following Bajau students:
                                                            Elementary graders          -              12
                                                            Early childhood educ.      -              15
                                                            Basic literacy class/ALS   -                7
                                                            High School/ALS               -                1
                                                            35 – active Bajau students
Also covering the continuous education of our out-of-school youths and mothers in high school under ALS program:
                                                Bgy. Sulipan                -           19
                                                Bgy. Capalangan         -             8
                                                                                                                        27        - active high school students
                                                                                                                       
GLIM continuously reaches out to the community people by providing one of their basic needs: EDUCATION. It is another way of expressing the love of God. And as we help them we enjoy the pleasure of teaching the Word of God during our classes. Our program serves as concrete proof of God’s beautiful intention culturing our students to the wonderful plans of God over their lives, their plans and their dreams- and that is the life in Jesus.

JULY
The transpiring favor of the Lord to our humble work keeps on.  We acknowledge it is God’s leading and His answer to our tireless prayers.
a.      We are now using a BRAND NEW SOUND SYSTEM during our community gathering. Thanks to BSU Extension Service Office and to the Chung Cheong University represented by 10 Korean students. In addition to their gift is the white board for the school, and the slippers and recreational toys and art crafts for the Bajau children. The community enjoyed plenty of sandwiches and juice drinks during their 3-day visits.
b.      We signed a MOA with the Department of Education Pampanga Division for becoming their accredited ALS-A&E Service Provider in Apalit. The Bajau community and the out-of-school youths of Apalit will benefit the most from this program.
c.      A Filipino Church based in Sidney Australia assured us their commitment in partnering with us for the education program to the Bajaus. Thanks to God is Good Mission and to Pastor Rolly Militar.
d.      Another Filipino couple from Papua New Guinea faithfully extended help for the work- Bro.Andy & Sister Glenda Dela Cruz.
e.      A December youth camp project initiated and coordinated by our Peace Corps volunteer Phillip Olaleye. The Stairway Foundation will host for the camp program and accommodation for the Bajau delegates. Mr. Dong & Mrs. Alice Yumang provided for their t-shirts as their GLIM uniform for the camp.
 We see how the Lord fulfills our joy not only to the work but also to our own heart’s desire. He is the same God that faithfully loves and cares for His children.

AUGUST
We bring you more great stories of God’s faithfulness to the GLIM ministries this month of August:
f.       The opening of our official website – www.bajauglim.webs.com – where we can freely present larger features of the GLIM ministry and provide access and information to all stakeholders involved.
g.      The brethrens of Conduit of Hope Ministries sent us two sets of video players and plenty of children and adult vhs tapes. The community people do enjoy watching movies right within the GLIM center. It is also an opportunity to educate them with different visual lessons that entertain and teach them at the same time.
h.      A group of 9 Japanese volunteers started their 3-month community service (August -October ) focusing on waste management techniques and the value of their application. The Japanese are English language students of the Bulacan State University and the Bajau community immersion is part of their cultural exchange program and community service.
i.       A rock band group from Bulacan State University donated medical supplies to treat fever, cough and diarrhea ailments. These supplies are crucial especially given the current rainy season when community residents underneath the bridge are more susceptible to illnesses.
j.       The approval of the 225 bags of rice under Food for Work Program (FFW) through the kind endorsement of the DSWD Regional Office 3. This program aims to provide food assistance to food insecure populations by engaging them in communal projects rather than adopting a dole out approach. GLIM submitted a proposal a few weeks back and it’s a great joy that our Bajau community have been selected as participants!
The design of the community project is simply an extension of ongoing GLIM initiatives: Waste management, Gardening, and Literacy. This provides us with a practical means to reinforce our teachings in the community, but more importantly incentivize participation.



k.      iCares Immersion Camp
On December 6th - 11th, 10-15 Bajau kids will be participating in the immersion camp being held in beautiful Puerto Galera! The camp will also be featuring kids from the International School of Manila and street children involved in Stairway’s residential rehabilitative program. All accommodation and meal costs will be taken care of by the Stairway team and GLIM is currently working on finding ways to finance the travel expenses of the kids and staff.
l.       The advancement of GLIM’s advocacy for the Bajaus.
Pastor Edwin and his wife Pearl had a wonderful opportunity to attend the USS Blue Ridge Friendship Visit at the South Harbor on August 4th, 2010. Such esteemed guests included the current US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr., Dept. of Justice Sec. Leila de Lima, Defense Sec. Voltaire Gasmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines Maj. Gen. Ricardo David Jr., Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, and US Vice Admiral John M. Bird. GLIM had the great privilege of socializing with many distinguished individuals, but more importantly advocating on behalf of the Bajau migrants in Luzon. The event was attended by 400 guests representing selected agencies invited by the US Embassy.

