Friday, November 18, 2011
Isang Bata donates toys for Dagdag Dunong's Halloween project
Isang Bata donated toys for Dagdag-Dunong Project's Halloween Storytelling last October 31, 2011 in Kamias, Quezon City. Dagdag-Dunong Project's partners are Balangay Productions and Kagawad Dennis Joaquin. Isang Bata would like to thank Dino Narciso, Candie Cobiao and Bebang Siy for helping make the project happen.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Aftermath
Written for "Writers Unite! 09.26.11 Write for Climate Justice"
by Ime Morales of Freelance Writers of the Philippines
I remember Ondoy very well because it was not only my city that suffered, my personal life at the time was taking a beating as well. After Ondoy, we all recovered somehow, however slow. Time healed the wounds and we moved on. We should be stronger and wiser for it. And perhaps we are. For Ondoy, like any adversity, has the power not only to destroy but to bring out our strengths.
http://isangbata.blogspot.com/2009/10/isang-batas-relief-mission-in-wawa.html
And we should know, however scary the thought may be, that Ondoy will come again, maybe in different forms. Literally and figuratively. Somehow we'd be better prepared. Just think of it this way. If there was no Ondoy, we probably won't be fighting for climate justice today.
by Ime Morales of Freelance Writers of the Philippines
I remember Ondoy very well because it was not only my city that suffered, my personal life at the time was taking a beating as well. After Ondoy, we all recovered somehow, however slow. Time healed the wounds and we moved on. We should be stronger and wiser for it. And perhaps we are. For Ondoy, like any adversity, has the power not only to destroy but to bring out our strengths.
http://isangbata.blogspot.com/2009/10/isang-batas-relief-mission-in-wawa.html
And we should know, however scary the thought may be, that Ondoy will come again, maybe in different forms. Literally and figuratively. Somehow we'd be better prepared. Just think of it this way. If there was no Ondoy, we probably won't be fighting for climate justice today.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Isang Bata on CodeRED
Ruth Manimtim-Floresca of CodeRED recently wrote a feature on Isang Bata. Thank you to Ruth and Ms. Romelda Ascutia (EIC) for giving us space. Here are pages 16-18 of the June-August 2011 issue.
Monday, September 5, 2011
3rd and final leg of Isang Bata's 2011 Back-to-School Project
Isang Bata once again worked with Akap Bata to distribute school supplies to more than a hundred children in Malanday, Marikina last July, 2011. We also gave the local school more than a hundred books to build a library. Thank you to Sara Denise Mendoza for the photos, to Dino Narciso for coordinating and spearheading this event, and to Arlene Brosas and Akap Bata for the partnership.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Helping the children of San Roque Primary School in Lanao del Norte
(Excerpt from the report Isang Bata received from Kaabag Ranaw, Inc., Isang Bata's partner in this project. Another important partner is LBC Express and LBC Foundation, particularly Jose C. Garcia, who took care of sending all four boxes to Lanao del Norte.)
As of July 6, 2011, San Roque Primary school has a total of 100 pupils from day care to grade IV. Isang Bata sent over 100 school kits for these children, plus around a hundred books to build a small library. The following is the summary of recipients:
Kinder - 25
Grade 1 - 22
Grade 2 - 17
Grade 3 - 17
Grade 4 - 19
Books are very limited in San Roque Primary School. Only the teachers have text books. This is one of the reasons why the school does not have competitive/excellent students. Indeed, the children and the teachers are thankful for the rare opportunity to receive high-quality books.
Photos below are courtesy of Kaabag Ranaw, Inc., through Jojo Pacaldo, Executive Director.
This project would not be possible without the support and generosity of Dino Narciso, Irene Chia, Kat Palasi, Lalaine F. Yanilla Aquino, Candie Cobiao, Joy Ty-Sy, Henry Salazar, Jane Frances Salazar, Cooki Co Macatol, Iten Zamora del Rosario, Emmeline Aglipay, Aze Ramos, Sara Denise Mendoza, Resti Hallig Santiago, Susan Cristie Delovino-Belmonte and LBC Express' Tedd Santos.
Ms. Alfanta, checking the school enrollee master list.
Kaabag Ranaw, Inc. staff members counting the books for turn over.
The kinder teacher browses through the books with interest.
Bgy. Captain Escorial, Ms. Alfanta and Kaabag Ranaw, Inc. staff members facilitate the distribution.
Child signing the acknowledgment receipt.
One school kit per child.
A short story telling session after the turn over.
