The Sad State of Isla Pulo Newest Article Lampara Literacy Movement 9:18 AM

In 1980s, Isla Pulo, a solitary island in Navotas, was considered as one of the most beautiful islands in Metro Manila. The island contained long stretches of white sand, vast collection of marine life, and a beautiful mangrove forest. 

Things have changed in the '90s when informal settlers started to flock in the island, however. 

The sad state of Isla Pulo

Charge it to irresponsibility and lack of care for the environment, the island people once called paradise started to lose its luster. Its continued destruction prompted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources  to declare Isla Pulo as one of four eco-tourism sites in Metro Manila established under the National Ecotourism Strategy in 1999.

What was once known  for its old growth mangrove forest, and a home for 11 species of migratory birds is now known as one of the four islands that need saving. 

Being the light for environment

Seeing the urgent need to restore the area and to stop its further destruction, Lampara Literacy Movement started an initiative to clean the island through a mass coastal cleanup.

In partnership with Save Philippine Seas and US Embassy, Lampara is set to conduct its cleanup drive on Sunday, July 26, 2015, from 7:30AM-11:00AM. The organization aims to pool together 300 warriors for the environment and help make a movement to restore the beauty of Isla Pulo.

We are inviting all organizations and individuals to join this activity and be part of the change we wish to see in our world, our home.

To register, please sign up at www.bit.do/CoastalCleanup2015.

We also need donations! You may donate cleaning materials such as broom stick, gloves, sack, shovel or dustpan. To donate, please email us at volunteer.lampara@gmail.com.

We Have Launched: The Lampara Literacy Camp Lampara Literacy Movement 8:27 AM

It was a good First Sunday of July when Lampara Literacy Movement formally kicked off its banner project, the Lampara Literacy Camp in Habitat for Humanity relocation site in Tanza, Navotas City. 

The 10-week social education program started with its two-part module on hygiene and health. Twenty kids and their parents comprised the pioneer batch of the camp. 

Part One: Hygiene Concepts

Registered Nurse Gica Jean Mayo facilitated the discussion on proper hygiene with the parents. The session aimed to refresh the parent-participants on basic concepts of handwashing, personal hygiene, and oral hygiene. Nurse Gica was also assisted by Lampara's resident RN and RN-in-the-making, Matthew and Zarah. 

The children's camp, on the other hand, was filled with stories and sharing facilitated by Nick and other volunteers from Tamaraw Volunteers. 

Part Two: Health and Integration

The second week was equally-well received by the community as the Lampara team culminated the first module with physical assessment conducted by student nurses from the University of Santo Tomas. 

Prior to house-to-house health assessment and hygiene demonstration, the Lampara campers were entertained by another storytelling session and fun activities. Our volunteers had an authentic experience worthy of sharing to others.

We thank all the donors of our Donate-a-kit drive! We are still accepting donations! Sponsor a child's hygiene kit for only P150! For more details, please visit this site. 

Next week, we will be opening another module focused on environmental protection and preservation. Great volunteering experience ahead! If you wish to volunteer with us, please sign up at www.bit.do/LLCvolunteer. 

Check our Week 1 photos here: http://bit.do/HygieneWeek1

Lampara's Founding Executive Committee 2015-2017 Lampara Literacy Movement 5:53 AM

Lampara, with all its grand and ambitious dreams, is backed up by individuals with overflowing passion to raise literacy in underprivileged communities. Coming from different walks of life, gender, profession, and religion, these people decided to come together with one goal, with one mission. 

We are very proud to present to you, our Founding executive Committee 2015-2017. 

The Executive Committee 

Vberni Regalado, Founding President 

A 21-year old guy whose dreams are not for self but for others. Vberni is a professional overthinker, a storyteller, and a visionary. He works for a major broadsheet as a social media reporter. In college, he was the only student to hold the Committee on Community and Members' Participation as Active Citizens (COMPACT)  for two consecutive years. He is currently taking his Master's Degree in Communication Management at Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila.

Camille De Jesus - De Guzman, Vice President

Camille is a Web Production Editor in a UK-based publishing company, a barangay council member, a UP alumna, a choir member, a Phi Deltan, a wife, and a mother. As an elected barangay councilor, Camille handles the Committee on Education. She has spearheaded various educational programs and projects that continuously create impact in the community and its constituents. 

Zarah Libozada, Secretary

Zarah is a nursing senior at the University of Santo Tomas. Currently, she is a student nurse and an active cluster head of the UST Unicef Volunteers. As she takes new heights as Lampara's secretary, Zarah is more than willing to learn and is ready to go beyond her comfort zone. 

Regine Reyes, Treasurer

Regine, who graduated from Far Eastern University with a degree in Biology, is now a product specialist of a medical technology company. In college, Regine was elected by the Biology Majors Alliance of the Philippines as Finance Officer in AY 2012-2013 and Executive Vice President in AY 2013-2014. Regine has been into community development for the past 4 years. 

Ron Jason Pascual, Internal Auditor 

As the Founder and CEO of Project Bahaghari, Ron takes new steps forward as Lampara's internal auditor. Currently, Ron is serving the FEU community as the Environmental Director of Tamaraw Volunteers. Ron's active participation in various environmental and social issues has made him understand and experience the country's plight first-hand. 

Wilfred Villanueva, Director for Programs

As an active and dynamic young adult, Psychology student Wil is very much enthusiastic to create programs for Lampara. Being the Business Manager of FEU Peer Counselors for AY 2014-2015, Wil has honed his creative skills in creating campaigns that spark social change. Being the active guy that he is, Wilfred is excited to shed the light of education to depressed communities. 

John Robert Magsombol, Director for Training and Development

John Robert is a students' rights and welfare advocate, a gender warrior, and a literacy champion. He has won various awards for his exemplary writing skills, including a Gawad Ustetika for poetry just recently. John Robert as the Director for Training and Development infuses basic literacy programs and social issues to create a more socially-relevant nation of readers and builders. 

Lady Mae Mesias, Director for Memberships and Internal Affairs

A Marketing Management major at the Far Eastern University, Lady is Lampara's Director for Memberships and Internal Affairs. Lady currently serves as the minister for communications of Tamaraw Volunteers. As the Memberships Director, she aspires to gather more youth to participate in Lampara's cause, and create a movement of working literacy champions. 

Matthew Daniel Leysa, Director for Public Relations and Multimedia Development 

A nursing graduate for University of Santo Tomas, Matthew's passion delves more to graphic design  and visual arts. He has been the graphic artist of various organizations such as the Tomasino Web, and UST Nursing Journal. Currently, he is working as a layout artist for the Department of Education - Instructional Materials Council Secretariat. 

Marj Villafuerte, Director for Partnerships and Opportunities

Marj is an Accountancy student at the Far Eastern University. She is currently the executive secretary of Tamaraw Volunteers. Marj's burning passion for social change is undeniably one of Lampara's assets. As the Director for Partnerships and Opportunities, Marj is committed to bring more like-minded groups and individuals to work together in the arena of literacy. 

[Prime Movers] Ikaw ang Gamu-Gamo at ang Lampara ang Pag-asa Lampara Literacy Movement 2:45 PM

Mapang-akit ang liwanag sa panahon na binabalot ang mundo ng dilim... binabalot tayo ng dilim.

Noon pa man malaki na ang pagpapahalaga natin sa liwanag. Itinuturing natin na diyos ang araw na nagdadala ng liwanag, ng pag-asa sa walang hanggang posibilidad ng pagkakataon, na uunlad ang ating kalagayan sa pagdating nito at sasalubungin tayo nito kasama ng katuparan ng ating mga pangarap. Gayunpaman, hindi natin hawak ang ating panahon, dumaraan ang maghapon kung saan kinakailangan ng magpahinga ng araw. Sa pagpapahinga ng araw unti-unti tayong binabalot ng dilim, ng agam-agam at pangamba. Kaya’t naisipan nating lumikha ng mga sulo na siyang magluluwal ng apoy para bigyan tayo ng pansamantalang liwanag hanggang dumating ang bukas.

