Strengthening community ties: Inspiring leadership and shared responsibility in Northeastern Mindanao

Fifty (50) dedicated volunteers from partner schools, local government units, and the Philippine Army joined 56 community leaders from at least 15 communities across Surigao and Agusan for a three-day community development workshop held at Gawad Kalinga Abilan in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on 5 to 7 April 2025. More than a training event, the gathering became a space to honor past efforts, reflect on personal and collective journeys, and plan for sustained action in caring for communities and one another.

The training began on April 5 with a Facilitators’ Workshop, setting the stage for shared learning and effective collaboration. This was followed by two core modules in Community Development.

On 6 April, participants took part in a reflective and interactive session entitled “My Personal Journey in Community Development.” They revisited the challenges and breakthroughs of serving in the field. The focus shifted outward on 7 April with a session entitled “My Community’s Journey Towards Development,” where stories of growth, struggle, and resilience emerged from across Surigao and Agusan. 

Partners from schools, LGUs, and the Philippine Army enriched the workshop – not just as guests but as fellow learners. Their commitment to serve as volunteer facilitators in future module rollouts underscored a powerful truth: transformation happens when people come together with humility and solidarity.

The community leaders, however, stood out the most. Many have served quietly and faithfully for years, driven by a deep commitment to strengthen their communities and inspire others. Their stories became a gentle yet powerful call for neighboring communities to embrace the mission of leading, serving, and caring for both people and the environment.

Throughout the workshop, the message of Laudato Si’ resonated. The call to heed the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor came alive through simple but powerful community-led efforts, such as Kusina ng Kalinga supplemental feeding for children, READ sessions for students, and other grassroots initiatives. These projects reflected compassion and commitment to caring for people and their future. They affirmed that community development is not only about infrastructure or large projects, but also about nurturing relationships, building trust, and walking together toward a shared and hopeful future.

As the workshop concluded, participants returned to their communities carrying more than just new tools and ideas. They went home strengthened by shared experiences, renewed in purpose, and reminded that the journey ahead is best traveled together. 

To know more about and support Gawad Kalinga Ateneo’s work, please email gka@ateneo.edu.

Photos courtesy of GK-Ateneo. 
For more photos on the Facilitators’ Training, click here.
For more photos on the Kapitbahayan Capability Building Program, click here.