In this year’s iteration of the Neil Eria Educational Discussion Series (NEEDS), UP Kalilayan empowered the Dumagat fisherfolk community of Brgy. Dibut, San Luis, Aurora, through the establishment of a fishing supplies store and the conduct of a financial literacy workshop on May 10, 2026.
With the theme “TAIB-HIBAS: A Community Outreach for the Dumagat Fisherfolk of Brgy. Dibut, San Luis, Aurora,” the one-day outreach initiative gathered 34 tribal leaders and fisherfolk, 30 Dumagat children, 16 student-volunteers from UP Kalilayan, and representatives from partner organizations and the Provincial Government of Aurora.
“We recognize the power of the youth in arousing consciousness, organizing projects, and mobilizing resources. And by dedicating initiatives that aim to strengthen indigenous peoples’ livelihood, we do not only give them opportunities, but also fight alongside them in asserting their rights and autonomy,” said Yssa Laroza, one of the project heads of NEEDS 2026, highlighting UP Kalilayan’s commitment to creating sustainable and community-centered initiatives for indigenous peoples.
One of the major highlights of the outreach was the turnover of a fishing-supplies store stocked with essential fishing materials, including hooks, squid jigs, underwater lights, and gasoline. The store will be managed by the tribal council led by Chieftain Cipriano Dela Torre, with all proceeds intended to sustain the store’s operations and support future community projects and activities.
To complement the livelihood initiative, a community-based livelihood and financial literacy seminar was also conducted by Ronald Marigmen, Municipal Cooperative Development Officer of the Municipality of San Luis. During the session, Marigmen introduced practical strategies in managing small community enterprises, emphasized the value of cooperative systems, and encouraged the community to develop sustainable financial practices.
“Kapag sinabi naman nating sustainable ang livelihood… hindi ‘yung wala na siya bukas. Kailangan siya ay pangmatagalan… Mawala man [ang isa], makakatayo tayo, sapagkat tayo ay matatag na,” Marigmen shared during the discussion.
Marigmen also assured the community that the Municipal Cooperative Development Office remains open to provide further assistance and specialized training to help ensure the store’s long-term sustainability and success.
Meanwhile, Dumagat children participated in an interactive workshop on youth participation in community leadership facilitated by Ino Maxino, one of the project heads of NEEDS 2026. The activity was accompanied by games and the distribution of toys.
Beyond the formal activities, UP Kalilayan student-volunteers also shared meals and conversations with the beneficiary community through a boodle fight featuring seafood products directly sourced from the Dumagat fisherfolk. This allowed the organizers and volunteers to listen to the community’s stories, learn about their daily struggles, and build stronger connections with the people they aim to serve.