Partners launch Bagobo-Tagabawa Literacy Program : 48 Pupils and Adults Graduate from the First Batch

The Bansalan Municipal Tribal Council, JCI Central Davao, University of Mindanao Bansalan, WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong, and WIMLER Philippines launched the Bagobo-Tagabawa Literacy Program. Five classes will be conducted in four barangays in 2023. Nineteen barangays in Bansalan are covered in this program. The project aims to teach Bagobo-Tagabawa children and adults to learn their indigenous language. The project aims to conduct 10 sessions, two Saturdays per month.

The tribal councils feared that the Bagobo-Tagabawa language as a cultural heritage will vanish if no intervention is done to preserve it. The council estimates that only 25-50% of the young Bagobo-Tagabawa could speak the Bagobo language. Among the reasons are inter-marriages and the dominance of the Cebuano language in the area. Bagobo-Tagabawa language is not being taught in schools.

Barangay Altavista conducted their recognition day on May 6. Forty-eight children and a few adults finished the course. Representatives of the partner organizations attended the recognition day. 

Also present during the recognition day were:

SP Rey Ayo, 1st District Davao del Sur

Vice Mayor Samuel Gadingan 

Municipal Councilor Atty. Kirby Villaraiz

Municipal Councilor Pablito Ladeza

Bae Berna Malang, Municipal Tribal Chieftain

Punong Barangay Altavista Randy Navarro

Bae Mila Bruno, Barangay Altavista Tribal Chieftain

Engr. Diomedes Mirafuents, NCIP Focal person- FPIC Process, Community Head for Bansalan and Matanao

Lito Bangcas - AA-1, NCIP

Barangay Chieftain Sibayan , Matanam Samuel Lanzo 

Barangay Chieftain Tubod- Matanam Cornelio Ampo

James Linao, University of Mindanao Bansalan

Joe Mari Tan, JCI Central Davao

Leila Rispens-Noel, WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong/Philippines

Matanam Emiliano Undaniel, teacher of the Bagobo-Literacy classes, informed that they have started the second batch in barangay Kinuskusan two weeks ago. They have to conduct morning and afternoon classes to accommodate around 110 students.

ALSE OF-LIFE Conducts Second Session on Appreciative Inquiry: Seeing the Future through a Different Lens

 

The second session of the six-month course was attended by 35 ALSE OF LIFE Batch 117 participants at the City University of Hong Kong on May 14, 2023. The topic was Appreciative Inquiry (AI).

Anna Martinez, director of WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong, led the session. She is an experienced trainer, facilitator, coach, and people manager. Her expertise has been honed at HSBC, where she performed a variety of roles in a career that spanned 29 years.

In the session, Anna introduced the participants to the basic principles of Appreciative Inquiry. She explained AI is a strengths-based approach to change that focuses on identifying and building on what works well in the person, community, and society.  

Appreciative inquiry (AI) is a positive approach to leadership development and organizational change. It is a way of being and seeing things using a different perspective. AI is both a worldview and a process of generating positive change in human systems. It benefits individuals, organizations, and communities.

AI focuses on an Affirmative Topic, in this session: Living Resiliently in a Changing World. As the world slowly emerges from the pandemic, we see the need to examine how we can become more adaptive to the “new normal”; how we can use the strengths that enabled us to cope with the challenges of a global health challenge so that we can be more agile, more ready for the future.

AI helps review experiences when people are working at their best to achieve success. It draws from these examples of the positive core; the best of what people can imagine. It replaces the way people look at problems by seeing them as opportunities instead and applying what they are good at, leading to change and innovation.

The participants were invited to share their stories, discuss their dreams of a future of their choice and collaborated to design structures and plans on how to achieve these dreams.

The participants in the session found it to be informative and helpful. They appreciated learning AI and discussed how they could use the tool to improve themselves, their families, and communities.

The following are some feedbacks that the participants provided:

a) I can apply my learnings to improve myself by persevering in achieving my goal in life and in my workplace. To be more positive in every situation or circumstances and in my community by sharing what I have learned in this session.

b) I can apply these learnings by not limiting my dreams. Always aim high and aim to achieve it. Be flexible always and we just ride the wave in the changing world.

c) Resilience- able to (stay) afloat in any situation in life.

d) Collaboration- being able to work with others, know what I want, and listen to what others want, and what help I could offer to others.

e) Words can change the world, being able to change life using positive words for others.

f) Appreciative inquiry, individual reflections, living resiliently in the changing world. It’s important to me because I dream of becoming a successful businesswoman when I retire as a domestic helper. I can apply this learning also to my future and to my children later. If I had enough funds, I would like to construct a park for older people in my community.

