Philippines

GFF PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINES PROGRESSES WITH READING, FARMING AND LEARNING

Let's work together

Reading Workshop & Mobile Library
“Enhancing the opportunity of access to library resources.”
“Engaging students in authentic reading experiences”


There are two groups of kids located in different towns that GFF Philippines visit once a week. This month, Stefany and LPchanged location and visited the students from Capitan Tazan Memorial Primary School located in Ugsod Village in the town of Banga. These kids are related to each other and live in the same neighborhood. The opening of classes already started, and these kids were also going to school for a half-day class. In the afternoon, they spent time with us and do many activities to enhance their vocabulary.
We prepared worksheets for them and they mainly focus on vocabulary and letters. This is a good reinforcement for them after going to school. One of the mothers commented that instead of playing after school, they are looking forward to an after-class workshop with us. They are very happy that their kids had this free workshop something that only privileged children could afford. An after-class workshop that will further help them in their studies, will cost them a good amount, but we are giving it for free. That made them responsible and active. 

VEGETABLE GARDEN PROJECT PHASE 3
“Healthy Meals: Healthy Bodies and Minds”

Mr. Vincent with his family at their wide vegetable garden in Ugsod Village, Banga, Aklan, Philippines.

The Vegetable Garden Project Phase 3 continues to give nutrition and living to our families who are members of GFF HELPS Aklan Workers ’Association  in Banga Town, Province of Aklan. It has been their everyday routine to weed, to water and to involve their children in taking care of the vegetables since Summer Time of this year- wherein some of the seeds got withered but somehow survived and were taken notice by our farmers. Now that the rainy season is coming, most of our farmers are thinking of a solution to where they could still continue planting their vegetables despite unpleasant weather – perfect timing is the secret. Most of them had reserved matured seeds out from matured vegetable fruits that they could plant anytime on a fertile soil. We are grateful that our members are doing their best to not waste any of our seeds.

 

GROUP WORKSHOP
“Teach hands-on skills as it gives learners an opportunity to try out new methods and fail in a safe environment.”

Stifhany, LP, together with the kids holding their reflection paper and mud volcano.


The kids poured ingredients inside the mud volcano under the instruction of LP.

The Group Workshop was inspired by the Summer Program initiated and facilitated by Willyn and Michael last 2019. It was held in different towns in Banga, Aklan. When the pandemic started, everything was halted. We decided to do it again but in smaller groups. Ten students have been selected for this workshop and all of them are living in Tabayon Village in the Town of Banga. Seven kids participated in the activity. The Workshop was divided into 5 days and depending on the available schedule of the kids, we will conduct each day. The First Day of the Group Workshop was successfully conducted. The topic was about Volcanoes, their types, and examples. The kids participated in an energizer activity, proceeded with the discussion, and made their volcanoes. They are monitored and instructed throughout the activity. The kids were assured that a failure to make a volcanic eruption is okay. In the end, they successfully made active volcanoes and were fascinated with the eruption. They wrote their reflection on the activity. Testimonials of the parents and the kids were collected and all of them were satisfied by the outcome.

Online Storytelling
“Gives students the power to express themselves through multi- literacy modes.”

The kids enjoyed reading the funny story of the girl who had her first wriggly tooth. They also shared memories of their first loose tooth.

Kids have been busy preparing for the opening of classes. They will be engage into different setting and lessons. Most of their classes will be half-day and they are not allowed to go out until 12 noon. But, the kids have been hooked into Thursday afternoon that they would still join Online Storytelling. One mother said that Thursday afternoon and the stories have been the only thing that they are looking forward to during the pandemic. Somehow, they got used to the time and the session. We are very glad for our avid attendees. The Storytelling Gala that we will be having soon will be a great opportunity for them to meet children from other countries.

Joe FisherGFF PHILIPPINES
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Safety First for Philippines

Safety First for Philippines

GFF Helps philippines collaborated with

RED CROSS PHILIPPINES for

First-Aid
Training

The GFF HELPS Philippines is delighted with the successful result of the 2-day Occupational First-Aid and Basic Life Support-Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation with Automated External Defibrillator (BLS-CPR with AED)Training 2022 by Red Cross Philippines Aklan Chapter, headed by Mary Joe B. Galeon, the Chapter Administrator in La Felicidad Granja Farm, Lapnag Banga, Aklan last July 14-15th, 2022.

