June 13: GFI Children's Art Workshop & Family Picnic in Roswell
Galing Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with Roswell Visual Arts Center invites all children (pre K-12th Grade) from the Filipino community to participate in the Filipino Children's Art Workshop for exhibition in June 26-August 7 at the Roswell Visual Arts Center.
When: Saturday, June 13
Time: 2-4pm
Place: Roswell Visual Art Center Studio
Roswell Area Park 10495 Woodstock Road
www.roswellgov.com
This event is FREE
Program:
2pm Art Workshop followed by a family (potluck) picnic at the nearby shelter
3pm GFI OPEN HOUSE
Theme: "The Philippines, a perspective of Filipino American children"
Supplies will be provided.
All entries will be exhibited during the Filipino Children's Art Exhibition from June 26-Aug. 7
There will be an Opening Ceremony & Reception scheduled on Friday, June 26 at 6pm
To sign-up or for more information, please contact
Ana Blackburn: 404 925-2639
Ces Alberto 404 931-3613
email: galingfoundation@yahoo.com
Galing Foundation, Inc. is a non profit public charitable foundation 501 (c) 3 tax exempt status (EIN No. 20-5508331) established to help in providing Filipino indigent children and public libraries in rural areas of the Philippines educational resources to promote the importance of functional and English literacy.
www.galingfoundation.com
To serve as partner in building a legacy of hope in transforming a new generation through the power of literacy. http://galingfoundation.blogspot.com/ 1050 Wilde Run Court Roswell, GA 30075 EIN No. 20-5508331 galingfoundation@yahoo.com Since 2005
Galing Foundation, Inc.
is a non profit 501 (c) 3 tax exempt charitable organization registered in the State of Georgia
GFI assists in providing quality educational resources to underserved public schools, libraries and day care centers.
GFI assists in providing quality educational resources to underserved public schools, libraries and day care centers.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday, May 08, 2009
"Modernity, commercialization & urbanization" have tremendously impacted the lives of the Blaan Tribe-one of the 110 indigenous groups in the Phil.
Cedric B. Baker, Asst. Prof. Mercer University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences with his wife and Arjho Turner, GFI Mindanao
May 7, 2009
The Alpharetta Branch Public Library in partnership with Galing Foundation, Inc. and AccessPhilippineAtlanta.com presented a program "The Blaan Culture" to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month.
The Blaan Tribe is one of the 110 indigenous groups of the Philippines. The Blaan indigenous peoples are located in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani Province, Davao Del Sur and General Santos City, strategically located in the southernmost part of the islands of Mindanao.
The visitors enjoyed a variety of photo collection, costumes, woven materials and hand crafted accessories on site. They also had the opportunity to listen to Blaan original song compositions by the Tubad Performing Arts Group of Sarangani Province. And witnessed a Blaan tribal dance presentation.
During the discussion, Ms. Turner shared some of the sentiments of the Blaan people and how "modernity, commercialization and urbanization" have impacted the very livelihood of this marvelous group of indigenous people-the Blaan Tribe. To abate the adverse impacts of modernization, Ms. Turner also stressed the existence of the different School of Living Tradition (SLT) project sites wherein the primary focus is to preserve the Blaan culture thru transfer of skills to the younger generation as well as serve as a micro-enterprise from their handicrafts. According to Ms. Turner, the Indigenous Peoples Development Program is advocating for in situ conservation of different upland rice varities among the indigenous cultural communities of Sarangani Province geared towards household food security. In 2007, the National Museum declared a Blaan community as the first village museum of the Philippines located in Lamlifew, Datal Tampal, Malungon showcasing the richness of the Blaan culture, their agriculture, their infrastructure, and their environment.
GFI would like to thank the Sarangani Provincial Governor's Office - Indigenous Peoples Development Program, Provincial Information Office, Cocoy Sexcion and Jocelyn C. Robles for the photos used in the exhibit. Thank you as well to the Tubad Performing Arts organizers for allowing us to share their CD.
The event was free and open to the public.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
GFI ships boxes 99, 100 & 101 to South Cotabato in Mindanao
click on play for video
Ms. Arjho C. Turner, GFI & Brian Burtnik, MMW Logistics
April 25, 2009 Norcross, GA
Galing Foundation, Inc. Director for Mindanao Outreach and Brian Burtnick of MMW Logistics ships GFI Box Nos. 99, 100 & 101 (invoice no. 72417) to benefit "Galing" Filipino indigent children, partner public libraries and schools in Polomolok, South Cotabato in Mindanao.