SEPTEMBER
Japanese Students Community Project: The 9 Japanese exchange students from Kansai University completed the bulk of their waste management program in the Bajau community in the month of September. Stressing the importance of these habits and values as it pertains to the practical safety and well-being of all Bajau residents. By presenting a slide show on the four classes of trash using photos taken of garbage in the community the community participants were then able to apply the knowledge acquired by collecting at least one piece of trash per class of waste in the community and placing them in the respective labeled bags. Other activity featured garbage collection games and prizes and an art workshop in which the Bajau residents were able to color and design posters promoting garbage disposal and the proper segregation of waste. Our final meeting will be on October 6th, in which the Japanese students will provide some creative, physical means to allow for the reinforcement and application of concepts learned over the 8-week program. Over forty rice sacks have been collected to fasten to each hut in the community. The students also will donate a communal receptacle apparatus to segregate waste. GLIM is very proud of our Japanese volunteers!

Accreditation with Apalit Municipality: Earlier in the month, GLIM was able to present a brief presentation to the Apalit Municipal Council concerning our educational services. Our focus was to highlight our ongoing educational initiatives within the Bajau community, but also shine light on those regular programs designed for the greater citizenry in Apalit, specifically the out-of-school youth. The meeting was very well received by our Vice Mayor and municipal councilmen which was great news for GLIM. Currently, GLIM exists as the lone registered and accredited non-government organization (NGO) in Apalit.
Community Activities & Computer Set c/o Bobby Lopez: Professor Bobby Lopez, of Bulacan State University (BSU) graced the Bajau community with another installment of his student led community projects. The BSU students put together a fantastic program of games and music for the Bajau children and organized a community kitchen for the residents. The students also raised funds to purchase and contribute a desktop computer to GLIM for our upcoming computer literacy classes. The classes are in conjunction with the free BSU sponsored Aral-Kabuhayan vocational program. The day was without a doubt a fun-filled fiesta with plenty of smiles and laughs for all.
United States Peace Corps Headquarters Visits GLIM- GLIM was blessed with the presence of two United States Peace Corps officials from Washington D.C., this past Sunday. Helen Lowman, Regional Director of Europe, Mediterranean and Asia and Jim Metzgar, Philippines Country Desk Officer were accompanied by Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Sonia Derenoncourt, Program Training Officer Charles Enciso, and Regional Manager Bonifacio Bucol. The esteemed visitors enjoyed a brief orientation of GLIM and its services before touring the community and mingling with the Bajau residents. Ms. Lowman, Mr. Metzgar and Ms. Derenoncourt even climbed into one of the Bajau huts to experience firsthand the living conditions of the Bajau and inquire about the sentiment on having a US Peace Corps Volunteer, Phil Olaleye. Barangay Sulipan Captain Marcos Capinpin and other representatives from the barangay council were also able to join in on the proceedings. While the group enjoyed lunch and Kapampangan delicacies, both video documentaries on the Bajau community were shown in full. The visit was extremely appreciated and enjoyed by all in attendance and GLIM would like to thank the US Peace Corps for its continued support of the Bajau.
Alternative Learning System (ALS) Workshop: On September 22th-24th, Chairman Edwin Villanueva and Director of Programs Perla Villanueva attended a 3-day seminar workshop breaking down the Alternative Learning System (ALS) curriculum from the handling of registration onto the preparation of students for the national exam. GLIM is currently recognized as an official service provider of the ALS program. 
Local Special Bodies (LSBs) Group: GLIM is happy to say that we have now gained membership to the Local Special Bodies (LSBs) group under the Provincial Department of Interior Local Government. LSBs is a recognized council which comprises selective organizations vested in provincial services and programs. GLIM relishes this new position which provides a louder and more direct voice and stage for our Bajau residents.



OCTOBER
October is full of works and accomplishments. One major fulfillment of these is the claim-declaration of the Secretary of Department of Social Welfare and Development –Sec. Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman last October 16th during the Consultation Dialogue in San Fernando City. It could have been the greatest relief hearing that the DSWD asserts the responsibility and obligation over the Bajaus migrated in Luzon.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
We thank the Lord for His faithfulness. So much have been done and much more is in store. I am overly excited for the coming year as the GLIM Program presents redefined focus and realistic yet attainable objectives. The expansion of our partnership allows the wider spread of our advocacy   resulting into greater awareness and approval with what we are doing. Our concern for sustainable financial support may yet to be seen but we are grateful and overjoyed to see how the Lord is actually in support to the operation thus allowing us to keep going and going towards better and improved services.