Sa panahon na sinakop tayo ng Espanyol nagdala sila ng katumbas ng ating mga sulo. Mas tumatagal ito sapat para sa kadilimang hatid ng gabi. Ginamit ito ng ating mga bayani para mag-organisa at magmulat sa mga kapwa nating pilipino, ginamit nila ito para magbigay kaalaman sa tunay na kalagayan ng bansa, ginamit nila ito para wakasan ang tunay na kadilimang kinakaharap ng mamamayang Pilipino: ang kamangmangan. Apat na daang taon mahigit na ang lumipas ngunit hindi pa rin nakakamtan ng ating mga kababayan ang kaginhawaang dulot ng liwanag, ang kaginhawaang dulot ng LAMPARA.

Panahon pa lamang ni Jose Rizal ay alam niya na ang dulot ng kaalaman kaya naman pursigido niyang sinikap na magpakahusay at ng sa susunod ay wakasan nya ang kamangmangan. Ngunit alam ng kanyang ina na si Dona Teodora Alonzo ang panganib na hatid ng kaalaman kaya’t binigyan nya ng anektoda ang kanyang anak. May mag-inang gamu-gamo na nakakita ng liwanag mula sa nagniningas na apoy mula sa lampara aniya. Nakita ng ina na tuwang-tuwa ang batang gamu-gamo sa liwanag na hatid ng apoy sa lampara. Ninais ng gamu-gamo na lapitan ang lampara ngunit pinigilan siya ng kanyang ina pinagbalaan siya na bagama’t nakakaakit ang ganda ng apoy ay nakakamatay ito. Hindi nagpapigil ang batang gamu-gamo, lumapit ito sa lampara naramdaman niya ang init, napaso ito, nasunog, natupok, namatay.

Animo’y propesiya ang binitawan na anekdota ni Dona Teodora Alonzo sa kanyang anak. Naganap ito sapagkat si Rizal ay tulad ng gamu-gamo na halina sa dulot na liwanag ng edukasyon hanggang sa maging maalam, at ang kanyang kaalaman ang nagpasibol sa mga Pilipino na mag-aral para sa kinabukasan ng bayan. Ito ang naging dahilan ng kanyang pagkamatay. Marahil sa mababaw na pagsusuri, aakalain natin na ang aral na dulot ng anekdota ay huwag ng magtangkang mag-aral ng mabuhay ng matagal, ngunit hindi. Ang anekdota ay hindi lamang nagpapakita ng posibilidad na dulot ng liwanag, pinapakita rin nito ang matapang na pagbagtas ng batang gamu-gamo sa apoy para malaman o madanas kung ano ang pakiramdam ng mapalapit dito.

Kambal na isinisilang ang buhay at kamatayan sa bawat tao na nasisilayan ang mundo ngunit hindi lahat ay nagkakaroon ng lakas ng loob na tahakin ang liwanag, ang daan tungo sa wakas ng kamangmangan. Lahat tayo ay mamamatay dahil ito ang ating kapalaran bilang tao ngunit hindi lahat ay namamatay ng makabuluhan. Namatay ang gamu-gamo ngunit namatay siyang may alam. Marami tayong gamu-gamo na nabubuhay sa bansang nababalot pa hanggang sa kasalukuyan ng dilim. Mayroong liwanag na humahati sa pumpon ng dilim kinakailangan na lang natin itong sundan, kinakailangan na lang natin itong lapitan. Maaaring sa pagtahak natin dito ay mamatay tayo ngunit alam natin sa ating mga sarili na namatay tayong may alam at nabigyan natin ng makabuluhang pakahulugan ang ating buhay. 

 Mayroong liwanag na humahati sa pumpon ng dilim kinakailangan na lang natin itong sundan, kinakailangan na lang natin itong lapitan.

