Global Peace Foundation Philippines officially turned over the Improved Livelihood Center for Organic Mushroom Production to Sitio Tamale of Bongabon, Nueva Ecija in December 2021 as a culmination of an All-Lights Village project. The project is sponsored by Maybank and Maybank Foundation in partnership with ASEAN Foundation towards Empowering Youth Across ASEAN. It aims to provide opportunities for the community to get work that is productive and delivers fair income for their families through the production of organic mushrooms.
Several guests attended and celebrated the event together with the community, including Executive Secretary Jojo de Leon, Municipal Councilor Christian Binuya, NCIP-Nueva Ecija Provincial Director Dr. Donato Bumacas, Provincial IPMR Board Member Emmanuel Domingo, IPMR of Bongabon Joel Bacdayan, MDRRMO Rep Jessie Ong, Chieftain of Isneg tribe Ancel Sagban, DepEd Public School District Supervisor of the District of Bongabon Alex Mantile and Principal of Macabaclay NHS Cecille Santiago.
The program started with the singing of the National Anthem followed by an invocation led by one of Sitio Tamale Youth Representatives Ronalisa Santiago. Councilor of Brgy. Digmala Memory Pascual delivered the welcome remarks in behalf of Barangay Chair Gomer Ruz. A very energetic and fresh intermission dance number was given by selected Sitio Tamale youth followed by special messages from guests.
Program Director for Youth Development of GPF Philippines Leonard Faustino, together with the guests, started the ceremonial turnover of the Organic Mushroom Livelihood Center. Chieftain of Sitio Tamale Joel Bacdayan, President of Tamale Indigenous Cultural Community and Organic Farmers Inc. Elizabeth Garbo, and one of the Sitio Tamale Youth Representatives Alfonso Garbo extended their acceptance and message of commitment to the project.
ASEAN volunteers were also able to watch parts of the event online while NCIP-Nueva Ecija Provincial Director Dr. Donato Bumacas awarded selected Indigenous Peoples elders for their support and leadership of their communities.
The program was ended by the closing message of GPF Philippines Executive Director Aldrin Nituma. He encouraged the youth and the community to unite for a common goal of uplifting their economic status through this livelihood center for organic mushroom production and to take ownership of the dream.
The event was hosted by GPF youth volunteer and 2020 Safe Space Hero Kier Aventurado and GPF Philippines program staff Loren de Guzman.
Read more about how members of Sitio Tamale are transforming their community HERE.