Many thanks to the following donors:
1. Northwest Phil-Am Association c/o Ms. Ester Willson - assorted school supplies
2. Mr. and Mrs. Ashwin and Ranjah Patel - health and college educational resources materials
3. Ms. Roni Buenaventura - Science, Math and literature books
4. CareNet Pregnancy Resource Center of Atlanta - kids clothes and toys
4. Bernard and Arjho Turner - Time Magazine, National Geographic Magazine, coffee table books, books (Math, English, Science) for college and high school, health related resource materials, toys 5. Luetgers family - assorted books, clothes, toys
6. Assist 2 Sell & Ms. Ana Blackburn - donation towards shipping cost
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Mindanao Outreach Report: Kipalkuda receives library fund from provincial government of Sarangani

Mindanao Outreach Report
by Arjho C. Turner
The provincial government of Sarangani turned over a check amounting to PhP 180,000.00 on April 28, 2009 for the construction of Kipalkuda Elementary School library. Present during the turn-over were Board Member Limuel Gacula Sr. representing Gov. Migs Dominguez, Mayor Elsie Perrett, Vice Mayor Tito Balazon Sr., Barangay Captain Digs Movilla and a teacher from the school.
According to Dan Evans, the provincial government officials were amazed of the available books, school supplies and other educational resource materials at the school during their visit in March 6, 2009. The books are mainly from generous donors based in Atlanta, Georgia through Galing Foundation, Inc. shipped to the school thru the partnership with the Datu Wali Mission (www.datuwalimission.org). With the increased number of books and other educational resource materials, the school does not have their own space for a library. This pro-active response from the provincial and local government for the need to have a school library in the school is indeed a very good indicator of support to eradicate illiteracy. This school library is the first one for this predominantly Tboli tribal community.
Educational development thru increased reading and English literacy staring from early childhood is also the top priority of the leadership of the provincial government of Sarangani (http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/quest/). GFI’s intervention for the Kipalkuda Elementary School since 2007 has played vital role in supporting the local and provincial governments achieve a quality education in this predominantly Tboli tribal community.
GFI is grateful to the following supporters/partners for this school library initiative:
1.Datu Wali Mission c/o Dan and Aurea Evans
2.Mrs. Aura D. Mirayo – Kipalkuda Elementary School Principal
3.Provincial Government of Sarangani thru Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve C. Solon
4.Maitum Municipal Government thru Mayor Elsie R. Perrett
5.Atlanta, Georgia GFI donors for books, school supplies and other educational resource materials
6.Sarangani Provincial Information Office for the photos and news updates
7.Barangay New La Union local officials and the community
8.The Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Atlanta & the Community
End of Report
Monday, April 27, 2009
May 7 (4-5pm) Asian Pacific Heritage Month at Alpharetta Public Library

The Alpharetta Branch Public Library in partnership with Galing Foundation, Inc. and AccessPhilippineAtlanta.com invites you to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month.
Thursday, May 7 (4-5pm)
Ages 5 & up
The Blaan Tribe is one of the 110 indigenous groups of the Philippines. The Blaan indigenous peoples are located in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani Province, Davao Del Sur and General Santos City, strategically located in the southernmost part of the islands of Mindanao.
Join us for an interactive session about the Blaan culture. View an exhibit of Blaan costumes and accessories, weaving, cultural photos. Listen to Blaan original song compositions by the Tubad Performing Arts Group of Sarangani Province. And enjoy a Blaan tribal dance presentation.
Free and Open to the public.
Alpharetta Branch Library
238 Canton Street
Alpharetta, GA 30009
770 7410-2425
www.afpls.org
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Philippines at the 73rd Annual Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park in Atlanta
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The Philippines represented by its local talents was one of the highlights on international stage at the 73rd annual Dogwood Festival (www.dogwood.org) last weekend held at Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta.
