Globe, gov't. & ex-rebs weave as partners

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2008) – The Globe Bridging Communities (Globe BridgeCom) program has credited the efforts of the local government of Alabel for partnering with Globe in training former combatants to make a living.

Globe BridgeCom, the integrated corporate social responsibility program of Globe Telecom, has trained 40 residents of Sitio Ihan in basket-weaving.

The project kicked-off in October 2007 with Alcantara Foundation Inc. as Globe's local partner.

Sitio Ihan of Datal Anggas village is a former rebel-infested area. Scores of New People's Army rebels from Datal Anggas have pledged allegiance to the government.

In the plaque of appreciation awarded to the village, Globe conveyed its gratitude to Alabel for sharing in the "mission of transforming and enriching the lives of Filipinos thru corporate social responsibility program."

Globe said in the citation it would "continuously bridge hope to Filipinos by enhancing education, strengthening entrepreneurship and sustaining the environment."

Alcantara Foundation Inc. executive director Cecile Dominguez said the project is "really to give opportunity to the residents of Sitio Ihan, Datal Anggas."

She said the opportunity that comes along with it is the message that "when there is peace, there is progress" which depicted the transformation of Sitio Ihan from a formerly rebel-held area.

"Ang magandang nangyayari po dito sa Ihan ay nagpapakita na kung may kapayapaan ay may dumating na kalambuan. Sigurado kami na after this marami pang magagandang mangyayari at dumadating na progress sa ating bayan sa Datal Anggas kung sama-sama tayong magtutulungan," Dominguez told barangay and municipal officials at Alabel's flag ceremony Monday (May 19).

The basket weaving project, according to Dominguez, is a long-term engagement that would not only provide new skills to the residents of Sitio Ihan but would also provide them experience and learning on entrepreneurship.

"It bridges a community towards greater opportunities and newer opportunities," She said.

She said after ten of the 40 beneficiaries went to Manila for an intensive training last month, they are now back to Sitio Ihan to start developing their products.

Dominguez said when their products are ready, the Alcantara Foundation will then start marketing their products outside the province.

"Right now we're at skills perfecting component. When they have perfected their skills then we are ready to market their products," Dominguez added. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/BCP)