Representing All the Women, SALUTE!

" Ladies all across the worldListen up, we're looking for recruits
If you with me, lemme see your hands
Stand up and salute
Get your killer heels, sneakers, pumps or lace up your boots
Representing all the women, salute, salute"

The lyrics above was from a British girl band named Little Mix with their song "Salute". The song signifies strong empowerment of women in all sort of ways. I just want to clarify that hating men and feminism is different. People should clearly understand that women have this pursuit for equal opportunities that does not happen to pull down or degrade men; instead, it is to put women and children's right as a forefront priority as well. In other words, I empower women, but I don't degrade others; I don't degrade men and I respect all human beings and their human rights. 

My whole stay in the Women's Resource Center of Visayas, Inc., led me to another world where reality lies. The reality behind every family that could afford and live well, was another family that is prevented to have one. In every household, there is an abused woman, a daughter, children. Health was also an issue due to the absence of proper relocation sites after an act of demolition in some barangays. Some people don't even have a place to relocate. There was no aid in ways such as psychological and social. In ways their best can do, the WRCV has extended help through livelihood projects and of course, to put women and children's rights as their top priority. They have brought us to many far flung places such as in Northern Cebu, and introduced us to women organization leaders for interviews. We were able to observe them, their surroundings and their meetings. Truly, their commitment and perseverance led this NGO into a nonfailing success. 

The WRCV has maximized its capacity despite its limited budget into a more beneficial and significant commitment to projects. Their role was not only within the four corners of their office, but also, outside where they encouraged us to discover and learn. It does not end there; they will continue to help no matter what. They will feel the mud on their feet just to feel the grassroots and never back down.

I don't have a long blog post with pictures in it. I have not taken pictures on some of our most memorable adventures because sometimes, when you enjoy so much you tend to rather vividly observe the beauty and view of people and surroundings; to appreciate the life and the blessings. Our weekly assessment proved that the WRCV staff were also very eager to hear from us of what we've learned. Learning is fun when we enjoy and I have enjoyed so much by learning. The traffic during our field visits may have bothered us, but the consequence of having to serve the people is one great blessing and achievement. I'm hoping to many more of the families that the WRCV could help, that all of us could help. It's never too late because I am one of the women supporters. I empower women and chidren. No one get's left behind. Our rights have the capacity to build us and not destroy us. Under the new administration, we will continue to fight for it alongside the 15 points that we support of. This gradual change and development shall be looked after and more beneficial activities and livelihood will be introduced to change their lives forever. Yes, there is a forever.

With all the hardships from the ship to our few days in Cebu, I shall consider this as our trophy for finishing our internship. It's saddening to have failed to spent summer at homeland, but we have had enough of our adventures and misadventures all-in-all. Thank you my family, to the WRCV staff especially to Maam Sarah for hiring us, thank you to our dear adviser Ms. Claire, to my roommates and polsci batchmates for all the moments of being hungry, the beastmodes, night talks and patience. I was the first to have left the dorm when we were finished, and I honestly hate to have not say goodbye when you were all still asleep. In the end, I know that what matters were the weight of all the things we have learned and not the baggage of stress and memories that killed us there everyday. After all, we're all UP students and were so used to cramming at night and students during the day; now, the lost in Cebu nights are over and we now celebrate our few days of vacation at home. I now feel triumphed and well-rested. I am ready for this coming change. I represent all the women, salute! Thank you God for this wonderful experience. Truly, nothing is impossible with You. 

Activities on the fifth week of Summer Learning Experience 2016 (July 16 - July 19)

July 16, 2016

The People's Agenda and Peace Forum for President Duterte was the last forum that we, the interns, had attended to. It was a four-hour forum that consists several representatives from some of the organizations that were eager to contribute for change. Unlike the first peace forum, the latter forum was attended mostly by professionals, that although are middle class leaders, were never different from some of the urban poor leaders that were able to make it to represent their constituents. 

