Jazmin Bonifacio Posted on July 11, 2026 at 7:23 am
T’BOLI, South Cotabato — The trip to Barangay Maan was not an easy one.
For volunteers from the GMA Kapuso Foundation and the Universal Guardians Brotherhood (UGB), reaching the remote community meant navigating rough roads, steep mountain trails, and difficult terrain all to deliver relief goods to families who were waiting for assistance.
Located deep in the mountainous areas of T’boli, South Cotabato, Barangay Maan is a community surrounded by farmlands, forests, and natural waterways. While the area is known for its scenic landscape and rich cultural heritage, its distance from the town center makes access to basic services and outside assistance challenging for many residents.
On July 10, 2026, volunteers from GMA Kapuso Foundation and Universal Guardians Brotherhood (UGB) made the long trip to the barangay to conduct a relief distribution activity for families in need.
The road going to the community tested the volunteers’ patience and strength. Some parts of the route were difficult for vehicles to pass, forcing them to continue on foot while carrying relief packs and other supplies.
Along the way, they had to cross a strong-flowing river while carefully keeping the goods dry and secure. The cold water and strong current slowed their movement, but the volunteers continued, knowing that families in Barangay Maan were waiting for their arrival.
The difficult trek became part of the work they willingly took on, not as a burden, but as a reminder of the importance of reaching communities that are often difficult to access.
Upon arriving in Barangay Maan, the volunteers immediately worked together to organize and distribute relief goods to residents. Members of both organizations helped ensure that the assistance reached beneficiaries in an orderly manner.
For the families who received the relief packs, the activity provided not only immediate support but also a reminder that they remain connected to people and organizations willing to extend help despite the distance.
UGB President Bong “UGMF Isaac” Contapay said the initiative reflects what genuine service means—giving not only material assistance but also time and effort to help others.
“Ang serbisyo ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa laki ng naibibigay natin, kundi sa malasakit at panahon na iniaalay natin sa ating kapwa. Kapag nagtutulungan ang mga organisasyon at mga volunteer, mas marami tayong natutulungan at mas napapalakas natin ang ating komunidad,” said Contapay.
He added that partnerships between organizations allow them to reach more families and respond better to communities that need assistance.
“Ang bawat tulong, kahit maliit, ay may malaking kahulugan para sa mga pamilyang nangangailangan. Ang mahalaga ay may puso at pagkakaisa sa bawat ginagawa natin,” he said.
The activity also reflected UGB’s continuing involvement in socio-civic and humanitarian initiatives. Through its community programs, the organization promotes volunteerism and encourages cooperation in helping people facing difficult circumstances.
For the volunteers, the experience of reaching Barangay Maan showed that service often requires going beyond convenience. The long roads, challenging paths, and river crossing became part of an effort to bring assistance to families living far from urban areas.
T’boli remains home to diverse indigenous communities, long-standing traditions, and families who rely on farming and local livelihoods. However, the mountainous geography continues to present challenges in accessing resources and support.
The relief distribution in Barangay Maan became more than the handing out of relief goods. It was an opportunity for volunteers and residents to come together, strengthen connections, and show that even the most remote communities can be reached through cooperation and commitment.
Photos by: UGB Guardians
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