The twenty (20) participants of the said Training came mostly from our GFF HELPS Aklan Workers’ Association Members and School Clinic Teachers who have elderly, children and infants at home and have students whose schools are located far away from the town proper. Their location hinders them to rush in the hospital just in case accidents could happen. The training suits every participants since no one knows where and when the accident could happen. As they were trained as First-Aid providers, they could perform and help the victims while waiting for the Emergency Response Teams to reach them. The training provided them enough knowledge on Bandaging, Carrying the patients, CPR,  and many more.

As Mr. Nelson Tulio has quoted: “The training adds up to my knowledge as a Physical Therapist in town. The Certificate of Completion that I have received from Red Cross Philippines also serve as a proof and people won’t question my credibility in performing First-Aid Training.”

“Providing
safety needs for our GFF HELPS Aklan Workers’ Association Members”

Lady Peace Remaneses, LPT GFF HELPS PH Representative

These are the Head of the families who benefited the First-Aid Training, from left to right: Mr. Simon, Mr.Tulio, Mr.Rebano, Mr. Villanueva

Reading Workshop & Mobile Library

The session of the Reading Workshop with Barrera siblings and their cousins continues. This small group of kids continues to progress, and we always praise and encourage them to do their best. All of them were recognized by their school as achievers and received awards. We are happy to see their growth as well as their parents. We make sure that they receive simple prizes like stickers and small toys after the session. They would always look forward to these prizes and do well during activities. We also developed a strong bond with these kids that they would always give us a hug when we arrive and leave.

Enhancing the opportunity of access to library resources

Stifhany A. Salvador, LPT
PH Mobile Library – Stifhany and LP together with Barrera siblings and their cousins holding their worksheets.


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Online Storytelling

“Gives students the power to express themselves through multi- literacy modes.”

Blended learning has been introduced recently to help the students cope with modular challenges since the pandemic started. In this kind of system, students learn via electronic and online media as well as traditional face-to-face teaching.  We are happy to see that most students allocate time to join our Online Storytelling session despite strict schedule. Most of them were recognized recently by their school because of their exemplary performance. We did not forget to include their pictures in the presentation as our congratulatory gift for them. We are proud that the kids associated with our projects were talented and achievers. As we look back, these kids have been with us for more than two years. We can see how much they grew. In our eyes, they are still the same kids that like to read stories and colorful pictures.

VEGETABLE GARDEN PROJECT – PHASE III

The GFF HELPS Philippines’ Vegetable Garden Project has always been part of  the daily lives of the beneficiaries in the different villages in Banga Town. As we got to visit the participants’ houses on the later weeks of July, we were able to see the growth of the crawling vegetables like squash and string beans. Our beneficiaries are very responsible and hard working in making bamboo fences that would serve as crawling support for these vegetables. They also tend on their vegetable plots most time of their days. Some produce were sold and some were consumed by their family. Junlen, spent almost of his mornings and afternoons in his ricefield that he turned into a beautiful vegetable garden with the seeds given by the GFF HELPS PH Team.

“Continuing
the “Healthy Meals: Healthy Bodies and Minds” aim

Lady Peace Remaneses, LPT

This is LP together with Junlen while he is maintaining the cleanliness of his vegetable garden in Agbanawan, Banga, Aklan

Joe FisherSafety First for Philippines
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SOLAR PROJECT VISIT

Madalag is a landlocked municipality in Aklan. Most of its towns are remote and do not have access to electricity. The people are living through a traditional lamp that lights the whole hut. The GFF HELPS Philippines Team proposed and

Solar Project- One of the beneficiary of the solar project Mr. Victor.

initiated a Solar Project that would benefit the villagers that do not have electricity. By 2020, 100 families received their solar kits. After two years, we visited them and saw the status of their solar kits. Together with Mr. Saom and Ms. Lisa, we trekked mountains to reach each of them, sometimes under drizzles. We stopped by some houses to rest and eat. While on our way, we met the beneficiaries going down the mountain to buy some condiments in the town. We talked to them and asked them about their solar kits. All of them stated that they benefitted a lot from the solar kits. They don’t need to go to the town only to charge their cellphones. They can continue working with their livelihood even at night because the light is not flickering. Their babies can sleep well because the house is brighter. They can carry their solar kits everywhere because it is handy. We are overwhelmed by their statements and grateful for their hospitability.

