The Rotaract Club of Kalibo celebrated another passion project for youth service. With the vision of empowering the disenfranchised IP Youth of Akeanon Bukidnon in the outskirts of Libacao, Aklan, KASALI KA (Karapatan sa Lipunan ng mga Katutubong Kabataan) was successfully launched together with 40 IP youth participants.
Because May 2021 was Youth Service Month, the community service project was dubbed as ‘KASALI KA: Karapatan sa Lipunan ng Katutubong Kabataan’. ‘KASALI KA’ is a two-day event that aims to open the eyes of the youth on important matters of public interest. The line-up of activities included a talk on education and the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) law, a Tourism seminar, a feeding Program for the IP Youth, a financial literacy seminar, a leadership Training with Amazing Race and eco-tourism benchmarking and cultural appreciation. It was held in the community of Agbatuan, Oyang, Libacao, Aklan last May 29-30, 2021 and was participated by around 40 IP Youths of the said barangay.
KASALI KA commenced with an opening program graced by Oyang Punong Barangay Hon. Aurelio D. Idala, Sr., Oyang Tribal Chieftain Arnie Z. Dolinog, Alpha Phi Omega Aklan Ati-Atihan Alumni Association President PCpl. Von Paul Ureta, and Philippine National Police – Aklan 1st Police Mobile Force Company personnel.
It was then followed by series of talks and workshops on various topics. Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA) Law was discussed by an indigent of the Akeanon Bukidnon tribe, Vice President of the Rotaract Club of Kalibo and the Committee Chair for the Indigenous Peoples Sector of Aklan Council for Culture and Arts (ACCA) Mark Anthony V. Dolinog. President of Pulong ng Kabataan, Commissioner of Volunteer’s Management Commission of Youth Project Ph, and Chairperson of Kalibo Association of Youth Anti-Drug Coalition Janica Anne L. Dela Peña discussed the topic on Tourism Promotion. Lastly, Co-Founder of Project Kalibo, Youth Development Officer II of LGU Kalibo John Marlou Salido tackled Financial Literacy and Youth Leadership.
The IP youth then participated and had fun during the Amazing Race prepared and organized by the Rotaractors. A Feeding Program was also conducted followed by the distribution of hygiene kits sponsored by the Alpha Phi Omega Aklan Ati-Atihan Aklan Chapter and in collaboration with the Philippine National Police – Aklan 1st Police Mobile Force Company.
On the second day, the IP Youth were introduced to Eco-Tourism Benchmarking and Cultural Appreciation as part of the community immersion and practicum of Tourism Promotion at Libacao’s pride – the Nasuraan Falls. The would-be IP youth local tour guides were given a practicum so that they could apply their learnings during the first day workshop.
The Nasuraan Falls is situated at Sitio Borabod, Oyang, Libacao, Aklan. It lays hidden behind huge, reddish boulders and is almost 70 feet high. It is characterized with moss carpets hugging trees, other vines serving as a canopy of the enchanting haven and straggling flora that add to the coolness and serenity of the place. Moreover, the sun reflects the falls’ streaming water, resemblant of crystal sparkling down the basin. The falls can be reached by a fun-packed jaunt of almost one and half hours from Sitio Agbatuan, Oyang. The wonderful panorama and refreshing mini pools and basins, the breathtaking views and chirping of the birds and the cool breeze along the way complement the extraordinary journey to the falls.
Special thanks to the Philippine National Police – 1st Aklan Provincial Mobile Force Company and Libacao Municipal Police Station for the community relations extended to the IP community in Agbatuan, Oyang and the security assistance during the entire duration of the activity. Rotary Club of Kalibo and Alpha Phi Omega Aklan Ati-atihan Alumni Association gave their invaluable support while Agbatuan Haven, RLB Law Office, Meliton Integrated Organic Farm, Nomeriano Y. Quimpo II, CPA, Mr & Mrs. Arnie Z. Dolinog & Family, Darlene Nalayog, Forester Joannette S. Opeda, Sheena Rebucan, CPA, Jae Sance Retamar, CPA, Ayra Faye Leonardo, RN, Margie Tabay, Reyvin Clemente, CPA and Esther B. Babalo, EdD sponsored the event.
It was indeed an encompassing experience of community service and immersion in the IP community. Mabuhay ang Katutubong Pilipino. Laging kasama ang kabataang katutubo!
