READ Philippines' 2011 Projects:

Updated: 8:29 PM. EST January 31, 2012

Learners Education Assistance Program -
Providing Scholarship Support for Poor Students in Mindanao
(In collaboration with MinLand Foundation).
Click here to download the LEAP brochure

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CALAGUIMAN SCHOOL, Samal, Bataan
January 30, 2012 - Danilo Datu, a community volunteer for Calaguiman Elementary in Bataan, requested books from READ Philippines. Below is Mr. Datu's report:

Dear Doreen,

Sending the acknowledgement letter of Mrs. Azucena Cortez, the principal of Calaguiman Elementary School, Samal, Bataan together with pictures taken during the turn-over of donated books from READ Philippines on January 6, 2012.

Calaguiman Elementary School has 700 students from Grade 1 to Grade 6. In June when the new school year begins, Calaguiman will be adding 7th Grade as mandated by the Department of Education. Therefore, student population is expected to increase by an additional 150 students.

The principal, teachers and students are so appreciative of the donated books. They would like to request additional books especially in Math, Science, English, Geography and Literature. Do you also have 2nd hand computers? 

Again our deepest gratitude to you and READ Philippines. 

Danny Datu

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UPDATE ON RELIEF EFFORTS FOR VICTIMS OF TYPHOON SENDONG
January 11, 2012, Cagayan de Oro - READ Philippines and supporters sent funds to Minland Foundation in the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong that left thousands of people homeless in Cagayan de Oro and other places in Northern Mindanao. EJ Matela, Executive Director of MinLand Foundation, writes:

Dear Doreen,

We are furnishing you a copy of the report on relief operations at Barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) on December 29, 2011.

We would like to thank READ Philippines and We Filipinos, Inc. for trusting and helping us respond to the appeal for help of Northern Mindanao. There is a balance of PhP687.10 which we are safekeeping for now and will consolidate with funds raised by READ volunteer Gemma Lavarino. We will continue to communicate with Ms. Jo Andot at CDO regarding available support for victims and will keep you informed of developments. The list of households that received support from the funds you sent is attached.

We hope you will find everything in order. God bless you all.

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BOOKS FOR SARANGANI & SOUTH COTABATO
December 12, 2011, Polomolok, South Cotabato - With the assistance of Mahintana Foundation, READ Philippines donated books to three elementary schools in disadvantaged areas of Southern Mindanao. The schools are: (1) Bales Elementary, (2) Lugan Elementary, and (3) Kinilis Elemenary. Click here to read the report.

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ANDREWS AIR BASE ELEMENTARY
November 22, 2011, Zamboanga City - READ Philippines donated books to Andrews Air Base Elementary School in Zamboanga City through the 530th Air Base Wing led by Colonel Emeraldo Magnaye PAF. Click here to read the report.

The School, established in 1968 through the efforts of Col. Pedro Alcantara, is located inside the Andrews Air Base with student population of 463 (Grades 1-6).  Twenty percent of the students are dependents of Air Force enlisted personnel and 80% are from neighboring communities. Due to its location, the School does not get regular support from the local Department of Education programs as it is perceived to be part of the Air Force Logistics Planning. Current Base Commander Col. Emeraldo Magnaye believes helping the School is important in maintaining peace and security of Mindanao.

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BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS IN MINDANAO
October 20, 2011, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato - With the assistance of MinLand Foundation in Mindanao, the books from READ Philippines were donated to the following schools: (1) Asian Colleges and Technological Institute, (2) Ricardo Ipong High School Extension, (3) Pag-amoma Children's Orphanage, and (4) Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology.

Attached is a photo documentation of book turnover to various institutions from June to September 2011. The report has been filed by Alih, Joel, Payan and the rest of the staff. Our thanks to all the people behind READ Philippinesfor the continuing support and commitment to giving assistance to those who need it much. - - EJ Matela, Executive Director, MinLand Foundation

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FILIPINO PRIDE DAY, Saturday, October 1
Jacksonville, FL - READ Philippines, Inc. has been selected by the organizers of the annual Filipino Pride Day (FPD) as one of the four local charities to benefit from this year's celebration. FPD is a day-long festival highlighting the rich culture of the Philippines while raising funds for charities that help improve lives of people in the Jacksonville community and the Philippines. FPD features cultural performances, cuisine, local Filipino artists, musicians and entertainers. Admission is free.

READ Philippines will have a booth at the festival. Volunteers of READ from Jacksonville and the Philippines will be available to talk about our programs, success stories, and continuing need for support. From the Philippines, READ has extended an invitation to volunteer Eduardo Castillo to travel to Jacksonville and talk about his work with school beneficiaries in Batangas.