The forum ran smoothly and the 15 points, as mentioned in my previous peace forum post, were still the main group movement that the forum seek to attain and address the president. It was discussed thoroughly and made easy to understand for the listeners and guests. I myself understood it much better for it was spoken in Bisaya, and it focused on the gist and was direct to the point; having a firm and strong stand. All in all, it was a successful event that left a significant meaning and lesson to each and everyone who attended the peace forum. We ended the forum by signing on the mural that signifies our commitment to our stand for peace through justice. We have had picture taking afterwards and a little contemplation about the last forum we will ever have as interns in the Women's Resource Center of Visayas, Inc. 

July 17, 2016

It was a one busy Sunday for us, the interns. It was the last day for completing our final compilation and output. Hard as it is, it took us less time for sleep and more time for writing articles and re-arranging sections in our compilation. It made me regret not being able to furnish our articles right away, and chose to maximize my sleep and rest and "gala" in Cebu instead. But, we made it anyway so there were no problems that persisted anyway. We were encouraged to maximize our chance to discover Cebu and balance our time in order to finish our output, and at the same time, get to visit tourist destinations in Cebu as well. Luckily, we're done with both and we're prepared as always for our final output presentation the next day. God blessed me for efficient group and workmates for a job well done. The lesson was just never believe the saying: "Due tomorrow, Do tomorrow." We should be Nike generation with: "Just do it."

July 18, 2016

Our final day as interns has finally arrived! It's a mixture of both excitement and sadness for us. We printed and bookbinded our final output and made our powerpoint presentation. We haven't practiced our speeches yet even a bit since we were busy editing our paper. It was an edge however, that we have all experienced what we have put into our paper and presentation, that therefore, we think we're ready enough to present. It finally occurred to us that it would be the last day we will be hanging out in the WRCV office; it made me gloomy for the rest of our trip to the office. 

Before our presentation, we have had  a short and brief assessment with the WRCV staff. We pondered for a while about our recent trips, field work and forums and what we learned and felt about it. There was a short moment for sharing our adventures, and it felt joyful and fun that the office is filled with giggles. 

After that, we proceeded to the presentation of the interns with regards to their final output. 

After the presentation was the distribution of certificates of the WRCV director and staff to the interns.

The interns were also given their tokens.

That concludes our WRCV and internship here in Cebu. All the experiences and lessons we have learned had a significant part of our lives now. It was never easy to adapt into a new environment we're never familiar with. All the efforts and the finances that it costed us were a big leap and risk. It was all worth it; to do something academically related during the break. I hope the acads life become more easy when first semester happens. God will guide us. Thank you, WRCV. Thank you for being a wonderful and caring family while we navigate through Cebu. The adventures are worth keeping. What we have learned will be passed on to the future generations; to take into account fighting for the rights of women and children. To seek for peace through justice. We will be remembered. Your organization will be remembered. Always.

July 19, 2016

It was my departure day back to my hometown. I was the first among my batch mates to go home since we have just finished on July 18th. I'm very blessed and satisfied with our performance as interns here in Cebu. Our being new to the city has never hindered our capacity to manage ourselves; to navigate in Cebu ourselves. All the unending traffic and allergic reactions were just part of those memorable experiences. Being roommates with my political science course mates made me know them even better. We have bonded even better; well maybe, spent a little more hehe. But this being my last day, I reminisce through all the ups and downs of my one month internship. Now that it was over, I guess I should prepare myself for a long week of rest. Thank you, UP Cebu for accommodating us. We could have not done this without your consideration. Bye for now, Cebu. See you soonest if I get to proceed to Law school, hopefully. God bless me. Surely, I'll be back soon. 

Activities on the fourth week of Summer Learning Experience 2016 (July 11 - July 15)

July 11, 2016

The interns were given one whole day of rest after their trip from Kawit, Medellin Cebu. During this day, I transferred all the documentation I took from my tablet to my laptop and finished my self-assessment report. I went out to reflect a little bit about my whole trip and experience in our two-day activity.  

