Participatory Action Research Workshop in Baras, Rizal

Last 2013, the project development team of NMAP did a research focused on children, people with disabilities and other marginalized sectors.  In the process a project was formed:  Community Based Inclusive Development, it envisions a transformed community thru Organizing of the local people into Community Based Organization; Capacity Building and Strengthening of the local leaders to sustain existing service facilities for the community.

Barangay Health Worker form Sitio Malalim, Barangay San Juan

It was in 2016 wherein an expansion in the said project needs to be done.  Criteria were set wherein areas and communities were deliberated in the process.  The expansion started with data gathering at Philippine Statistic Authority.  Ocular visits were done at identified communities where poverty incidence and population of Persons with Disabilities were high.

Courtesy call with the Municipality of Baras in the Province of Rizal and coordination with the 4 Barangay namely:  San Juan; Rizal; Santiago and Evangelista with their respective Local Government Units has been made to properly identify the participants for the Participatory Action Research and initial implementation of the CBID project.

Kring, one of the Community Development Officer's
that facilitates community-based grass-root learning

This article intends to show the process and output of PAR.  It started from the time where secondary data were gathered, until it was presented to the Municipal Mayor of Baras.  The study has covered one Municipality wherein 4 Barangays were selected as part of the expansion area of the organization.

Several Research tools and methods were used in the process.  After the PAR training, all the participants have set their foot in doing the survey and interviews.  Whilst the Community organizer started doing Focus Group Discussions with different sectors and Key Informant Interviews with key persons in each community.

The scope of the output is limited to the result of the survey that was conducted by the participants on each Barangay.  It was thoroughly reviewed, presented and discussed with the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU), Local Government Unit (LGU), Participatory Action Research team and the selected constituents in each community.  Research was finished after 3 months, from the time of ocular visits, training, surveys, tally and presentation to duty bearers.

Golden Hands

In the Philippines, they have all these adverts that say:  in BDO (commercial bank) they say:"they find ways"... or in Metrobank: you're in good hands.

Now with Extreme Response an International Non-Government Organization, we "change lives". Their vision and mission is to give opportunities toat risk women in the community of informal settlers and those who are really in need of help and assistance.

In Makati, a city where you will find the best, tallest and biggest buildings and establishments, in the outskirts are the community of informal settlers.  They strive to battle the war of poverty, oppression and injustice.

Extreme Response International gives opportunity to these community, by engaging them to values formation, mentoring and livelihood coaching.  After a series of skills training and manage our own business training, they have set to start their own home-based businesses.

The blessings of joy and hope that is given, at this point in  time is very essential in their lives.

The article below is written by Dindin, the mother of Knowah. He needs urgent help for his treatment in Munich Germany, the procedure is not available here in the Philippines. My name is Dindin Sheanna Villena, a housewife from INC Compound Bolbok Batangas City, Philippines. I am the mother of Knowah, a 10-month old angel, a sweet blessing given to me and my husband. We waited almost two years to have Knowah. My husband is an OFW in the Middle East and we are usually miles apart for a year. Unfortunately, our family is now in dire need of assistance. Ever since Knowah was born, we have been in and out of the hospital because of his condition. At first, not even the doctors and specialists from the Philippines can figure out what was wrong, or why Knowah's immune system is failing and his blood platelet count and hemoglobin was very low and needs transfusion weekly. After several months of on-and-off confinement, a blood sample was sent to the United States of America, and it is to our deep sorrow that when the results came in, Knowah was diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS). Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome is a rare immunodeficiency disease, and according to research, children suffering from the disease only has a life expectancy of 8-14 years, with the child experiencing health difficulties over the years. We were informed by Dr. Hans D. Ochs of the Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies - Seattle Children's Research Institute that "treatment of choice is early bone marrow transplantation with myeloablative conditioning". In the same mail he said that "this may be difficult to accomplish in the Philippines". He was also suspected for severe multiple allergy and none of any formula here are fine with him. There were only two babies in Philippines who have WAS and the other one died last November 2014. And he is the only one left in Philippines. We wrote to you in order to appeal to your good heart. The expenses to be incurred for Knowah’s treatment are quite expensive, especially since the operation is sensitive and will be undertaken in other country. We are approaching different organizations and groups for financial aid for Knowah's treatment, so that he can have a healthier future and a fruitful life. Attached herewith are the findings of the hospital where Knowah's blood sample was sent. We do hope you can find it in your heart to help. We will be grateful and we do appreciate whatever aid you can extend. Sincerely Yours, Dindin Sheanna A. Villena Contact Number (0939-7205692) aguirre.sheanna@gmail.com

The Philippines has been known as one of the countries in Asia located along the typhoon belt, exposed to natural calamities and human induced disasters. Most of the time we were caught unaware of the said calamities, the National agencies and local authorities are pointing fingers on who’s going to take responsibilities on the cause and effect of each event. The one who suffers the most are the marginalized sectors: Children, Women, Person with disabilities and Elders in the community. When typhoon “Glenda” had hit the Philippines last July 2014, ER Asia’s partners in the community has been greatly affected, especially those who are located in the rural areas. As part of the emergency response we did the following: rapid assessment, relief distribution and psychosocial first aid and Disaster Resiliency training (Katatagan Module). Communication and Coordination were done between the emergency response coordinator and team leaders of each partner. IMPLEMENTATION In the event of every typhoon, rapid coordination and communication were done through the partnership director and community leaders. Assessment has been gathered immediately, causing ER Asia to respond accordingly based on the identified needs. I. Communication: Mobile phone calls and Txt messages were used to acquire necessary information. Initial communications has been done through social media (Facebook); after losing internet connection, visits to the families in the communities has been done immediately. II. Coordination: During the assessment and coordination, the leadership have agreed to come up with a simple illustration below. This is the order of priority for the emergency response. Coordination is through the Partnership director (Anne Benavidez), with ER Asia’s local partners, whilst the emergency response coordinator doing resource mobilization based on the immediate possible needs of the community. Survey on the number of households affected and other needs such as medical, house repairs and restoration of their economic activities and the likes of livelihood were done at the same time. Networking and relationship building has been part of the coordination. It is very important to consider the flow of communication and coordination of each partner and their constituents. It is very crucial in the implementation and action plan. III. Response: During and after the typhoon, constant communication among the staff and partners were established, two (2) among the staff were affected Marlyn Danas ER Asia’s Accountant and Carmel Suarez the administrative officer in the office. Even the facility at Manila Children’s home has also been partially damaged. After counter checking and assessment, we were informed that 2 among the staff from Manila Children’s Home were affected, the cook Jun Crizaldo and one house parent, Edith Sarion. a. House repairs and restoration: rapid assessment on the status and condition of the structures and facilities wherein, photos were taken, budget and funds were released immediately after the assessment. b. Distribution of food packs for the first 36 hours, after the initial communication and coordination. One food pack per household with a group of 5 to 6 members were given one pack that contains the following: i. 2 Kilos of rice ii. 2 canned goods iii. Biscuits iv. Coffee (50 grams) v. Sugar(1/2kilo) vi. Milk/creamer vii. 4 packs of instant noodles viii. Bottled water c. Orientation and knowledge sharing on disaster preparedness to mostly are mothers and women in the communities of Tiaong, Quezon. d. Psychological First Aid was given to 50 kids with trauma and 26 mothers. e. Lifeline Kits has been distributed after the disaster preparedness orientation. The Kits were given as part of the Disaster Preparedness workshop, minimizing the amount of vulnerabilities of the women in the community. The content are as follows: i. Food items ii. Medicines iii. Re-chargeable flashlights iv. Whistle v. Small pack of First aid kit f. First Aid kits were given to each Partner in the Philippines. WAY FORWARD Realistically disasters happen when at the most we are not ready and prepared for it. Science and Research battle its way in resolving issues and concerns that mostly those who are greatly affected are the poor and the marginalized sectors. Organizations and different agencies are working hand in hand to address the need. This year 2015, we aim to reduce the risk and vulnerabilities of the communities that we are working with, through community education of women, their spouses and children. We have scheduled a community based disaster risk management workshop and livelihood projects. Implementation of the projects and monitoring while doing evaluation is also being done at the same time.

Manlalakbay tungo sa walang hanggang buhay

Aking minsan sa madalas na suriin ang dahilan kung bakit nga ba ako nandito sa mundo. Sa madalas na madaming ginagawa, kung ano-ano, at kung sino-sinong taong nakaka-daupang palad, pilit na hinahanap ang dahilan sa mga bagay na ginagawa. Sa madaming lugar na napuntahan at naapakan, aking hinahanap ang lahat ng kabauluhan, bakit ako nandito at anong dapat matutunan. Ako'y madalas na naibabalik sa aking pagkilala sa aking manlilikha, isang relasyon na tangi sya lamang ang nagtutugon sa mga tanong at mga kakulangan na nawala. Mas madalas naipapaala nga ng aking manlilikha ang kanyang pagmamahal at pag-aaruga, isang pagmamahal na hindi ko mawari at maunawaan, sa tuwing akoy nagkakasala at bumabagsak ang kanyang pagmamahal ang patuliy na nahugot sa akin at nagsasabing bumangon at muling lumaban. Sa kabila ng aking kahinaan, siya ang aking lakas at sandigan. Isang moog na talagang maasahan ng buo at walang pagaalinlagan. Sa patuloy na paglakad tungo sa aking paroroonan, siya na lamang ang lagi kong titingan at pagkakatiwalaan.

May 27th What is my God made of? Full of strength, all powerful: He manages my life and everyone else, all at the same time. He knows my heart inside, out. Magnificent: He created the heaven and earth and all that is in it, He has given all the resources way ahead of time, His thoughts are far beyond what we could ever imagine. He is a God full of strength, power, kindness, abounding in love, merciful and fair, ever faithful, loving, kindhearted and beautiful. He is Omnipotent, omnipresent. He is my God. In need of strength to endure the agony and pain of seeing those in need that were exploited by those who are in power. Strength is needed to make a difference by doing your will and taking the step of faith every single minute, abiding in you all the days of life. May I truly be your disciple, one that would extend my arms and feet for those who in need. Wisdom in making decisions based on your will and your direction. I need a tamed tongue Lord, for me not to hurt others and be as loving in words and action as you were when you were here on Earth. I need you in my life in my ups and downs may you only be glorified now and forever. May you be the King and be honored in my life. May I truly have a humble heart that would always recognize your mercy upon me, and may you be blessed as always.

Black Saturday

on a black Saturday. quite black? not at all, the sun has been shining, the sky shows the silver lining, a promise, a hope, that leaves a re-assuring feeling, that all is well on a Saturday morning... i seldom write thoughts that comes in, not a good writer, but i have been hoping...some maybe reading, some maybe looking, but at the end of it all, let us be happy on a Saturday morning, tomorrow another day will be shining.