 

Solar Project -Wearing rain ponchos before riding on a motor-taxi.

 

We are hoping that while they are waiting for the electricity to reach them, our solar kits will light their humble homes.

 

Joe FisherSOLAR PROJECT VISIT
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Mobile Library March 2022

The rotation of books continues in school and among neighboring students. The books vary in level to suit the student’s comprehension. This year, we distributed 30 books to Capitan Tazan Memorial Primary School and 15 books to Sigcay Elementary School. Sometimes, we bring books to the children of our beneficiaries. We are always grateful for the help of the hardworking teachers and the support of parents. One of the highlights of this month is the regular reading workshop that we conduct for the neighboring students of Capitan Tazan Memorial
Primary School. Our hard work was noticed by some parents living in the same community and they expressed their interest. They
also want their children to join and asked permission from the owner of the house where we teach.

One of the mothers prepared a big table and more chairs because she’s expecting more participants. We are overwhelmed by the love that these kids show to us. They would always prepare snacks for us and stay with us until a vehicle pick us up. There’s nothing more rewarding than being loved and respected by your students.

 

 

Stifhany and LP together with kids from Capitan Tazan Memorial Primary School. The kids prepared a big table and more chairs for their new friends

Stifhany and LP together with kids from Capitan Tazan Memorial Primary School.

 

 

“Engaging students in authentic reading experiences”

 

 

 

Joe FisherMobile Library March 2022
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Online Storytelling March 2022

“Teacher, where’s my price?” A usual thing that you can hear every session of the Online Storytelling. Parents said that their kids expect virtual prizes to be real one day. Our Online Storytelling to children ages 9-12 years old from Banga, Aklan, every Thursday and Friday afternoon is always productive.

GFF Helps Philippines have regular attendees that grew with them. They have formed a strong bond with these kids that they comfortably share their personal experiences during sessions. This month’s highlight is the story of “The First Woman in Space” as a celebration of Women’s Month. The children learned the role that women played in history. LP and Stifhany always make sure that stories were taken from reliable online sources and activities were engaging. They wanted to show their appreciation to the avid attendees, and they thought of giving them something. They are planning to make the virtual prizes real. They will purchase fruit bundles and deliver them to the houses of the kids. Everyone seems excited to receive their prizes, a sweet treat for their hard work.

“Gives students the power to express themselves through multi-literacy modes.”

The kids learned about “The First Woman in Space” and the roles that women played in history

Joe FisherOnline Storytelling March 2022
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Mobile Library March 2022

GFF Philippines continue to rotate books in school and among neighboring students. The books vary in level to suit the student’s comprehension. This year, they distributed 30 books to Capitan Tazan Memorial Primary School and 15 books to Sigcay Elementary School. Sometimes, they bring books to the children of their beneficiaries. They are always grateful for the help of the hardworking teachers and the support of parents. One of the highlights of this month is the regular reading workshop that they conduct for the neighboring students of Capitan Tazan Memorial Primary School. Their hard work was noticed by some parents living in the same community and they expressed their interest. They also want their children to join and asked permission from the owner of the house where they teach.

Stifhany and LP together with kids from Capitan Tazan Memorial Primary School. The kids prepared a big table and more chairs for their new friends.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than being loved and respected by your students.”

One of the mothers prepared a big table and more chairs because she’s expecting more participants. GFF Helps Philippines are overwhelmed by the love that these kids show to them. Children would always prepare snacks for them and stay with them until a vehicle would pick them up.

Joe FisherMobile Library March 2022
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BUILDING MEMORIES – ONLINE STORYTELLING 2022

GFF Helps Philippines team regularly conducts digital storytelling to children ages 9-12 years old from Banga, Aklan, every Thursday and Friday afternoons. It has been a routine, and they always look forward to it. Stories were carefully selected from online sources, and we make sure that activities align with them. We wanted to show our appreciation to the avid attendees, and we thought of giving them something. We purchased some Lego bricks and distributed them to 10 children that actively join every session. For two weeks, our stories revolved around building skills and activities. The kids proudly showed off their talents in building things using Lego bricks. Alterations of themes are also considered so that kids won’t be stuck on the same page that’s why we plan on making more presentations for honing building skills in the following weeks.

