Staff Spotlight: Kuya Mark

In celebration of our 19th anniversary, we are highlighting our beloved staff, Kuya Mark. Learn about Kuya Mark’s roots in Galing Bata as a former student, his passions in working with our scholars, and now as our Middle School Program Leader!

Kuya Mark (siya/they/he)

Middle School Program Leader

How long have you been part of FEC GB?

I was a Galing Bata student from 2007-2012 (3rd-8th Grade), and a volunteer / Junior Counselor from 6th-8th grade. I am currently a Galing Bata staff since October 2019.

Paano kayo nagsimula sa FEC GB / how did you start?

I came to the USA in 2006 and attended Rosa Parks Elementary School for one semester as a 2nd grader. Then, I attended Bessie Carmichael/FEC starting 3rd grade. Thankfully, my parents were informed about this Filipino bilingual program so I won't forget my culture, heritage, language, and my roots.

What is one memorable experience you have at FEC Galing Bata?

FEC Galing Bata nominated me to be a Youth Warrior, a DCYF (Department of Children, Youth and Families) Youth Empowerment Fund program, which entails being a youth representative of District 6 which was a one-year commitment. I was able to improve my skills in leadership, public speaking, and confidence in my community-- the SOMA Pilipinas community.

How has being part of FEC GB touched your life? Who and why do you do this work for?

Being part of FEC Galing Bata allowed me to feel confident in my own skin and never forget my native tongue of Filipino (Tagalog). I was a newcomer and felt very shy being in a new environment. Galing Bata was the program that allowed me to feel comfortable.

I do this work for the community, the families, and the kids. I want to give back to GB and to the SOMA Pilipinas community and the other community-based organizations that helped to also mold me, like SOMCAN (South of Market Community Action Network), when I was in their Youth Empowering SoMa program and FCC’s (Filipino Community Center) Asian Youth Preventive Services (AYPS).

I want to give back to GB and help guide the current and future kids of the program also! I want to elevate the youth, the families, the community, and the program because there's so much love, compassion, and value in this kind of program.

What is one wish you have for FEC GB Program?

I wish for the sustainability of the FEC Galing Bata Program and for it to expand so we can continue to provide Gabay, Lingap, and Bantay!