Despite the inclement weather, Global Peace Foundation Philippines team pursued the first phase of turn-over for the project, “Solar Lamps for 900 Indigenous Filipino Children,” at Sitio Hawili, Barangay Panaytayan, Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro last July 9, 2018.
Together with Ms. Ann Montejo, Program Director for Education, and representatives from the local government of Mansalay, we were welcomed by parents and children representing 12 families from Hanunuo tribe.
The turn-over ceremony of solar lanterns started with a short prayer led by one of the locals. After that, I gave a brief orientation about Global Peace Foundation and also explained how to use and maintain the solar lanterns.
The local government representative, Mr. Cyrus Montes, thanked the project organizers and donors and emphasized the value of lanterns in making the lives of people from the indigenous community convenient. He assured that as a partner of Global Peace Foundation Philippines, he will assist in monitoring the maintenance of the lanterns.
The families were as grateful as the government representatives. During the turn-over ceremony, one of the indigenous children, Milma, an 11-year old girl who is currently in her 3rd grade from a public elementary school in Mansalay, expressed her appreciation for the project and its donors. She was happy that she can finally do her school works even at night time with the help of the lantern she and her family received. Knowing that people are willing to support children like her achieve their dreams, Milma became more determined to study better.
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