ALSE OF-LIFE is one of the Executive Programs of the Ateneo School of Government and carries with it a holistic, excellent, and value-driven brand of education. The ALSE OF-LIFE is a collaboration of the Migration and Development Consortium (MDC) Members composed of OFSPES (Overseas Filipinos’ Society for the Promotion of Economic Security), SEDPI (Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc.), and Ugat Foundation.

In Hong Kong, ALSE OF-LIFE is organized by WIMLER Foundation HK and ALSE OF-LIFE HK Alumni Association with support from Southeast Asia Research Center of the City University of Hong Kong.

Some Pictures during the session:

ALSE OF-LIFE course starts in Hong Kong

After a three-year hiatus, Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong, and the ALSE OF-LIFE Alumni Association, and the Southeast Asia Research Center of City University of Hong Kong launched the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (ALSE) now called Overseas Filipinos Leadership, Social Innovation, Financial Literacy, and Social Enterprise (ALSE OF-LIFE) on April 30, 2023. Of the 35 participants attending the six-month course, four are permanent residents of Hong Kong. The course in 2023 is being held at the City University of Hong Kong which runs from April to November 2023.

Edgardo Valenzuela, Adjunct Professor at Ateneo de Manila University, School of Government and co-coordinator of ALSE OF-LIFE program, gave the welcome address in a video message. Prof. Mark Thompson, professor of politics and director of the Southeast Asia Research Center (SEARC) of the City University of Hong Kong, also welcomed the participants through a video message as well. 

Vice Consul Jose Angelo D.G. Manuel of the Philippine Consulate General Hong Kong gave an inspiring talk. Others present during the launch were: Calvin Ho of SEARC and WIMLER HK directors: Katherine de Guzman, Luz Tan, Myrna Pama Hill, Manuela D. Lo, and Joji Hui, WIMLER HK volunteer.

In the afternoon, Leila Rispens-Noel, co-founder and director of WIMLER Foundation HK, conducted the first session on Migration and Development. On this session, Rispens-Noel tackled the history of Philippine international labor migration, the push and pull factors of migration, and its positive and negative implications to development. As of 2019, there were over 12 million Filipinos who live and work abroad. Overseas Filipinos sent a total of US$ 33.5 billion remittances in 2022. Remittances are twice more than foreign direct investments and official development aid. This accounted for an average of nearly 10 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the last decade.

There are currently 400,000 domestic helpers working in the city, of which 55% are from the Philippines.  In 2021, Filipino workers in Hong Kong sent HK$ 722.23 million, slightly lower than in 2020, HK$ 821.16 million. She also emphasized the importance of preparing for their sustainable return and reintegration.

The training program will enrich our understanding and deepen our appreciation of the concepts of migration and development, social innovation, financial education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. 

The hybrid training program will be held two Sundays every month for the next six months. It comes in 12 sessions and will culminate with a Social Enterprise Plan Presentation and graduation. 

A mentoring program is in place to help those who are interested in starting productive activities after the course.

ALSE OF-LIFE is one of the Executive Programs of the Ateneo School of Government and carries with it a holistic, excellent, and value-driven brand of education. A roster of highly inspiring professors and speakers from the Ateneo de Manila University and other development partners ensures an enriching and high-impact learning experience. 

The ALSE OF-LIFE is a collaboration of the Migration and Development Consortium (MDC)

Members composed of OFSPES (Overseas Filipinos’ Society for the Promotion of Economic

Security), SEDPI (Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc.), and Ugat Foundation.

In Hong Kong, ALSE OF-LIFE is organized by WIMLER HK and ALSE OF-LIFE HK Alumni Association with support from Southeast Asia Research Center of the City University of Hong Kong.

Pictures taken during Session 1

ALSE OF-LIFE 2023 course starts enrollment in Hong Kong

 ADVANCE ANNOUNCEMENT: MARK THE DATES

Enrollment of ALSE OF-LIFE Hong Kong is scheduled on March 12 and 19, 2023

We are back!

At last, after a three-year hiatus, the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (ALSE) now called Overseas Filipinos Leadership, Innovation, Financial Literacy and Social Entrepreneurship (ALSE OF-LIFE) will be offered in Hong Kong again.