Dances and songs performed were "Blaan Tribe Dance" by Arjho C. Turner, "Bayan Ko" & "Hesus" by Faith Bernabe, "Pandanggo Sa Ilaw" by Angelie Ella, "Isang Lahi" & "Nandito Ako" by Soli Nicholson with Chris on guitar, "Leron Leron Sinta" & "Bahay Kubo" by Galing Pinoy Kids (The Young Philippine American Ambassadors of Atlanta) & Faith Bernabe as music director (singers: Janice Alcalde, Tara Anastasoff, Margaret Babia, Lauren Luetgers, Melissa Luetgers, Omar Ragheb, Shereen Ragheb, Brie Sison, Stephanie Sison & Caitlyn Yap), "Tinikling (Bamboo) Dance" by Mabuhay Dance Group composed of Cheryl Alberto-King, Jem Alberto, Roy Alberto & Aaron Alberto.
The Dogwood Festival organizers in partnership with Galing Foundation, Inc. wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all volunteers and supporters of the Festival.
Special thanks to: Ces & Tony Alberto, Talan King, Bernard Turner, Hesham & Grace Ragheb, Marietta Mauricio, Mrs. Bernabe, Mrs. Emy Jordan, Fe Abulencia, Brandon, Eden & Mark Anastasoff, Renel & Meliza Babia, Victor, Glenda, Len-Len & Gladys Dagatan, Scott Luetgers, Joy & Dennis Sison, Erwin & Myrtle Yap and Cross of Life Lutheran Church.

"Blaan Tribe Dance" by Arjho C. Turner

"Children enjoyed a Tinikling Dance experience with Mabuhay Dance Group"

"Tinikling Dance" by Mabuhay Dance Group




The Philippines represented by its local talents was one of the highlights on international stage at the 73rd annual Dogwood Festival (www.dogwood.org) last weekend held at Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta.
Dances and songs performed were "Blaan Tribe Dance" by Arjho C. Turner, "Bayan Ko" & "Hesus" by Faith Bernabe, "Pandanggo Sa Ilaw" by Angelie Ella, "Isang Lahi" & "Nandito Ako" by Soli Nicholson with Chris on guitar, "Leron Leron Sinta" & "Bahay Kubo" by Galing Pinoy Kids (The Young Philippine American Ambassadors of Atlanta) & Faith Bernabe as music director (singers: Janice Alcalde, Tara Anastasoff, Margaret Babia, Lauren Luetgers, Melissa Luetgers, Omar Ragheb, Shereen Ragheb, Brie Sison, Stephanie Sison & Caitlyn Yap), "Tinikling (Bamboo) Dance" by Mabuhay Dance Group composed of Cheryl Alberto-King, Jem Alberto, Roy Alberto & Aaron Alberto.
The Dogwood Festival organizers in partnership with Galing Foundation, Inc. wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all volunteers and supporters of the Festival.
Special thanks to: Ces & Tony Alberto, Talan King, Bernard Turner, Hesham & Grace Ragheb, Marietta Mauricio, Mrs. Bernabe, Mrs. Emy Jordan, Fe Abulencia, Brandon, Eden & Mark Anastasoff, Renel & Meliza Babia, Victor, Glenda, Len-Len & Gladys Dagatan, Scott Luetgers, Joy & Dennis Sison, Erwin & Myrtle Yap and Cross of Life Lutheran Church.
"Blaan Tribe Dance" by Arjho C. Turner
"Children enjoyed a Tinikling Dance experience with Mabuhay Dance Group"
"Tinikling Dance" by Mabuhay Dance Group
Monday, April 06, 2009
GFI, PHCG Donato, COL Social Ministry & supporters honors KES' Best in English

Photo 1: KES 2009 graduates with teachers, district supervisor and Dan Evans as graduation guest speaker.
Photo 2: KES Youth Leadership Awardee, Mary Ann T. Ungat
GFI, PHCG Donato, COL Social Ministry & supporters honors KES' Best in Englishby Arjho C. Turner
The Kipalkuda Elementary School (KES) held its commencement exercises on April 2, 2009 at New La Union, Maitum, Sarangani Province . In this momentous day of the school, a history has been made and a new experience for exemplary students. The Galing Foundation, Inc. (GFI) launched the Mindanao Youth Leadership Award (MYLA) and the Best in English award. The awarding was done during their commencement exercises in which the YLA awardee, Mary Ann T. Ungat, received a trophy engraved with the name of the school and of the recipient. Also, the YLA awardee received a framed certificate signed by the Philippines Honorary Consul General of Atlanta, Raul Donato, the GFI executive director, Toni Daya-Luetgers, and the project co-sponsor Cross of Life Church Social Concerns Ministry represented by Ms. Janine Dismer. The Best in English awardees representing each school level were also given GFI gold medals with their engraved names.The awarding was done by Dan Evans of Datu Wali Mission as GFI’s partner ministry in project implementation.
