NEGROS ORIENTAL. Eleven 4-H Youth Regional Officers and 4-H Coordinator successfully completed the five-day Sensing Journey to Indigenous People's (IP) Community in Canggohob, Mabinay this province on September 4-6, 2018.
The activity aims to increase the level of awareness of the youth to the tradition and culture of the IP community for a better involvement and services to the community. Providing 4-H Youth an interactive exchange of experiences, insights, and lessons on cultural sensitivity.
Substantive inputs include Cultural Sensitivity and Competency delivered by Dr. Aileen Rosette V. Mahinay-Felix, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Professor. Which largely involve; Culture: Race, Ethnicity, National Origin, Social Class; Culture and Education; Culture Identity and Culture Misinformation.
Meanwhile, Ms. Angelina Bondad, Chief RIDD of PAO-Negros Oriental, facilitated the Skills training on Community Immersion which focuses on community organizing, participatory rural appraisal, and values orientation.
During the focus group discussion (FGD), participants together with Chieftain Rostom Bornea, some Tribal Elders, Youth leaders, and members were able to identify the needs of the community.
Marketing Support thru Farm Business Training & Education
Farmers were having difficulty to sell their farm products to the market. Aside from the transportation issue, buyers & middlemen demand lower prices and they do not have any choice but to give in.
Agricultural Services Support
Identified needs for agricultural service;
Training on Local Feed Formulation
Provision of farm tools (eg.sprinkler, seedling tray, shovel, etc), vegetable seeds & fruit seedlings.
Handicraft Processing ‘lumbang’
Social Services Support
Water system (tap with LGU)
Scholarship for the Youth
Opportunities
Potential Agri-tourism resources near caves, waterfalls and panoramic views
Lumbang products (for export) used as main materials for novelty souvenir items
Here are some impressions from the youths who attended the training:
"This project should still remain part of the yearly activity of 4-H, so that the youth be aware and sensitive about culture, emotions, norms, and practices of your Indigenous People," Gemiel Hermita, 4H Regional President
"Having this journey in my life was one of the most memorable things yet fun, exciting and full of learning. Friendship was built. People were touched and inspired." NJ Rendoque
"Learned the process of gathering information if ever I'll be given a chance to visit a community like Aeta/Ata in Canggohob, Mabinay." Raffy Tinagan