I’ve learned how ECCD projects are put into application. We focused on the arts and crafts area during our internship with which we taught the youth participants, how to do several handicrafts that they could use, innovate and sell in order to earn additional income for their families. On the second day, a basic book keeping orientation was held to teach the youth with how the financial records should be kept and its processes. In partnership with the ACT or Asian Community Trust, the two-day event has been able to educate, train and build new friendships amongst the youth participants, the NAKASAMA members, the interns and the WRCV staff. Events such as this enlightens a mind of a naïve child, towards a more responsible, more thinking individual in the future; a resourceful, organized leader and member of the youth. The presence of the youth seems to represent me in my days where there is hunger for knowledge. As we fill in their curiosities and discomforts, I realized that it takes a whole lot of trying for learning to be obtained. Creating a change in this world starts from the fingertips of one, passing the idea to others that therefore creates a more vivid view of a more developed, more sufficient place to live in. 

The activity made it sure that they have learned something. The WRCV is very open for recommendations in order to make projects like this better and more conducive for learning every time.  It is always one their priorities to help women and children cope up with their basic needs through the livelihood projects that are available and can be made available for them.

July 12, 2016

We had our assessment with the WRCV staff with regards to our activities from the past week. They gave us positive remarks about our arts and crafts activity held at Kevin’s Beach Resort. We also shared our best and fun experiences there; the things we have learned and the things we think we should improve about our performances. We have learned what was really expected from us; what was expected from the activity itself. I am so glad we have done our part well enough to please the staff. I hope we continue the good job on our remaining days as interns in this organization. 

After our short and brief assessment, we also helped rearrange the office into a more structured room with a conference area. We enjoyed pushing and carrying the heavy cabinets and boxes as we joke around, dusting off some of the things untouched for a very long time in the office. We were able to practice our skills for interior designing and used up some muscle strength! It was one fun and productive day indeed.There was also free dinner after the office transformation that indeed made it so rewarding. 

July 13, 2016

Photographed by Evan John Ostan

We have been planning to begin with our final outputs and presentation. We tried to review the outputs of other interns that once worked for WRCV and adopted some of their templates. After we distributed the assignments of among ourselves, I made an outline for the flow of our final output. 

July 14, 2016

We came at the office late for another data gathering session. We followed up some questions to our staff and jotted down notes for the completion of our final output. This information will help us to complete our written articles and statistical data. 

July 15, 2016

We came to visit, interview and observe the shop where our grassroots women sell their goods for export. We were able to ask questions, hold the items and taste some of their delicacies all in one visit in Cebu’s fair trade shop. 

We learned that there is only one fair trade shop in Cebu. This shop buys the products of women from the grassroots organizations in which they name their desired prices for their products. They export products such as dried mangoes and VCO oil to countries like Korea and Germany. The fair trade shop has helped not only those who make the products, but also those who consume or use it since healthy organic goods are being sold in the fair trade. They seek for better publicity to encourage more buyers. They sought for more financial support to achieve their desired goals of providing better lives for their constituents and beneficiaries. 

The activity made me understand and appreciate more the efforts our dear NGOs, such as the WRCV do in order to help our women and children in the best way they can. The fair trade shop is one way to cater the products born out of resourcefulness, perseverance and skill of our grassroots sector. There should be many other opportunities for everyone, more established shops for their goods to be exported.

Arts for a Cause

It was one quiet and tiring evening when we arrived at Kevin’s Beach Resort in Kawit, Medellin Cebu last July 8, 2016. The smell of the sea and humid breeze welcomed us alongside the care takers of the resort. It was the interns’ first time to be there together, with a goal of conducting their main project and activity for the youth under the Women’s Resource Center of Visayas Inc.

