Handog Pasasalamat: A heartfelt mission of compassion in Nueva Ecija
The recently concluded Handog Pasasalamat Outreach Program in Sitio Mabaldog, Barangay Maligaya, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, marked a powerful testament to what collective kindness can achieve, last December 06, 2025. Through the leadership of Mr. Mauricio D. Galang of The Michael Lublin Foundation and the unwavering support of Mayor Jobby Emata of Gabaldon, the initiative successfully delivered hope, nourishment, and joy to the Dumagat community nestled deep in the mountains.
The journey to Sitio Mabaldog was anything but ordinary. Volunteers navigated long, winding terrain to deliver essential aid. Every step meant a step closer to uplifting a community often isolated by geography and limited access to necessities. Yet the spirit of bayanihan remained strong. From early preparations to distribution, the outreach reflected a shared commitment to serve. It showed that no community is too far and no act of kindness is too small to matter.
Reaching the Dumagat Community with Meaningful Aid
For the Dumagat families of Sitio Mabaldog, daily life is shaped by challenges most lowland communities seldom experience. Limited access to clean water, unstable food supply, and scarce livelihood opportunities are realities they face with quiet resilience.
The Handog Pasasalamat Outreach Program sought to lighten these burdens, even for a day, by providing tangible support and emotional warmth. Families received rice, grocery packs, biscuits, and other essentials meant to help sustain their immediate needs.
But beyond the material help, what made the outreach truly special was the connection that blossomed between visitors and residents. They shared stories, exchanged smiles, and held hands. Every moment reminded everyone that compassion builds bridges where walls once existed.
The outreach emphasized not only assistance but also presence, acknowledgment, and genuine empathy. It was a day when every gesture, no matter how small, carried the weight of sincerity and love.
Sponsors and Partners Who Made the Mission Possible
This success would not have been possible without the dedicated individuals and brands who united for one cause. Regent, Producers Bank, Renan Pacson, Sikhayo, Ginoong at Binibining Guimba, Acqua Tech, Happy Feet Foundation, Giardino, and La Vera Mimosa all stood as pillars of generosity. Their contributions helped transform a simple outreach into a meaningful celebration of humanity.
Equally essential were the tireless volunteers and outreach advocates who traveled almost 8 hours, carried supplies, assisted families, and ensured every child went home with joy in their hands and warmth in their hearts. Each step taken and every gesture shared were reminders of true bayanihan.
As a proud media partner, Village Pipol Magazine had the honor of witnessing the outreach from beginning to end, capturing every moment that spoke of resilience, unity, and hope. Being part of the mission meant not only telling the story but also standing beside the foundation, sponsors, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring light to Sitio Mabaldog.
Through storytelling, Village Pipol aims to ensure that the voices of the Dumagat community are heard—not in whispers, but in powerful narratives that inspire others to take action. The outreach reaffirmed how media, when used with purpose, can help amplify advocacies that matter. It was a privilege to highlight the people, organizations, and communities that moved together for a shared cause.
As The Michael Lublin Foundation continues its mission of “building bridges, not barriers,” the Handog Pasasalamat Outreach Program reminds us that compassion does not end in the mountains. It travels with the people who experienced it, inspiring others to carry the light forward.