Come join us at the Jacksonville Landing on Saturday, October 1, 2011 from
11 a.m. until Midnight.

Over 15,000 people attended the 2010 Filipino Pride Day at the
Jacksonville Landing, Jacksonville, FL

The Philippine Dance Troupe from Tampa, FL performing Filipino folk dance.


READ Philippines Chairman Doreen Flippin with members of the
Philippine Performing Arts Company at the 2010 FPD.

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Latest Report on LEAP Scholarship Program
August 19, 2011, North Cotabato - Click here to read the latest update on the LEAP scholarship program in collaboration with MinLand Foundation in the Philippines.

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Cabilao Students Sent "Thank You" letters
August 15, 2011, North Cotabato - " I am attaching the letters from students of Cabilao High School Extension regarding your support to construct a simple classroom building. The children and the community are sending their most heartfelt thanks.

The letters are addressed uniformly and collectively to READ Philippines, specifically to Doreen, its Chairperson, who led the campaign for resources for classroom walls, books & school supplies.

Worth mentioning too are the support of Pauline Ramos-Dyer who subsidized the fuel expenses for transporting the books and construction materials.  Leo & Lovelyn Amatorio also donated school supplies, water jugs, shirts and jackets and chocolates.

I also thank my colleagues from MinLand who also gave some monetary donations and most of all, who made all these things happen.

Thank you very much and God Bless you all. - - EJ Matela, Executive Director, MinLand Foundation"

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Classroom for Barangay Cabilao, North Cotabato
July 1, 2011, North Cotabato - Thanks to generous supporters of READ Philippines, the classroom for students at Barangay Cabilao is now complete.

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Toys for Golden Heart Day Care
June 26, 2011, Batangas - Thanks to volunteer Eddie Castillo, toys from READ Philippines were delivered to Golden Heart Day Center at Barangay Mayuro, Rosario, Batangas.

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Update on Construction of High School Extension for Barangay Cabilao, North Cotabato
June 15, 2011 - EJ Matela, Executive Director of MinLand Foundation, sends the following messages to READ regarding the high school building project in Barangay Cabilao:

Doreen,

Attached is summary of expenses paid from funds from READ Philippines for the school building. The "Kalakat" is woven bamboo strips used for walls.

We will upload photos and send you progress reports.  The community provided labor and the 'bayanihan" spirit began this morning. MinLand took care of transportation and hauling of materials.

While the walls were being installed, a clash between government troops and an armed group erupted within a few kilometers from the school site. But people were preoccupied with putting up the walls and did not mind the bursts of gunfire. MinLand staff urged workers to halt construction by Noon to prepare for evacuation. Happily, evacuation was not necessary as the incident was later contained. The walls will be completed tomorrow or Saturday. We were saddened to see the people's high level of tolerance for violence - as if it is the norm.  We hope our collaborative efforts will contribute towards peace.

Thank you for supporting this important project. Best regards,

EJ

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Update on High School Extension Project, Barangay Cabilao, North Cotabato
June 9, 2011 - The new academic year in the Philippines has begun and high school freshman students in Barangay Cabilao attended classes in the proposed school facility even though walls have not yet been installed.

High school freshman students at Barangay Cabilao.

Classroom without walls

Students brought their own chairs to class.

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Books for Barangay Loob Elementary, Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas
June 8, 2011 - With the assistance of the Philippine Air Force Technical & Specialization Training School (PAFTSTS) at Fernando Air Base, Lipa City, a box of books were delivered to Head Teacher Rosalina Aranda and faculty members of Barangay Loob Elementary on May 25, 2011. PAFTSTS supports Barangay Loob under its Adopt-a-School program and had asked READ Philippines' assistance with books. Click here to read the turnover report.

Students at Barangay Loob Elementary proudly show the books from READ Phils.

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Proposed High School Extension, Barangay Cabilao, North Cotabato
May 26, 2011 - READ Philippines is raising funds to help build a classroom building in Barangay Cabilao. EJ Matela, Executive Director of MinLand Foundation, READ Philippines' partner organization in Mindanao, writes:

Doreen,

I am attaching photos of the temporary classroom of the incoming high school freshmen for school year 2011-2012.  Also attached is a partial list of enrollees.

The community/barangay decided to take a gradual approach to establishing a full high school in Barangay Cabilao. This will facilitate easier documentary requirements, multi-level bureaucratic approvals, and resources. So this coming June, only the First Year High School Level will open. Next year, probably two high school levels. 

