Aligned with its mission to reach the unreachable, one life, one child, and one tribe, the Pink Women on Fire Corporation in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) conducted a community outreach and cultural immersion with 150 learners of O-ong Elementary School on 20-21 April 2024 at Barangay O-ong, Hingyon, Ifugao.

The two-day outreach aimed to supplement the education and health needs of the children-learners who are beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) through a gift-giving of school supplies, hygiene kits, toys, beddings, and snacks.

The Pink Women on Fire Corporation is one of the active Civil Society Organization (CSO) partners of DSWD CAR under the Kaagapay framework of engagement which aims to jointly conduct or implement projects to uplift the lives of the 4Ps beneficiaries from poverty.

Aside from the gift-giving, the Pink Women on Fire Corp. conducted educational games and arts activities which provided avenue for the children to express their dreams and aspirations. The children also showcased some indigenous dances of Ifugao and participated in the cultural games organized by the teachers and barangay officials.

The O-ong Elementary School was recommended by the DSWD CAR for the outreach program having the need for resource augmentation and support in terms of education and health needs. The community was also endorsed with one of the criteria consisting of predominantly Indigenous Peoples who belong to the Tuwali ethnolinguistic group of Ifugao, who maintains a rich and intact cultural practices.

“We are truly grateful and elated for the initiative of Pink Women on Fire Corporation to serve our beneficiaries. Their dedication to empowering individuals and communities is truly inspiring and their efforts can make a lasting impact in the lives of the children and their families. We are one with you in making a positive difference to the Cordillera communities,” DSWD CAR Regional Director Maria D. Aplaten said.

The Pink Women on Fire Corporation was established to celebrate the lives of the underprivileged children, believing that they are destined to become the next generation’s future leaders. It is a non-government organization and a volunteer group focusing on community outreach.

Ms. Jenneferlee Navarro, founder of Pink Women on Fire Corp. shared that they help the underprivileged children through giving.

“Thank you to the school and the community for the warm welcome extended to our volunteers, and for the partnership with the DSWD CAR. This collaboration enhances our ability to support and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. We are grateful for the opportunity to work together in fostering a brighter future for the IP community,” Navarro enthused.

Meanwhile, the Barangay local government unit of O-ong chaired by Jose Daniels,  O-ong Elementary School headed by Clifford H. Tocgongna, and the parents assisted during the preparation of the activity. The barangay and municipal LGU also provided meals for the whole duration of the activity.

Since the forged partnership with DSWD in 2019, the Pink Women on Fire Corp. has been conducting community outreach activities in different parts of the Cordillera. The next leg of their outreach program is set in the municipality of Tanudan, Kalinga. ### DSWD-CAR Social Marketing Unit – Marlo C. Abyado, Jr., 4Ps Information Officer with reports from Fe Biba, Project Development Officer II, National Government Agency (NGA) Focal Person