Bayanihan Para sa mga Kapatid na Mangyan

For the past 2 years, our Mangyan kababayans are already enjoying ample amount of help from some group volunteers, Mangyans by the way are the indigenous group of community in Mindoro, it all started when Mr. Baldwin G. visited Puerto Galera for a vacation together with my cousin. I was in my bedroom when I heard him talking to my sister, sharing stories about his life journey in the United States as a teacher. He then mentioned that he wants to conduct a simple outreach program as a sign of thanksgiving for the good fortune that he is getting as a teacher outside the country.

One Saturday when my principal asked me to go to the school and wait for some expected visitors, I waited the whole day but no one arrived, I looked at the school sorroundings and imagined how school life will continue for our Mangyan students and what can I do to help in my own little way. I decided to send Mr. Baldwin G. a message and informed him that Paraway Mangyan School is in need of charity works, that if may decide to he can choose our school to benefit from the project. He then agreed and this is how “Bayanihan Para sa mga Kapatid na Mangyan” started.

They are only a group of few people, Mr. Baldwin G. invited his highschool friends for support and most of them gratefully accepted the invitation, sir Baldwin solicited funds from colleagues and friends from the US and they went all the way down to the island of Mindoro to reach out to the indigenous group of people. This is also their first time doing an outreach program which made it far more exciting.

As they reached the school at the hill side part of Baranggay Paraway, they prepared for a 3 days 2 nights stay. They stayed in classrooms and prepared the school supplies that they are about to distribute to our students. The pack includes notebooks, papers, pencils and crayons all in a plastic envelope. They have also distributed slippers and snacks for the students. The group also prepared lunch not only for the students but also for their families who will join the outreach program.

It was indeed a tiring job to do yet very fulfilling, on my part what I only did is to ask for assistance for the school and help in preparations and all. I do not have enough money to help Mangyan students but God is good to make me as an instrument for this helpful people to reach the Mangyan community.

It’s just so nice to see smiles from my students and their parents, I never thought that this simple initiative that we have just planned for a few weeks marked a very meaningful experience to our Mangyan brothers and sisters.

photo credits to Mr. Jhasfer E