VANCOUVER, 6 MARCH 2026 - Deputy Consul General Paul Vincent L. Uy attended a public dialogue entitled, “Land, Life, and Livelihoods: A Learning Exchange on Indigenous Land Governance in Guatemala and the Philippines,” which was organized by the Hope International Development Agency at the University of British Columbia on 6 March 2026. Hope invited, among other speakers, the following representatives of two (2) PH organizations that benefit from its projects funded by various donors such as Global Affairs Canada (GAC):
- Pio Fuentes, Area Manager for Visayas, Assisi Development Foundation
- Dale Perez, Executive Director, Pamulaan Center for Indigenous Peoples Education, Inc.
Assisi (www.assisi-foundation.org), which was established in Manila in 1975, collaborates with PH communities and institutions “to provide the marginalized with innovative and relevant programs and services contributing towards a society of faith and love; equity and justice.” Mr. Fuentes’ presentation deck entitled, “Amplifying Indigenous Voices,” enumerated how Assisi helps promote and protect the right of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to self-governance and empowerment. The said right is one of the four bundles of rights under the PH’s Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997. Assisi’s strategies towards this goal include: (a) Partnership Building; (b) Community Situation Analysis; (c) Area Development Planning; (d) Capacity Building & Execution; and (e) Reflection Learning.
Pamulaan (www.pamulaan.org), which was established in Davao in 2006, offers “culturally-appropriate and relevant pathways on education, training and formation for indigenous children, youth, leaders, community development facilitators, and advocates for the IPs in the Philippines.” Ms. Perez’ presentation deck entitled, “Women-led Indigenous Community-Based Enterprises,” explained how Pamulaan contributes to the socio-economic empowerment, development and sustainability of indigenous households/communities by establishing and supporting community-based enterprises. Pamulaan’s key result areas include (a) leadership and good governance; (b) economic empowerment; (c) socio-cultural development; and (d) environmental responsibility.
Assisi and Pamulaan are supported by Hope (www.hope-international.com) which funds community-led projects globally to address the root causes of extreme poverty, with focus on clean water, healthcare, food security, livelihood and learning. Since its establishment in 1975, it has helped almost 28 million people in 67 countries through contributions from 80,000 donors that have given around $600 million as of 2024. Hope has four (4) different projects with Assisi, and two (2) different projects with Pamulaan. The said projects involve: (a) child education; (b) IPs land and livelihood; (c) drinking water for IPs; and (d) IPs youth training and education.
Hope sources its funds from various donors including the International Assistance Program of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) (www.www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/funding-financement). According to GAC’s website:
- Canada and the Philippines share a long-standing partnership in international assistance cooperation.
- Since 1986, Canada has provided over $1 billion in official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines averaging $24 million over the last 5 years.
- In fiscal year 2023-2024, Canada provided $45.82 million in international assistance to the PH, making it the sixth-largest donor.