GLIM 2010 Summary Report

BAJAU CHILDREN FOCUS

Creative Works & Expression: Programs which use art and agreeable creative methods to passively educate & empower Bajau children.


2010 Notable Projects

·       Kids Creating Change Workshop
·       Bajau Youth Education Camp
·       Children’s Rights Festival (UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)
·       Stairway Foundation iCare Youth for Change Immersion Camp
·       READLANI Children’s Month Talent Showcase

Summary
This category of projects uses art and crafts, team building, and performance based activities as a way to educate and help our Bajau children creatively express themselves. Bajau children and culture for that matter is not keen to formal, structured environments. This being the case, GLIM focuses on creating a comfortable learning atmosphere which caters to the learning disposition of our youth. Providing kids with an opportunity to express themselves freely through myriad of creative works programs makes it easier for the children to absorb and comprehend complex issues. These issues include, but are not limited to: the 2015 Eight UN Millennium Goals, social and ethnic discrimination, and valuing education as an investment for the future. In order to better provide for our Bajau children, GLIM must better understand the needs and wants of this segment. These powerful exercises help build confidence, inspire and open up our children in ways that allow us forge stronger relationships with and learn from our youth base in the community.
2011 Outlook
These types of programs, albeit short-termed, have yielded the most output for our children. Creating such stimulating and friendly environments allow Bajau youth to gain self-esteem, acquire a desire to learn and unlock their limitless potential. The programs are low-cost and with minimal overhead for GLIM. Expect more of the same programs in the upcoming year.
Formal Youth Education: Long-term programs which are led by a certified teacher and with an accredited institution.

2010 Notable Projects

·       Early Childhood Curriculum for Out-of-School Bajau Youths
·       Registering and supporting Bajau students – Feeding program, school supplies, id cards, etc.
·       Department of Education Alternative Learning System – Adult Literacy



Summary
A regular, structured educational curriculum for the Bajau children is our hope and end goal. A consistent, formal approach to schooling will make way for sustainable growth and forward movement for the educational needs of our children. We started the 2010 school year off with 13 students enrolled in the public school system. 6 students remain active in their regular school pursuits. This 46% level of attrition sheds light to the greater issue Bajau children face: socio-economic distress. Many of our youth work to support their family in a number of income generating practices (street vendors, street performers, begging, etc.). Their peak, day-time work schedules conflict with the typical 7:30am – 4:30pm school time frame. This harsh reality makes it extremely difficult to actualize and steady the growth potential of our children.  GLIM lobbied to bring in an accredited teacher from the University of Regina Carmeli, who leads an early childhood curriculum Monday thru Friday, 8am – 11am. As well as supporting the material needs of our regular students, GLIM is being resourceful and flexible in finding new ways to put forth standard, effective educational programs to reach and educate our Bajau children.

2011 Outlook
GLIM really needs to improve in this area. Our primary aim is a high percentage of school-aged youth enrolled in the public school system; Bajau parents supporting and protecting this process. GLIM’s limited resources and no secure outside help make it difficult to meet the basic needs and bottom line of this group. The reality is, the economic faculty of Bajau prevents a necessary prioritization of education as a means to progress. GLIM does not see the struggles in this sub-section easing up any time soon.

BAJAU COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOCUS

Community Development: Programs which are designed to commit some service to the maintenance of the community grounds, lead land based skills building initiatives for the Adults and discover potential income generating cottage industries for the Women.

2010 Notable Projects

·       2010 Bulacan State University 2nd Semester NSTP Livelihood Program (Gardening, Micro-business practices/techniques, Education Puppetry, Waste Segregation, Mural Painting)
·       Kansai University (Japan) Exchange Student 8-week Solid Waste Management Project
·       UN Food For Work Three-Month Program (Gardening, Solid Waste Management, Adult Literacy)
·       Series of Livelihood Projects (Piggy-bank Investing, Rug Making, Jewelry Making)

Summary
Although a majority of our focus rests on supporting Bajau children, GLIM recognizes that the difficulties faced by Bajau families rests on their ability to gain access to basic needs; shelter, clothing, food, education. All 274 Bajau residents in our community under the old Sulipan Bridge are migrants from Coastal Western Mindanao. Being a ways from home and without any material support from the private/public sector, GLIM has implemented certain programs to ensure the livelihood of this Bajau group. Providing our clients with a land based skill set and knowledge base is essential for the development and growth of this destitute lot. Through these programs, Bajau residents have been instilled with an education to value self-dependence, skills and mechanisms to protect their environment, awareness and practices to not become victims of debt/loans, and activities designed to paint education as a means to escape poverty. Without the most basic needs of the family being covered, GLIM can not expect the children or youth to be prioritized as they should. 

