Villar SIPAG Center Inaugurated

 

December 13, 2012 marks another history on the Villar Foundation as they celebrate their 20th anniversary the foundation they are also opening their SIPAG Center to the public. I was one of those who are interested and excited to witness the inauguration when I learned about it during my visit in Villar Foundation in Las Pinas City (see my previous blog post here).

The Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance also known as the SIPAG Center is located at C-5 Road Extension, Pulang Lupa Uno, Las Pinas City.

“We have been in public service, both in personal and political capacities, for decades. We have implemented numerous programs and projects that helped Filipinos better their lives. Through the Villar SIPAG Center, we will step up our efforts to reach out to even more people who need guidance, training, information, inspiration and skills to rise out of poverty,”  shares Cynthia Villar, who is now popularly called as Misis Hanep Buhay because of her untiring efforts to provide livelihood opportunities to Filipinos nationwide.

What’s inside the Villar SIPAG Center?

• Poverty Alleviation Museum
• SIPAG Poverty Knowledge Management Center
• Nacionalista Party Museum
• Reception Hall
• Mini-Theater
• Offices, Archives and Training Rooms.

    From reading and reference materials on poverty reduction, generation of livelihood to entrepreneurship which aims to cater to students of all ages, scholars, policymakers, journalists can be found at the SIPAG Poverty Knowledge Management Center. This library will be accessible to the public.

    Seminars, briefings and trainings on livelihood opportunities, entrepreneurial strategies, and other relevant and related topics for the womenfolk, the youth, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other marginalized sectors of the society will be held at The Training Rooms.
 
    The Reception Hall will feature the memorabilia of Senator Manny and Cynthia Villar, chairman and managing directors, respectively, as well as other relevant exhibits on occasions. The Nacionalista Party Museum will exhibit memorabilia, photos, documents, among others, of the oldest political party of the country.

    Screening of video or performances tackling the issues of and related to poverty reductions, conferences, symposia will also be made available for use as venue of private gatherings in the Mini Theater.

Here’s a message from Senator Manny Villar 

“We are serious about our goal to end poverty. It is not just a catchphrase for us, it is a serious campaign and this structure is a solid evidence of that. This will be a hub of our activities and actions for our impoverished countrymen. Our goal is that this center will also be instrumental in bringing about positive changes in people’s lives and the country as well.”

The 7th Las Pinas Parol Festival

That day, the much-awaited announcement of winners for the Las Pinas 7th Parol Festival was held. Judged according to ingenuity creativity and resourcefulness, impact and technical skills. Entries should only use recycled materials and natural or indigenous materials.

Just before the sunrise, people were gathered at SIPAG Center to join the merriment and witness the festivity. With colorful lanterns, one will definitely feel the spirit of Christmas.

Native delicacies such as bibingka and puto bumbong added flavor to the Parol Festival.

Rogelio Apuli, Jr won the grand prize. He received P45,000. 1st runner up received P20,000, 2nd runner up P15,000 and P10,000 for the 3rd runner up. The Villar Foundation extended a P1,000 cash subsidy to all those who fielded entries in the contests.

For 20 years, the Villar Foundation has provided livelihood-generation and skills training initiatives to alleviate poverty. In fact, its barangay-based livelihood enterprises now provide income to over 500 families and other parts of the country, where it has established more than 50 pilot projects.

Kudos to Senator Manny Villar & Mrs. Cynthia Villar of the Villar Foundation for their untiring efforts !

For more info and photos visit Mrs. Cynthia Villar’s Facebook Page