The Mindanao Land Foundation Inc. (MLF/MinLand), a Non Government Organization based in Davao City and Kidapawan City in partnership with Move On Philippines International (MOP), an organization of Filipino migrants in Jacksonville, Florida, USA has launched an Ukay - Ukay Fund Raising Activity.

Started this June 20 until 21 2008 at Matina Town Square, Matina, Davao City the two-day bazaar is aimed to benefit the disadvantaged students in conflict affected areas in North Cotabato.

Proceeds from the two-day fund raising activity will support a “School Breakfast Program” for the students of Datu Ambel Memorial High School in Barangay Kilada, Matalam, Cotabato.

School Breakfast Program is a pilot project of MinLand or MLF for the School Year 2008 - 2009 which hopes to help increase motivation of students in conflict affected areas to finish high school as well as to provide nourishment and energy to respond to the everyday physical and mental challenges in school.

Datu Ambel Memorial High School primarily caters to students coming from poor families in conflict affected barangays in the municipality of Matalam, North Cotabato. Many of its students have experienced the hardships associated with conflict- tension, hunger, harassment, illnesses, evacuation, homelessness, disruption of schooling, separation and/or death of family member/s and friends.

The management of the Matina Town Square is supporting the activity through the provision of its flea market (tiangge) area free of charge, where pre-owned clothing items gathered by MOP volunteers in the United States will be displayed for sale.

Through supporting a “school breakfast program” we can help them realize their dreams of breaking the chains of poverty. Your purchase of “Ukay-ukay” can help poor children in remote and conflict-affected barangays in North Cotabato finish education. An MLF statement said.

One may only donate P15.00 a day or P390.00 a month (26 days) per child for a simple breakfast to fuel the minds and motivation of students.

Do email at minland-cmo@minland.ph or asbato@minland.ph for questions and for details on how to send your financial support. Interested donors may send PhP195 every payday to cover one child’s breakfast for half a month or PhP390/month or even a school year’s needs for as many students. MinLand/PIA