The truck that brings the children to and from school. They cover a distance of 4 kilometers each time.
"SCHOOL BUS". Since around 40% of the constituents of San Roque are settling in the coastal area, a number of students go up and down every day. The barangay council has allocated budget for a 2-way travel every day from the coastal barangay to San Roque, a distance of about 4 kilometers. They usually leave at 7:00 and depart San Roque at 4:00 – 5:00 in the afternoon. This practice made the students even closer.
(Ime's note: This is such a strong image. I could not help but think of the school buses we have in Manila. In Lanao, these children have to make themselves fit in this truck and travel on rough roads while standing up for 4 kilometers every day, twice a day, rain or shine, without a roof over their heads--just to attend their classes. Could not imagine doing that myself. Amazing children.)
As of July 6, 2011, San Roque Primary school has a total of 100 pupils from day care to grade IV. Isang Bata sent over 100 school kits for these children, plus around a hundred books to build a small library. The following is the summary of recipients:
Kinder - 25
Grade 1 - 22
Grade 2 - 17
Grade 3 - 17
Grade 4 - 19
Books are very limited in San Roque Primary School. Only the teachers have text books. This is one of the reasons why the school does not have competitive/excellent students. Indeed, the children and the teachers are thankful for the rare opportunity to receive high-quality books.
Photos below are courtesy of Kaabag Ranaw, Inc., through Jojo Pacaldo, Executive Director.
This project would not be possible without the support and generosity of Dino Narciso, Irene Chia, Kat Palasi, Lalaine F. Yanilla Aquino, Candie Cobiao, Joy Ty-Sy, Henry Salazar, Jane Frances Salazar, Cooki Co Macatol, Iten Zamora del Rosario, Emmeline Aglipay, Aze Ramos, Sara Denise Mendoza, Resti Hallig Santiago, Susan Cristie Delovino-Belmonte and LBC Express' Tedd Santos.
Ms. Alfanta, checking the school enrollee master list.
Kaabag Ranaw, Inc. staff members counting the books for turn over.
The kinder teacher browses through the books with interest.
Bgy. Captain Escorial, Ms. Alfanta and Kaabag Ranaw, Inc. staff members facilitate the distribution.
Child signing the acknowledgment receipt.
One school kit per child.
A short story telling session after the turn over.
The truck that brings the children to and from school. They cover a distance of 4 kilometers each time.
"SCHOOL BUS". Since around 40% of the constituents of San Roque are settling in the coastal area, a number of students go up and down every day. The barangay council has allocated budget for a 2-way travel every day from the coastal barangay to San Roque, a distance of about 4 kilometers. They usually leave at 7:00 and depart San Roque at 4:00 – 5:00 in the afternoon. This practice made the students even closer.
(Ime's note: This is such a strong image. I could not help but think of the school buses we have in Manila. In Lanao, these children have to make themselves fit in this truck and travel on rough roads while standing up for 4 kilometers every day, twice a day, rain or shine, without a roof over their heads--just to attend their classes. Could not imagine doing that myself. Amazing children.)
Friday, May 27, 2011
173 books for Cabasagan Elementary School
Isang Bata turned over 173 books to the representative of Cabasagan Elementary School in Lanao del Norte yesterday. The principal, Intan Magigired, expresses her overflowing gratitude. Thank you to Agnes Atienza, Sush Narciso, Resti Hallig Santiago, Irene Chia, Aithne Lao, Joy Ty-Sy and Michelle Siy Yap. If you haven't seen the school, it might be difficult to grasp how big a difference 173 books could make on the lives of the students here.
We donated the following books: Science, Math, Religion, ICT, Pilipino/Pagbasa, Reference, Reading/Language, History/Culture, Activity books and of course, story books.
This is Cabasagan. Photos by Kat Palasi.
Dedat Salem, son of Cabasagan Elementary School principal Intan Magigired, receives the books from Isang Bata, including a 17-volume Encyclopedia Britannica donated by the Narciso family (through Sush).
We donated the following books: Science, Math, Religion, ICT, Pilipino/Pagbasa, Reference, Reading/Language, History/Culture, Activity books and of course, story books.
This is Cabasagan. Photos by Kat Palasi.
Dedat Salem, son of Cabasagan Elementary School principal Intan Magigired, receives the books from Isang Bata, including a 17-volume Encyclopedia Britannica donated by the Narciso family (through Sush).
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The difference that one pencil can make
It’s hard to believe, but in many places in the Philippines, there are children who don’t go to school just because they don’t have a pencil. Or paper to write on. But sometimes, they go ahead and go to class without these, and they end up not learning anything.
