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Guest Blog by Annie Pacana-Lumbao: A LIFE CHANGING JOURNEY 7/12/2014 Annie Pacana-Lumbao is an author and illustrator of children's books and teaches graphic design at the University of the Philippines. Here Annie shares her experience as guest author at the launching of the new school library at Janopol Elementary School in Batangas. **** It was a breezy morning in Tanauan, Batangas last June 26, unlike the heat in Manila where I came from. Zarah Gagatiga of Sambat Trust and I had breakfast at the city proper of Tanauan and then went off on a tricycle ride to the town of Janopol Occidental. The roads grew smaller and smaller. More trees and fields were in sight. The air got fresher and colder. Finally we arrived and got off at Janopol Elementary School where a teacher greeted us and invited us in. Batangas Coffee and a Warm Welcome on a Rainy Day The teachers of Janopol Elementary School welcomed us with a warm cup of Batangas coffee before the program began. When we were wide awake and ready to kick off the program, they led us to the new library. There, I met more teachers, representatives of the local government, of the Department of Education, and of Sambat Trust. Rain started to pour as we listened to welcome remarks, words of gratitude and an outpour of emotions on how this new library is empowering the school and community’s vision for the students of Janopol. It was very touching. “ Nakakakilabot ,” as we say in Filipino. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place and everyone was happy when the boxes of book donations from publishers and authors were turned over to the library. Story Time In the afternoon, we met the students of Janopol Elementary School who were all eager to use the new library and listen to a storytelling session we promised. I shared with them the story “But That Won’t Wake Me Up” which was the first storybook I published with Adarna House in 2010. I told the students how this storybook all started from a storytelling session with my daughter when she was very young. They listened closely and helped me voice out the sounds in the story. They giggled as they crowed like a rooster, shouted like a taho vendor and marched like a parading band. They also enjoyed looking at the beautiful way Liza Flores had illustrated our storybook. Thumbs Up to Teachers After the morning session with the students, we had a roundtable discussion with the teachers. I shared with them my experience, not as a teacher but as a mother who encourages her own children to read. I told them how it’s good to write stories they know about or have actually experienced with the encounters they have with the students. The teachers told us that they do create stories using their mother-tongue language in Batangas and how they also ask students to do the same. In the end, we all agreed that these kind of stories will strengthen the language and culture of our children. Fittingly, at the back wall of the library were the words: “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” With the vision of the teachers, the support of the government and the enthusiasm of the students of Janopol Elementary School, the writings on that wall will surely be a reality. How Does One Pull in the Sun? I remember one particular question that a young student asked after our storytelling session: “How did you pull the sun in the room?” referring to a scene in the story of “But That Won’t Wake Me Up.” The teachers and I smiled at this student who believed the mother in the story was really able to pull in the sun from the window. But now, as I come to think of it, it is possible after all to pull in the sun. It is just the same as how Sambat Trust brightens up a school and a community when they open new libraries in the towns of Batangas. As the day ended, I travelled back to Manila where the roads got wider, the trees and fields in view got fewer, the heavy rains flooded the streets and the traffic left commuters stranded everywhere. Still, I could not wipe away the smile in my mind for having learned first-hand how it really “takes a village to raise a child,” as Zarah quoted from a proverb in her message to the school community. One does not come back from a journey like this unchanged. I thank Sambat Trust for making me realize my part in raising more communities of readers. It is amazing how help from people near and far has contributed to the growth of students in Batangas through the opening of public school libraries. Opening Soon: Janopol Elementary School 4/8/2014 Janopol Elementary School, Tanauan City, Batangas, is busy preparing its new library room. Photos: Estan Cabigas Darrel Marco：My Experience Volunteering with Sambat Trust 1/14/2014 Darrel Marco is a school librarian at Xavier School Nuvali, Laguna. Below Darrel shares his experience volunteering with Sambat Trust. *** Darrel reads 'Naku! Nakuu! Nakuuu!' When Ms. Zarah Gagatiga posted her plans for her next storytelling activities for Sambat Trust last