The arts and crafts activity of the WRCV has been another way to teach and educate the youth that it all starts within their fingertips; the beginning of every livelihood products that could actually help them earn and achieve all their families’ necessary needs. The interns were tasked in-charge of the 2-day activity through teaching the youth with several artworks, and helping them boost their leadership and companionship skills with one another. It was a difficult task at first because we weren’t positively sure that what we had prepared was enough (i.e. materials, activities, etc.). At the same time, we honestly did not know what to expect. How many of them will arrive? Will they be able to participate? Will they like our activities? How will they behave? To our conclusion, there was nothing we can do but to prepare. We slept late to finish cutting some colored papers, woke up early the next day until they all arrived. There were 18 of them from Mayjo and Gibitngil, to which most of them were elementary to high school students with ages 8-17 years old. We were observing them as they jot down on the attendance sheet and caught glimpses of fragile, shy and fainted smiles. Together with the WRCVstaff, the interns opened the program through a prayer and an introduce yourself portion. A brief orientation followed so as to fill in the curiosity and unanswered questions of the participants. After that, the youth participants were turned over to the interns' care and guidance.

We, the interns, thought that the best way to start the arts and crafts training was to actually turn the tension into a comfortable working place for the youth. So, we started with an ice-breaker game. After forming a circle that fits everyone, the interns gave the instructions. The game was for the participants to think of an adjective that best describes them with the first letter of their name. The goal of this group exercise was for them to self-reflect, know about others, learn some new words and easily remember others names. We also joined them so they would feel comfortable around us. The game took us 3-4 rounds until everyone has already participated and quite memorized the names of their companions. We saw how from shy to expressive and fun the game has become. Sometimes, it takes a lot of effort from everyone so a certain goal can be achieved.

The first arts and crafts activity that the interns introduced was the yarn balloon lantern. It was an easy handicraft project that uses a piece of balloon, one roll of yarn, glue, starch and one’s artistic imagination. The participants were divided into four groups and were given the liberty to choose their groupmates. They all just followed the instructions that were step by step given to them by the interns and successfully finished two balloons for the whole activity. We then hung the finished products for drying. As it dries, the balloon should be popped to reveal the hardened yarn’s round shape. The balloons were by the way popped on the second day since the glue wasn't dry enough to be popped during that same day.

The next activity was a colorful one. It is the lotus flower origami making with which it was an individual work for the youth participants. It tested the ability of each to follow instructions, independence and of course, to practice their liberty as of choosing their color combinations for their individual outputs (colors reflect different personalities). It took us a while to complete the processes of the folding and tying of rubber bands. After finishing the activity, we observed the happy smiling faces of the participants as they posed with their finished outputs with pride and satisfaction. It is as if they were saying “I finished this alone and I’m happy because it turned out just fine and right!”

Lunch was served afterwards while a little bonding with the youth took place by the sea. They bombarded the interns with questions and stories about their life experiences and posed again for another round of picture taking.

In the afternoon, the main activity of placemat/coaster weaving was introduced to the youth. Some of them were already familiar of how this is made, while the others didn’t know how to start with it. Indeed, there are several ways how to weave the product and the interns knew one method which was different from theirs. The interns decided to turn it over to the NAKASAMA members to train the youth participants with placemat weaving. Some of the youth participants were able to finish the activity by finishing a placemat. Whilst the first timers haven’t finished theirs; the good thing was that at least they tried cutting and folding some laminated sack strips.

The day ended with a short and brief assessment of the youth participants by maam Julie. The majority of them said that they’ve learned how to make yarn balloon lanterns and lotus flower origamis that according to them, they would definitely try making again at home and teach their other relatives, friends and classmates about it. On the other hand, the placemat making according to them was the most difficult activity since their small hands and the level of its difficulty is yet to be achieved by young first timers as of now. We have also considered these ourselves. As young adults that are new to this, we realized it was really difficult to do it alone (because we have tried too) but we should always remember that there is always room for trying and improvement; one must only persevere to do so. On the bright side, the first day was fine and definitely one interesting day for the youth to learn- for everyone to learn. We are looking forward for these handicrafts to be able to help them in the grassroots with their livelihood in the future. We, the interns, are positive it would. 

