By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado   CONNER, Apayao, Philippines — Inside the barangay hall of Nabuangan, Conner, Apayao, a wall of documents tells its own story. Legal papers, financial records, and sub-project details are pinned to a bulletin board where any resident can walk up and read them. For Eleazar C. Señerez, 29, chairperson of the Barangay Development Council’s Technical Working Group, that board is one of the clearest signs that the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Program keeps its word to the community it serves. Señerez has volunteered with the program for three years. In that time, he has watched information move from program staff to household doorsteps through barangay assembly meetings, formal letters routed through the Punong Barangay, and group chats managed by fellow volunteers. Among all of this, the audit and inventory meetings stood out most to him. “What stood out to me most was during the audit and inventory meeting is they explain clearly where the funds was used even to the smallest centavo,” Señerez said. Access to information was not limited to those who attended meetings. The barangay hall’s bulletin board displayed budgets, timelines, and decisions on the sub-project for everyone to see, and volunteers walked residents through the details piece by piece during regular gatherings. Señerez said this openness extended to marginalized sectors, who were also part of the audiences the program made a point of reaching. That same openness carried into planning. Señerez said he was involved from the start of the process and felt free to raise questions without hesitation. When disagreements surfaced, he saw how the program handled them. During one planning cycle, residents pushed to prioritize sub-projects in their own puroks and sitios. Rather than dismiss the concern, staff from KALAHI-CIDSS, the Municipal Planning and Development Council, and the Municipal Engineering Office sat down with the community, walked through documents and presentations, and explained how prioritization followed the program’s established implementation process. Not every exchange was smooth. Señerez recalled a period when a language barrier caused a small misunderstanding among some residents. Community volunteers stepped in right away, re-explaining the matter in the barangay’s local dialect so nothing was lost in translation. Señerez said the confusion cleared quickly and the community’s trust in the program never wavered. That trust, he said, grew out of consistent effort to bring people into the process. Barangay assemblies, workshops, trainings, and seminars became venues where elders, youth, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and groups like the farmers’ association could take part and gain a fuller understanding of the program. “Transparency plays a very important role in every process, project progress, funding allocations and other necessary information of any project or program aside from KALAHI-CIDSS, because it helps build trust and prevent rumors and doubts of the community to the program’s processes,” Señerez said. He added that when residents can voice their comments and opinions, they develop a sense of belonging and ownership over the project, and that open information helps catch errors early before they grow into bigger problems. For Señerez, transparency is not complicated. It means telling the community everything, opening every decision to them, and accounting for every centavo spent.   —                    

For many, passing the board exam is a dream that takes years of hard work. For Marie L. Pagedped that dream became possible through determination, the support of her family, and the help of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). At 23, Marie from Camatagan, Sabangan, Mountain Province, proudly carries the tittle of Licensed Professional Teacher. She graduated with a Bachelor of Elementary Education from Mountain Province State Polytechnic College – Bontoc Campus in 2024 and successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teacher (LET) in December of the same year. Behind this achievement, however, is a story of perseverance and hope. Growing up in a family of four sibling, Marie witnessed firsthand how difficult it was for her parents to provide for everyone’s education. While she was in college, her older sister was also studying in college, and her two younger siblings were still in elementary and high school. Meeting everyday expenses and school needs were never easy for their family. She shared, “Hindi naging madali ang aking paglalakbay sa pag- aaral. Lumaki ako sa isang pamilyang may apat na magkakapatid na sabay-sabay na nag-aaral… naging malaking hamon para sa aming pamilya ang pag tustos sa mga gastusin sa edukasyon at iba pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. May mga pagkakataong kinakailangan naming mag tipid upang magpagkasya ang aming Limitadong kita.” Instead of letting their situation stop her, Marie found ways to help herself. She looked for opportunities to earn extra money for her school and personal expenses while continuing her studies. She recalled, “Noong ako ay nag-aaral pa, nagsisikap akong dumiskarte at maghanap ng paraan upang magkaroon ng pandagdag na pantustos sa aking pag-aaral at personal na pangangailangan. Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok, hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa at patuloy akong nagsumikap.” One of the sources of support for their family was the DSWD Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The educational assistance of 4Ps helped lessen the financial burden and allowed them to continue pursuing their education. According to Marie, “Malaking tulong sa amin ang programang 4Ps dahil nakatulong ito sa mga gastusin sa paaralan at nag bigay ng dagdag na suporta upang  maipagpatuloy namin ang mga pag-aaral.” Beyond financial assistance, Marie drew strength from the people from the people closest to her. Watching her parents work hard as farmers and make sacrifices inspired her to keep moving forward despite the challenges. “Ang pinakamalaking inspirasyon ko sa  pagtupad ng aking mga pangarap ay ang aking pamilya. Nakita ko ang pagsisikap at mga sakripisyo ng aking mga magulang upang maitaguyod ang aming pag-aaral sa kabila ng mga pagsubok sa buhay” She added. As the second child in the family, she also dreamed of giving back by helping her younger siblings finish their education. Passing the LET became more than just a personal achievement, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. It gave her confidence and a clearer vision of how she could serve others through education. “Malaki ang naging pagbabago sa aking buhay matapos akong makapagtapos at makapasa sa board examination. Nagkaroon ako ng mas malaking tiwala sa sarili at mas malinaw na direksyon para sa aking kinabukasan. Nais kong gamitin ang aking kaalaman, kasanayan , at mga natutunan sa buhay upang magkatulong sa aking pamilya at komunidad” she shared. Marie hopes her journey will encourage other young people who may be facing similar struggles, she believes that difficult circumstances should never stop anyone from dreaming. Her message is simple but powerful: “Nais ko ring iparating sa mga kabataang nangangarap na ang kahirapan ay hindi hadlang sa tagumpay. Maaring mahirap ang buhay at maraming pagsubok ang darating. ngunit huwag susuko. Ang bawat  sakripisyo at pag hihirap ay may kapalit na tagumpay sa tamang panahon basta’t magtiwala lamang tayo sa diyos.” “Sa pamamagitan ng tiyaga, sipag, pananampalataya sa Diyos,at pagtanggap sa mga oportunidad na ibinibigay sa atin, posible nating maabot ang ating mga mithiin,” She added. Marie’s story proves that when determination meets opportunity, a dream becomes reality. As she said “Sa tulong ng edukasyon, determinasyon, suporta mula sa pamilya at komunidad, at programang tulad ng 4Ps, ang mga pangarap ay maari maging realidad. Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa Diyos, sa aking pamilya, at sa 4Ps sa kanilang suporta at tulong sa aking paglalakabay sa pag-aaral.” Marie’ story is more than a personal success, it is a reminder that with perseverance, family support, and government program that invest in education, brighter future can be built one dream at a time. (DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, MEYNARD ALONZO PACLEBA, reports from SWAD Mountain Province.)

Sa kabundukan ng Pasil, Kalinga, isang pangarap ang unti-unting naging realidad para kay Jhanda W. Legazpi. Lumaki sa pamilyang ang pangunahing ikinabubuhay ay pagsasaka, kabuhayang sapat lamang upang matustusan ang araw-araw na pangangailangan, ngunit hindi ito kailanman naging hadlang sa pangarap ng kanyang mga magulang na mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang kanilang mga anak. Araw-araw na nagsusumikap ang kanyang mga magulang sa bukid upang matiyak na may pagkain sa hapag at may pagkakataong makapag-aral ang kanilang mga anak. Sa kabila ng limitadong kita, hindi sila nawalan ng pag-asa na balang araw ay magbubunga rin ang kanilang mga sakripisyo. Naging malaking tulong sa kanilang pamilya ang pagkakabilang sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) ng DSWD. Ang educational cash grant na kanilang natanggap ay naging mahalagang dagdag sa gastusin ni Jhanda sa pag-aaral, lalo na noong siya ay nasa kolehiyo. Dahil dito, nabawasan ang pinansyal na pasanin ng kanyang mga magulang at nabigyan siya ng pagkakataong ipagpatuloy ang kanyang pag-aaral. Mula pa noong siya ay bata, malinaw na ang kanyang pangarap: ang maging isang guro. Hindi lamang upang makabawi sa sakripisyong ibinigay ng kanyang mga magulang, kundi upang makatulong na rin sa mga batang nangangarap na makapag-aral at makamit ang kanilang sariling mga mithiin. “Alam kong kung kinaya ng aking mga magulang na pag-aralin ako at tustusan ang aming pangangailangan, kaya ko ring pagsikapan ang aking mga pangarap,” ani Jhanda. Sa determinasyon na maabot ang kanyang mithiin. Ang kanyang pagsisikap ay nagbunga nang makapagtapos siya ng kolehiyo at matagumpay na nakapasa sa Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) noong