WHO ARE WE?

We, the members of Association of Bansaleños Worldwide (ABW), are a virtual community composed of current and former residents of Bansalan, Davao del Sur, who now live abroad and in other parts of the Philippines. Our mission is to advance the quality of life of the people in our hometown.

ABW started in cyberspace with a simple website and the flow of emails that followed thereafter. In Fullerton, California, Edwin Bibera created the Bansalan website as an internet class project (http://www.bansalan.com). Little did he know that this project would result in an unexpected worldwide response. Lalay Rispens-Noel, based in The Netherlands, happened to surf the website and so did Imee Mabandos Schneider in Germany and Bongging Lapeña in Canada. Before long, these ex-Bansaleños exchanged emails and strolled down memory lane of the town they left behind. Amid their chats, dreams and visions of doing something for Bansalan took some form.

As internet popularity flourished and web searches for Bansalan were pointed to the Bansalan website, more Bansaleños based in the United States, Canada , Europe, Australia, and Asia were connected to the group. Word-of-mouth of the website's existence also triggered a snowball effect. Classmates were reconnected, friends were reacquainted, and Bansalenos who used to be strangers to each other were introduced. Sudden surge of kinship and camaraderie blossomed and reunions were held in the US and Europe.

Out of this loosely-knit bunch of Bansalenos from all over the world, ABW or Association of Bansalenos Worldwide was born. We have mapped-out our mission and vision, formulated our strategies and activities, and set our vision, hopes, and dreams for a better Bansalan. Distance, diverse time zones, and even hectic personal schedules prove to be no hindrance in achieving our common goals. The dream is there: to share our blessings and to give back to the town of our youth. Wherever we are in the world, we still look back to that little town which is the cradle of our birth, a place of our youth and a part of our lives.

MISSION

To unite Bansaleños around the world and aid in the advancement of the quality of life of Bansalenos by initiating and supporting sustainable projects in Bansalan intended to spur a vibrant economy, promote a healthy environment and, ultimately, foster social equity.

VISION

We envision a peaceful, progressive, prosperous Bansalan. We will support initiatives that will make the town a caring and desirable community in which to live and work.

VALUES

We espouse and promote the values of genuine concern and generosity towards our community in Bansalan; support projects and activities aimed at improving the quality of life of its people; and instill pride of being a Bansaleño.

We instill the virtue of solidarity with the entire Filipino people and people around the world by promoting a culture of peace, respect for life and diversity.

STRATEGIES

• Provide educational assistance to deserving children and youth.
  
• Contribute to the improvement of public facilities that are essential in the development of the well-being of the community with special attention to vulnerable women and children.
  
• Preserve and protect the environment and natural habitat of our town.
  
• Support income-generating projects, micro-enterprises, and other job-creating and skills development activities.
  
• Foster goodwill, cooperation, unity, understanding, and promote involvement among Bansaleños worldwide.
  
• Encourage local residents, local government, and the private sector of Bansalan to work together to improve neighborhoods.

ACTIVITIES

• Conduct awareness and fund raising campaign.

• Support the education of deserving children and youth.

• Invest in viable income-generating projects.

• Initiate social, cultural and sports activities that foster goodwill, unity and friendship among Bansaleños.

• Establish strategic alliances with like-minded organizations and institutions –local, national, and international – which can contribute to the development of Bansalan.

ON-GOING PROJECTS

1. Give Back: ABC Gym

The renovation of the restrooms, dressing room and repainting of the facade of the ABC Gym.

2. Give Back: Literacy Project

Support the education of less privileged children.

In school year 2006-2007, ABW supports 71 elementary school children and 1 high school student located in the following schools:

• Bansalan Central Elementary School
• Dolo Elementary School
• Mabuhay Elementary School
• Sibayan Elementary School
• Bansalan National High School
• Dugong Elementary School (special project in M'lang, North Cotabato )

FUTURE PROJECTS

• Setting up of a public library
• Beautification drive
• Botanical Garden
• Social Investments and livelihood projects

Partners:

• Kapatiran Philippines
• Local Government Unit of the Municipality of Bansalan