Books for Two Schools in Ifugao Province
December 27, 2008, Isabela - With the help of Tactical Operations Group 2 of the Philippine Air Force Region 2 under the command of LT COLONEL ISAIAS N ESPINO PAF (GSC), two balikbayan boxes of books were delivered to the Mountain Province for (1) Hungduan Central School and (2) Bokiawan Elementary School located in remote Cordillera Mountains. Students in these schools belong to the indigenous people called collectively as Igorots. Teacher Jocelyn Ananayo indicated that "as an indigenous people, our region does not have access to funds and is neglected economically."

Teacher Jocelyn Ananayo of Hungduan Central School; 2LT Robert Gacayan, PAF, administrative officer of Tactical Operations Group 2; Hungduan Municipal Mayor Pablo Cuyahon; A1C Fred Balatis, PAF

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Four Schools in GenSan Received Books
November 25, 2008, Polomolok, South Cotabato - Mahintana Foundation delivered books for READ Philippines to schools in Gen. Santos City:

Warmest Greetings!

The four (4) balikbayan boxes we received from your organization last November 8, 2008 have been distributed to 4 schools in Gen. Santos City. These schools are 4 of our 16 assisted schools in GenSan through "Tambayayong GenSan: Batang Himsog." This project is an in-school nutrition program that envisions a competitive academic performance of healthy children. Moreover, the implementation of this project employs a holistic approach and establishes partnership with other organizations to meet educational needs of the schools.

We prioritized these schools because they are located near the boundaries of the city and they belong to the Indigenous Cultural Communities or Indigenous Peoples communities. As such, reaching assistance from outside its community is very difficult.

Hope you find the documentation of turnover in order. Thank you very much for giving Mahintana Foundation an opportunity to assist READ Philippines and more power.

DUNSTAN D. EGAR
Project Officer, Mahintana Foundation

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More Schools in Mindanao
November 7, 2008, Kidapawan City - Alih Bato of MinLand Foundation sends turnover reports for the following schools in Mindanao:

• Kitulaan High School, Carmen, North Cotabato
• Liliongan High School, Carmen, North Cotabato
• New Panay Elementary, Tulunan, North Cotabato
• Tri-People Youth Organization
• Datu Saliman Elementary, Kidapawan City
• Indangan Day Care, Kidapawan City  
  (Click here to see turnover report on schools above)

• J. Marquez Integrated School of Peace, Poblacion Mother, Cotabato City (Click here for turnover report)

• Teofilo V. Fernandez Elementary, Brgy. Indangan, Buhangin District, Davao City (Click here to read turnover report)

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University of Southern Mindanao
October 22, 2008, Kidapawan City - A television set, one video player and 223 educational video tapes for kids were turned over by READ Philippines International (MOP) through Mindanao Land Foundation (MinLand) to the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Extension Services Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2008. The video equipment and materials will be made available to children in far flung and conflict affected barangays through USM's mobile library. The donation will aid USM in implementing its Early Childhood Education, Basic Literacy and Functional Literacy Programs that serve almost 6,000 individuals in North Cotabato alone. Click here to view full report.

EJ Matela and Arvin Chua of MinLand Foundation with representatives
of the University of Southern Mindanao

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Mary Cris Elementary School, Cavite
September 11, 2008, Villamor Air Base, Pasay, Metro Manila - With the assistance of the Philippine Air Force 15th Strike Wing, a balikbayan box of books was delivered to Mary Cris Elementary School in General Trias, Cavite. Click here to read report and view photos taken during turnover.

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More Schools in Mindanao Received Books
September 8, 2008, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato - Mr. Alih Bato of MinLand Foundation sent turnover reports for the following schools in Mindanao:

Turnover of MOP Educational Materials to schools in Pagalungan, Maguindanao:

Dalgan Elementary School
Datakaya Elementary School
Kalbugan Elementary School
Mamasabulod Elementary School

Turnover of MOP Educational Materials to schools in Pikit, North Cotabato:

Balabak Elementary School
Balatikan Elementary School
Dalingaoen Elementary School
Kalacakan Elementary School
Lamuak Primary School
Señor Malao Primary School
Silik Central Elementary School
Sultan Memorial High School

Turnover of MOP Educational Materials to Integrated Mindanaons Associations for Natives (IMAN) and Batasan High School, North Cotabato

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Madapdap Resettlement High School
September 3, 2008, Dapdap, Mabalacat, Pampanga - Ms. Ferliza Lacsina, Librarian of Madapdap Resettlement High School writes via email:

On behalf of Madapdap Resettlement High School, we would like to extend our grateful  appreciation for READ Philippines' book donation to our library. The turnover was undertaken by Maj. General Capacia AFP with LTC Ballesteros PAF. They called and asked me to pick up the books from their office (1st Air Division) at Clark Field. We also prepared a turnover ceremony in our school. Attached are some pictures and letter of acknowledgement.

