Alay Buhay gathered once again last May 15-16, 2009 to celebrate the 22nd General Assembly(GA) of Alay Buhay Community Development Foundation, at the inspiring and environment friendly “Local Government Academy in UP Los Baños”.

The theme: “Sustainable Development: Unity of Life with our Environment and Nature”, was reflectively chosen because it is in line with the deepening problem of Global Warming going along with the development of technology which Alay Buhay believes is everybody’s concern.

A total of 132 participants attended this year’s GA. Attendees include coordinators, alumni from Educational Assistance Programme (EAP), Enterprise Development / Microfinance Programme (MF) Partners and Community Empowerment Programme (CEP) Partners. All the staff of Alay Buhay headed by Mr. Crisanto R. Sabino, the Executive Director, were also present on the occasion. Mr. Sabino welcomed the participants as part of the preliminaries of the two-day event.

Opening of mini-trade fair in the morning of the first day was graced by Mrs. Evelina Atienza, Executive Director of Kababaihan ng Maynila Foundation, Inc., right after her mind opening lecture on” Life and the Environment.” In the afternoon, two lectures were conducted simultaneously by Ms. Emy Mandia, a trustee of Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation who talked about “Nurturing Nature: A Call for Action” and by Ms. Ma. Divina Alcasabas, Chief, Science Research Specialist who lectured on” Environment-Friendly Livelihood Technologies”

The Visit to International Rice Research Institute Museum 10 minutes before its 5:00 p.m. closure did not affect the opportunity for learning and enthusiasm as proven by the group sharing output.

The first night was one of the highlights of the GA. The theme of the cultural/fellowship night was “Handog-Saya Para sa Kalikasan.” The participants dressed-up with their best make shift nature inspired recycled costume for the parade. They again showed their ingenuity and multi-faceted talents even with a very short preparation time as they vied for the best presentation. Ms. Katrina Bernardo, the second timer emcee with her witty remarks captured fully well her audience.

The second day, the GA was highlighted by creative reporting of the participants on the status of their group/programme. Executive Director, Crisanto R. Sabino presented the 2008 accomplishment report followed by the Training Module Presentation and Launching made by Jonabie Duran.

Mayor Cesar Perez of Los Baños was the keynote speaker. He focused on how they successfully implemented Republic Act 9003 also known as “Waste Management” in Los Baños City

There were also testimonials shared by one, a partner who through thick and thin remained in the threshold of Alay Buhay Micro Finance Programme in the person of Ms. Bernadette Gabriel, a partner of Rodriguez Branch, and two, by a licensed teacher, Marjory Queen S. Anthony. Ms. Anthony was a former EAP scholar who graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Biology, and who took and passed the board examination last September 2007

Usec. Fortunato Dela Peña, the chairman and president of the board, sent his message which was read by the Finance and Admin. Manager, Delia L. Ariola. The Chairman highlighted the accomplishments for the past fiscal year and thanked the different stakeholders namely the partners, management and staff, and donors especially Alay Buhay Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Mr. Stephen Tindall for his continuing support to Alay Buhay through the years. He also encouraged each one present to continue working towards improvement of the different programs for sustainability.

Anticipated Mass was solemnly celebrated by Rev. Fr. Jose Phor R. Villacarlos of St. Therese Parish Church, UPLB, Los Baños, Laguna. Followed by the commitment setting which greatly manifested the self offering in service to the call to save Mother Earth with its four elements (earth, water, air, fire).