October, I immediately volunteered as one of her tributes. Being a school librarian, who champions literacy and reading, I like to be more exposed to activities and programs that would further enhance my love for reading and literature. It was an opportunity to share my time and talent in telling stories to beneficiaries of Sambat Trust. I have always been curious about Sambat Trust- its advocacy and the work of the people behind it- as it had been shared and posted by Ms. Candy Gourlay and Ms. Zarah on social media sites multiple times. This was another reason why I wanted to do the storytelling- to share a story and know a story at the same time. I was really excited and totally looking forward to my first ever out-of-town storytelling with Ms. Zarah. Our plan, however, did not materialize because of bad weather. No hopes were gone, though. Ms. Zarah decided to move the storytelling to another time, two weeks after the original schedule. She oriented me that the event would consist of the launching of the school library of Laurel Elementary School, which got me all the more excited. With storytelling and opening a school library, nothing could be better than the smell of new books and the smiles of kids listening to a story. She also informed me that we would be joined by author Nanoy Rafael, and to my excitement, I borrowed his story ‘Naku! Nakuu! Nakuuu!’ from our school library. Darrel and Nanoy peep at the new school library like little kids excited to come in. The day finally came when we headed to Tanauan City in the province of Batangas. On the way to the city, Ms. Zarah and I had a little chat about Sambat Trust. She told me that it is an organization headed by the Mariano family, particularly Mr. Anthony Mariano, that pushes for the advancement of literacy in Tanauan. Of course, my follow-up question was, “Why Tanauan, Batangas?” To which she replied, “It is their beloved hometown.” It got me thinking, such a noble cause, and reflecting, what have I done for my hometown? We finally arrived in the city proper of Tanauan after about an hour of travel from Sta. Rosa City in Laguna. As the jeepney was about to stop, Ms. Zarah asked me if it was okay if we just walk to Jollibee to meet Nanoy and some representatives from Sambat Trust. It was not really that big of a problem with me despite the drizzles; as we were in the province, where the weather is cool and the air is fresh. What got me worried were the darkening clouds, but I just prayed for better weather. Then, we finally met Nanoy and two Sambat Trust representatives. I thought going to Laurel Elementary School would only take five minutes. Then I learned from Ms. Zarah that it is a 20-30 minute trike ride from the city proper. I didn’t want to be late as we were expected to be at Laurel at 9AM. Ms. Zarah asked me if I was ready for a ride, to which I replied, “Let’s go!”. We had a hard time looking for a ride because most of the drivers did not want to go to Laurel- which got me thinking why. After haggling with the tricycle drivers, my question was answered, for it was indeed a ride of a lifetime! From the city proper to barrios, to lines of factories, to rice fields and cornfields, to rough roads, hilly roads and muddy roads and expressways, and finally, to a majestic view of Mt. Makiling, we reached the humble barangay of Laurel. The PBBY Salanga Winning Story, Naku! Naku! Naku! (Adarna House, 2011) by Nanoy Rafael is all about a boy's anticipation of becoming an older brother. “I am really in the province!” were my first words. As a boy who grew up in the province, I am very familiar with the look of people whenever there are strangers in their town. I must say that the school really prepared for the program. Together with the students and teachers, the school library was opened with a ribbon-cutting by Nanoy Rafael and local community representatives. Teachers who were present at the time called for more students who lived in the neighborhood. Soon, there were more than a dozen of students present at the launching and turn over program. They looked excited to hear stories since the teachers told them that there would be storytelling sessions by Nanoy Rafael and myself. Oh, the power of stories! My goals that day were for the listeners to be able to connect to the story “Naku! Nakuu! Nakuuu!” and for me to give justice to the telling of the story, which is a recipient of the Peter Pan Award, while Nanoy listened and watched. So, I first unlocked the non-familiar vocabulary words. Then, I tried to contextualize the story by asking the children if they had any siblings, and they all enthusiastically replied: YES! Opo! What really fascinated me during the storytelling were the brightness of the eyes of the kids, even the older ones who were also listening. Every turn of the page, I read aloud to them without showing the picture. T hey would first imagine the scenes and then anticipate for me to flip the pages and show them the picture; then smile at the illustrations. It was really magical! After