Dan Evans also served as the graduation guest speaker. He noted that the “graduation at Kipalkuda Elementary School went well. The Galing Foundation, Inc. awards were received with surprise and elation. "I had an opportunity during my speech to ensure that parents, students and teachers understood what the foundation is, and why they are such a help to the school. I told them it is a genuine blessing that the foundation has taken an interest in them and their school and it brought a loud applause from the community that had assembled for the event. This year, the school graduated a total of 25 students which was their largest graduation class ever. For GFI, PHCG Donato, COL Social Ministry & its supporters, thanks again for helping to make the school's graduation a success and memorable day." - Dan Evans
Saturday, March 14, 2009
More books to Filipino indigent children of Sarangani Province in Mindanao
click on play to see video
March 13, 2009, Norcross, GA
Galing Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Cross of Life Social Ministry and PAWAG (Philippine American Women's Assoc. in GA) sends more books to benefit Filipino indigent children of Kipalkuda Elementary School, Maitum Sarangani Province in Mindanao (MMW Logistics invoice no. MMW006)through Mr. Dan Evans of Datu Wali Mission, a GFI implementation partner. Ms. Arjho C. Turner, Dir. of Mindanao Outreach and Lauren M. Luetgers, a volunteer helped pack and ship 2 balikbayan boxes (GFI Box Nos. 97 & 98) containing childrens books and some educational toys donated by Sweet Apple Elementary School library (coordinated with Ms. Gillintine), members of P.A.W.A.G. (Philippine American Women's Assoc. of GA), Ms. Joy Sison and Ms. Lauren Luetgers. GFI acknowledges Manila Mart Wholesales & Logistics as its partner since 2005. Manila Mart Store is located on 6135 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross, GA 30092 (770) 451-4585.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The 3rd EDSA People Power Commemoration in Atlanta



You are invited to the 3rd EDSA People Power Commemoration in Atlanta
2-4 PM
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009
Oberkotter Room * UPS Headquarters
55 Glenlake Parkway * Atlanta, GA 30328
A Video Presentation
Produced by Roger Olivares
Panelists
Topic 1: “EDSA Uno, Dos, Tres, Kuwatro?, Continuity and Change in Philippine Politcs"
by Aries Arugay, University of the Philippines Political Science Professor
Topic 2: “Global Education: A Revolution from Within”
by Joel Aquino, PhD, Hall County Science Schools
Topic 3: “EDSA 1, 2 & 3 – Moral & Spiritual Recovery"
by Winifredo Alfelor, Filipino American Christian Church
Discussion
Mini Photo Display by Roland Roldan
About the Panelists:
Aries A. Arugay is a PhD in political science student at Georgia State University under a Fulbright scholarship. He is also an assistant professor (on leave) at the University of the Philippines-Diliman) and a fellow at the Institute for Strategic and Development Studies, Inc. (ISDS Philippines). His teaching and research interests are comparative democratization, civil-military relations, security sector reform, civil society and contentious politics.
Joel S. Aquino, PhD is currently a high school science teacher at Hall County Schools and an adjunct faculty (geology) of Gainesville State College. He holds a PhD in geology from James Cook University in Australia, bachelors and masters in geology from the Univ. of the Philippines and other certifications from Germany and Philippine Women’s Univ. He has a total of 18 years of teaching experience both in secondary public schools (Texas, Georgia) and college (Univ. of the Philippines, Univ. of Tennessee, GSC). His teaching experience has been enriched by his almost a decade of work in the mining and exploration industry and collaborative researches in several countries.
Joel has been the recipient of several teaching awards; the current ones include being names as Hall County Teacher of the Year 2008-2009 and Masters in Teaching awarded by Featherbone University. He has also been cited by Philippine Inquirer (2007) to be one of the Filipino geoscientists who contributed to the discovery of a US$13 billion gold-copper deposit in Laos.