Never was it Gone

The generation of the youth today has become technologically advanced that no kids can be seen playing “habulan” in the streets when the clock strikes at 3 or 4 in the afternoon. Nowadays, kids beg their parents to buy them the latest gadgets to satisfy their wants. Some concern how they look, what they wear, who they please, and how many likes? What happened? If change is constant, then this change among people could have contributed less to our development.

While sitting on the porch outside our cottage in Kevin’s beach resort, I studied the jellyfishes that came out of the water below. It was already high tide time of the day and the blue waters revealed several black, brownish jellyfishes. Lenny, a youth participant of our activity from Mayjo, withdrew from playing “habulan” and saw what I was looking at. She started talking to me about the many kinds of jellyfishes abundant near their home. I was amazed with how she tries to entertain me about all these. After a small chat, we redirected our topic from fishes to her personal experiences as a typhoon Haiyan survivor. At first, I was a little bit taken aback; getting some first-hand information from a survivor herself is a bit of a challenge. I know it’s one of the most traumatizing events in history- but what amazed me was how she actually reacted about it. “If you believe and trust God, nothing bad will ever happen to you,” she said, “My teacher, who’s also my friend once told me: That’s life, sometimes you’ll feel really happy, then afterwards you’ll feel sorrowful,”. I smiled at her because there’s nothing more I can add for a strong girl to become stronger; she already is.

Several other kids joined us and some questions were redirected to me. They seem to look forward into going to college since they were very eager to ask me about it. What was my degree all about? Was it hard? I told them all I could and advised them to prioritize their education because it’s the best gift they could ever reward their selves, their families. I told them to never miss a chance to pursue what they want. They all just nodded with hopeful smiles on their faces. After a while, they took a glimpse of their finished products from earlier and asked me if they could sell them. I enlightened them a little bit by saying they could and they were quite positive they could earn from it to support their education and buy rice for their family.

My encounter with these kids made me realize that there are still those, who at a very young age have the initiative to help their families and continues to persevere in school. These kids, exposed with the traditional kind of living, are those who are more privileged in terms of having to achieve something significant at an early age and a coping mechanism with all the challenges they will all go through.  No storm will ever break them because their faith is strong. They became an inspiration; a proof that our evolving generation still has left us something just like before.

Activities on the third week of Summer Learning Experience 2016 (July 4 - July 10)

July 4, 2016

We went to visit and interviewed grassroots women in Brgy. Tungkop Minghanilla, and learned through them how their livelihood products (coaster-weaving using laminated sacks) are hand-craftedly being made. We also tried making one ourselves and documented therest of the procedures from the cutting to the weaving part of the laminated sack strips. It it one of the most consistent livelihood projects that women do, that not only contributes to their personal financial gain, but also to the recognition and development of their women’s organization as well. 

The activity made me appreciate the nature of work the labor sector has. A simple NGO like the WRCV indeed is a bridge for the grassroots women, for them to have a livelihood of their own. The exposure of the grassroots women through this field visits we do helped them speak their minds and the cries of their hearts with regards to their specific situations as of the moment. Are they okay? Or are they suffering from injustices? Now, more people will learn to become more sensitive with regards to their social situation and might actually care to help, which is the most proper thing to do.

July 5, 2016

This day was given to us by the staff to actually canvass and purchase the materials that we would need for our arts and crafts activity. We bought the materials from People's School and Office supplies in Carbon so we could only spend less, instead of purchasing the materials from the mall.

July 6, 2016

I was absent during this day of our final staff meeting, which I had also asked permission to Maam Sarah beforehand. By the end of the day, I called Andrea to ask her about any updates with regards to our schedule and departure for our upcoming arts and crafts event in Kawit Medellin, Cebu. I’ve delivered her at evening the other materials that we needed for our big event.

July 7, 2016

We the interns, seized the day to enjoy the city life before going to the province, have had some final preparations and enough rest for our departure for the big activity prepared especially for the youth in Kawit, Medellin Cebu.

