October 17, 2017- The Andres Soriano Foundation celebrates its first year of involvement in the Angat Buhay Program, the flagship Anti-Poverty Program of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), Leni Robredo during the Angat Buhay Program Anniversary and Angat Kabuhayan Launch at SMX, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
Photo 1: Group photo with VP Leni Robredo and Ms. Kris Aquino From left to Right: ASF Executive Director, Ms. Lemia Simbulan, representatives from Philam Foundation and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Representative from Sumilao, Bukidnon, ASF Handicrafts Livelihood Project Beneficiary, Mer Abus, and Representatives from Lambunao, Iloilo. Photo Credits: Angat Buhay Secretariat
Photo 2: Angat Buhay Summit 2016 held October 2016
The partnership began a year ago, when ASF along with other Civil Society Organizations (both Local & International), Local Government Units, business groups, academic institutions, faith-based groups, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and other partners in development were invited to participate during the 2016 Anti-Poverty Summit and launching of Angat Buhay Program under the OVP. Fifty (50) priority LGUs presented a list of their community needs to other sectors who can be of help to them. One of ASF’s Project sites- Agutaya, a 5th class Island Municipality located in Northeast Palawan was chosen by the OVP as one of the fifty (50) Municipalities needing help. It’s Chief Executive, Mayor Perla Bacuel was present during the Summit. At the round table discussion per municipality, ASF committed to help create opportunities for alternative source of livelihood, fund-sourcing to construct a water system in Brgy. Diit to address their need for potable water supply and the conduct of Health Caravan.
 |
 |
Photo 3-4: VP Leni Robredo’s visit in Brgy. Diit, Agutaya last November 2016
VP Robredo visited the Island-Barangay of Diit in Agutaya, Palawan and initiated a dialogue with fisher folks, community residents and the Municipal Government of Agutaya at the same time, turned-over workbooks for Diit Elementary School during the visit.
Photo 5: Diit Weavers Training on Bag and Hat weaving with DTI Region IV-B held last April 2017
During the year, ASF has helped Brgy. Diit Weavers, on their Handicraft Livelihood Project and conducted a 1-day Health Caravan bringing along 22 physicians with various specialties providing 1,025 medical services to 829 patients last May 2017.
In partnership with DTI Region IV-B and the Municipality of Agutaya, ASF held a 5-day skills training on hat and bag weaving which was participated by 34 women last April 2017. From then on, the weavers are continuously producing handicraft items for Amanpulo Resort. The products include bags, boxes and hats made from Pandan and Buri leaves.
Mer Abus, one of the beneficiaries said that they were grateful that ASF continuously help the island and developed their skills in weaving and created access to marketing opportunities for them. She was also thankful to be one of the beneficiaries of the Angat Buhay Program as she represented their community during the OVP’s Women Entrepreneurs’ Workshop (held September 2017) and in the Angat Buhay Anniversary (October 2017).
Photo 6: Mer Abus and Raides Abus, Women Weavers from Brgy. Diit at the Angat Buhay Women Entrepreneurs’ Workshop held last Sept. 2017.
On another hand, a project proposal for the water system in Brgy. Diit was submitted to the Office of the Regional Director of DOH Region MIMAROPA. The proposal has been approved in principle and two (2) Sanitary Engineers were sent last August by DOH to assess the sources and potability of the water. Preparations for the construction of a Level II Water System is ongoing.
The Andres Soriano Foundation assists geographically isolated and disadvantaged coastal and island communities within three (3) municipalities of Cuyo, Agutaya and Magsaysay in Palawan. ASF’s Livelihood Program focuses on providing alternative source of livelihood to minimize pressure on marine resources. Each community of weavers offers different specialty product that is being supplied to Amanpulo Resort and in local boutique shops in Manila.
For more information call us at (+632) 831-9941; 851-5507 or email us at operations@asorianofoundation.org
More Links: