Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte – Friends of Saint Mary MacKillop, Inc. (FSMMI), a Philippine-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering marginalized children and youth, has officially launched Phase 1 of its Zero Poverty PH 2030 program in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte.
As a local convenor of the nationwide Zero Poverty PH 2030 initiative, FSMMI works to improve incomes and expand access to essential social services for 100,000 Filipino families by 2030. The first phase, called Social Understanding for Responsive Interventions (SURI), will run from February to March 2026 across ten barangays in Siayan. SURI aims to gather in-depth community data and insights to inform responsive, sustainable programs tailored to the unique needs of each community. To introduce the initiative, FSMMI held a stakeholders’ meeting at the LGU Siayan Mayor’s Conference Hall.
The event brought together the Local Chief Executive of Siayan, the Vice Mayor, the Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO), barangay captains, the Tribal Chieftain and Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), the Tribal Council of Elders, representatives from the Philippine National Police, the Department of Education, the Philippine Army, and St. Isidore the Farmer Parish of Siayan. FSMMI was represented by Founder and CEO Fr. Dean Klayford Bongat, National President and Project Manager Mr. Rey Anugon, and SJCSI Social Work Interns. The gathering emphasized the power of collaborative governance and multi-sectoral partnerships in tackling poverty.
Fr. Dean Klayford Bongat, Founder and CEO of FSMMI, underscores the shared responsibility of poverty reduction during the launch of Phase 1 of the Zero Poverty PH 2030 initiative in Siayan.
Leaders and stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to work together for inclusive and sustainable development. “We are thrilled to be a local convenor of Zero Poverty 2030 in Siayan. This initiative allows us to unite partners, address challenges head-on, and build a stronger, more resilient community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact,” said Mr. Rey Anugon, FSMMI National President and Project Manager.
Mr. Rey Anugon — FSMMI National President and Project Manager, presents the Zero Poverty PH 2030 program and calls for strong multi-sector collaboration to support vulnerable communities in Siayan.
Mayor Alberto Bongcawel expressed the local government’s support, stating, “Thank you for choosing Siayan to be part of Zero Poverty PH 2030. I’m grateful for this chance to uplift our community. Let’s unite and work together towards prosperity and success.”
Mayor Alberto Bongcawel, community leaders, and partner agencies affirm their commitment to collaborative action to reduce poverty and strengthen essential services in Siayan.
“As Tribal Chieftain and Municipal IPMR, I am overjoyed that FSMMI continues to support our indigenous children’s education. With Zero Poverty, we have renewed hope to face challenges and thrive. This program inspires us to work together for a brighter future,” added Timuay Labi Johnny C. Anugon, Sr.
Timuay Labi Johnny C. Anugon, Sr., Tribal Chieftain and Municipal IPMR, expresses strong support for the Zero Poverty PH 2030 initiative and its commitment to advancing indigenous children’s education.
FSMMI Founder and CEO Fr. Dean Klayford Bongat underscored the shared responsibility of poverty reduction, saying, “Service is never a monopoly. It is our shared calling, a collaboration and not a competition. Poverty is not the burden of a distant few—it is a battle that touches us all. And it is only through togetherness that we can rise, overcome, and claim our victory.”
Guided by the principle, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” FSMMI continues to bridge gaps in underserved communities through education, livelihood programs, and community-based initiatives. With strong partnerships, active community engagement, and evidence-driven strategies, FSMMI aims to create lasting change and empower families in Siayan to build a hopeful and resilient future.
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For more information:
Friends of Saint Mary MacKillop, Inc. (FSMMI)
fsmmphilippines.com quimlatservices@gmail.com
About FSMMI
Friends of Saint Mary MacKillop, Inc. (FSMMI) is a nonprofit organization committed to educating and empowering marginalized children and youth, with a focus on indigenous communities. Inspired by the life and mission of St. Mary MacKillop, FSMMI bridges gaps in underserved areas through education, livelihood development, and community-centered programs