July 8, 2016

At almost 2:30 PM, together with maam Julie and nanay Mitz, we arrived at the North terminal for our departure for Daanbantayan. In the evening, final preparations were made for tomorrow's activity.

July 9, 2016

We were able to let the kids introduce their selves formally, and through a Psych activity to which they will easily remember the names of their fellow youth. This also boosts confidence within the group for being comfortable with the people around you is a vital aspect for the success of the arts and crafts activity itself. The main event of arts and crafts with 3 activities was also conducted.

It was very rare for me to guide and teach kids in a rural area about arts. The kids being shy added load for us to actually make them speak and respond. That’s why; we let them introduce their selves through a game using the first letters of their name to describe their selves. We have had several rounds for each to memorize these adjectives which indeed, made us memorize each other’s names more easily.

The interns also taught the youth with yarn balloon making and lotus flower origami making. I personally think that the kids have had interest to these kinds of art since it’s somehow new to them, and they have had the liberty to choose the colors they want and the groupmates they want to work with. It’s an important factor to allow them to choose for themselves since it makes them practice their freedom of choice, teamwork and sense of leadership and confidence as they finish their own projects. Our main project, which was the coaster-making through laminated sacks were also conducted, wherein some of the kids have already known how to, while some others have only started learning.  There was also an election of officers for the MAYA (Mayjo Youth Association) before the day ended. 

I’ve learned how humble living is in the rural than in the urban zone. I grew up in the city, living in a high-tech world while these kids live and worked at very young age, playing in the sand and asking me how life in the city was. I humbly told them that I have a life just like them. I wasn’t exposed to a lot of luxury, but a childhood filled with appreciation with playing outside, and living simply and contented with the blessings we receive from our God.

It’s a truly inspirational story that we all should know. A story from a mouth of a kid that overcame the strongest storm in the history of the Philippines. A brave little soldier- a kid with a heart filled with hopes that one day, there is a brighter tomorrow for them.

They learned from us three activities that they could use in the future for their livelihood. They might not understand this as of now (some of them were very young). But we, the interns, do hope that we may be able to help them fulfill their dreams even in the smallest things we could do for them, such as teaching them and enlightening them in the short and brief activities we had during our first day with them.

July 10, 2016 

On the last day of the big activity, bookkeeping and recording lessons by Maam Sarah was taught that not only educated the youth, but also the women leaders of NAKASAMA organization and the interns as well. It was one interactive lecture since there was a group activity before the lesson proper that everyone participated into. Maam Noemi then followed a lecture about livelihood with which after, another round of coaster-making by the youth was also conducted. There was also a short and brief assessment of what the youth had learned and what else they could suggest for their youth organization and the next activities in the future.

I have a little idea on how bookkeeping is being done through basic and general knowledge. However, it taught me how important recording finances are, especially if you are a member or an officer in an organization. Basically, you have to be responsible with handling and spending the money, and recording is an important evidence to keep track on the organization’s activities and spending.I trust the youth that age does not affect their capability to keep their records and finances in tack. I believe they indeed learned something from the short and brief lecture. Before the day ended, an oath taking for the new set of officers of the Mayjo Youth Association was conducted.

It’s a very satisfying feeling that by the end of our 2-days of training, we have made friendships and received heartfelt gratitude from them. They shared personal life stories about survival, traumatizing events that did not put them down. I salute the youth for being so brave in spite of the challenges they already are facing at a very young age. I and happy that they all could be leaders of their own and active and appreciative of everything that they learn.

The community and the youth might actually make use of the arts and crafts they have learned to innovate and put up livelihood projects that they could use to help them earn. They were all goal-oriented and have had put much emphasis on buying rice for their family. I have this feeling that they did not disappoint the world for being such naïve kids; instead, they surprised it for their eagerness and perseverance to fight poverty and inability.

