Kagalingan Ko, Kagalingan Mo, Kagalingan ng Buong Mundo: How PSVP and Diana McDermott Are Empowering Filipino Communities

In today’s rapidly shifting world, where communities face mental health challenges, climate stress, and the impacts of poverty, we are called to nurture a new kind of leadership—one that is compassionate, grounded, and deeply rooted in healing.

From July 17 to 19, 2025, a meaningful leadership formation was held at the Daughters of Charity in Tagaytay, bringing together servant-leaders who are committed to making a difference in the lives of Filipino youth. This gathering was made possible through the Philippine Solar Village Project (PVSP), led by its founder, Ms. Diana Q. McDermott, whose long-standing dedication to the Philippines has brought both solar light and spiritual illumination to rural communities since 2019.

A Gathering of Purpose and Compassion

Representing the Gelacio I. Yason Foundation – Family Farm School (GIYF-FFS) were Ms. Glydel M. Ballesteros and Mr. John Arthur C. Tamayo—both educators and advocates who share a heartfelt mission to integrate holistic well-being tools in schools, organizations, and family systems. Their participation in this gathering reflects GIYF-FFS’s growing commitment to provide more than academic knowledge—it seeks to cultivate emotional resilience, inner peace, and empowered living, especially among underserved Filipino youth.

The training offered a hands-on and spirit-centered immersion into various Eastern and Western healing modalities including:

• Myofascial Release

• Jin Shin Jyutsu

• Massage therapy

• Reiki and chakra balancing

• Capacitar wellness practices (breathwork, finger holds, tapping, etc.)

These practices are simple yet powerful tools that support mental clarity, emotional regulation, spiritual connection, and physical well-being. When integrated in educational and community settings, they become lifelines for those living in conditions of poverty, disconnection, or chronic stress.

Healing in Action: Layda’s Story

One shining example of how these tools can change lives is the story of Layda, a Mangyan scholar of GIYF-FFS who recently graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Mathematics.

Coming from a marginalized indigenous community in the mountains, Layda faced many barriers—financial, emotional, and social. But with the support of the school, the community, and the holistic wellness tools introduced to her—like guided meditation, Capacitar techniques, and spiritual self-care practices—she found strength and grounding in her journey.

More than just finishing her degree, Layda is now sharing these healing practices with her family in the mountains, embodying the ripple effect of holistic formation. Her story reminds us that healing is not a privilege—it is a right and a resource for every Filipino, regardless of background.

Diana McDermott and PVSP: Planting Seeds of Light

Ms. Diana Q. McDermott, based in California, USA, has been a generous partner to GIYF-FFS and other communities since 2019. Through Philippine Solar Village Project (PVSP), she has provided sustainable lighting to families in off-grid areas, offering not just energy solutions, but a deep sense of dignity and hope.

But Diana’s mission goes far beyond solar power. Through her guidance and presence, she has introduced healing modalities and created sacred spaces for educators, youth leaders, and volunteers to rest, realign, and reconnect with the Divine.

Her belief is clear and grounded: Holistic well-being is essential to lasting leadership. And sustainable change begins when the leaders themselves are healed, restored, and re-centered.

Moving Forward with Purpose

As we move forward, we carry with us the deep lessons from this sacred weekend. These tools, these moments, and these relationships are not isolated experiences—they are part of a growing movement of heart-centered leadership and climate-conscious healing.

We envision a future where schools are places not just of learning, but of spiritual grounding and emotional renewal. A future where healing practices are woven into the daily lives of families, especially in vulnerable communities. And a future where young people—like Layda—can dream, grow, and flourish.

With Deep Gratitude

We offer our heartfelt thanks to:

• Ms. Diana Q. McDermott, for being a vessel of compassion, wisdom, and light

• Philippine Solar Village Project, for your unwavering support and healing advocacy

• Daughters of Charity – Tagaytay, for holding space for restoration and learning

• Team Aklan – Ma'am Macy and Ma'am Emily, for your guidance and kindness

• Quintela Family – Ma'am Tati, Ma'am Louise, Sir Jared, and Yana, for your hospitality

• Teacher John, Teacher Gly and Teacher Mina, for your humble and nurturing presence

• All participants, for showing up with open hearts and open minds

  
  

As a community, we are reminded that: Healing is not separate from leadership—it is the foundation that allows leadership to be sustainable, inclusive, and transformative.

May we continue to walk this path together—with God’s light as our compass and love as our offering to the world.

With love and sincerity,

The GIYF-FFS Community