For this year, we shall be helping them secure materials and finances to procure walls and blackboards and books (the boxes of books from READ that arrived this year will be helpful). Also armchairs and lighting. We hope all will turn out well.

Thanks and regards,

EJ

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Our Lady of Piat Grade School, Cagayan Valley
April 15, 2011, Piat, Cagayan Valley - Sister Ellen Labrador, School Head, writes:

The books are best materials for our school age children who are trained to appreciate and value the importance of books. Although Our Lady of Piat is a private school, we could hardly afford to buy such reading materials and make books available to all children.  Thanks to READ Philippines!

Click here for copy of the report from Sister Ellen.

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Books for Schools & Day Care Centers in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
March 30, 2011, Polomolok, South Cotabato - Kinmark Deypalan, Project Office with Mahintana Foundation in Polomolok, South Cotabato wrote:

Dear Ms. Doreen,

Greetings from South Cotabato! We are pleased to provide documentation for the books donated by READ Philippines to our assisted partner beneficiaries. Please accept our deep gratitude for READ's continuing support of communities, especially those undergoing development, in geographically isolated and displaced areas.

May God continue to bless you and your organization abundantly!

Truly Yours,

Kinmark Deypalan, Project Officer
Mahintana Foundation, Inc.
Cannery Housing, Cannery Site
Polomolok, South Cotabato
Telefax No. (083) 500-2796
Email Add: mahintana_mfi@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.mahintana.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2011 Report on LEAP Scholarship Program
February 22, 2011, Kidapawan, North Cotabato - LEAP is a collaborative scholarship program for poor children in North Cotabato between READ Philippines and MinLand Foundation. Below is the latest report on LEAP.

Dear Donors,

We thank you for your continued support to the small scholarship program LEAP.  Together, we have reduced the number of people who have lost hope for a better future by 12. Yes, we now have 12 scholars and they are all doing very well.

Attached is a progress report from June to December of 2010.  We hope the messages of thanks and the snippets of their lives as shared by the children bring joy to your hearts.

Best regards,

EJ Matela
Director, MinLand Foundation Inc.

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BOOKS FOR BANGSAMORO DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
February 21, 201, Kidapawan, North Cotabato - Facilitated by MinLand Foundation, READ Philippines' partner organization in Mindanao, READ was able to support schools in communities caught in the conflict between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation front in southern Philippines. Through this small book donation, READ extends best wishes and hopes for a peaceful resolution for the good of all Filipinos, most especially the children. EJ Matela, Director of MinLand Foundation, writes:

Dear Doreen,

Attached is a photo documentation of the turnover of books to the Bangsamoro Development Agency last Dec 22, 2010.  This means that the learning materials donated by READ Philippines will also reach areas affected by the GRP-MILF war, where civilians - - particularly women and children - - are the ones bearing the brunt of the ongoing conflict in Mindanao.

Once again, we thank READ Philippines for the continued trust and support.

Best regards,

EJ

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BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS IN BATANGAS
February 19, 2011, Rosario, Batangas - With the assistance of Eddie Castillo, a volunteer of READ Philippines in Luzon, two schools and a day care center in Rosario, Batangas received books from READ: (1) Cahigam Elementary, (2) Lumbangan Primary, and (3) Mayuro Golden Heart Day Care Center.

Mrs. Vanessa Celemen, teacher at Mayuro Golden Heart Day Care, wrote: "The day care center of Mayuro have received the books and learning materials you sent. The children were delighted. In fact, parents told me that their kids wanted to go to school early so they could read the new colorful books."

Cahigam Elementary School

Lumbangan Primary School

Mayuro Golden Heart Day Care Center

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JANUARY 2011 BOOK SHIPMENT
January 8, 2011 - Twenty-two boxes of books were shipped in December 2010 and early January 2011 for Proverbsville School in Pampanga and for schools in Batangas and Mindanao. Many thanks to the Arceo Family for their assistance. And with the generous sponsorship support for the upcoming charity golf tournament, READ Philippines was able to meet the shipping costs for this recent shipment.

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CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
(18 HOLES, Foursome, Captain's Choice)
Blue Cypress Golf Club
4012-5 University Blvd. North
$60 per person (includes meal)

Proceeds from this charity golf tournament will be used toward
shipping costs of books and for scholarship support for children in North Cotabato.

THE CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL
FEBRUARY OR MARCH 2011. WE WILL REPOST THE FLYER AND
REGISTRATION FORM WHEN THE NEW DATE HAS BEEN SELECTED.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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