I read to them the story, I told them that they were very lucky because they would be able to meet the creator of the story. Librarian-Storyteller, Darrel Marco listens to a boy read aloud from a book at the new school library at Laurel Elementary School. So, I had a brief introduction of Nanoy and he took the floor by storm! I was impressed by how he demonstrated his inspirations in writing, to making one’s imagination work and to inspiring everyone to write their own story. It was a very relatable way of telling the process of writing a story, which was just like telling a story. It was indeed a fruitful day that left a sweet taste in my mouth. It made me realize that our lives are really full of stories weaved within stories, intertwined with stories that tell stories. Stories never fail to catch everyone’s attention. Stories also have a lasting effect. The challenge now for me I think is for students to be able to translate these stories to their own stories; to inspire; to share; to continue to reach out. Zarah Gagatiga：Laurel Elementary School Library Launched. Finally! 12/9/2013 For an urbanite like myself, the trip to Laurel Elementary School from the city proper is a long one. It is a twenty minute ride by tricycle and an adventurous one at that! One would get a glimpse of life in the countryside in this part of Tanauan, Batangas: the rice fields, the sugar cane plantations and the fresh vegetables sold by the roadside. The school, Laurel Elementary School, stands in front of the majestic Mt. Makiling. In the midst of this rural environment, a school library started growing in July. Last October 26, 2013, after two postponements due to typhoons, the library at Laurel Elementary School was finally launched to the community. The Ribbon Cutting (left to right): Shiela Mae L. Manalo, Hands-On Tanauan Youth Organization; Marco Amurao, First Philippine Industrial Park; award-winning author Nanoy Rafael; Gerald Hidalgo, representing Accenture; Brgy.Captain Antonio Tercero Sambat Trust partnered with Accenture and First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) to make the dream of a school library possible in Laurel Elementary School. With the help of Mr. Marco Amurao (FPIP) and Mr. Neil Hidalgo (Accenture), the prime movers of this school library project in Barangay Laurel, children in the school now have good books and a place where they can learn outside of the classroom. Members of Hands-On Tanauan Youth Organization paint the tables, chairs and shelves for the new library. The Parent Teacher Association and Barangay Officials pitched in as well. They put together a core group who built the tables, chairs and painted the school library's murals. The teachers of Laurel Elementary School, headed by Mrs. Buenalyn Manuel, gave their all out support during the author visit of Ms. Candy Gourlay and on the day of the launch itself. October 26 was a busy day for everyone as it was the last campaign day of the Barangay Elections. Nonetheless, Brgy. Captain Antonio Tercero gave his time to welcome the guests, visitors and the Laurel Elementary School community present during the turn-over program. Mr. Nanoy Rafael, award-winning author of Naku! Naku! Naku! graced the occasion by giving an inspirational talk for the children, parents and teachers. Mr. Darrel Marco, school librarian of Xavier School Nuvali did storytelling of Mr. Rafael's book. Guest author Nanoy Rafael gives an inspiring talk. Mr. Rafael encouraged the children to keep on imagining. Books help you develop your sense of wonder, he said. Mr. Rafel is right. A wondering mind is a creative mind that is capable of solving problems and surpassing obstacles in life. Well managed libraries have books that develop these skills. With the presence of a new school library in Laurel Elementary School, we all hope for children, and those who care for them, to continue imagining a better world. Special thanks go to Fuji Industries Manila Corp., Taga Tanauan Batangas Ka, and Hands-On Tanauan Youth Organization for being part of the school library project. Your cooperation with Sambat Trust, Accenture and FPIP is very much appreciated. We hope to build more school libraries in Tanauan, Batangas. With the help of the community, this can be done! Photos：Preparations Almost Finished. Stay Tuned. 