Empowering Champions: FundLife Leads Capacity Building Activity for Youth and Educators in Dulag, Leyte

Dulag, Leyte – April 22, 2025 — In a vibrant display of community spirit and purpose-driven engagement, FundLife successfully conducted its Empowering Champions: Capacity Building Activity at the Cultural Center of Dulag, Leyte. With the theme “Empowering Youth and Educators in Sports: Advancing Safe, Inclusive, and Purposeful Play in Dulag,” the one-day event brought together local leaders, educators, and youth to learn, share, and grow through the transformative power of play.

The activity was part of FundLife’s ongoing commitment to build the capacity of local stakeholders in support of its flagship program, Football for Life: Dream Generation Academy (F4L:DGA). Designed to enhance sustainability, the initiative aims to empower local champions who will advocate for safe and inclusive learning through sports and play.

The morning kicked off with a warm welcome and engaging activities led by Mx. Art Vincent Salem, FundLife’s Stakeholder Engagement Officer, alongside Youth Mentor Ma. Cristine Maceda. The session set the tone for a day filled with dynamic learning and collaboration.

Youth Mentors Daryl Villamor and Kenneth Villalino shared an exciting overview of the history and fundamentals of Football and Futsal, capturing the attention of participants with demonstrations and interactive discussions.

The concept of Purposeful Play was introduced by Ms. Kimberly O. Lopez, FundLife’s Head of Operations, emphasizing how play can be a powerful tool for education and empowerment. This was followed by an enlightening session on Gender and Gender Equity facilitated by Ms. Julie Ruth Martija, RSW, Social Welfare Officer III of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) in Dulag.

Ms. Lopez concluded the morning with a critical session on Safeguarding in Sports, ensuring that all participants understand the importance of safety and protection in youth-focused activities.

In the afternoon, participants took a deeper dive into gender equity through play-based learning, again facilitated by Ms. Lopez. Sessions focused on breaking down gender barriers and promoting inclusion in sports and community leadership.

Participants also engaged in a vital discussion on reporting mechanisms for cases of abuse, reinforcing a culture of accountability and protection in youth-centered spaces.

The event culminated in the awarding of certificates, recognizing the active participation and commitment of attendees to become champions of safe, inclusive, and impactful play.

Among the participants were representatives from various barangays including SK Officials from Barangay Rawis and Cabacungan, a teacher from Rawis Elementary School, Young Leaders from Cabatoan, the SK Chairperson of Barangay Batug, and no less than Hon. Jeric M. Tumandao, SK Federation President of Dulag, Leyte.

This capacity-building activity stands as a testament to what’s possible when communities unite to nurture the next generation of leaders. Through collaborative efforts and shared goals, FundLife and the people of Dulag are building a future where every child is safe, supported, and empowered to dream in colour.