Insider Spotlight
The effort pooled the skills of teachers, police officers, and soldiers, alongside private partners and civil society groups, to deliver specialized support in education, health, and community readiness.
What they’re saying
“Naglalayon na magsilbing tanglaw ang GPS² sa patuloy ng pagbabago at pag-angat ng Ivana at marami pang komunidad sa ating bansa,” said Joseph Anthony M. Quesada, MBFI executive director.
(GPS² aims to serve as a guiding light in the continuous transformation and progress of Ivana and many other communities across our country.)
Why it matters
The initiative was anchored on the needs identified by local government units and aligned with the Batanes Provincial Government’s Mission HOPE priorities focusing on health, housing, opportunities, peace and order, preparedness, education, and e-governance.
Support to inclusive learning
Teachers from Basco Central School and Ivana Municipality received training on Inclusive Teaching Strategies and Behavior Modification for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Facilitators included 2015 Outstanding Filipino Teacher Amcy Esteban and DepEd Manila educator Ynna Marie Manzano.
Schools received equipment such as desktop computers, laptops, Smart TVs, printers with ink, and nearly one thousand workbooks.
Student safety was reinforced through a lecture on the Anti-Child Abuse Law conducted by Police Major Helen L. Dela Cruz.
Overall health support
Residents benefited from medical and eye checkups, while teachers and police officers attended a mental wellness session facilitated by 2024 Outstanding Filipino Teacher Dr. Regina Hechanova-Alampay.
An organic farming lecture led by PLTCOL Maria Susana Pascual provided farmers with training, seeds, and tools.
Foundational health practices were strengthened through a lively WASH session for learners, followed by the distribution of hygiene kits and slippers.
Support for community preparedness
Youth received self-defense training using arnis, while households and barangays benefited from food packs, solar lights, mobility equipment, first aid kits, generator units, and emergency kits supplied by partner organizations.
The bottom line
The Batanes mission underscored how excellence in public service can create lasting impact. MBFI encourages the public to nominate exemplary teachers, soldiers, and police officers through its Outstanding Filipinos program at https://bit.ly/2026OF-Nominate. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
