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Certificates
Voted : Best of San Joaquin Bahala Na Multi-Style
Stockton, CA—As the social service coordinator for the Filipino Plaza Neighborhood Networks Computer Learning Center, Frank Gatdula is all about providing programs that enhance the lives of residents. One way Gatdula achieves this is through partnerships. So when Gatdula encountered an instructor from Bahala Na Multi-Style Eskrima Martial Arts who was searching for a venue for martial arts classes, he saw the opportunity to create a new local partnership. Gatdula first spoke with the Associated Filipino Organization board, owner of the Filipino Center Plaza property, about a possible partnership. He explained that the center could provide free space for the Bahala Na Multi-Style Eskrima Martial Arts’ program, and the Bahala Na Multi-Style Eskrima Martial Arts would help the center develop a martial arts program. The ownership board was persuaded, and in June 2008, both parties approved a memorandum of understanding. The partnership was official. Creating a Mutually Beneficial Partnership “Through this partnership, we could provide martial arts classes for the residents and physical fitness exercises for the seniors, and help supplement the afterschool program for the school-age children,” explained Gatdula. “Bahala Na Multi-Style Eskrima Martial Arts receive an affordable and convenient venue for their classes, and most importantly, they were given the opportunity to help us instill in our children the discipline and respect for others through the program. This was a primary goal of Maestro Dexter Labonog, the head of Bahala Na Multi-Style Eskrima Martial Arts.” The Filipino Plaza Neighborhood Networks Computer Learning Center in Stockton, California, partners with Bahala Na Multi-Style Eskrima Martial Arts to offer a variety of martial arts classes to residents of all ages. Rules of Engagement About the Program Promotion Made Easy
To emphasize the importance of schoolwork, Filipino Plaza Neighborhood Networks Computer Learning Center Social Service Coordinator Frank Gatdula established a rule requiring young participants to complete their homework before they attend the martial arts class. After one year of the program, Gatdula reports that the children are more physically fit and more focused. Their achievements were recognized with certificates of participation and rewarded with Bahala Na Multi-Style Eskrima Martial Arts t-shirts. Launching a Successful Program “One of our goals was to see positive behavior modification in our children,” explained Gatdula. “We have achieved that. A positive outcome of the program is that there is no pressure for students to upgrade from the novice class to the advanced class. It is all under the umbrella of the afterschool program, and I have advised the instructors not to place too much emphasis on moving up, but rather on discipline, self-respect, and respect for others.” Instructor Terry Joven agrees with Gatdula. “In the beginning, some of the children would walk into the sessions with an attitude, now they are very well-behaved in the classes. They look forward to attending these classes every week and learning new techniques.” To emphasize to the youth the importance of schoolwork, Gatdula and staff established a rule requiring the children to complete their homework before they attend the martial arts class. According to Gatdula, the rule has been very effective, and the children are more motivated to complete their homework earlier so they can attend the class. In addition to encouraging young residents to complete their schoolwork, the class was created to encourage the youth to be more physically active and to reduce the amount of time they spent watching television. After one year of the program, Gatdula reports that the children are more physically fit and more focused. Their achievements were recognized with certificates of participation and rewarded with Bahala Na Multi-Style Eskrima Martial Arts t-shirts. “I am very thankful to the generosity and contribution that Bahala Na Multi-Style Eskrima Martial Arts has brought to our programs and our residents,” said Gatdula. “We are now working on increasing the participation of senior residents in the program and also thinking about expanding this program to the larger community.” For more information about the Neighborhood Networks centers in California, contact: Donald Freeman Diana C. Mann Unetha G. Norman Martha G. Picasso For more information about the Filipino Plaza Neighborhood Networks Computer Learning Center contact: Frank Gatdula |
