Team Push It and Mt. Telakawa : A beautiful beginning for Mountaineers with One Cause

Team Push it is a group of like-minded individuals who share the common interest of promoting the love for the outdoors. And this June, they’re becoming partners in philanthropy. 

Mt. Telakawa is home to an indigenous Aeta Tribe. Their dialect is completely different from other Aeta groups. Originally, they were settlers of Mt. Pinatubo. Since its eruption the government granted them resettlement at Crow Valley, Sitio Dalig, Capas Tarlac. Particularly, their “new” ancestral domain is at the foot of Mt. Telakawa where a major river separates their community from lahar. Team Push it’s visit two years ago, there were about 50 families and about a hundred children in population. Generally, they rely on the fruits of the forest, especially saging saba, as a source of livelihood.

Most Aeta in this community could only reach grade four. Very few finish the entire basic education. Fewer still those who would go to high school. For them, it is enough that they know how to read the basic, write their name and count. They go to school on foot, crossing one major river, a number of streams (sometimes knee high) and a lahar valley. It takes them about an hour to go to school against the scorching sun or thunderous rain in a vast open space.

The last time Team Push It visited their community they were told by the Brgy Captain that they would normally attend class empty handed. No paper, nor writing implements, they would simply sit and listen. If the teacher-in-charge of them is resourceful enough, the teacher provides writing materials, however, this is not always the case. Thus - The NGITI SA SITIO DALIG OUTREACH – CLIMB 2 was initiated. An outreach program that aims to extend love and care to our BROTHERS at Sitio Dalig.

Team Push it aims is to inspire people to push themselves to their limits, to do something amazing and raise as much money as possible for a cause they are passionate about. The Team's main objective was simple: TO MOTIVATE THE AETA CHILDREN TO GO TO SCHOOL BY SUPPLYING THEM WITH 3-MONTHS WORTH OF SCHOOL MATERIALS.

It’s inspiring to me that Team Push It's simple campaign to donate School supplies and two water facilities  ended up with a Livelihood Development Project, THEY have begun a new phase, a much longer association with the Aetas of Sitio Dalig. That’s why I am using my Blog to create stories that matter, for Mountaineers and Travellers that want to inspire positive change in the world.

Based on the pictures i have seen, I can conclude that it was indeed an inspiring and heartwarming activity to extend a hand to others especially to those less fortunate. In their own little ways, they made them happy. Communing at Sitio Dalig is such an Honor for those  who have attended. The Donations may it be in CASH and IN-KIND makes a BIG difference in improving the quality of lives of our BROTHERS at Sitio Dalig.

Thank you TEAM PUSH IT for making it happen. I knew it wasn’t going to be the end of anything, but rather a beautiful beginning.

****credits to Sir Neil Dorado for the photos****

Attached are some notes and photos in connection with the NGITI SA SITIO DALIG: OUTREACH CLIMB with the thank you letter from TEAM PUSH IT.

P 151, 400.00 Cash Donation 

P 45,000.00 – P50,000.00 – estimated cost of goods donated

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Were received by Mr. G. and Team Push It !!! 

For Project: NGITI SA SITIO DALIG: 

The 2nd Mt. Telakawa Outreach Climb

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We started with a simple Campaign to Donate School Supplies and ended up with a Livelihood Development Project and with this, we have begun a new phase, a much longer association in our immersion with the Aetas of Sitio Dalig.

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What have we accomplished through your contribution?

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Through YOUR generosity, 

we were able to provide 130 Units of School Kits,

Through YOUR goodwill, 

we were able to provide a Deep Well Water Facility,

Through YOUR benevolence 

we were able to provide a Potable Water Facility,

Through YOUR magnanimity, 

we were able to feed 200,

Through YOUR compassion, 

we were able to provide a 

Livelihood Development Project 

through Goat Raising.

And in doing all these, 

WE provided a temporary but substantial 

source of income for the Aeta families of Sitio Dalig

Included were 100 umbrellas, 100 rain coats, 100 slippers, children’s books, 200 boxes of paracetamol and anti biotic – under the care and disposal of the Pastor and Sitio Kapitan and two basketballs.

We are truly overwhelmed by such show of support, trust and believe that we can turn an idea into a reality.

While for some time, we at Team Push It, are proud of what we have accomplished, we are, on the contrary humbled by the experience. Most of us who participated in this event, in reality, received MORE than the Aeta Community.

WE LEARNED FROM THEM. The simplicity of their existence with what nature could provide thought us to be joyful for that we already have. That being a benefactor, doesn’t make us better persons, rather it is an opportunity for us to be at the service of the significant others among us. That we are our “brothers’ keeper”.

Finally, as one of us succinctly put it, we wish with our hearts that there would come a day when there is no need for an outreach activity anywhere in this country, because we have what we need. This may be a utopic idea, but there is no harm in believing in it. These after all, were accomplished by a sheer belief that WE ARE NOT GOING TO BE LEFT UNAIDED.

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The Livelihood Development Project is a long term endeavor, and Team Push It is committed to oversee the progress of this project.

In the near future, it is our dream to provide the community with Solar Lamps per household (63). Equipped their chapel/evacuation center/meeting hall with shelves for children’s books, arm chairs and black board to encourage and inspire them more to study.

Total cost of all undertakings was P135,780.00. 

P 15,620 is cash at hand. 

P 7000.00 is pledged amount.

Except for the tollfee receipts, all other receipts from suppliers and acknowledgement receipts for services rendered are available. Report on expenses is posted at Team Push It page. Donors may asked to be provided with a copy.