6/2/2013 Ushering in 2013 with Gratitude 1/27/2013 2012 was an auspicious year for us at Sambat Trust. Three school libraries were launched one after the other: Pantay Bata Elementary School Library in February 2012; Trapiche Elementary School Library in August 2012; and Ambulong Elementary School Library in October 2012. During the launch, authors came and shared their inspiring stories to teachers and students. Candy Gourlay had an author visit in Pantay Bata Elementary School, while Russell Molina graced the inauguration at Trapiche Elementary School. In October Sambat Trust founder, Anthony Mariano, was in town to personally attend the turn-over ceremonies at Ambulong Elementary School. A new partnership was forged with local organization, TUPAD, and this enabled Sambat Trust to extend its reach to more children in need of books and educational materials. Teacher trainings and educational sessions with scholars were done year round by teacher-writer, MJ Tumamac and reading clinician, Cynthia Villafranca. Computers donated by Hoshirou Nakamura of Japan were installed in Sambat Elementary School last September 2012. Striking a partnership and collaboration with First Asia Institute, training on computer literacy to teachers is scheduled this summer of 2013. By December 2012, Sambat Trust received a plaque of recognition for its literacy projects and activities by the Department of Education, District of Tanauan City, Batangas. This award is indeed a feather in Sambat Trust’s cap and the team shares this with the people and organizations who have helped Sambat Trust establish eight libraries in the past five years. Thank you very much to the Barangay Captains and LGUs, Parent Teacher Associations, School Principals and Supervisors! Maraming, maraming salamat po sa mga book donors at partners! You made our mission possible! The local team of Sambat Trust and its founders, the Mariano family, are inspired and motivated to continue the mission of supporting literacy and education in the Philippines. May 2013 be another successful year, not only for Sambat Trust, but for the students and learning communities it has identified to support and uplift through the library project and scholarship program. Ambulong Library Opening: Storytelling by Zarah Gagatiga 1/10/2013 Do you remember our Second Birthday Campaign for Ambulong Primary School? Here's Zarah at the library opening enjoying stories with the children! Ambulong Elementary School Library Launch 12/16/2012 “Today is a happy day for bookworms like me,” said Ms. Melodessa Verola, the interim principal of Ambulong Elementary School, to welcome the attendees of the school’s library launch on October 20, 2012. In the new library：Children mesmerized by Zarah Gagatiga’s storytelling. It was really a blissful day, not only for bookworms, but for the other stakeholders of the eighth library established by Sambat Trust. The event was attended by the school’s faculty, staff and members of the parents-teachers association; the barangay officials; supervisors from the district and division level; members of the Tanauan United for Progress and Development (TUPAD); Sambat Trust founder Anthony Mariano, coordinator Zarah Gagatiga, and photographer Cindy Bajema; and, of course, the school’s students. There was a formal program to ceremonially turn over the library by Sambat Trust to the school. In the program, several speeches of gratitude were delivered from both the donors and the beneficiaries. Working as a Community The establishment of Ambulong Elementary School Library exemplifies the saying, “It takes a village to educate the child.” That is because, besides the school, the community around it contributed to the realization of the library installment. Firstly, the school administration coordinated with Sambat Trust to include the school in the list of the organization’s beneficiaries. Then the teachers and students cleaned the library, oriented future users and created rules of use. The barangay officials and parents assisted in restoring shelves and repainting the room. The school library now functions not only as a library for the utility of the school but also for the community members who want to read and borrow books. Promises and Wishes Sambat Trust will continue to support the school. Zarah Gagatiga confirmed that the organization will donate more books, local and foreign. She promised also to provide training sessions for the continuing education of the teachers, especially in the area of storytelling. For the students, she vowed to bring in writers and storytellers to share and tell stories in the future. Storytelling To end the launch, Zarah Gagatiga told the students a lot of stories in various ways in the new library. One was “The Mother Cat” which was done using kamishibai or Japanese flash cards. The others were “Si Dindo Pundido” presented in a picture book, a story about recycling things by tearing paper, a story about two friends using fingers, and a story about a child handkerchief. The children asked for more stories but there was no more time. So, Zarah Gagatiga promised to return to their school, maybe with a guest, to tell them more stories. Well, it was really a happy day for the students and for everyone who will benefit from the new school library! Surely, they will be encouraged to become readers and to become leaders as well in their community. Ambulong Primary School Library Opening Ceremony: Message for Candy Gourlay 10/23/2012 Message for Candy Gourlay from Anthony Mariano on Vimeo . Highlights and Moments: Trapiche Elementary School Library Launching 9/18/2012 The sun was bright. The temperature was warm enough to wake the bones up. After three days of torrential rains that submerged metro Manila, the