Nanay Bibo - A women run eatery and training space

Dear friend,

Warm holiday greetings from Siargao. As the year draws to a close, we’re reflecting with gratitude on how far we’ve come together. Even as December brings its familiar rains, the work we planted earlier this year continues to grow—quietly, steadily, and with so much hope.

Your belief in mothers and in community nourishment has shaped every milestone we’re excited to share. We hope this update brings you the same joy and inspiration you’ve given us throughout the year.

Here are a few highlights since July 2025:

Our newly outfitted community kitchen has become a lively, purposeful space—used weekly to prepare supplemental meals for our elementary school feeding program and our Maternal Empowerment Program (MEP). As we communicated this growing opportunity to the mothers, we transitioned toward a community kitchen internship model, giving more women the chance to learn, train, and step into meaningful roles.

Over the last few months, 91 mothers have joined our gatherings, workshops, and learning sessions, and 172 supplemental meals have been served—nourishing bodies, lifting spirits, and strengthening bonds.

In August, we joined the San Benito Rural Health Unit for their Buntis Congress—a joyful celebration of pregnancy, connection, and the journey into motherhood. Later that month, we wrapped up Breastfeeding Awareness Month by bringing mothers together to honor the beautiful, intimate stories of breastfeeding. The RHU team shared helpful insights, mothers opened up about challenges and triumphs, and the day ended with a shared meal—moms feeding their little ones heartfully, side by side.

October gave space for deeper reflection. With the guidance of Siargao-based artist Donna Dosado, we hosted Alima: Sa paghatag ug pagdawat, a moving art therapy session centered on “the hands that give and receive.” Through mindful practice, painting, and quiet storytelling, mothers expressed what fills and empties their hands—ending the session with shared nourishment, smiles, laughter, and moments of release.

By November, moms continued taking small but meaningful moments for themselves. A jewelry-making workshop opened up new avenues for creativity, self-care, and delight in learning new skills.

And on November 25, we proudly hosted San Benito’s first Women’s Livelihood Conference—a milestone gathering in partnership with the Department of Trade and Inudstyry (DTI Surigao del Norte.) Mothers explored potential income opportunities, learned from inspiring local women, and participated in self-care and empowerment activities. This event marked the beginning of a longer journey toward sustainable, purpose-driven livelihood pathways for rural island women.

Looking ahead:

In January, we will welcome our first cohort of four mothers into the community kitchen internship, where they will learn kitchen operations, nutrition, meal planning, and procurement—equipping them with skills for future work at the public-facing karinderya.

We are also reviewing insights from the livelihood conference to better understand the types of work and skills mothers are excited to pursue. To build on this, a hands-on workshop series will begin early in the year—giving mothers the chance to explore different forms of work. Our long-term aim is to support the growth of a community-led social enterprise that aligns with their strengths, dreams, and daily realities.

Why this work matters:

In a region where undernutrition remains a pressing challenge—especially in the years following Typhoon Odette—our Maternal Empowerment Program continues to serve pregnant and lactating mothers during the most critical window of infant development. By combining supplemental nutrition, practical education, livelihood training, and strong local partnerships, we’re supporting healthier mothers, stronger families, and more resilient communities in San Benito.

Thank you for standing with us, believing in the brilliance of mothers, and helping build a future where women and families can thrive. None of this would be possible without your generosity, compassion, and shared vision.

With gratitude and warmth,
The Kolekbibo Team