Bayanihan Foundation and MPR Sabon Outlet donate used clothing, rice to Filipino indigenous children, the Manide tribe (December 2025)

In a powerful display of community spirit, the Bayanihan Foundation joined forces with local business MPR Sabon Outlet to deliver over 600 lbs. of rice, clothing, and treats to the Manide tribe in the Bicol Highlands.

Nestled under the shadow of Mt. Labo—a majestic, potentially active stratovolcano straddling Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Quezon—the Manide (also known as the Kabihug) represent a living link to the Philippines’ ancient past. Recent studies suggest they are among the first peoples of the archipelago, with a history in these mountains stretching back over 50,000 years (Pnas.org)

(from left) Dale Asis overlooking the river crossing a tropical jungle in the Bicol Highlands (December 2025)

The Journey into the Wild

Accompanied by Gian Carlo Aceron, Administrative Officer at Kabatuhan Integrated School, I set out for what I thought would be a simple trip from the provincial capital, Daet. It quickly became an unforgettable trek.

We navigated a lush green jungle, crossed two rivers, and hiked through verdant tropical forests. Just as the wilderness seemed endless, a public elementary school appeared at the top of the forest canopy—a beacon of education in the heart of the highlands.

Filipino and Manide children and their parents waiting (December 2025)

A Warm Welcome at Kabatuhan

Waiting for us were approximately 40 children and their families, representing both the local Filipino and Manide communities. The atmosphere was one of immediate action and warmth. Teachers and school staff moved quickly to organize the bags of rice, clothing, and chocolates we had brought.

For the Manide, also known as Abian (“friend”), life is a delicate balance between ancestral tradition and modern survival. Historically nomadic hunters and gatherers, many have now adapted to seasonal work like wild honey gathering and charcoal making. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the children as they received the chocolates—a special donation from Will Dix—was a reminder of why these connections matter.

(from left to right: Dale Asis, Prax Rajas, Margee Rajas) MPR Outlet entrepreneurs Margee and Prax Rajas welcomes Dale Asis as part of their annual gift giving (December 2025)

A Legacy of Giving

This mission was made possible through our partnership with MPR Sabon Outlet, a small enterprise in Daet and Labo. Owners Margee and Prax Rajas have been quietly serving their community for 14 years, donating essentials to local schools every Christmas.

We are deeply grateful to:

• Margee & Prax Rajas for welcoming the Bayanihan Foundation into their 14-year tradition.
• Gian Carlo Aceron and the staff at Kabatuhan Integrated School for their tireless dedication to these students.
• The Manide Community for allowing us to visit their ancestral home.

Recent DNA research shows that many Filipinos share a genetic heritage with the Manide. In helping them, we aren’t just helping “a tribe”—we are supporting our own history. We look forward to many more joint programs in the Bicol Highlands (The University of Sydney, 2021)