Celebrating Partnerships and Progress: FundLife Leads Kamustahan 2025 Gathering

FundLife hosted its annual Kamustahan 2025, a vibrant gathering dedicated to strengthening collaboration, celebrating achievements, and aligning collective efforts toward creating safer and more supportive learning spaces for young people.

The event brought together 47 participants, composed of school heads, focal persons, DepEd representatives, local government partners, youth organizations, and FundLife team members, to reflect on the year’s milestones and prepare for the opportunities ahead.

This year’s Kamustahan carried a single, powerful message: our impact is strongest when we work together. FundLife reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, community-driven programming, acknowledging the crucial role of Local Government Units (LGU), Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) partners, and youth organizations in promoting youth activation, safeguarding, and community participation.

A key segment of the program was led by Kimberly Lopez, Head of Operations, who presented updates on ongoing projects and shared FundLife’s confirmed initiatives for 2026. Her presentation highlighted upcoming improvements in programming, operational alignment, and strengthened coordination across project clusters.

Partners—including LGU representatives, SK leaders, and barangay officials—were invited to provide insights and feedback to ensure FundLife’s programs remain responsive to the needs of learners and their communities. During the event, partners also expressed their continuous support and commitment for 2026, reinforcing the shared dedication to improving learning environments and empowering young people.

Kamustahan 2025 shone a spotlight on the commitment of all partners. School heads, focal persons, and local government allies were recognized for their steadfast dedication to advancing FundLife’s education and safeguarding initiatives.

This year’s Outstanding Focal Persons, recognized for their exceptional contributions, were:

• John Rex Acuin – Sagkahan National High School

• Riza Datu – Cabacungan National High School

• Dave Rondina – Lorenzo Daa Memorial School

• Alvin Genotiva – Rawis Elementary School

Teacher Riza Datu shared her reflections on the recognition: "Maraming Salamat FundLife for the opportunity for having me as a Focal Person of Cabacungan National High School, and now awarded as one of the Most Outstanding Focal Person. I have learned a lot not just in coordinating, but also in raising awareness and empowering youth to understand their rights. Maraming maraming Salamat for all of the experiences that I've learned with FundLife."

These recognitions celebrate the dedication and hard work of individuals who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of learners and communities.

The event concluded with a heartfelt Message of Gratitude from Ms. Sonia Cabalona, Department of Education-Tacloban, Education Program Specialist, who expressed appreciation for FundLife’s ongoing support and the unwavering commitment of its partners. She emphasized:

"We hope to have more active partner schools so that more learners will benefit from the programs and projects that FundLife is implementing, because these programs are actually very beneficial to our learners."

Kamustahan 2025 was more than a yearly gathering—it was a reaffirmation of shared purpose. Through collaboration, recognition, and open dialogue, FundLife and its partners continue to build safer, stronger, and more resilient learning communities where every child can thrive.