Marso 2026. Sa kanyang pagbabalik-tanaw, buong pasasalamat niyang kinikilala ang 4Ps. “Malaki ang naitulong ng 4Ps sa aking pag-aaral. Ang educational cash grant na natanggap ng aming pamilya ay nakatulong upang mabawasan ang gastusin ng aking mga magulang habang ako ay nag-aaral sa kolehiyo. Masasabi kong natupad ko na ang aking pangarap na makapagtapos at ipinagmamalaki kong isa akong benepisyaryo ng 4Ps,” pagbabahagi niya. Ang kuwento ni Jhanda ay isa sa maraming patunay na ang 4Ps ay higit pa sa tulong pinansyal. Isa itong pamumuhunan sa kinabukasan ng mga pamilyang Pilipino, na nagbibigay ng pagkakataong maabot ang kanilang mga pangarap at makabuo ng mas maayos at mas matatag na buhay . Tulad ng isang binhing inalagaan at inaruga hanggang sa mamunga, unti-unti ring natupad ang pangarap ni Jhanda sa tulong ng kanyang sipag, tiyaga, at ng walang sawang suporta ng kanyang pamilya. Bilang isang lisensyadong guro, handa na siyang ibahagi ang kanyang kaalaman at magsilbing inspirasyon sa mga kabataang nangangarap na mabago ang kanilang kinabukasan sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon. (DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Dauden B. Moises, Project Development Officer II)

Every opportunity has the power to change a life; every young person dreams of an opportunity that can shape their future. Sometimes, all it takes is one meaningful experience to discover a purpose, unlock potential, and begin a journey that changes a life forever. For Quinia Luz Mesa, a 20-year-old student from Brgy. Caponga, Tublay, Benguet, that opportunity came through the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region’s (DSWD FO CAR) Government Internship Program (GIP), an experience that not only equipped her with workplace skills but also inspired her to pursue a life of public service. What began as a 30-day internship soon became a journey of purpose. Inside the halls of DSWD FO CAR, Quinia discovered that public service extends far beyond completing daily tasks. More than preparing her for a career, the internship transformed the way she viewed work, not simply as a means of earning a living, but as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. “Before joining GIP, I thought work was only about completing tasks. But through this experience, I realized that every responsibility is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful contribution,” she said. A Bachelor of Public Administration and Governance student at Benguet State University, in La Trinidad, Benguet, Quinia joined the program hoping to gain practical experience while helping support her educational expenses. With dreams of becoming a public servant, she viewed the internship as an opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of government service. Little did she know that the experience would teach her lessons far beyond what any textbook could offer. Assigned to the Office of the Regional Director – Social Marketing Unit (ORD-SMU), Quinia was introduced to the Department’s communication and advocacy work. She learned that SMU serves as DSWD’s communication arm, promoting public awareness of the Department’s programs, services, and policies through strategic information campaigns, media engagement, publications, photography, documentation, and digital communication. Moreover, she was inspired by how the unit serves an instrument to tell the stories behind every intervention, giving voice to beneficiaries and showcasing the Department’s commitment to responsive and compassionate public service. As part of the unit, Quinia assisted in drafting feature stories, documenting activities, editing photographs, receiving and routing official documents, and preparing communication materials. While these tasks strengthened her writing, communication and organizational skills, they also gave her a deeper appreciation of the role communication plays in public service. She realized that every article published and every photograph shared helps inform the public, promote transparency, inspire hope, and connect communities with services that can transform lives. Working alongside dedicated DSWD personnel also shaped Quinia’s outlook on public service. Their professionalism, compassion, and commitment encouraged her to approach every responsibility with excellence. The friendships she built with fellow GIP interns further enriched her experience, creating a supportive environment where learning, collaboration, and personal growth flourished. Beyond technical skills she gained, she found herself growing in ways she never expected. She became more responsible in handling her work, and more disciplined in managing her time. The internship also taught her the importance of integrity, accountability, and teamwork— qualities that she believes every future public servant should possess. Quinia believes that the greatest reward of the internship was not just the experience she gained but the person she became. “GIP didn’t just prepare me for work— it prepared me for life. Growth comes from being willing to learn, accepting