AGAIN THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE ARE GRATEFUL AND FORTUNATE TO HAVE KABABAYAN LIKE YOU! MABUHAY PO KAYO!!!!!!

Ferliza Lacsina, Librarian
Madapdap Resettlement High School
Tel: 0926-959-9009

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Sulit Day Care Center
September 2, 2008, Polomolok, South Cotabato - Mahintana Foundation reports:

"We have turned over the last set of books for Sulit Day Care Center on August 27, 2008. Please see attached documentation report. Sweet faces of the pupils welcomed us to their classroom. Hon. Orlando Tanara, the barangay captain, extends his gratitude to READ Philippines for supporting Sulit Day Care Center. The children will surely enjoy learning and the books will also help teachers in providing a more holistic and better quality teaching."

DUNSTAN D. EGAR
Project Officer , Mahintana Foundation, Philippines

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Bukas Palad Learning Center Thanks MOP
August 28, 2008, Cebu - Bukas Palad (Open Hands) Foundation in Cebu City provides educational and social services to the poor citizens of Mabolo, San Vicente, San Ignacio, and other slum areas in Cebu. MOP volunteers in Sonoma County sent toys, clothes, books, etc. for the Learning/Day Care Center. Following is a letter from Bukas Palad:

We would like to express to you our gratitude for sending us some very useful goods from your organization. We wish to acknowledge receipt of various pre-school books, toys, clothes and bags for Bukas Palad Learning Center.

Herewith are some pictures which we took of our kindergarten kids as soon as we opened the box. Indeed, your great generosity has filled not only the kids but also our hearts with joy! Wuth all our love and warm greetings from the parents and staff of Bukas Palad.

Mrs. Daisy C. Lipasana, Manager, Bukas Palad
#48 Sindulan Street, Mabolo, Cebu City 6000
Tel: 0063.32.232.6691

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Schools in South Cotabato Received Books
August 26, 2008, Polomolok, South Cotabato - Mahintana Foundation has delivered books from MOP to the following schools:

1. Landan National High School, Polomolok
2. Desawo Elementary School, Tboli
3. Arcal Elementary, Blat Elementary and Kyumad Elementary, Maasim, Sarangani Province
4. Sulit Day Care Center

Mr. Egar of Mahintana writes:
Please find the attached three (3) documentation reports of activities we have conducted with the schools during turn over ceremonies. We have also attached the Inventory of Books from your organization.

We hope MOP will continue supporting public elementary schools in SOCSARGEN. More schools in our area need book assistance to aid students and teachers in improving the quality of teaching and learning. Your efforts are very much appreciated especially by the schools that have received support. Thank you very much and more power.

DUNSTAN D. EGAR
Project Officer , Mahintana Foundation, Philippines

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Fil-Am Club Lends a Hand to MOP
August 17, 2008, Jacksonville, FL - Three cheers for members of the Fil-Am Club for giving up their Sunday afternoon to pick up books at Christ the King School and helping with packing books for beneficiaries in the Philippines. Click here for more photos.

Members of the Fil-Am Club led by President Pete Herrera.

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School Breakfast Program Launched
July 15, 2008, Mindanao, Phils - The school breakfast program, a collaborative effort supported by READ Philippines (MOP), was successfully launched on July 8, 2008 at Datu Ambel Memorial High School in Barangay Kilada, Matalam, North Cotabato.

Organized by MinLand Foundation and supported by other organizations and individuals, this pilot program was a response to the low graduation rate at Datu Ambel, with only 8 graduates in 2008 out of 50 enrollees in 2004. The program aims to increase motivation of students in conflict-affected areas to finish high school.

Patil (rice in banana leaf) will be served at Datu Ambel High School
for breakfast during the entire school year.

The School Breakfast Program was one of the objectives of the "Kasila" fundraising event hosted by MOP in March 2008. MOP believes that hunger has a direct impact on learning. Children who go to school hungry are not able to focus on schoolwork and more likely to drop out of school. For photodocumentation, click here.

Click here to read more.

Read about Ukay-Ukay for school breakfast program.

