Over the past year, Cebu has become one of the most important regions connected to our outreach efforts through Groundwork Foundation and now Sibol Foundation.

Through multiple visits to Cebu, we have had the opportunity to connect with students, instructors, academy owners, and local leaders helping grow one of the strongest and fastest-rising jiu-jitsu communities in the Philippines.

Building Relationships Across Cebu

Our outreach efforts have included visits, seminars, training sessions, and partnership initiatives with academies including New Ground Cebu, 90/Eight Jiujitsu, and Strive Cebu.

Each academy brought its own culture, leadership, and community dynamic, while sharing the same commitment to helping grow opportunities for students through jiu-jitsu.

“Real growth happens through relationships built over time.”

90/Eight & Strive Cebu

During earlier outreach efforts in November, we had the opportunity to train and connect with teams at both 90/Eight and Strive Cebu.

Those visits helped establish long-term relationships with local athletes, coaches, and community leaders invested in the future of Cebu jiu-jitsu.

Through conversations with instructors Like Jojo Padilla, Lem Maglente, and and their students, it became clear that the growth happening throughout Cebu is being driven by people genuinely committed to building sustainable programs and opportunities for others.

The New Ground Cebu Charity Seminar

One of the major moments connected to our Cebu outreach efforts was the multi-part charity seminar hosted at New Ground Cebu with Prof. Norman Go.

The event brought together athletes and students from throughout the region for a full day of training, instruction, fundraising, and community support.

Topics throughout the seminar included technical instruction, gi and no-gi training, mentorship, athlete development, and scholarship fundraising initiatives.

Supporting Scholarship Programs

A major priority throughout our Cebu outreach efforts has been helping reduce financial barriers for students and athletes through seminars, donations, partnerships, and scholarship support initiatives.

Scholarship support represents more than financial assistance — it helps create long-term pathways for confidence, mentorship, growth, and belonging through jiu-jitsu.

More Than a Seminar Tour

While seminars and training events are often the most visible parts of outreach work, the mission in Cebu has always been larger than hosting classes alone.

The long-term goal has been building relationships, strengthening local programs, supporting community leaders, connecting resources, and creating opportunities that continue beyond a single visit.

Looking Forward

As Sibol Foundation continues to grow, Cebu will remain one of the core regions connected to the mission moving forward.

Future goals include continued scholarship support, additional equipment distributions, expanded youth outreach initiatives, future seminars, and continued partnerships with local academies and instructors.