In the early days of December 2000, Lydia and I first thought of forming a group to " GIVE BACK" to our beloved barangay Libsong. We named it the Libsong International Association since most of the members are former residents of Libsong who are now residing in different places around the world. The first project will be the Computer project that will benefit the Libsong Elementary School.

I started to gather as many information as I could on all former barriomates like their addresses, phones and especially e-mail addresses. I was kind of reluctant to push through this plan but I went ahead and wrote down all the names of possible officers and members. I know this is going to be a pretty unique group since we will be doing meetings through the Internet and correspondence. I got a big help from Alex Ulanday, Tito Urbano, Nancy Rivera, Ross Ulanday, Mandy Ulanday, Pete Casaclang and many others for the addresses and phone numbers of many Libsongians.

I first e-mailed Sonny Rivera about my ambitious plan and offered him to be the President. But instead he suggested that I'll be the President and he'll be a strong supporter of LIA. Again, I e-mailed Dr. Nick Ungson, Jr. and Julius Reyes about my plan and I received an encouragement and big support from them. Since this project will benefit the Libsong Elementary School, it's imperative to let the school principal be aware of the project. So, I e-mailed the Mr. Jose Rivera through my niece, Merle Velasco in Baguio city and also e-mailed Col. Pol Bataoil through Gina Miem Bataoil to be one of the LIA Advisers as well as Fer Bautista and Cesar Urbano.

Upon completion of the names of all LIA Advisers and Board of Directors, then I started to get in touch with everyone with their respective volunteer positions. Undoubtedly, they all accepted their part. We decided to mail letters and solicitation of the said project, the purpose and mission statement of the newly formed association. After a few days, I received an e- mail from Rudy Altre for some advice and suggestions. I found out that he has vast experience with this matter and with his suggestion to appoint Chairman for this project. I appointed him to chair this project and Rick de Guzman has also accepted the Chairmanship, Solicitations and Awards.

Undauntedly, Lydia and I were patiently waiting for responses. To our surprise, we received e-mail from Anthony de Guzman pledging $200 for the project. I hurriedly forwarded his e-mail to everyone and slowly everyone made his or her own pledges.

We came to the realization that it was time to look for a computer store closer to the school wherein technical support is readily available. With the recommendation of the principal and other members, we decided to purchase the computers from Eurosoft, Dagupan City owned by Alfred and Letty Lagmay, our barrio mates as well.

In return, he trained four LES teacher free to be the LES computer instructors. LIA prospective is very bright with the support of all Libsongians.

By Mr. Frank Bautista

founder