The course is intended for migrant workers in Hong Kong. 

ALSE OF-LIFE is one of the Executive Programs of the Ateneo School of Government and carries with it a holistic, excellent, and value-driven brand of education. A roster of highly inspiring professors and speakers from the Ateneo de Manila University and other development partners will ensure an enriching and high-impact learning experience.

Hong Kong by ALSE OF-LIFE HK Alumni and WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong organize this course in Hong Kong with Ateneo School of Government, Philippine Consulate of Hong Kong, and with support from the Southeast Asian Research Center (SEARC) of the City University of Hong Kong.The training program will enrich our understanding and deepen our appreciation of the concepts of migration and development, social innovation, financial education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. 

The program 

The training provides:

• Leadership skills training that empowers each OF family member and reintegrated OFs to view him/herself as an agent of change and transformation through co-op’s products and services.

• Financial literacy or education, including both financial concepts and skills that the participants can use to improve their economic security, particularly for their retirement.

• Entrepreneurship skills, focused on social entrepreneurship and social innovation so that OFs and OF families can explore their potential for changing their livelihood options, either in the host country or back in the Philippines, instead of relying solely on paid employment.

Program of Activities

The hybrid training program will be held two Sundays every month for the next six months. It comes in 12 sessions and will culminate with a Social Enterprise Plan Presentation and graduation. 

A mentoring program is in place to assist those who are interested in starting productive activities after the course.

The enrollment is scheduled for March 12 and 19. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.

Registration Fee: HK$ 1,200 

Entrance Fee: HK 200 (to be deducted from the registration fee)

For information, please contact:

Marilou Dacio - Whatsapp: 62164198

Rose Regodos - Whatsapp: 59056560

Partner Organizations:

Year-End Report 2022

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a pandemic. Because of restrictions on movements and physical activities, WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong and WIMLER Philippines extended help and organized activities in 2021-22 on a limited scale.

Following are projects and activities initiated by WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong:

Send a Child to School

Relief Assistance: Survivors of Typhoon Odette in Dinagat Province                                Amount: Ph 107,500

WIMLER Foundation HK donated Ph 107,500 to help survivors of Typhoon Odette in Dinagat Province. The funds were coursed through Balay Mindanao, a non-governmental organization, which took care of the distribution comprised relief goods, hygiene kits, and temporary shelters for three barangays in Dinagat Province. 

1.

Distribution of Health Kits in Dugong Elementary School

Dugong, Mlang, North Cotabato

Amount: Ph 124,137.18

Distributed 500 health kits. Each kit contained 1 box of facemasks (50 pieces), 1 bottle of alcohol, 1 bar of soap, 1 toothbrush, 1 handtowel, and 1 tube of toothpaste. Also provided 14 thermal gun scanners, one unit per classroom.

Distribution of umbrellas, rain boots, and raincoats in Malita Mission School

Location: Barangay Kyasan and Barangay Lebleb, Malita, Davao Occidental

Amount: Ph 93,700.00

Distributed one umbrella, a pair of rain boots, and a raincoat to each pupil. About 200 pupils belonging to the Tagacaolo tribe received the items. This activity is in partnership with WIMLER Philippines and JCI Central Davao.

Distribution of school supplies in sitio Pogpog, Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur

Beneficiaries: 60 Bagobo-Tagabawa pupils

      WIMLER HK and WIMLER Philippines visited Pogpog, Brgy. Sibulan, Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur on October 12, 2022, to distribute school supplies for 60 Bagobo Tagabawa kindergarten pupils.

Migrant Empowerment Program

1.     

Aid Extended to Diocesan Pastoral Center for Filipinos in Hong Kong
Beneficiaries: Filipino Migrant Workers in Hong Kong
Amount: HK$ 15,000

Provided financial assistance to Diocesan Pastoral Center for Filipinos. DPCF is committed to provide conducive place and shelter, caring community, and integrated programs and services enabling migrants to become competent, caring, service-oriented and Christ-centered persons. The amount helped Filipino migrant workers who were stranded or laid off in Hong Kong because of the pandemic.

1.   

      Aid Extended to HELP for Domestic Workers
Beneficiaries: Filipino Migrant Workers in Hong Kong
Amount: HK$ 5,000

Provided financial assistance (HK$ 5,000) to HELP for Domestic Workers, a non-profit organization that provides free advice and guidance to migrant domestic workers. The amount helped distressed Filipino migrant workers who sought assistance from HELP.