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Fil-Am Club Helped Pick Up Books
July 2, 2008, Jacksonville, FL - Members of Fil-Am Club led by President Pete Herrera volunteered with MoveOnPhilippines by picking up books from San Jose Episcopal Day School. A BIG THANK YOU to the Fil-Am Club for its assistance. (See more photos)


Members of Fil-Am Club (President Pete Herrera in the middle).

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Book Shipment for Bataan, Bicol, Cavite,
Cotabato, Iligan, Pampanga, Ifugao Province
June 30, 2008, Jacksonville, FL - Boxes of books were shipped via UMAC Express Cargo (see photos) in response to the following schools and municipal library in Luzon that have requested books from MoveOnPhilippines:

(1) Eva-Aeta Elementary, Sito Pita, Bayan-bayanan, Orion, Bataan
(2) Municipal Library of Daraga, Albay, Bicol Region
(3) Mary Cris Elementary, Pasong Camachile, Gen. Trias, Cavite
(4) Kiwalan Elementary, Iligan City
(5) Madapdap Resettlement High School, Mabalacat, Pampanga
(6) Bokiawan Elementary, Hungduan, Ifugao Province
(7) Hungduan Central, Ifugao Province
(8) Schools in Cotabato, Mindanao

Ms. Aileen Mayores writes:

The Municipal Library of Daraga would like to appeal to your organization for assistance to help facilitate our library services. Since our local government has no sufficient funds for restructuring our library after typhoon Reming totally damaged our book collections, facilities and equipment, we would greatly appreciate if READ Philippines could donate books or any help useful for library functions.

Municipal Library of Daraga, Albay Province damaged by Typhoon Reming

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Kalahi Village Day Care and People's Park
June 23, 2008, Kidapawan, North Cotabato - With the assistance of MinLand Foundation, educational resources were donated to Kalahi Village Day Care in Davao. In collaboration with Minland, Davao Rotary Club and Davao Beautiful Foundation, READ Philippines also donated books and other resources to People's Park in Davao City. The Park includes a small day care center. Click here to read message from Davao City's Vice Mayor.

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MinLand Foundation sends first turnover report on books shipped after "Kasila" event June 13, 2008, Jacksonville, FL - The 24 boxes of books sent on March 19, 2008 after the Kasila fundraising event have arrived Mindanao. MinLand Foundation is busy dividing the books among school applicants and delivering them.


Datakaya Elementary School, Maguindanao Province

Arvin Chua, Program Director for Minland Foundation, reports via email: "Today, MinLand staff Alih Bato, Zainudin "Nordz" Mamangkas and Sherwin Desierto conducted a turnover of books to Barangay Datakaya, in the Municipality of Pagalungan, Province of Maguindanao..... I was moved by the video we watched when Alih, Sherwin and Nordz arrived this afternoon from the field..... And I almost wasn't able to contain my tears thinking these children in 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2005 have been victims of violence, fear and trauma caused by conflicts that had completely nothing to do with them.

Hahay nakakalungkot, pero on a lighter perspective, nakakataba ng puso na in some ways, we (especially READ ) are instrumental for change that will bring sustained development in this area through education." Read Arvin's full email report. For additional photos, please click here.

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June 8, 2008, Santa Rosa, CA - The dedicated MOP volunteers of Sonoma County joined the local Fil-Am community's annual Philippine Independence Day celebration (called "Pista sa Nayon"). MOP volunteers sold lunch plates of adobo/chicken curry with rice & salad combo, lumpia shanghai, and banana turon. Safeway Grocery in Santa Rosa donated the ingredients. A total of $278 was raised by MOP volunteers.

Sonoma County Volunteers raising funds for MOP. For more photos, click here.

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May 10, 2008, Santa Rosa, CA - For the second year, MOP volunteers in Sonoma County, CA participated in Sonoma Human Race to raise funds toward shipping costs of books. Many thanks to Bobby, Grace, Flori, Alice, Alonzo, Karen, Stevo, & Trisha for their efforts on behalf of poor Filipino children.

Sonoma County volunteers. Click here for more photos.

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May 10, 2008, Jacksonville, FL - - MOP officer Doreen Flippin was guest speaker at the Filipino American Club of Jacksonville Induction Ball held at Ocean Breeze, Naval Station Mayport. She talked about READ Philippines and presented the "Small Steps, Big Change" video documenting turnovers produced by MinLand Productions. Photos here.

