YGOAL WORKSHOP

YGOAL extended an invitation to PACCI (Philippine Arab Cooperation Council, Inc.) to send Two (2) representatives to attend the “ CURATING OUR INCLUSION NARRATIVE WORKSHOP” last November 28, 29 & 30, 2023 at Luljetta’s Place, Antipolo City, Rizal. Represented by Ms. Liza Marie Acasio and Ms. Josette Nimbona, PACCI joined the workshop to translate their advocacies into ‘pieces of art’ with the help of YGOAL’s creative consultants and artists. The workshop aimed to guide participating grantee organizations and their rightsholders in creating artworks that would amplify their stories and causes, helping both Filipinos and international audiences better understand their advocacy. The resulting artworks were showcased in an art exhibit as part of VOICE Philippines and YGOAL’s “Social Conversations Caravan,” which traveled to various cities across the country. PACCI, representing refugees and asylum seekers, was paired with the Mindanao Tri-People Women’s Resource Center (MTWRC), which supports survivors of gender-based violence from the 2017 Marawi City siege.

The “Linking and Learning” event organized by Y-GOAL and attended by PACCI was very fruitful, opening new opportunities and ways of thinking for PACCI. The organization participated in both online workshops and in-person activities, such as the “Share the Road” event, which supported women’s rights and allowed PACCI to learn from best practices of others. Specifically, the learning activities organized by Y-GOAL were valuable for PACCI, offering new perspectives and novel development opportunities for our pioneering refugee-led organization in the Philippines.

By gaining insights into the projects of other Voice grantees, we have learned to be open-minded and to aim for a higher vision for PACCI. We propose increasing face-to-face interactions and sharing of projects and ideas. Additionally, we suggest establishing an exchange program where representatives from one grantee participate in the projects of another grantee for a few days to share knowledge, ideas, and innovations. We also recommend creating a support group to advocate for rightsholders who need attention and care.