Winnifredo Alfelor was born 57 years ago in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila. His parents, Severo and Amparo, are both Bicolanos and natives of Naga City and Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines respectively. He is currently Global Quality Manager for NCR Corporation and had over 34years of proven project management and leadership positions with numerous prestigious American and Philippine companies, among them Solectron Corp., Raytheon Engineers, Ebasco Services Corp., Washington Group International, Westinghouse, Meralco, and DMG/Radiowealth.
He is currently an Elder and Board Member of the Filipino-American Christian Church (FACC) in Lilburn, Georgia, President of You Are A Blessing, Inc. (a non-profit organization that supports poor and financially-deprived children in the Philippines through the “Mentor-A-Child Ministry”), and co-founder of New Birth Society, a ministry for men in Metro-Atlanta.
Winnie, his wife, Marilyn, and children Winnielyn, Wendy and Wilma, have been very active in the Philippine American community affairs as members of the Fil-Am of Greater Atlanta (Fil-Am) since 1987. Winnie currently holds the Fil-Am Service Chair function and was past PRO and past editor of Balitang Pilipino. He was also past Vice President for Membership and Director for Government and Political Affairs of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia (PACCGA.) He briefly worked for over 2 years as Assistant to Honorary Consul General Ray Donato from 1989 to 1992, serving the consular needs of Filipino-Americans not only in Georgia, but other Southeast states such as Alabama and Florida. Winnie has continuously worked closely and through a unified effort with other Philippine American groups and associations in Metro Atlanta to make a difference by supporting community service projects and ministries to help the cause of eradicating graft and corruption in the Philippines.
Winnie is author of various technical papers on quality management and has been a recipient of several corporate awards for leading continuous improvement programs in companies, such as DuPont, Washington Group International, Westinghouse, Solectron and MIESCOR. He still holds a Philippine Professional Electrical Engineer license, and is active with various American quality organizations as a certified Six-Sigma Master Blackbelt, certified ISO Lead Auditor, certified Quality Engineer, Certified Quality Manager and certified nuclear inspector. He holds a B.Sc in Electrical Engineering, a M.Sc in Project Management and is a Ph.D candidate in Engineering Management.
This event is FREE * Open to the public * Highly recommended to students
GFI is a 501 © 3 tax exempt non profit organization
RSVP: galingfoundation@yahoo.com
Contact:
Ces Alberto (404) 361-9313
Ana Blackburn (404) 925-2639
Grace Ragheb (404) 786-7728
(Refreshments will be available until supply last. Please RSVP)
Special thanks to UPS, Gloria Enriquez, Aries Arugay, Joel Aquino, Winifredo Alfelor, partner organizations & volunteers
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Dinner Reception in honor of Dr. Carolina Hernandez
click image for a larger view
You are invited to join us for a dinner reception in honor of Dr. Carolina Hernandez, Professor Emeritus of the University of the Philippines and United Nations Chair Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters (involving global security, nuclear arms and energy)
Topic: The Democratic Deficit in Philippine Politics: Perspectives from a Concerned Citizen
Date: Monday, February 23, 2009
Time: 6 PM Reception
7-9PM Dinner & Program
Place: Canton House in Chamblee
All proceeds will benefit partner schools, libraries and Filipino indigent children of Galing Foundation, Inc.
GFI is a 501 © 3 tax exempt non profit organization
Deadline for RSVP : Feb. 20
For reservations or for more information: Email us at: galingfoundation@yahoo.com
Contact:
Ces Alberto (404) 361-9313
Ana Blackburn (404) 925-2639
Grace Ragheb (404) 786-7728
Dinner Cost: Sponsor Table $250 * Per Person $30
Please write check payable to: Galing Foundation, Inc. *
mailing address: 1050 Wilde Run Court Roswell, GA 30075
Only limited seats available * First come * First served
Special thanks to Mr. Aries Arugay UP Dept. of Political Science, the Georgia Council for International Visitors, Sachi Koto Communications, Inc. Global Atlanta, National Federation of Filipino American Association Region 4, Cross of Life Lutheran Church Social Ministry and other organizations.