challenges, and improving little by little every day. I’m leaving the program not just with experience, but with lessons and values that I’ll carry wherever I go,” she shared. GIP is a youth employment initiative of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that traces its roots to the Kabataan 2000 Project established under Executive Order No. 139, series of 1993. Conceived as a year-round youth development initiative, the program was created to provide young Filipinos with meaningful work experience in government offices while helping them develop competencies and a deeper appreciation for public service. Within DSWD, GIP is implemented under the Unlad Kabataan Program (UKP), the Department’s framework for promoting the holistic development and empowerment of disadvantaged youth. Through the UKP, DSWD provides young Filipinos with opportunities to strengthen their employability, develop life skills and foster responsible citizenship. Currently, DSWD FO CAR is home to 25 GIP interns, each bringing unique aspirations and talents while gaining meaningful workplace experience across the Department’s various offices. Like Quinia, they are learning that every responsibility entrusted to them contributes to DSWD’s mission of uplifting the lives of disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities. Her words capture the heart of DSWD’s GIP. More than providing temporary employment, the program empowers young people to discover their potential, develop practical skills, and cultivate the values needed to become compassionate, competent, and dedicated public servants. As Quinia continues pursuing her college degree, she carries with her more than workplace experience: her new found confidence to embrace challenges, the wisdom gained from mentors who believed in her, the friendships that made her journey memorable, and the inspiration to one day serve communities with the same compassion she witnessed throughout her internship. For Quinia, the 30 days at DSWD FO CAR were not simply the beginning of a career; they were the beginning of a purpose. Her journey is a testimony to how investing in young people today helps shape a future generation of public servants who are ready to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. By DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, MAYROSE U. CARIÑO with QUINIA LUZ A. MESA

Ask any Filipino student what they dream of becoming, and the answers come easily — a doctor, an engineer, an accountant. The harder question is how to get there. For many families, the challenge is not a lack of ambition or ability, but the financial burden of higher education. Tuition, daily allowances, and board review fees add up quickly — often enough to make promising students give up on college altogether. The burden is even heavier in far-flung communities, where opportunities are fewer and every peso is stretched further. Michelle Mariacos knew this well. She grew up in Bakun, a mountain town in Benguet located hours away from the nearest hospital — and she dreamed of becoming a doctor. What made the difference for her was a college scholarship from Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower). The scholarship covered her pharmacy degree at Saint Louis University, which became her stepping stone to medical school. Today, she is Dr. Michelle Mariacos, a Medical Officer III at Benguet General Hospital. On top of her hospital duties, she organizes healthcare missions for communities like the one she came from. “The culture of being a good neighbor, which I experienced through the scholarship, became my compass during my studies,” Mariacos said. “That care is what inspires me now as a doctor to serve in our local hospitals and help address the healthcare needs of those in the mountain communities.” Mariacos is one of 61 scholars supported by the program across host communities nationwide. Thirty-one come from the Tiwi host site, which led this year’s achievements with a lineup of magna cum laude and cum laude honorees. The rest come from North Luzon (14), MakBan (4, now completing board reviews), Northern Mindanao (9), and Southern Mindanao (3). Each scholar receives full tertiary funding, stipends, and licensure review support. Their dreams take different shapes. In Cagayan de Oro, Monica A. Litohon was partway through her five-year accountancy program at Capitol University when her family’s resources began to run low. The scholarship kept her in school. “The financial support prevented me from dropping out of school when our resources were low,” Litohon stated. “Having this scholarship gave me the freedom to focus entirely on my degree. Today, I can use my training to help neighborhood families manage their earnings.” Litohon has since passed her board examinations. She now teaches financial literacy to low-income families in her neighborhood — the same kind of help she once received, passed on to others. For David Vincent Reonal of Bay, Laguna, the dream was engineering. The scholarship supported him through his electrical engineering degree, and he went