Bajao Community

Brgy. Malitam, Batangas

Welcome to Bajao Community

Sama-Bajaos are Sea Gypsies and fishermen whose culture and lifestyle are centered on the open seas. Some Bajao families from Mindanao settled in Isla Noah, Batangas around 1980. But due to climate change and strong typhoon in 2006, the small island they were living before is now submerged which forced the locals to move in Malitam, Batangas. Bajaos in Malitam is around 260 families. At first, our main project is electrification but due to their land issue (informal settlers), we shifted our focus on helping the community in their education and finding a home they could call their own. Malitam Elementary School and Sahaya Ministries are our lead hosts for the community.

Overpopulation

They have early marriage and no family planning. An average family consists of 6-10 members.

Land Issue

They have been informal settlers for 40+ years and has no proper waste management.

Basic Literacy

They lack basic literacy, arithmetic and technical skills. Many children don’t go to school due to hunger, discrimination or need to work.

Jumper Connection

They have an average of 15-17 houses in 1 electric meter. They are paying a fixed amount of P200/appliance.

Low Self Esteem

They have lost their identity and self-confidence. Many resolve to begging in the urban areas.

Enlighten: Earth Hour Event

solarhope
May 22, 2021

To conduct a DIY Solar Lamp workshop among young professionals and students and Environmental Awareness. Created solar lamps was given to Bajao community.

BasuRun 2019

solarhope
May 22, 2021

To have a clean-up drive and environmental awareness through BasuRUN 2019 in the Bajao community.

Project Sahaya

solarhope
May 22, 2021

To uplift the lives of the Bajaos in Malitam, Batangas through building a resilient, inclusive, sustainable and empowered community.

Ingram COVID-19 Initiatives

solarhope
May 22, 2021

To provide financial support to our adopted communities through a P100k grant from Ingram Micro.

Tanglaw Batch 1

solarhope
May 22, 2021

To light 69 homes with solar lanterns to Bajaos, Dumagats and Mangyan communities to help them in their day-to-day activities and livelihood.

Jan 29, 2021 Community

Project Presentation with LGU

Jan 29, 2021

The Leaf Project of Batangas LGU which contains their plans and design draft for the Bajaos was presented to the consortium.

Jan 18, 2021 Community

Meeting with Batangas City Mayor

Jan 18, 2021

Project Sahaya was presented to Batangas City Mayor through a joint partnership with JCI Batangas Caballero, Habitat for Humanity and St. Bridget concerning the land for Bajaos.

Nov 20, 2020 Community

MES Distance Learning Kiosks: Turn-over

Nov 20, 2020

The basic phones were turned over to the parent volunteers and the distance learning kiosk was setup in the community.

Nov 19, 2020 Community

Bajao Daycare Support

Nov 19, 2020

We funded modules from CSWD were turned over and is now being used to teach the Bajao students in Sitio Bajaoan Daycare Center.

Nov 7, 2020 Community

MES Distance Learning Kiosks: Training

Nov 7, 2020

30 Parent Volunteers were oriented about the project and the purpose of the basic phones. They were also trained on the setup of the distance learning kiosks.

Mar-Apr, 2020 Community

COVID-19 Food Assistance

Mar-Apr, 2020

To support the families in the midst of the pandemic, we provided 4 batches of relief goods to around 150-200 families through Titas of EDSA and St. Bridget.