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4th VIDES BMBK Livelihood Project Launch |
13/05/08
Last February 16, 2008, VIDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc. launched the “Baboy Mo , Buhay Ko” for the first time among the indigenous people, that is, the Aetas residing at Sitio Monicayo, Calumpang, Mabalacat Pampanga.
This livelihood project is the 4th one to be launched, having been introduced first in Malihao, Victorias City, Negros Occidental; second in Balagbag-Araw, Canlubang, Laguna; and third in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
During the Opening Rites, VIDES Delegate Sr. Maria Josefina S. Carrasco, FMA introduced the VIDES volunteers to the Aetas and stressed the relevance of the Baboy Mo, Buhay Ko livelihood project to this year’s 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and The Eradication of Extreme Poverty and Hunger, which is the 1st Millennium Development Goal.
Mr. Tony Espinosa, Officer-in-Charge of the Baboy Mo, Buhay Ko Livelihood Project, delivered a brief message, inspiring the beneficiaries to do their utmost in making this project work. He congratulated the recipient-families and assured them of the continued support and commitment of the VIDES Volunteers to this endeavor.
Ms. Josielyn D. Hugo, a registered Social Worker, gave a thorough orientation on the Baboy Mo, Buhay Ko livelihood project, explaining the role and responsibility of VIDES, the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, and the Beneficiaries themselves. She made a clear presentation of the mechanics observed in the selection process of beneficiary- families, the monitoring system to be conducted by the Salesian Sisters and VIDES Volunteers, the reporting on the status of the project per family, and the distribution of proceeds at the conclusion of the project. At the end of her presentation, the beneficiaries were given the floor to raise their questions and clarifications.
This was then followed by the formal awarding of ten (10) piglets to the chosen beneficiary- families, represented by the mothers. VIDES Executive Director Ms. Sofie De Guzman distributed certificates of acknowledgment to the mothers for signing and handed over the Manual on the Baboy Mo, Buhay Ko Livelihood Project to Sr. Ma. Aleth Evangelista, FMA, Sister-in-Charge of the Aetas and to the Baboy Mo, Buhay Ko Commission.
Sr. Maria Josefina S. Carrasco, FMA distributed the piglets to the following beneficiaries: (1) Ruby Quedeng, (2) Marlesi Canduli, (3) Naty Canduli, (4) Beth Navarro, (5) Marissa Tongio, (6) Merlita Flores, (7) Sherly Abelarde, (8) Myrna Gonzales, (9) Esterlina Sison, and (10) May Narciso. Grateful for these blessings, the mothers presented fruits and vegetables to the VIDES Volunteers. On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ruby Quedeng gave their message of thanks to the VIDES Volunteers and assured them that they will do their best in order to make the project successful and to enable other families to become future recipients of the Baboy Mo, Buhay Ko livelihood program.
Also present during this momentous event are the following VIDES Volunteers: Amalia Suzara, Beth Espinosa, Toni Rose Escabarte, Rude Yaon, Jovet Braga, Syra Liza Suzara, Aissa Manalo, Teresa Velez, and Linda Skalski (VIDES USA). |
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