There is a small primary school in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte called San Roque Primary School. Last year, the school served around 80 students in four grade levels. It only had two teachers. This year, the school expects enrollment to swell to more than a hundred, however, the administrators are apprehensive due to limited school resources and the students’ inability to secure basic school supplies.
This school year, Isang Bata would like to reach out to the primary school children of the remote barangay of San Roque. They have literally been forgotten by many aid workers, the Department of Education (last year text books were given ONLY to teachers), and other aid agencies probably due to distance, difficulty of travel and security concerns because of conflict in the area.
Isang Bata’s appeal. It is a rare opportunity for us Manila residents to be able to send help to our children in the remote areas of Mindanao. Through this small project, we at Isang Bata are really hoping that many will take this chance to send some assistance over to Kolambugan. Please send me, Ime, a message through 09179378617, 09202770315 or blubitel@yahoo.com. School supplies, books in good condition, toiletries and snacks for the children, and cash (for shipping expenses) are welcome. We hope to be able to help at least 100 students this year, and we want to get these donations to them by June 19 at the latest. So if you intend to share something, please send it over by June 15. And please help us spread the word through your blog, social networks, email groups, etc. Just cut and paste this announcement. Thank you very much.
.
There is a small primary school in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte called San Roque Primary School. Last year, the school served around 80 students in four grade levels. It only had two teachers. This year, the school expects enrollment to swell to more than a hundred, however, the administrators are apprehensive due to limited school resources and the students’ inability to secure basic school supplies.
This school year, Isang Bata would like to reach out to the primary school children of the remote barangay of San Roque. They have literally been forgotten by many aid workers, the Department of Education (last year text books were given ONLY to teachers), and other aid agencies probably due to distance, difficulty of travel and security concerns because of conflict in the area.
Isang Bata’s appeal. It is a rare opportunity for us Manila residents to be able to send help to our children in the remote areas of Mindanao. Through this small project, we at Isang Bata are really hoping that many will take this chance to send some assistance over to Kolambugan. Please send me, Ime, a message through 09179378617, 09202770315 or blubitel@yahoo.com. School supplies, books in good condition, toiletries and snacks for the children, and cash (for shipping expenses) are welcome. We hope to be able to help at least 100 students this year, and we want to get these donations to them by June 19 at the latest. So if you intend to share something, please send it over by June 15. And please help us spread the word through your blog, social networks, email groups, etc. Just cut and paste this announcement. Thank you very much.
.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Books for the children of Cabasagan
ISANG BATA sends out a call for books to build a library for elementary school children. Donations will go to Cabasagan Elementary School in Lanao del Norte. The books will be turned over on April 26, 2011. The school doesn't have a library, doesn't have one decent book. It's a run-down school damaged during conflict in 2008. Cabasagan is a remote barangay in Lanao.
Believe me, getting some help to the children there is a RARE opportunity.
If you need more details, please email me, Ime, directly through blubitel@yahoo.com or text me through 09179378617.
Believe me, getting some help to the children there is a RARE opportunity.
If you need more details, please email me, Ime, directly through blubitel@yahoo.com or text me through 09179378617.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
A Mini Library of 100 Books for the Children of Gutted (and Demolished) Community in Navotas
Yesterday, March 22, the sun shone at its fiercest. Representing Isang Bata, I went with Akap Bata on their feeding/gift-giving mission for the children of Kadiwa, Bgy. San Roque, Navotas City. Akap Bata is a progressive sectoral organization that advocates the rights of Filipino children. Thank you to Arlene Brosas, Secretary General of Akap Bata, for inviting me/Isang Bata to be a part of this activity.
Never in my whole life had I seen children line up under the scorching sun just to get their names listed for a chance (a chance!) to get one children's book. Some of the children who fell in line didn't even know how to read!
Last Christmas, Isang Bata received book donations from children's book author Heidi Eusebio Abad. These were the books I distributed to the Kadiwa children yesterday. There were only around 47 books, but the number of children was way more than that. So we tried various strategies in distribution: siblings were to share, even cousins had to share, and the younger ones who couldn't read yet didn't get copies of the book.
Aside from the 47 books, I also gathered the books donated to Isang Bata last year so I could come up with a 100-book mini library for the Kadiwa community. The collection was turned over to NASAKA (Nagkakaisang Samahan sa Kadiwa), the local residents association in the area, for safekeeping and guardianship. I would like to thank Candy Villanueva Lykes, Lalaine Yanilla Aquino, Dino Narciso, Sara Denise Mendoza and May Tobias Papa for these books.