Mapang-akit ang liwanag sa panahon na binabalot ang mundo ng dilim... binabalot tayo ng dilim. Pasinayahan natin ang liwanag na mapang-akit at isilid natin ito sa lampara ng maibahagi natin ito sa ating mga kapwa na hanggang ngayon ay binabalot ng kadiliman. Inaanyayahan tayong maging lampara ng ating panahon, huwag nawa nating sayangin ang pagkakataon na makapagbigay ng liwanag at maging liwanag mismo ng bayang ito. Sindihan mo’t pag-alabin ang iyong puso, ito ang magiging bukal ng maaliwas na susunod na salin-lahi, hasain mo ang iyong isip mula sa mga danas na magiging dulot ng iyong pagsapi, ito ang lilikha ng pagbabago sa ating lipunan. 

Maging Lampara ka kaibigan at maging lampara tayo ng ating henerasyon!

(John Robert Magsombol is LAMPARA's Director for Training and Development. He is also an activist for gender, students' rights and welfare, education, and Filipinism.)

Prime Movers is Lampara's section for ideas that matter. It aims to spark meaningful discussions that may yield specific solutions. To become a contributor, email us at lampara.multimedia@gmail.com

Lampara's First Collaborator: Library Renewal Partnership (LRP) Lampara Literacy Movement 1:58 AM

As a young organization, Lampara believes in the power of collaboration. With various organizations supporting the same cause, it is not impossible to find collaborators. 

Before Lampara was formalized, the core group met Quintin Pastrana, the founder and managing director of Library Renewal Partnership, to discuss ways the two organizations could help each other. The meeting was full of visions and aspirations, and we are beyond excited to launch our campaign on the second quarter of the year.

LRP’s vision is to empower more than 2 million citizens by building at least 200 community learning centers by year 2020 and help forge an interconnected archipelago of readers and leaders. Currently, the organization has built 80 libraries in various parts of the countries such as Ilocos Norte, Albay, Aklan, Sagada, Kalinga, Tacloban, Quezon City, and Manila, among others. They have also built public libraries in conflict areas in Mindanao such as Zamboanga, Marawi, Maguindanao and South Cotabato. 

Interestingly, LRP has also built libraries for various public and private institutions such as the Philippine Heart Center, New Bilibid Prison, and GK Farms. Pastrana believes that a library should be brought where it is needed because “library is a great equalizer.”

Thank you, LRP for being our first collaborator! 

Lampara: Raising Literacy, One Community at a Time Lampara Literacy Movement 7:57 AM

Have you ever wondered what you can do for others? Have you ever thought of what you can give to the community? How do you give back, or pay it forward? 


These are the rumbling questions inside 18 young individuals who want to make a change by doing something relevant, something beautiful. Through some series of conversations and reflection, Lampara was born.

Who we are
Lampara also aims to share its light to those individuals who are willing to promote the organization’s cause, and to those who have the capacity to develop wide array of literacy materials and services that are age-appropriate and culture-sensitive.

LAMPARA, or lamp in English, is a light source commonly used to illuminate barangays, towns, barrios, and far communities that do not have access to electricity. Founded on such purpose, Lampara as a non-government organization aims to enlighten and inspire communities that have little or no support from any educational institution. Lampara dedicates itself to the pursuit of knowledge and teaching the residents – young and old – on basic and functional literacies through alternative education.

Our clear vision

With an aim to shed light to underprivileged communities through alternative education, Lampara envisions to form the children of today the genuine hope of tomorrow. We aim to educate at least 2,500 out of school children and youth in no less than 20 communities by 2025.

We also aim to be an avenue for empowering the youth by honing their leadership skills and by inculcating the spirit of volunteerism.

How we do it

Our Lampara Camp, a 10-week multi-leveled literacy program is a tactical approach to address the issue of illiteracy while underscoring the values of culture, both locally and nationally. Through literacy modules developed by a core team composed of communicators, literary writers, educators, and psychometricians, we offer an approach that does not only allow children to learn how to read and write, but also giving them avenues to know and understand various social issues such as gender, environment, and peace, among others.

A nation’s challenge

We know this looks like a hard shot, but what if we unite to make this happen? We are always open to like-minded people who want to join our cause, especially to those who want to make real change.

Let us go beyond social media activism and do more to see more.

The nation is calling you.

Be the light. Be Lampara.