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Community Outreach Program: Bringing Blessings and Hope to the Community

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By: Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman

Community outreach programs are cornerstones of shared progress and unity intended to connect gaps, determine pressing needs, and uphold a spirit of solidarity and mutual support in communities and among groups and individuals.

At the heart of community outreach programs, especially to far-fetched communities—isolated, underserved, and in dire need of support—is the goal of addressing and providing the needs of community members and empowering them. These communities, often situated in remote locations, face unique challenges including the lack of essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Imbak and Friends, a group established in 2011 and under the strong stewardship of Patricia Cordova Naaman, coordinated with Othelo Remis Naaman, the Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Banga Council Chapter No. 5362, in choosing a recipient for their community outreach program. Barangay San Isidro with an estimated 150 families and the farthest barangay in the Municipality of Banga, situated between mountains in the boundary of Banga and Balete, served as the perfect barangay.

The very essence of the outreach program is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves access to basic services, opportunities, and a chance to improve their quality of life in any way possible. With this purpose, different groups worked together to extend a helping hand to those who are often forgotten, bring hope where it is scarce, create a sense of belongingness, and cultivate a pay-it-forward attitude.

On July 4, 2024, a community outreach program was organized by Imbak and Friends in collaboration with Knights of Columbus Banga Council Chapter No. 5362, Daughters of Mary Immaculate International, and Movement of Gratitude and with the residents of Barangay San Isidro as recipients.

Members of the groups, all armed with the spirit of volunteerism, arrived early in the morning at the San Isidro Multi-Purpose Hall to assemble tables and chairs and to arrange the items for donation such as food packs (rice, canned goods, noodles, loaf bread) for each family and colored tote bags with school supplies, water bottles, drawing booklets, storybooks, toys, slippers, and loot bags for the children. They were warmly received by the San Isidro barangay council headed by Punong Barangay David Torres, Jr. who ensured that everything was ready and troubleshoots were made to avoid delays.

While waiting for the families to arrive, children who came early were gathered for storytelling led by volunteer community storyteller this writer, co-founder and adviser of Movement of Gratitude. She narrated the story of the “Engkanto sa Bukid it Tigayon” where more than 50 children participated, listened to a local legend that was new to them, and eagerly answered the questions to earn a prize. Each child was given a storybook and activity booklet to promote reading and love for books.

Patricia Naaman and Mia Joy Ebora of Imbak and Friends prepared games for the children including the classic “The Boat is Sinking” and “Trip to Jerusalem”. Smiles on the faces of the children resonated with the happiness in their hearts, excited to win the game and receive the prize.

As soon as all the families had arrived, Joel Ordoña took charge of the program proper which started with a prayer led by Barangay Secretary Jana Carpio, seeking God’s intervention and provision for the success of the community outreach program. In his welcome remarks, Punong Barangay Torres acknowledged and thanked the development partners for choosing Barangay San Isidro as the beneficiary, and for providing for the needs of the people such as food on the table and educational materials for the upcoming school year.

Patricia Naaman then gave a brief overview of Imbak and Friends and how it started as a mountaineering group of adventure enthusiasts and became an organization of active volunteers. This is their third outreach program in Aklan and being a native of Banga, she wanted to give back to her hometown and help her people.

Othelo Naaman, in his message, explained how the program came about and his role as the focal person among groups who spearheaded the coordination with the barangay council. His efforts and overall management led to the generation of donations from generous sponsors and the successful execution of the event.

It emphasized the power of collective effort among groups who voluntarily gave their time and resources for the community outreach program and hoped that those present would be encouraged to do the same in the future, creating a continuous cycle of philanthropy and volunteerism.

Very Rev. Msgr. Frederick Malacas, Parish Team Ministry Moderator of the Municipality of Banga, thanked the group for choosing Barangay San Isidro and reiterated the importance of sharing one’s blessings with those most in need.

After all the messages were delivered, the group distributed the donations to the recipients and food for everyone. Although it rained eventually, the joy and relief the community outreach program brought to the people present was unsurmountable.

Community outreach programs prove that each of us can make a tangible difference in the lives of others—through volunteering time, donating resources, or simply participating in charitable events. It not only highlights the donations from the kind benefactors or the happiness of the recipients, but also the collective step of individuals and groups in building a stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate society.