The initial phase of the Core Shelter Project involving the construction of 17 shelters for the indigenous agtas in Iriga, Philippines is ninety percent (90%) complete, according to the announcement made by the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP). The shelter project is sponsored by East Coast Iriguenos (ECI) pursuant to a plan by the NCIP.

The objective of the project is to provide shelters for about 280 agta families who lost their homes during typhoon Reming that devastated the Bicol region in November 2006.

The estimated cost per unit is $210.00. The project (please see project site here) is funded by ECI. Eilen Diamante, who filed this report Jul. 6, 2007, is the ECI overall coordinator of the project.

ECI is one of the independent community-based organizations that support many of UI’s activities. On the other hand, UI has partnered with ECI for a joint undertaking whereby UI, among other things, will disseminate information about the Core Shelter Project to obtain support from philanthropic individuals, charitable organizations and the donor communities.

To support a fundraising drive for the Core Shelter Project, please contact or send an email message to Eilen Diamante, or simply post a message here and we will be in touch with you.

July 7-12, 2008 (Vienna, Austria): “Magbinaydan sa Austria 2008”

From: Magbinaydan 2008 Committee

“Magbinaydan, as you know by now has become a tradition, passed on from one group to another for one purpose: for Irigueños from around the world to meet in a different place each time. This momentous event has become a venue for friends old and new, families and acquaintances to meet, share personal experiences and viewpoints, plan socio-civic projects that will be implemented in the Philippines and see and enjoy the beauty of the host country.

“So it is with great pleasure that we, your Irigueño friends here in Vienna, Austria, are inviting you, your family and friends as we host this prestigious affair on July 7-12, 2008.

“Magbinaydan 2008 will also include the grand reunion of the University of Northeastern Philippines Nurses International Alumni Association, that will take place after the Magbinaydan 2008 event (July 11-13). Click here for further schedule of events. Help us make this celebration a success by registering as early as possible. For more information and details, please visit our website at Magbinaydan 2008.

“Come to Austria, the land of music and mountains and get the chance to visit
neighboring countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Germany and others. We look forward to seeing you. Thank you and servus!

“Mayna, magbinaydan kita sadi Vienna, Austria ka 2008!”

(The group that is organizing the Magbinaydan 2008 is another independent community-based organization that believes in the Magbinaydan tradition. The UI traces its origin to the conjoint relationships of global Iriguenos manifested in Magbinaydan experiences. The above message is posted as a courtesy to the Magbinaydan 2008 Committee, Vienna, Austria.)

October 13, 2007 (Northern Virginia): Golf Tournament for Core Shelter Project

Tournament Information (from East Coast Iriguenos):

Date: October 13, 2007
Location: Pleasant Valley Golf Club Callaway, Chantilly, Va
Format: Handicap System
Registration & Lunch: 11:00AM
Shotgun: 1:00PM
Tournament fee: $90.00 before Sept. 25, 2007 and $100.00 on play date.

For direction visit www.pleasantvalleygc.com. For more infromation email Arthur Ibarrientos at r2ribarrien2s@aol.com or aibarrientos@wmata.com, or call 202 465 5961 and 571 275 7565