United Irigueños, Inc. (UI) launched its Books for Tots program in October 2007 in partnership with professional educators in the Philippines, the National Bookstore Foundation, Inc., parents of students and supporters. The project aims to deliver high-quality books to poor and deserving schoolchildren in the rural communities of the Philippines.

The Books for Tots project has been conceived and put into effect following initial survey which indicated that in Iriga City, Philippines during the 2007 school year, there were 14,500 elementary students in public schools but less than 7,000 English books.

Irigueños of Southern California initiated and designed the project which UI has promoted through its network. (more…)

The book “IRIGA! A Celebration of Its People and Their Stories” is now available online. To view the book or to order copies, please click here.

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.