The document summarizes a community development project to help the Badjao people, an impoverished ethnic group living in Batangas City, Philippines. The project utilized several strategies, including building trust within the community, providing relief, improving health and nutrition, enhancing literacy and education, and offering livelihood opportunities. As a result of these efforts, Badjao children and adults graduated from alternative learning and vocational training programs. They are now registered citizens with access to proper housing, sanitation, and greater chances of economic self-sufficiency. The project has helped transform the lives of the previously destitute and marginalized Badjao community.

1. A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OF BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN ALS TO THE BADJAO COMMUNITY AT BATANGAS CITY MARK LOUIS M. MAGRACIA

4. called SamalLuwaan (outcast) or Samal Laud (people of the ocean)

5. religion is Islam

6. poorest ethnic group in Sulu

7. Badjao men are expert wooden boat makers and spear fishers

8. women are weavers of sleeping mats called "banig“

9. 100% illiterate

13. ALS Graduates ALS (Alternative Learning System) is a Philippine Department of Education program for the Filipino Out-of-School Youth and adults. Most of the receipients are learners living below the poverty line, predominantly coming from depressed, disadvantaged, undeserved communities. Several Badjaos were recepient of this program and have benefited from it. Lots of Badjao children, youth and adults graduated from this program and provide a better chance for them in the society.

14. Preaching the Badjaos Through Community Development Preaching to the Badjaos has not been easy, their culture is different, their language is different and their way of living is different. I came to the island of Malitam last 1999 with my wife armed only with the Bible and the passion for the lost. The Lord has given us strategies on winning their hearts to God. The pictures below speaks for themselves of how great God has done and how He changed the lives of the Badjao people living in Malitam island.

15. Strategy 1 - Building Influence With the Community

16. Strategy 2 - Relief and Food Distribution

17. Strategy 3 - Health and Nutrition we supply the babies and children with vitamins

18. Strategy 4 - Improving Literacy and Education School is named as "Shining Light Christian Academy"

19. Strategy 5 - Medical and Dental Assistance

20. Strategy 6 - Providing Livelihood crop growers

21. Strategy 7 - Providing Water

22. Badjao youth who passed the ALS Accreditation test given by the government. These kids who were outcasts of the society are completely changed. It only takes two hands and a determined heart to help them.

23. Elementary level kids who graduated. Who could imagine they will wear white graduating gowns?

24. A new batch of elementary graduates.

25. Badjao youth waiting in line for the graduation ceremony to start. At the front, Ps. Albert and Mommy Ellen also awaiting eagerly to see them stand at the platform to receive their graduation certificates.

26. ALS School graduates together with Ps. Albert and Mommy Ellen. See how beautiful their smiles are! A sign of hope, joy and a bright future, not only for them but for the country as a whole.

27. Eunice and her parents, a Badjao family posing for a picture. I remember Eunice when she was a little girl, but look at her now. She was able to graduate and have greater chance for a bright future.

28. The ALS graduating class

29. Shining Light Christian Academy Preparatory School at Malitam Island within the Badjao community

30. Pioneering staff members of the school

31. First class of the school

32. Students doing their class seatwork THEY NO LONGER THE STREETS OF BATANGAS TO BEG FOR MONEY OR FOOD

33. 1st Moving Up ceremony for preparatory students A BREAKTHROUGH IN THE HISTORY OF BADJAOS!

34. Batch of Badjao Kid graduates for 2003-2004 Future leaders who will be able to help their own people

35. ALS Badjaos in Grade 3-5 Some Badjao children are now able to go to regular elementary school in Batangas City, Philippines. Seemingly impossible with their former situation.

36. Some Badjao children in the regular school

37. Elementary Children and ALS Kids School bag recepients. Thank you to our donors! Now they can carry their books and notebooks to school without getting it wet in the rain. ALS class composing of members from outside the Badjao community.

38. INDIVIDUALS Graduates who are now entering High School and College Graduated from pipe fitting and scaffolding course

39. Acceleration Class and Computing for the Badjaos! The computing age has penetrated the Badjao community already! Several Badjaos are now learning how to use computers. The pictures below show the acceleration class and the Badjaos computer classes.

42. Each Badjao house has their own toilet, garden and cleanliness is highly observed.

44. I GUESS THAT’S ALL…THANKS!