Past Projects & Outreach
Our Work Through the Years
This page highlights past and seasonal projects that have shaped our mission over the years. While these activities are not currently active, they reflect our ongoing commitment to serve with compassion, creativity, and faith wherever needs arise.
Livelihood Project Boat Building & Fishery
To help some of the people that have lost their work here in Panglao due to COVID 19, we have built boats, which gives work to boat builders and fishermen. We built 3 three bigger boats for fishing and one smaller one for the Payao. A payao is an artificial reef where the fish gather due to the algae that cling to the payao; the small fish then attract bigger ones. For over a year we were able to help fishermen feed their families with help of these boats. Read more →
Waste Management & Environmental Training
Through hands-on training and community education, Manny worked with local officials in Alburquerque and Panglao to improve solid waste management at the barangay and household level. Using a train-the-trainer approach, officials, garbage collectors, and families learned how to properly segregate, shred, and compost biodegradable waste.
One of the most visible outcomes was the transformation of the Lourdes dump site in Panglao—once a symbol of neglect—into a productive organic garden. Through consistent training, cooperation with local government, and daily waste collection, the area became a model of good housekeeping, earning recognition for three consecutive years and contributing to a healthier environment for the community. More information →
One of the most visible outcomes was the transformation of the Lourdes dump site in Panglao—once a symbol of neglect—into a productive organic garden. Through consistent training, cooperation with local government, and daily waste collection, the area became a model of good housekeeping, earning recognition for three consecutive years and contributing to a healthier environment for the community. More information →
Pilot project Ubay
As part of a pilot project supported by The Asia Foundation and implemented through BAHRR, Manny shared practical knowledge gained through years of hands-on experience in organic farming. In June and July 2016, he trained teachers from an agricultural high school in Ubay in organic vegetable production.
Following the pilot phase, Manny worked together with education officials from the Department of Education to help develop a curriculum that includes organic planting, Effective Microorganisms (EM), wood vinegar, and bokashi. These components were later integrated into the agricultural high school curriculum in Bohol, extending the project’s impact beyond the initial training period. See how this project unfolded →
Following the pilot phase, Manny worked together with education officials from the Department of Education to help develop a curriculum that includes organic planting, Effective Microorganisms (EM), wood vinegar, and bokashi. These components were later integrated into the agricultural high school curriculum in Bohol, extending the project’s impact beyond the initial training period. See how this project unfolded →
STEPS Progressive & STEPS Phonics
Launched in January 2020, STEPS Progressive strengthens the reading skills of primary school students. After assessing Grades 1–3 students at the local primary school in Doljo, phonics classes are held several times a week using visual and audio learning tools. Clear progress has been seen—even among children who previously struggled to read—and the program continues during summer holidays to support ongoing learning.
In earlier years, the STEPS Phonics Program supported elementary students through computer-based phonics instruction. Using educational software, guided assistance, and structured practice, children improved in reading, spelling, vocabulary, and overall language comprehension, helping build a stronger foundation for continued learning. View project details →
In earlier years, the STEPS Phonics Program supported elementary students through computer-based phonics instruction. Using educational software, guided assistance, and structured practice, children improved in reading, spelling, vocabulary, and overall language comprehension, helping build a stronger foundation for continued learning. View project details →
STEPS Preschool Program – Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao
As part of our vision to expand STEPS to other regions of the Philippines, Manny and Ellen supported the launch of a STEPS Preschool Program in Cagayan de Oro in July 2017. In partnership with the local government and other organizations, the program served 30 four-year-old preschoolers in Brgy. Carmen, bringing early childhood education to the community. The program later concluded after this initial phase, having successfully fulfilled its pilot purpose. Read the full story →
STEPS Youth Club
After a fire destroyed our mission school building in May 2021, local youth launched the STEPS Mission Youth Club (SMYC) as a response of hope and service. The group began with a community feeding program for 150 children and created a space for young people to grow through volunteering, learning, and faith-based activities. Read more →