1.     Publication of Diaspora Journey: Stories of Philippine Migration to Hong Kong

WIMLER Foundation HK published the book “The Diaspora Journey: Stories of Migration in Hong Kong”, co-edited by Leila Rispens-Noel, Joy Tadios Arenas, Heda Bayron, Cindy Wong (Hong Kong). It is an anthology of 32 stories of success in overcoming struggles of Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong.

The book won the 2021 Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO) Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards in Print Journalism Award-Best Book (Non-Fiction/Anthology).

 

Conducted webinars on Entrepreneurial Mindset and Doing Business in the Philippines

I     In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI) Region XI, WIMLER HK conducted webinars on Entrepreneurial Mindset and Doing Business in the Philippines. This activity is under WIMLER Migrant Empowerment Program. The speaker was Ms Delia Ayano, Assistant Regional Director, of the Department of Trade and Industries XI.

 

Webinar on "Managing Fears and Worries: During the Pandemic and in Everyday Life

WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong, through its Migrant Empowerment Program organized a webinar on “Managing Fears and Worries: During the Pandemic and in Everyday Life. Sunday, May 29. The speaker was Heda Bayron, director of WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong. She is a student counsellor who volunteers as a mental health counsellor for domestic workers in Hong Kong. She is completing her Master’s in Counselling at Monash University (Australia). The webinar was hosted by Ms Cindy Wong, founder of 8Letters Publishing, and CEO and Travel Creative of Family world Travel.

Also onducted a webinar on “Creating Calm in Challenging Times”. The speaker was Anna Martinez, Director,Wimler HK.

Activities initiated by WIMLER Philippines

Conducted Youth Leadership Training

About 28 youth from Digos, Bansalan and one from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato attended the Training for Trainers for Youth Leaders on June 25, 2022, held at Wimler Building, Sampaguita Street, Poblacion Uno, Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

The participants of this training came from Davao City, Matana-o, Bansalan, and Mlang, North Cotabato. We limited the number of participants following health protocols in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conducted Strategic Planning Workshop

Conducted a two-day strategic planning workshop. The participants are comprised individuals who plan to create an NGO (Non-Government Organization) that will someday spearhead civic developments within their respective communities. The training equipped them with fundamental knowledge and tools on how to conduct strategic planning, including Theory of Change, SWOT analysis, SMART, and Logical Framework. 

Organized a meeting attended by Bagobo-Tagabawa Tribal Council of Elders of Bitaug led by Matanum Bonifacio Embaan, members of Tribal Women Weavers Women Association, representatives from Holy Cross of Davao College/Institute of Davao Studies, Ateneo de Davao University Anthropology Department, and Wimler Philippines.

The meeting was called to discuss the possibility of increasing the capacity of the existing reservoir to serve 150 households to 300+ households in Bitaug. They also discussed the importance of documenting the culture, arts, language, mythology, Inab’l making, food, music, etc., of the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe.

Facilitated the visit of visitors from the Netherlands

Representatives of Kennemer Foods International visited the Tribal Weaving Center in Bitaug, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. 

Conducted Strategic Planning workshop in Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur as per invitation of Department of Trade and industries, Davao Occidental attended by representatives of groups engaged in social enterprise.

Conducted a seminar on OFWS Return and Reintegration Program in Malita, Davao Occidental as per invitation of the Department of Trade and Industries XI – Davao Occidental attended by representatives from various government agencies.

Conducted Strategic Planning Workshop for members of the Board of Directors of Dangpanan Foundation to assist them in formulating their program.

Assisted three college students

In the year 2022, WIMLER assisted three college students. One of them, Randolf Empal,  graduated this year.

Pamaskong Handog 2022
Beneficiaries: 331 Bagobo-Tagabawa adults and kids

Organized Pamaskong Handog in sitio Pogpog, Sibulan, Sta Cruz in partnership with KIWANIS Club of Apolandia, KIWANIS South District Division 8 and KIWANIS International, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists,  D' Dental Squad,  Barracks and Armory Supply Inc. , local government unit of Sibulan and the local Tribal Council of Pogpog, Barangay Health Unit in Sibuland, and Municipal Health Unit of Sta. Cruz. 

We also received donation from various kind-hearted individuals from Hong Kong, USA, and the Philippines.

 

We thank all our sponsors and partner organizations for allowing us to continue with our mission.

We look forward to continuing our work in 2023.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!