On December 16, 2021, Siargao was struck by Super Typhoon Odette, which devastated the entire island, destroying infrastructure and livelihoods and leaving thousands of people to suffer.
Three years later, some residents are still experiencing the adverse effects of the calamity. In Burgos town, for example, eight Child Development Centers were forced to suspend classes for 3- and 4-year-old children from March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and remained closed until August 2023, when Typhoon Odette completely destroyed the buildings.
In response to this ongoing crisis, the Alumni Association of the Asian Institute of Management, Inc. (AAAIM), under the Chairmanship of Mr. Conrado Dayrit Jr., through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee, led by former Chairperson Corazon Tecson Jimenez, former Trustee, Fr. Tito Soquino, OSA, and a dedicated group of alumni organized the AAAIM Ahon Siargao Team. This initiative led to the establishment of the Ahon Siargao Strategic Assistance Program (ASAP), aimed at supporting the island’s recovery, particularly in improving child health, nutrition, and education services.
The ASAP program, which launched in November 2022, consists of three key components:
1. Project CAPE (Capacity Building and Training for Health and Nutrition Governance): This project focused on strengthening health and nutrition governance in the municipalities of Burgos, Sta. Monica, and Pilar. Local mayors were tasked with mapping out Municipal Nutrition Action Plans and ensuring budget allocations for health and nutrition activities. Project CAPE, funded by the Zuellig Family Foundation, ran from February 2023 until its conclusion with a colloquium in Cebu on May 21, 2024.
2. Project ILNO (Improved Learning and Nutrition Outcomes): This initiative aimed to improve the learning and nutritional status of 250 daycare children in accordance with the Early Child Care and Development Council and the DOH-National Nutrition Council standards. The eight Child Development Centers were renovated and furnished, with the blessing and inauguration held on July 3, 2024. A nutrition program, which began in March 2024, provides daily meals for the children, with regular monitoring of their weight and height. Parents were also trained to create home gardens to provide nutritious food.
3. Project Burgos Karunungan Center: This community learning hub offers education to both children and adults. Children receive lessons in reading and value formation and engage in creative activities with occasional guest speakers. Adults have access to vocational training in partnership with organizations such as TESDA, GO Digital ASEAN, Kermit Resort, Rotary Club, and SeaOil Foundation. These training programs cover carpentry, masonry, electrical work, digital literacy, culinary arts, and sustainable organic farming.
On November 29, 2024, the AAAIM Ahon Siargao “Project Transition Ceremony” was held at the AIM Meralco Case Room, bringing together key stakeholders including the Municipality of Burgos, represented by Mayor Angie Arcena and SB Pedrita Dominos, local coordinator Ms. Chona Gona, and AAAIM leadership, including Past Immediate Chairman Felix Tiukinhoy Jr., Current Chairman Roberto Benares, Vice Chairman Ernest Villareal, and other members of the AAAIM team. The ceremony also included the participation of various alumni, institutional partners, individual donors, AIM faculty members, and the dedicated Core Team of AAAIM Ahon Siargao: Corazon Jimenez, MDM 2002; Alejo Mayoralgo, MBM 1979; Fr. Tito Soquino, OSA, MDM 1999; Myrna Alberto, ME2001; Agerico Melgar, MBM 1987; Roberto Nebrida, MDM 1994; Tomas Apacible, MBM 1971; and Renato Fortuno, MDM 1999.
During the event, Mayor Arcena shared the inspiring milestones of their journey, which transformed the aftermath of disaster into a future filled with hope and joy for children. This success was made possible through the collaborative efforts of local community stakeholders, along with the unwavering support from individual donors, volunteers, NGOs, corporations, and government agencies.
With more than two years of successful implementation and with the financial and technical support of partner organizations and individuals, Project ILNO will now transition from a co-implementation model to full management by the Municipality of Burgos, under the leadership of Mayor Angie Arcena.
The Alumni Association of AIM expresses its gratitude to AIM President and Dean Jikyeong Kang for her support, to Prof. Richard Cruz for his excellent hosting and moderation, and to the AIM and ACCM staff for their assistance in organizing the event.
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