weather turned on our side that Saturday morning August 11, 2012. Together with Cindy Bajema, photographer and documentarist, and award winning author, Russell Molina, we headed south from Manila to Trapiche Elementary School in Tanuan, Batangas for the launching of the seventh school library of Sambat Trust. Photo taken last June 2012 with teachers and the two school leaders who gave their all out support for the project. Seated: Principal Gonzales (former school head of Trapiche ES) and Principal Lumbao (current school head of Trapiche ES) Trapiche Elementary School is a high performing school in the district. For the past three years, it has placed in the top three of the district wide achievement test. Why then was it granted a school library when Sambat Trust prioritizes low performing schools for its school library development project? The school principal, Mrs. Felipa Gonzales, was driven to maintain Trapiche Elementary School's track record. In an interview with her last January 2011, she told us, "A school library will extend the learning of students and help teachers become better at their craft." After a year of developing and renovating a physical space for the library, complete with shelves, tables, chairs, curtains and ventilations, the Sambat Trust team went back to the school last March 2012 impressed with the school's progress. With in three months, books were donated, bought and delivered to Trapiche Elementary School. Thanks to a donor who wished to be left unnamed, to Adarna House and Scholastic for facilitating a speedy delivery of books, the school community was excited to prepare for the library launching. The children were excited to enter the new school library. And what a wonderful launching it had been! The teacher librarian assigned to man the library, Mrs. Mycel Alcantara, and the current principal,Mr. Lumbao planned for a well organized launch. They made sure that all stakeholders were involved and present that day: DepEd officials, members of TUPAD, a local non-government organization led by Con. Ark Buenaobra,Barangay officials led by Brgy. Cpt. Diego Motilla, parents and students. Being a Saturday it was well attended. The new school library was spruced up. The new mural still smelled of fresh paint. The Philippine flag in front of the library building danced and waved in the wind. The Barangay officials, parent-teacher Association (PTA) officers and Principal Lumbao all accepted the new books. Their big smiles reveal not only gratitude, but sincere happiness at receiving new books that their children can use and read. Students held the books and sniffed the scent of paper. It was like opening gifts at Christmas morning. After the required photo shoot, a response were given by DepEd Supervisor, Josilyn Solina Ph D. She said, "We are grateful for organizations like Sambat Trust and TUPAD for helping us raise the reading interests and book awareness of students in Trapiche Elementary School. God bless Sambat Trust that may continue to establish more school libraries in the district!" Mrs. Mycel Alcantara sheds tears of joy for the support give by the community during the launch of the school library. Her presence and encouraging message made Ms. Alcantara cry. She was touched by the support given to them by Dr. Solina. It is not every day that a superintendent is available to witness a meaningful event in a school. After the program, everyone was invited to partake of the food prepared by the PTA and Barangay officials. It was akin to a fiesta where the whole community come together for fellowship. For guest author, Russell Molina, it was a reunion with one of TUPAD's founding members, Gerald Hidalgo. These two go way back in college. Who would have thought they would meet, two decades after pursuing and participating in the same advocacy? Russell Molina and Gearld Hidalgo of TUPAD, reunited after two decades. In Rusell Molina's session after brunch, audiences young and old were treated to magic and the words that can be used to make it happen. Mr. Molina did more than present and talk about his books and his craft. He showed children how to dream and inspired adults to keep on dreaming despite themselves. Indeed, one must be child like to care for children. To close the session, Darlyn Villanueva, a grade four student regaled the audience with a well rehearsed storytelling of a local folk story. As for Sambat Trust, it will continue on its mission of helping scholars become better learners and learning communities become confident readers for life through its flagship scholars program and school library development project. Collaborative work with organizations like TUPAD, local government units, DepEd officers is an important recipe to realize the mission! The kids and adults present in the launching loved Russell Molina's sharing and presentation!

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Message for Candy Gourlay from Anthony Mariano on Vimeo .

9/18/2012

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