High in the remote mountains of Mangilit, near Gingoog City, lies the home of the Higaonon people. Traditionally a nomadic tribe, their life in the uplands is breathtakingly beautiful but incredibly harsh. In these high-altitude communities, hunger is a daily reality, and access to basic needs—like healthcare and markets—is a constant struggle.
This month, we had the sacred privilege of bringing hope to these mountains through a distribution of rice and snacks for 100 families.
A Daughter of the Mountains ReturnsThis mission was especially close to our hearts because of Gemma. Gemma is a daughter of the Higaonon community, the child of a Datu (tribal leader).
Her family story is a quiet testimony to the hardships faced by those in remote areas. Her father had 23 children; tragically, due to the lack of resources and the difficulty of mountain life, only 11 are alive today.
Over the holidays, Gemma returned to her roots with a heart full of compassion. Using what she had, she organized this distribution to reach her own people with love, dignity, and a reminder that they are not forgotten.
More Than Just FoodIn the city, a bag of rice or a snack might seem like a small thing. But in Mangilit, these provisions become a lifeline. They represent a moment of relief for parents who work tirelessly on small upland farms and a moment of joy for children who often go without.
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” — Proverbs 22:9
Seen, Loved, and Not ForgottenOur goal was simple: to let these precious families know that despite the distance and the altitude, they are seen and loved. We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Higaonon community and for Gemma’s leadership in reaching her own people.
Thank you for being part of a community that looks beyond the city limits to the furthest mountains to share the blessings we’ve been given.
This month, we had the sacred privilege of bringing hope to these mountains through a distribution of rice and snacks for 100 families.
A Daughter of the Mountains ReturnsThis mission was especially close to our hearts because of Gemma. Gemma is a daughter of the Higaonon community, the child of a Datu (tribal leader).
Her family story is a quiet testimony to the hardships faced by those in remote areas. Her father had 23 children; tragically, due to the lack of resources and the difficulty of mountain life, only 11 are alive today.
Over the holidays, Gemma returned to her roots with a heart full of compassion. Using what she had, she organized this distribution to reach her own people with love, dignity, and a reminder that they are not forgotten.
More Than Just FoodIn the city, a bag of rice or a snack might seem like a small thing. But in Mangilit, these provisions become a lifeline. They represent a moment of relief for parents who work tirelessly on small upland farms and a moment of joy for children who often go without.
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” — Proverbs 22:9
Seen, Loved, and Not ForgottenOur goal was simple: to let these precious families know that despite the distance and the altitude, they are seen and loved. We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Higaonon community and for Gemma’s leadership in reaching her own people.
Thank you for being part of a community that looks beyond the city limits to the furthest mountains to share the blessings we’ve been given.