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May 1, 2008, Laua-an, Antique - - With the assistance of Dr. Egidio Elio, READ Philippines turned over 655 books to ten public secondary and elementary schools located in the northern half of the Province of Antique, in the Western Visayas Region. Read Dr. Elio's initial report.



Dr. Elio (center) facilitated the turnover of books to schools in Antique.

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April 13, 2008, Jacksonville, FL - - Eighteen (18) boxes of books and educational resources were shipped today via UMAC Express Cargo. Beneficiaries are schools in Polomolok, South Cotabato and schools in North Cotabato. Click here for photos.

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April 8, 2008, Santa Rosa, CA - - Eight (8) boxes of books were shipped via Globe Express Cargo. Beneficiaries are schools in North Cotabato.

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Mobile Library
March 24, 2008, Cotabato, Phils - - Educational materials (books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, magazines, teacher's manuals, tapes, CDs, educational toys, etc.) donated by READ Philippines to MinLand's Learning Resource Center were turned over to the Community Extension Services of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, Cotabato for USM's Mobile Library.


MinLand staff and USM Extension personnel load boxes of books for the
mobile library project of the University of Southern Mindanao.

The "Mobile Library" will make educational resources available to economically and geographically disadvantaged communities. Through the Mobile Library, useful reference materials will reach students, teachers and community residents in remote barangays particularly in the municipalities of Mlang, Tulunan and Magpet in North Cotabato.

Click here to read more.

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March 19, 2008, Jacksonville, FL - - Twenty-four (24) boxes of books and donated clothing were shipped on March 18, 2008.
Click here for photos.

Kasila Update Thanks to MOP volunteers and leaders of the Fil-Am community in Northeast Florida, the fundraising dinner on March 1, 2008 featuring "Kasila," produced by MinLand Productions, was a big success! Proceeds from this event will be used to cover costs of shipping books to the Philippines, an educational/leadership development youth camp and school breakfast program for poor children in post-conflict communities in Mindanao, Philippines. Click here to view photographs.

MinLand Foundation sends January 2008 turnover report
Attached is the Photo-documentation for the turnovers conducted January 2008. Finally, we were able to turn-over the donations for MINSED.  The school supplies from the Rotary were distributed to students at Datu Ambel High School.  But we reserved a few items for distribution to Learning Center visitors. 

BTW, this afternoon, Dr. Luz Taposok, Director for Extension Services of University of Souther Mindanao paid us a visit and relayed that she was already able to secure a vehicle for the mobile library.  We were happy because this would mean “rare” reference materials may now reach students and teachers in remote barangays even if on a scheduled basis.  We have earlier thought of donating a chunk of the “Learning Center” educational materials since this would mean greater beneficiary reach as our “Learning Center” only has a few visitors.  Dr. Taposok agreed to put the MOP name in the vehicle (whether inside or outside would be okay I suppose?) as one of the supporters.

Best regards,

EJ - MinLand Foundation  ___________________________________________

Mahintana Foundation reports on book turnover
Mahintana Foundation has received one balikbayan box in January 2008. We did an inventory and scheduled the turnover with the two selected schools from the list we have submitted to you last year. There were a total of 188 reading books including one set of Funk and Wagnalls Encyclopedia and one set of Funk and Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary. Based on the kinds of books MOP has given us, we sorted them according to its level of content acording to the educational system here in Southern Mindanao. Reading books such as novels and some reference materials were given to Colon National High School on February 12, 2008. Story books, Encyclopedia and Dictionary for Elementary were given to New Dumangas Elementary School on February 14, 2008 (see attached documentation report). If you could have been in the turn over program, you would have seen how appreciative the schools were for the books from MOP. There are many schools in need of reading books, multi media equipments, computers, etc. We hope MOP will continue collecting materials to aid in the learning and development of the Filipino students, schools and the community. Thank you very much and more power!

Dunstan Egar, Project Manager, Mahintana Foundation
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Books, science instructional videos, microscopes, etc. delivered to school for slum kids
Monday, January 14, 2008 - MOP received the following email from Major Pasamonte of the Philippine Air Force:

"We have just returned from Bulihan Elementary School where we delivered one (1) box of educational resources from READ Philippines. The faculty and students of Bulihan would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the generous support and  donation given to their school. The Bluebirds family of the Philippine Air Force is likewise extending its appreciation for MOP's continuing support of this school for relocated kids from slum areas in Metro Manila." Attached are the required turnover documentation.

View transmittal letter and inventory.

CLICK HERE FOR 2007 COMPLETED PROJECTS

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