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
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Saturday, August 17, 2013
GLIM 2010 News Recap
12:02 PM
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
12:00 PM
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
·
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.
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