PH ONLINE STORYTELLING – THE KIDS
ENTHUSIASTICALLY PARTICIPATE IN THE
ALTERNATE READING OF PARAGRAPHS IN THE
STORY “WHEN I BUILD WITH BLOCKS”

Joe FisherBUILDING MEMORIES – ONLINE STORYTELLING 2022
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Broadening imagination with Mobile Library

A write only begins a book. A reader finishes it. Samuel Johnson

GFF Helps India and Philippines has been travelling with a bundle of books and reaching out to remote villages for the love of reading and seeding imagination in children’s mind.

A student of SOGG Pudung reading out a story

GFF Helps India team has been going for monthly visits to the SOGG Learning Centres of Bong, Chibbo and Pudung villages. The last visit was made on 29th & 30th October in Bong and Chibbo and 1st November in Pudung. On the day of our visit we exchange new set of books with the old ones and rotate it among the three centres. Since past few months we have been holding reading sessions along with the book distribution. Children were delighted to receive new set of books. Through this project children are developing their reading and explaining skills. However we have also felt the need of phonetics to be taught to the children for which we will be organizing a workshop in the near future.

Gff Helps Representatives with the participants of Bong

A student of SOGG Bong issuing a Mobile Library book.

Joe FisherBroadening imagination with Mobile Library
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GFF Phillippines reaching out to children and women

PH Sewing Project – This is Zenie sewing a dress in Banga, Aklan Philippines

Sewing Project

As the COVID-19 cases are gradually decreasing in the Town of Banga, Province of Aklan, where our five (5) Sewing Project Women’s  houses are located, they were able to keep pace with the needs of the customers by sewing facemasks, curtains, pillow cases, repairing other garments like dress, some pairs of trousers, and many more.

These Sewing Project Women are all housewives and the amount of money that they earned  from  sewing helps them with their finances somehow. They are very grateful for this opportunity especially that the GFF’s sewing machines are the ones that they are using in sewing those garments and all.

“The Sewing Project Women are enhancing their skills from what they have learnt.”

Joe FisherGFF Phillippines reaching out to children and women
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Sewing Success – Philippines 2021

The GFF HELPS Philippines couldn’t be any happier of what the Sewing Project’s women are currently doing after holding the National Certificate in Dressmaking in March 2021 and after having the opportunity to use and own the GFF Sewing Machines starting July 2021. These women are housewives residing in the different villages in Banga, Aklan, Philippines and most of them were solely depending on their husband’s income just before they became part of this Sewing Project last December 2020.

 Joelita, a dressmaker licensee wearing her sewn apron along with her daughter in Banga, Aklan, Philippines

These mothers’ enthusiasm in making a living and supporting their families alongside with their husbands are getting stronger and this is a great blessing to them especially that they could earn money at home by making patterns of facemasks(for kids and adults) and selling them by bulk or by pieces, making tote bags, curtains and aprons, repairing worn-out garments like trousers and dresses and many more. Some outputs like pajamas made by the mothers are for their children since their children also needs new clothing to address their growth. Some of these are just the skills that they had learned from the Dressmaking Online Class with their Dressmaker Trainor Jem Ambag, but these women never stop on learning and enhancing their skills in Sewing.

This pandemic had also taught them to appreciate what they have and to expand their network by marketing their sewing outputs and products on Facebook to gain more customers and clients. They also make sure to satisfy their clients’ needs by making their best in sewing garments.

“The Sewing Project Women are making use of what they have.”

The GFF Philippines have taught them to make use of what they have, make more of what they can do while doing their best to support their families. Our women from the Sewing Project Phase 1 are great examples of patient and perseverance, since they had showed great patience and persevered through a lot during this entire project and now, they are reaping the fruits of their hard work.  The GFF Philippine Team is looking forward to Sewing Project Phase 2 so that a lot of women would be of benefits.

Joelita, a dressmaker licensee sewing curtains in Banga, Aklan, Philippines

 

Joe FisherSewing Success – Philippines 2021
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