on to join the company’s Cadet Engineering Program. He now works in the Control and Instrumentation Department of the MakBan geothermal power plant — a facility hosted by his own hometown. “We believe in nurturing the potential of our youth and giving them the space to dream and pursue their passions,” said Alexander Coo, Chief Operating Officer of Aboitiz Renewables. “Seeing our scholars thrive as engineers, financial enablers, and medical professionals is a milestone for our host communities. Our focus remains on creating shared value by empowering the next generation to lead overall community development.” A doctor serving mountain communities. An accountant teaching her neighbors to manage their money. An engineer working at the plant in his hometown. For Aboitiz Renewables and Aboitiz Foundation, these are what scholarships make possible — and across geothermal, hydro, and solar host sites nationwide, more stories like theirs are only beginning.  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – Some of life’s biggest milestones begin with a simple moment of reassurance. For 27 new SM Foundation scholars from Baguio, receiving their scholarship was more than the start of a college journey. It was a reminder that they do not have to pursue their dreams alone. For years, the SM Foundation Scholarship Program has helped deserving students pursue higher education by easing the financial burden on their families. More than educational assistance, the program reflects a long-standing commitment to empowering young Filipinos through learning, character development, and opportunities that prepare them for a brighter future. Among this year’s scholars is Justin Espanto, an incoming freshman at Saint Louis University who will be taking up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. For Justin, the scholarship is a motivation to give her best in school and make every opportunity count. “Promise ko talaga na gagalingan ko,” she said with confidence. Behind Justin’s determination is her mother, Nancy Sabado, who has worked tirelessly to provide for her family. As a single parent, sending a child to college comes with financial challenges, making the scholarship a source of both relief and encouragement.“  “As a single mom, malaking tulong talaga ito sa amin,” Nancy shared. More than financial support, the scholarship gives families reassurance that their children’s dreams can continue despite life’s challenges. It allows students to focus on learning while parents gain peace of mind, knowing they have partners who believe in their children’s potential. Justin’s journey is only one of the many inspiring stories among this year’s 27 SM Foundation scholars from Baguio. While each scholar comes from a different background and carries a unique dream, they all share the same determination to create better opportunities through education. Together, they represent the hopes of families who continue to believe that perseverance, combined with the right support, can change lives.   Every scholar represents more than academic achievement. They represent parents who have made countless sacrifices, young people who refuse to give up on their aspirations, and communities that grow stronger when education is made more accessible. Through the SM Foundation Scholarship Program, these students are given the opportunity to pursue their ambitions with confidence, knowing that their potential is recognized and their dreams are worth investing in. As Baguio’s Most Loved Mall, SM City Baguio proudly celebrates the newest batch of 27 SM Foundation scholars. Their stories remind us that love is expressed not only through words but through opportunities that empower people to learn, grow, and succeed. By investing in education today, SM continues to help shape future professionals, future leaders, and future changemakers who will one day give back to their families and communities.      

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — Talented contestants from the various barangays of the municipality showed their skills in the vegetable carving and plating and vegetable art centerpiece competition on July 13, as part of the week-long celebration of the 8th Highland vegetable Industry Week until July 18. Adjudged as top winner for the vegetable art centerpiece is Reynaldo Pinos-an of Barangay Shilan with a total score of 90 percent while Jonalyn Mangeg of Barangay Puguis won first place in the vegetable carving and plating with a total score of 92 percent. All the 10 participants shall receive their cash prizes during the closing program of the event on July 17. The competition is organized by the event committee led by Municipal Agriculturist Nida Organo in partnership with the League of Associations at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post, among other institutions and private organizations. Visit the municipal gymnasium for other activities such as skills demonstrations and workshops as part of the annual event, which brings to the forefront the highland vegetable industry in Benguet’s central town.          

  BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Every journey begins with someone believing in your potential. For Josef, that journey started with the unwavering support of his family. Diagnosed with autism at the age of four, he grew up surrounded by encouragement, early intervention, and educators who embraced inclusion. With the help of his parents, teachers, therapists, and classmates, Josef learned not only academics but also the confidence and discipline that prepared him for life beyond the classroom. “When you first learn that your child has autism, it is not really easy, but I think what is important is acceptance.” shared Belette Vizcocho, Josef’s mother. He completed his studies in Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Management at Saint Louis University before beginning his On-the-Job Training at Baguio Country Club. What started as an opportunity to gain experience became the foundation for a career built on dedication and perseverance. More than coworkers, they are a team. Josef (center) shares a joyful moment with his colleagues at Vizco’s Restaurant & Cakeshop, where collaboration and inclusion are part of everyday work.  Today, Josef has been part of the Vizco’s family since 2016, working as an assistant baker while also supporting kitchen operations and administrative tasks. Over the years, he has continued to grow professionally by participating in safety seminars, environmental training, and Basic Life Support certification, proving that learning does not stop after graduation. Outside of work, Josef enjoys biking, playing basketball, and expressing his creativity through photography. As a longtime participant of the Autism Society Philippines Baguio’s Colors of “A” Spectrum photography workshops and exhibits, his photographs have been showcased annually at SM City Baguio, celebrating the unique perspectives and talents of persons on the autism spectrum. Josef’s story is a reminder that meaningful opportunities, coupled with understanding and support, can empower individuals to reach their fullest potential. Reflecting on Josef’s inspiring journey, Arch. Jerico Bernardo, Mall Manager of SM City Baguio, shared that stories like his embody the values of inclusion and community. “At SM City Baguio, we value not only the businesses that are part of our community but also the inspiring people behind them. Josef’s journey reflects the power of acceptance, perseverance, and the opportunities that help individuals reach their full potential.” As Baguio’s most loved mall, SM City Baguio takes pride in celebrating the inspiring stories of its tenants and the people behind them. Josef’s journey is a testament to how acceptance, perseverance, and opportunity can open doors to meaningful possibilities.

By Florida B. Robles   LAGAWE, Ifugao, Philippines — The Visual Artists of Ifugao Creatives (IC) organization goes beyond borders as they joined the “Pastel Beyond Borders” exhibition organized by The Travelling Pastel Project (TTRAPP), a grassroots mobile art initiative, at Gateway Gallery in Quezon City. Launched on July 4, 2026, the exhibition brings together pastel artists from 10 grassroots communities across Bulacan, Ifugao, Cavite, Baguio, Pangasinan, Pampanga, and Ilocos Sur. The exhibition aims to showcase creativity, collaboration, and artistic excellence while highlighting the unique stories and artistic expressions of participating communities. Representing Ifugao in the exhibition are seven locals: Patrick Abalos, Dasha Mae Codimo, Azumi Nhoelle, Marco Ananayo, Jillian Rivera, Valentines, and Christian Noel Huagon. Their artworks are also available for purchase. Heidi Guiniling of the Department of Trade and Industry-Ifugao also attended the exhibition in support of the province’s creative industry and the agency’s continued commitment to empowering local creatives and promoting cultural entrepreneurship. IC Vice President Jiya Bogwana said  that the participation of the Ifugao visual artists “reflect the growing strength and diversity of Ifugao’s creative community and showcases the province’s artistic voice on the national stage.” The exhibition will run for two weeks, with all artworks available for purchase. The Ifugao Creatives organization extended its heartfelt gratitude to “The Travelling Pastel Project, especially to the Chairman and Maestro Julius Legaspi and his dedicated team of volunteers, for their vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to growing pastel communities across the country.” “By initiating this remarkable project and opening its doors to artists from different regions, TRAPP has given Ifugao artists a meaningful platform to learn, create, and share their stories alongside fellow pastel artists from across the country,” the IC organization stated. Bogwana shared that TTRAPP also conducted free  Pastel Project workshops in the municipalities of Aguinaldo, Mayoyao, and Kiangan in 2025. These workshops opened opportunities for local artists to discover and develop their skills in the pastel medium, creating a platform where stories of home could be translated into color, texture, and light. Hygeia “Maya” Dulnuan, president of the Ifugao Creatives organization and the Mayoyao Artists Guild, coordinated the workshops. (JDP/FBR, PIA-CAR, Ifugao with reports from Jiya Bogwana)