Alay Buhay successfully held its 21st General Assembly (GA) at the solemn and very accommodating Assumption Retreat House in Antipolo, Rizal last May 23-24, 2008. The annual event was held to update the partners and coordinators on the status of different programmes and services as well as the plans and directions of the organisation. It also serves as the venue to create stronger camaraderie among Alay Buhay’s stakeholders.

The theme: “Alay Buhay, Kaisa at Katuwang sa Pagpapanibago at Pag-unlad ng Pamayanan”, aptly illustrates the desire of the organisation to work hand-in-hand with the people for the betterment of the communities that it serves.

A total of 120 participants attended this year’s GA coming partners and coordinators from Educational Assistance Programme (EAP), Enterprise Development / Microfinance Programme (MF) and Community Empowerment Programme (CEP). All of the staff of Alay Buhay were also present in the occasion and was headed by Mr. Crisanto R. Sabino, the Executive Director. The latter also welcomed the participants as part of the preliminaries of the two-day event.

Usec. Fortunato Dela Peña, the chairman and president of the board, sent his message which was read by the Executive Director on the second day. 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 to reach a level of viability.

Various enriching activities were done to the delight of those who attended the assembly. On the morning of the first day, Ms. Bernadett Parado of Approtech Asia and Mr. Cristopher Lomboy of Punla sa Tao Foundation were invited and served as the resource speakers on two different lectures. The seminar was followed by team building activities in the afternoon, facilitated by Mr. Elmer Mores.

The night of the first day was one of the highlights of the GA. The theme during the cultural/fellowship night was “Santacruzan sa Alay Buhay” so the participants dressed-up with their best sagala gowns and barong tagalog for the parade. They also showcased their skills and talents in singing and dancing as they vied for the best presentation. (See Cultural/Fellowship Night on the following pages for the results of the contests) .

On the second day, Mr. Anton Sayo, a newly elected member of Board of Trustees (BOT) of Alay Buhay, and Mr. Robert Barclay, a consultant from New Zealand and a good friend to Alay Buhay were also in attendance. Both of them were warmly welcomed by the participants when the two gave their messages.

The last day of GA was highlighted by creative reporting of the participants on the status of their groups/programmes. There were also testimonials shared by a successful micro-entrepreneur in the person of Ms. Salvacion Calimlim, a partner of Quezon City Branch II, and from a now licensed Electrical and Communication Engineer (ECE), Engr. Leopoldo Decena. The latter was a former EAP scholar who took and passed the board examination this March 2007.

Before the closing remarks of the ED, the partners and coordinator shared their plans and commitment for the organisation. The GA was ended by group picture of all participants taken on the green fields of the retreat house.