We would like to share the good things that happened for the project “Pamaskong Handog para sa mga Lumad”, a gift-giving event for two tribal Communities – the Matigsalug Tribe of Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City and the Bagobo Tribe of Davao del Sur. You can view the pictures here: https://goo.gl/photos/atvSjmJ6JVrFNWUo6
Matigsalug Tribe
The gift giving event for the Matigsalug Tribe last December 31, 2016 was successful. It was challenging for our team to prepare for it because of our limited manpower. But as we started packing the toys, clothes and food baskets, we thought about all the people who would be blessed by the gifts, and joy started welling up in our hearts.
It was a long, rainy and risky journey of more than three hours from the assembly area in Samantha Homes, Bago Gallera to the village in Malabog. Mr. Reynaldo Batoto, Gawad Pag-asa’s Treasurer cum on-site Project Coordinator, led the team together with Pastor Edwin Dayag of Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP), Gawad Pag-asa’s Program Moderator and the link to the leaders of the community. On site, Pastor Andas and Pastor Balco, leaders and members of the Matigsalug community welcomed the team.
Our team also received a warm welcome through tribal dance performances. One dance involved a beautiful group of tribes’ women dancing around while another involved a couple who danced to the beat of drums and stringed instruments. This is how they welcome and honor visitors who come to visit their community.
The gift-giving was a colourful event full of gratitude, happiness and encouragement from the families who received the food, clothes and toys. So much joy could be seen in their faces; they were smiling and constantly expressing their gratitude to our team and project leaders. Around 35 families from the Matigsalug tribe received the gifts.
The Founders, Co-Founders and members of Gawad Pag-asa International, Inc. would like acknowledge and express our deep gratitude to the Donors;Jenny Ng, Jocelyn and Ben Chye Koh, Sherwin and Marites Uy, Vinn Tea, Jessa Mae Tubal Anna Marie Estrada, Abi Buentiempo, Amiamor and Mark Flores, Anna Balading, Loren Tesoro, Yap Min, Jesus Jovan Medrano, Adrian Sabanal, Astrud Ngo, Beverly Sandoval, Theodore Lim, Emma and Ronnie Joy Ravelo, Tristram and Mian Batoto, Floricel Ulay, Emmanuel and Jobelle Casenas, and to the Team, who did the groundwork, handled the logistics and transportation, and reached out to the families in Baranggay Malabog; Ptr. Edwin Dayag, Ptr. Andas, Ptr. Balco, Reynaldo and Julita Batoto, Jhuney and Christrine Jayme, Allan Los Anes and Shallane Gemar.
The gift-giving was very impactful to the Matigsalug. One of the recipients told Mr. Reynaldo Batoto, “Thank you so much for the presents and for the inspiring words of encouragement”. The community heartily appreciated the love gifts that were brought right to their doorstep.
Bagobo Tribe
Due to challenges in logistics, our Gift-giving to the Lumad for the Bagobo Tribe was delayed. However, it was still a successful event attended by 15 selected Families of the Bagobo Tribe held at the Office of the Barangay Tribal Council, Townsite, Zone II, Sta. Cruz Municipality in Davao Del Sur and it happened last April 9, 2016 in the morning. Pastor Nelson Batoto of TBSC Toril Church (also a local church under the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines) led the event, together with Reynaldo.
The event simple but was full of fun and camaraderie. It was opened by a simple program. The program was opened by a prayer. Pastor Nelson shared and echoed the message that Mr. Tristram Batoto shared in a video. Ptr. Nelson also included his message to the Tribe while Mr. Reynaldo shared the vision of Gawad Pag-asa International Inc. Then they proceeded to the gift giving.
The 15 families were so thankful for the gifts and was touched by your generosity. These gifts are a big help to them. They hoped that many families and communities will be blessed in the future through Gawad Pag-asa’s initiatives and its donors.