Conclusion for the 4th Batch of Hulas 2014

Arnel P. Santander

BENDUM, Mindanao ‐ 20 youth from different indigenous communities in Upper Pulangi of Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur successfully completed the two months HULAS course on Carpentry, Masonry and Welding last December 6, 2014. The output of the students included construction of Hulas Training Center in Malaybalay City, crop planting and making chairs for the computer room.

Three females and seventeen males for this batch learned and developed their skills and values through technical training, formative classes and reflection sessions. A closing ceremony was held and attended by around hundred guests. The
graduates performed drama, dance, monologue and sung to relay the message of gratitude and determination to pursue a be]er life ahead. Hearielt performances brought tears to some of
the audiences.

Jeneson Guinton, 18, from Sitio Nabag‐o shared his words of gratitude for the hulas program. “I am happy because I learned to write, read and understand numbers and distances by using tape measure,” he stated. Guinton has not been in school for 5 years. He previously enrolled in Daweg A (Grade 2) at APC – Nabawang but dropped out due to lack of support. Jeneson is
just one of the many youth who were given another chance to obtain life skills which will help them continue living a decent life.

Hulas Graduation Ceremony in Adagi Balay

The hulas encouraged the youth to dream once more just like Israel Menaling, 25, who hopes to become a youth leader in Bendum in the near future.

Parents were also amazed at the transformation of their children. Beyond having the technical skills, they were able to see how their children have developed the skills in rela;ng with others, confidently talking to people, and being able to discuss concerns like forest regeneration and strengthening of cultural relationship.

Hulas brings hope, not only to the students, but to the parents as well. They have learned to not give in to poverty, rather, overcome it and dream once more. The ceremony is just the closing of Hulas but an opening to a brighter future ahead.

Photo caption: The 4th Batch of Hulas