Talakag Central School Library Is Open

This is it! It’s a dream come true for the pupils and teachers of Talakag Central School for they now have a very nice library that is well-stocked with 1,800 books and reference materials. These pupils may be in Talakag physically but they will now have the opportunity to travel in time and explore a different world through reading these books. This much needed school facility has been made possile by the generosity of donors through the BigHoop Charities, Inc. and HELP Foundation’s friends and families.

Today we witnessed the formal hand-over ceremony and opening of the Talakag Central School Library. It was such a news-worthy ocassion for both the school and the town that even ABS-CBN TV crew came to document the event. In attendance were Talakag Central School pupils and teachers, Bighoop Board Members and staff, LGU staff and distinguished guests including Dr Racoma (Bukidnon School Division Superintendent), Dr Ga (Talakag Central School District Superivisor), Mr Urbina (Talakag Central School Principal), Ms Maiatico (BigHoop In-country Director), Mr Felipe Bigcas (BigHoop President), Kagawad Factora, Kagawad Bigcas and Kagawad Taqueban (representatives from the LGU), Father Brigoli (St Joseph Parish Priest) and Pastor Rufino (General PTA President).

Special mention goes to the international guests of honour who travelled all the way from the USA Ms Kathy Parker, Ms Kathy Crosson and Ms Blanch Malankowski Smith. They all worked as US Peace Corps before, just like Ms Gerry Maiatico (mentioned earlier) and Mr Keith Hooper, the Founder of BigHoop Charities, Inc and HELP Foundation. They have volunteered to come to Talakag and worked hard in helping categorise and catalog the books and also in organising the successful library launch. This is also their way of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the US Peace Corps.

Acknowledgement:

Founder of BigHoop Charities, Inc and HELP Foundation
Mr Keith Hooper and, his wife, Ms Paterna Bigcas Hooper

Donors through BigHoop Charities, Inc. and
HELP Foundation

Library building renovation and books
Ayers family and friends “in memory of David Ayers”

Books
John and Mary Jan Crosson family
Ben and Carol Finch
Jolene Beckman
3rd Graders of Smith Center Kansas Elementary School
Dan Abrams family
Jessica Banthim family

US Peace Corps Returnee Volunteers
Blanche Malankowski Smith
Kathy Crosson
Kathy Parker
Gerry Maiatico

Library painting and decoration
Mr Jojo Rivera (BigHoop Artist and Trainor)
The Young Artists Club of Talakag Central School

Talakag Celebrates Farmers’ Day

For the very first time, Talakag celebrated Farmers’ Day over a 3-day period (August 17-19). The event was organised and sponsored by the Municipal Agriculture Office and the Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council. As usual it started with a civic parade, followed by an opening programme and cutting of ribbon to officially declare the event open.

Farmers from around Talakag gathered to exchange experiences and tips on successful farming. They also took the opportunity to attend seminars run by the Municipal Agriculture Office covering topics in line with this year’s theme “Ang Kakugi sa Pag-uma Maoy Pag-laum sa Lungsod”. Plaques of Recognition were awarded to Outstanding Farmers for 2011 while Plaques of Appreciation were given to Agro-Fair Exhibitors. Prizes were also awarded to winners of different game categories. Please check out the photos of activities below.

Dole's Fruit Cocktails and Various Vegetables for SaleRetired Teachers Association BoothMade to Order Bukidnon Dolls for SaleVarious Plants for SaleDel Monte Bananas for SaleBighoop Foundation Booth: Hamburgers, BBQs, Siomai & HandicraftsBighoop Women's Livelihood: Preparing Siomai for SaleDan Croft's Rabbits for SaleCatch the Piglet Game: The Winner Takes It Home

See the rest of the Booths below:

Korean Medical Mission Is Welcomed by Talakag Residents

A Korean group from Bethel Church, Korea were in town to conduct a Medical Mission organised by the Immanuel Mission Mindanao Churches led by Rev Eun Seo. They were assisted by the Local Government Unit.

Talakag residents gathered at the Town Plaza Covered Court to receive free medical and health services from Korean Doctors, Nurses, Surgeons, Dentists, Opticians and Pharmacists. Patients, whilst waiting for their turn, were entertained by Korean musicians, artists and dancers. Activities prepared for the children included balloon modelling, face-painting and picture-framing. Those in need of some pampering only were offered free Korean-style manicures.

There was something for everyone, from consultations, tooth extraction, surgery, free reading glasses and medicines, to free manicures, entertainment and even snacks.

Here’s a big thank you to our new Korean friends and we wish them safe journey back to Korea.