Galing Foundation, Inc. would like to thank Warren T. Jackson Elementary School
Galing Foundation, Inc. would like to thank Warren T. Jackson Elementary School for its book drive initiative, a project of the 3rd & 4th graders under Roots & Shoots headed by Mary Mapes, PTA Community Service and coordinated by Grace Ragheb, GFI representative and WTJ-PTA member. WTJ librarians Lyn Handley & Teresa Webb, teachers, parents & students donated several books & some school supplies.
To date, GFI has shipped 5 balikbayan boxes to benefit schools in Cavite, Philippines. Members of Cavite National High School Batch '80 with Manny Garcia as president and Lorna Angkiko as coordinator will hold a formal turnover of the book donation to Ladislao Diwa Elementary School and to Cavite National High School. CNHS '80 pledged to oversee the donation and provide a report to GFI Atlanta and to its donors at Warren T. Jackson Elementary School.
Please visit: www.galingfoundation.com
To date, GFI has shipped 5 balikbayan boxes to benefit schools in Cavite, Philippines. Members of Cavite National High School Batch '80 with Manny Garcia as president and Lorna Angkiko as coordinator will hold a formal turnover of the book donation to Ladislao Diwa Elementary School and to Cavite National High School. CNHS '80 pledged to oversee the donation and provide a report to GFI Atlanta and to its donors at Warren T. Jackson Elementary School.
Please visit: www.galingfoundation.com
Monday, January 05, 2009
Thursday, December 18, 2008
A Big Thank You to GFI Financial Donor
December 18, 2008
GFI would like to express its thanks to financial donors:
Sonya McRay & family
GFI would like to express its thanks to financial donors:
Sonya McRay & family
GFI Box Nos. 95 & 96 to Cavite
click play for video
December 18, 2008, Norcross, GA
GFI volunteers Grace Ragheb & Lauren Luetgers packed and shipped GFI Box Nos. 95 & 96(MMW Logistics invoice no. 70004) full of children's and reference books donated by families of Jackson Elementary School in Atlanta to benefit Ladislao Diwa Elementary School library in Cavite c/o Lorna Angkico.
Special thanks to Brian Burtnik of Manila Mart. Manila Mart is located on 6247 Peachtree Industrial ATlanta, GA 30360 (770) 451-4585.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
GFI Mindanao Outreach: Gift for Indigents

GFI Mindanao Outreach: Gift For Indigents
Prepared and submitted by:
Josephine L. Turner
GFI Mindanao Outreach Director
December 16, 2008
Achieving a quality education in the indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) in southern Mindanao can be very challenging. Most of the schools in these communities lack the substantial educational resource materials and do not have their own school libraries that could aid the teachers as well as students to have the same academic standard enjoyed by other school counterparts in the town center and even in highly urbanized cities.
In 2007, the Galing Foundation, Inc. (GFI) Mindanao outreach initially started with one elementary school. Now, it has grown to have assisted 4 schools specifically in the province of South Cotabato and one elementary school in Sarangani. The GFI Mindanao outreach coordinator, Mrs. Jocelyn C. Robles, has been doing the proper documentation and turn over of the GFI boxes to the recipient schools. Also, she is doing great job in coordinating with the respective local officials and the school authorities for advocating GFI’s goal of helping to establish school libraries along with increasing English literacy among the indigent school children. In November, Mrs. Robles has facilitated the turn over of 2008 GFI boxes for the following schools: Maligo Elementary School, Maligo Day Care School, and Landan National High School. The outreach was focused to serve the indigenous cultural communities of the Blaan tribe largely concentrated in Barangays of Maligo and Landan both located in the town of Polomolok, South Cotabato.
In a 2008 year end report to the GFI Board, Mrs. Robles shared that “joy, passion and advocacy ignited me during the turn over of books, toys and school supplies to the Maligo Day Care School, Maligo Elementary School and the Landan National High School.” She further added to say that “the terry eyes of the students who lovely received the educational resources from GFI gave me the courage to perform my task as the GFI Mindanao local coordinator. The books were very helpful to promote their English proficiency. In Maligo Elementary School (MES) and the Maligo Day Care School, the experience was just amazing for the students to play the toys and enjoy some children’s clothes sent along with the books that their parents cannot buy for them.”
