MINDA celebrated Christmas with the IPs in Sitio Pao-Pao

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) celebrated their Christmas Party with more than 400 children and 150 families mostly of the Indigenous Peoples in SItio Paopao, Brgy. SInawal, General Santos City. Sec. Luwalhati Antonino personally met the IP families and their children in Sitio Paopao Elementary School, Brgy. Sinawal, General Santos City on December 16, 2011 .

In a brief message, MINDA staff told the community that in this simple activity, they wanted to share the spirit of Christmas and that they wanted to tell that there is an office for them and there is a government to look for their welfare.

THE ACTIVITIES:

The volunteers of SOCSARGEN Peace Network facilitated the initial activities like origami or paper peace dove folding for grade 4 to 6 and adult IP families while Grade 1 to Grade 3 were being entertained with various Child Friendly Activities while waiting for MINDA to arrived.

As soon as MINDA arrived, they facilitated various activities simultaneously.

The adults were engaged in a technology seminar called “Liter of Light” to light their houses conservatively.

Kids ages 4-12 were grouped for a “Book Reading” facilitated by Jay Rosas.

Vitamin A were distributed to kids ages 2-6.

The teens were given various games and activities in the covered court.

Packed gifts were given to more than 200 pupils and Chrstmas food packages for 150 indigenous people families of B’laan, T’boli and Manobo.

A community lunch were prepared called a “boodle fight”, military style of eating where long tables are prepared and food are on top of the banana leaves. Viands includes bihon, pancit, adobong manok, and aprita. Rice ready to eat using bare hands, jugs of water are prepared on the side to wash hands before the "eating engagement”.

EXPRESSIONS OF JOY AND GRATITUDE.

Zenaida Oyog, 54 years old, Manobo mother expressed her gratitude to MINDA saying ”Bong Salamat”.

She wanted to cook the bihon immediately and invite her relatives to join her even it was not yet a Christmas day.

The principal, Mr. Lou Bernandino, together his faculty,

barangay officials and tribal leaders were very grateful that his school was the venues of MINDA’a Christmas Party. He was also visited by DEPEd School Division Superintendent’s Estrella Lariosa.

The place was full of joy and surprises especially for the children as they received various toys and candies.

Indeed, “It’s Christmas Time in Paopao with MINDA” as they decorate their stage.