Isang Bata plans to work with Akap Bata again next month to launch a reading/storytelling project for the children in the area. Possibly, a literacy workshop might be conducted as well. Aside from living in poverty and unsafe conditions, some children were traumatized after a huge fire burned down their houses last January 29, 2011, killing 12 people including 5 children. A week after the fire, a violent demolition/dispersal was carried out by the City Engineering Office to relocate the residents to another area. Click to view Tudla Productions' video of the violent demolition and dispersal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWtrOYpw41Q
Get in touch with me, Ime, through 09179378617 or blubitel@yahoo.com if you want to help the children of Kadiwa.
Making a list of children who will get books
Swedish volunteer, Cecilia, reading to the children
Lining up in the sun for a signed copy of Abad's books
A long, long line it was
Who wants a book?!
Giving out the books
So happy to receive a copy
You could see that they were excited to read (or look at the pictures)
Akap Bata volunteers came up with a system to distribute the books to the children
Another Swedish volunteer, Amanda, played and sang with the children of Kadiwa
Fil-Swedish volunteer Marie playing games with the children
Cecilia had a full repertoire of children's action songs!
Amanda makes them listen to music on her iPod
Akap Bata's Secretary General Arlene Brosas: Gigibain ang bahay nyo, papayag kayo??
Akap Bata's Gift Giving and Feeding Project
Some of the children of Kadiwa, Barangay San Roque, Navotas City
Little girl amidst the rubble
Engrossed
New widow with her 1 year old Andrei
Talking to his father's picture (Antonio Homo, NASAKA's campaign officer, was gunned down last March 16, 2011 inside the NASAKA office)
With Akap Bata's Arlene Brosas and my newfound friend, Chloe aka Shembot :)
Never in my whole life had I seen children line up under the scorching sun just to get their names listed for a chance (a chance!) to get one children's book. Some of the children who fell in line didn't even know how to read!
Last Christmas, Isang Bata received book donations from children's book author Heidi Eusebio Abad. These were the books I distributed to the Kadiwa children yesterday. There were only around 47 books, but the number of children was way more than that. So we tried various strategies in distribution: siblings were to share, even cousins had to share, and the younger ones who couldn't read yet didn't get copies of the book.
Aside from the 47 books, I also gathered the books donated to Isang Bata last year so I could come up with a 100-book mini library for the Kadiwa community. The collection was turned over to NASAKA (Nagkakaisang Samahan sa Kadiwa), the local residents association in the area, for safekeeping and guardianship. I would like to thank Candy Villanueva Lykes, Lalaine Yanilla Aquino, Dino Narciso, Sara Denise Mendoza and May Tobias Papa for these books.
Isang Bata plans to work with Akap Bata again next month to launch a reading/storytelling project for the children in the area. Possibly, a literacy workshop might be conducted as well. Aside from living in poverty and unsafe conditions, some children were traumatized after a huge fire burned down their houses last January 29, 2011, killing 12 people including 5 children. A week after the fire, a violent demolition/dispersal was carried out by the City Engineering Office to relocate the residents to another area. Click to view Tudla Productions' video of the violent demolition and dispersal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWtrOYpw41Q
Get in touch with me, Ime, through 09179378617 or blubitel@yahoo.com if you want to help the children of Kadiwa.
Making a list of children who will get books
Swedish volunteer, Cecilia, reading to the children
Lining up in the sun for a signed copy of Abad's books
A long, long line it was
Who wants a book?!
Giving out the books
So happy to receive a copy
You could see that they were excited to read (or look at the pictures)
Akap Bata volunteers came up with a system to distribute the books to the children
Another Swedish volunteer, Amanda, played and sang with the children of Kadiwa
Fil-Swedish volunteer Marie playing games with the children
Cecilia had a full repertoire of children's action songs!
Amanda makes them listen to music on her iPod
Akap Bata's Secretary General Arlene Brosas: Gigibain ang bahay nyo, papayag kayo??
Akap Bata's Gift Giving and Feeding Project
Some of the children of Kadiwa, Barangay San Roque, Navotas City
Little girl amidst the rubble
Engrossed
New widow with her 1 year old Andrei
Talking to his father's picture (Antonio Homo, NASAKA's campaign officer, was gunned down last March 16, 2011 inside the NASAKA office)
With Akap Bata's Arlene Brosas and my newfound friend, Chloe aka Shembot :)
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