One of the community achievements as a result of GFI’s intervention in Maligo Elementary School since 2007 is active involvement and support from the Maligo Barangay Council to establish a public library since the school has no designated space for a library yet. Since then, the Barangay has been very helpful partner for the GFI in its mission to help their school. In September 28, 2008, Barangay Maligo won the Category B Most Outstanding Barangay in the province of South Cotabato with a financial grant amounting to PhP 50,000.00. Mrs. Robles shared that “one of the factors that they got the award is because they have started establishing a barangay library starting with the GFI assistance. This makes our joint effort worth to be proud of because GFI has been part of their community’s success.” Barangay Captain Rogelio Garmino also noted that “we very proud of the GFI intervention in our school and our barangay as GFI is not only promoting English proficiency but it also paved the way for the barangay to get the reward to make more projects for more community development.”
Students and teachers gathered at another turn over of GFI donated books and school supplies done at the Landan National High School (LNHS). On behalf of GFI, Mrs. Robles was given the opportunity to share the vision and mission of GFI in partnership with their school. She also took the “the opportunity to challenge the students to work hard in their studies and encouraged them to have faith in GOD because He and He alone is the source of all wisdom.”
Mrs. Robles also recollected what Mr. Reynante Balleno, an English teacher at Landan National High School shared to her during the turn-over. “He said that he got one English book and when he read it, he did not give up on it and he used it in his teaching everyday.” Another testimony for a biology teacher was quoted to say as “we are very happy because at last we have good reference materials to use for our class”. Mrs. Nemfa Macabenta, the principal of Landan National High School (LNHS) was also very grateful for the intervention of GFI for supporting educational development in their school. Since then, she lobbied before the Department of Education (DepEd) for their school to have a designated place and space for the school library and now they will have one under construction.
As to the reaction coming from the student during the respective turn-overs, Mrs. Robles shared that “all I hear from the students is their applause and thanks giving for the opportunity that their school has been a recipient of GFI and they really appreciate the books that was sent to them. It is indeed a great help to them to advance their learning. Almost all the students shout out loud and very happy that they have the books with them. This is the first intervention they have in the life of the respective schools for establishing their school libraries.”
Finally, Mrs. Robles heartily expressed her personal experience along the way as a GFI Mindanao coordinator in her own community impact version of GFI… as in “Gift For the Indigents: Ang GALING!”. As a volunteer in the GFI Mindanao outreach, it adds my self worth as a human and as a young tribal leader to inspire more youth leaders for our next generation. I cannot express in words how much blessed I am to be a GFI volunteer. I am very proud I am part of GFI.”
The students, teachers and community leaders of the assisted schools wanted to convey their appreciation to all GFI donors and supporters. Thank you so much for touching the lives of these students in giving them hope and supporting their educational development.
Friday, December 12, 2008
GFI box nos. 91, 92, 93 & 94 is shipped to Cavite & Mindanao
click on play for video clip
December 12, 2008 Norcross, GA
Galing Foundation, Inc. volunteer Ms. Grace Ragheb helped pack and ship books and school supplies donated by Friends of Roswell Library, KMTLC Tutorial & Phil. American Women Association of Georgia (PAWAG).
GFI box nos. 91, 92, 93 & 94 (invoice nos. MMR25 & MMR26) is on its way to be distributed in rural areas of Cavite and Mindanao.
Special thanks to Hannah & Bryan Burtnick of Manila Mart.
Year End Dinner with Philippine Honorary Consul General & GFI Youth Leadership Award
In photo: Gloria Enriquez, Janice Winona Alcalde GFI Youth Leader Awardee, PHCG Ray Donato, Omar Ragheb & Jamie Alberto
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - Atlanta, Georgia
The Philippine Honorary Consul General Ray Donato and Galing Foundation, Inc. Youth Leadership Award Committee Chairs Ms. Gloria Enriquez of UPS and Ms. Jamie Alberto, president of GSU International Student Association Council awarded Ms. Janice Winona Alcalde the certificate and $400 Savings Bond EE Series. Mr. Omar Ragheb, 2007 GFI Youth Leader recipient witnesses the award.
Present during the award ceremony were leaders of the Philippine American community and businesses, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Thai Association and faculty members of Georgia State University.
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