2011 Outlook
Community based programs help concentrate on the root of the many Bajau problems: Livelihood. The average family and our community under the old Sulipan Bridge, the basic units of society entrusted with the care, protection and growth of children, are struggling mightily. Without basic need incentives (food, medicine, clothing, etc) for our programs, GLIM foresee an upward climb in trying to increase the active participation in 2011. When the incentive is present (Food for Work) we notice a drastic change in the interest of our clients. Strengthening operational capacity can help deliver and augment essential motivational power. Also a shift towards a smaller, more focused, model Bajau community is inevitable. 274 individuals are just too much for a 3-man team to handle and train effectively.

GLIM & Bajau Advocacy: Programs designed to extend the scope and reach of the GLIM mission/vision and to inform and educate the greater Filipino citizenry on Bajau culture/history and WHY they exist in their current societal position.
2010 Notable Projects
·       GLIM Website (www.bajauglim.webs.com)
·       Free Hugs Campaign & “I        Bajau” T-Shirts


Summary
Outside of the 3 primary workers of GLIM, the operational capacity is propped up by the goodwill and dedication of a small cast of vested and concerned citizens; both Filipinos and Internationals. However, these one time donations are far from enough. GLIM is still is in its infancy stage of operation and is without any steady, measureable assistance in both physical and monetary terms. Compounding this issue, the greater Filipino demographic does not understand the context behind Bajau widespread poverty. Negative connotations of Bajau (lazy, beggars, 2nd tier people, not Filipinos, etc.) that this group harbors, make the task to advocate for Bajau rights all the more the difficult. Launching the new website (www.bajauglim.webs.com) helped provide a digital and social medium for GLIM to market the Bajau story and make accessible its programs and initiatives to potential forms of outside support. Educational campaigns such as the Free Hugs Campaign help strengthen our ability to inform people on Bajau, passively promote GLIM and acquire outside assistance to best position ourselves heading into the New Year.
2011 Outlook
Although less direct, increased awareness and sensitivity towards Bajau and their rights is a significant focus for GLIM going forward into 2011. In order to strengthen our capacity to serve Bajau, GLIM must make a more concerted effort to promote Bajau issues and establish new, sustainable partnerships to improve operational standing.
  



















EXTENSION COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Outreach: Programs which help provide greater community residents with better access to educational and vocational opportunities.
2010 Notable Projects

·       Department of Education Alternative Learning System – Batch 2 & National Exam
·       College of Industrial Technology at Bulacan State University “Aral-Kabuhayan” Program

Summary
GLIM’s extension services to the out-of-school youth (OSY) in Apalit, Pampanga function as a need to address a problem that has been neglected in our backyard. GLIM currently exists as the lone registered NGO in the entire municipality of Apalit. This allows us to tap into a few of our existing partnerships and offer similar minded programs to benefit our OSY population here in our home Barangays of Sulipan and Capalangan. The Alternative Learning System (ALS) provides OSYs with an alternative to the formal school curriculum. The Department of Education has commissioned GLIM as service providers for the ALS curriculum which offer an informal fast track for OSYs to obtain a high-school diploma. “Aral-Kabuhayan” is a joint program with Bulacan State University that provides a 7-month, free vocational training for OSYs in computer literacy and automotive work. Although we are spread so thin, GLIM felt the need to organize and spearhead these initiatives to help train, educate and open new doors for our OSY brothers and sisters.

2011 Outlook
Extension services is the lightest and least focused arm of the GLIM Ministry. Our primary population is the Bajau Indigenous group. However, the extension programs offer a low input, high output for GLIM, as the majority of the leg work and implementation rests in the hands of the partner institution. As an ALS provider for 3 separate groups (Brgy Sulipan, Brgy Capalangan, Bajau Community), GLIM will continue to oversee the maintenance of this program for OSYs in 2011. We hope to carry on similar projects for OSYs, provided that we have the means and time to do so in an effective manner.