Philanthropy persists in a Kalinga elementary school as neighbors continue to practice Bayanihan through gift-giving.
Community Project in Kalinga Distributes Supplies and Promotes Local Literature
On August 5, 2025, a significant event took place in the village of Uma, located in the Kalinga province of Northern Luzon, Philippines. This community project, organised by residents of Barangay Upper Uma, aimed to deliver supplies and equipment to all 126 children of Uma Elementary School, while also promoting local literature[1][2].
The supplies, prepared over several months, included essential items such as rain weather gear, beanies, and hygiene packs[2]. These were distributed to the eager learners, some of whom were so enthusiastic that they even cut in line, but there were more than enough goods for everyone[2].
Uma Elementary School, nestled between the rice terraces of Upper Uma, is a public primary school that plays a crucial role in the community[3]. The school, which is located in the heart of the village, is known for its resilient learners, who trek a challenging three-kilometer route across a mountain to attend classes, regardless of weather, season, or pathway conditions[1].
The event began with a flag-raising ceremony and a simple program, followed by the distribution of supplies[1]. The children's delight and enthusiasm were palpable during the gift-giving. To further enrich the experience, the team shared local folktales with the children after the distribution[1].
One such tale was from the book Ay-ay, Suwan, which was shared by the speaker during the event[1]. In addition, copies of published books were donated to Uma Elementary School to encourage literacy and appreciation for local narratives[1].
The organisers of this project, friends from various countries including Canada, United States, Israel, Australia, Ireland, South Korea, and the Philippines, were guided by the principal and her loyal teachers of Uma Elementary School[1]. The project was funded by like-minded individuals around the world and small donations from various people[1].
This community project serves both educational and cultural purposes by supporting the children materially and encouraging literacy and appreciation for local narratives through books aligned with the National Book Development Board's mission[1][2][3]. After the event, discussions were held to preserve and promote Kalinga literature further.
[1] Barangay Upper Uma Community Project. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.upperuma.org/project
[2] Uma Elementary School Gift-Giving Event. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.umaes.edu.ph/event
[3] Lubuagan Schools District Office. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.lubuagansdo.gov.ph
The community project in Uma, Kalinga, not only distributed essential supplies to the children of Uma Elementary School, but also shared local literature like the book Ay-ay, Suwan and donated published books to promote literacy and appreciation for Kalinga narratives. This initiative, aligned with the National Book Development Board's mission, combined educational support with a celebration of local culture.
Amidst the distribution of rain weather gear, beanies, and hygiene packs, the event also aimed to introduce and cultivate an interest in home-and-garden stories native to the region, as these anecdotes often illustrate the unique lifestyle of the Kalinga community.