Activities on the second week of Summer Learning Experience 2016 (June 25- July 2)

Monday, June 25, 2016

              (cultural singers/band entertaining the audience with their song number)

The interns attended the Prospects of Peace: peace forum, representing WRCV together with Maam Julie Ann, one of the staff of the said NGO. 

I learned that the grassroots organizations from different barangays and sitios in Cebu are participative in forums that address the concerns of their respective areas. Nevermind the distance, nevermind the exerted energy and time. They were able to utilize their capability and responsibility as leaders, representatives and members of their own organizations through simply participating in the said forum for change. What change do we want? What change do our fellow farmers, fisherfolks, youth, LGBT, men and women want?

      (Partipants posting their #DearDigong hopes for the coming new administration)

The activity made me more aware of the WRCV and GABRIELA’S concerns with regards to the welfare and rights of women and children. These problems more likely will be presented to Digong for him to start making the change that his administration claims for the good of the country; through policies and other programs and projects that could alleviate them from these crises and problems. Aside from educating the members of the NGOs that had attended, this activity also helped the community in ways their problems and needs are being addressed therefore, under the administration of Digong, he will try to manage and find ways to accommodate them all. 

Tuesday, June 26, 2016

(Maam Noemi, discussing the agenda to the NALUSIMA Org. members)

                     (Members of the organization, pays attention to the discussion)

During this day, I was assigned to have an area visit in Northern Cebu. I slept well during the trip but was also vigilant about the almost 4 hours of travel in that unfamiliar place in Northern Cebu. I learned about the NALUSIMA organization since maam Noemi, representing WRCV, conducted a meeting in the said sitio. The meeting was about the following agenda below:

a)      NALUSIMA Org

b)      Communal Garden

c)      Committees

    i.  Health

    ii. Livelihood

    iii.VAWC/Disaster

d)     Others

         i. Visitor coming 

Several officers in the organization were inactive, therefore were replaced with more active members. I learned the many uses of the communal garden such as household consumption, and or to be sold in the markets as their livelihood. 

                              (NALUSIMA's newly planted communal garden)

The committees for health, livelihood and VAWC were also reviewed including the preparations for the arrival of the visitor. The activity had given me the chance to observe an organization meeting with more than 30 members, with enough trainings and backbone to support it and its members. The members are living a simple life with all the sight of nature and little houses and gardens. The true impact of my presence to this kind of activity made me appreciate the essence of an organization in a small far-flung town. They are at least participative and eager to find ways for their betterment. 

The meeting updated the status of their own organization into a more active one since their officers were replaced thus, each committee will be more monitored by these leaders. Their communal garden will be prioritized more and their sitio will be more exposed to visitors that would extend help to start livelihood projects and opportunities for the families. The anti-VAWC campaign will also continue, as well as the monitoring of the health of the people in the community. 

June 27, 2016

The next day, maam Noemi and I went to check the tulunghaan or “day care” in Paypay. My task was  to interview an LGU official and residents from Paypay who do not send any children or relative to the tulunghaan. 

We arrived at 10 AM in the tulunghaan. The class usually starts at 8:30 and ends at lunch or before that.We were able to observe the children having lessons, playing and singing. It was said that children with ages 3 and above enroll in the tulunghaan to learn the basic lessons before they transfer in the big schools in Mayjo. They learn dealing with their peers, discipline, motor skills, association with other kids and in academics. At the end of their free healthy meals, their class has ended and joyfully bid us goodbye. Maam Noemi then conducted a short meeting with the teachers and staff about the plans of renovating the classroom. They were planning to put up walls (plywood and 2"x2" strips of wood) to build an appropriate learning environment for the children. As much as possible, they want to be resourceful and obliged to maximize the use of spare materials they have.

 (Maam Noemi, conducting a meeting with the teachers in the tulunghaan sa Paypay)

I interviewed two women living near the tulunghaan with no children to send in this day care center. 

Maam Herminia Punay, 78, lives near the tulunghaan and believes that the tulunghaan was indeed a great help for the children and their parents. According to her, since the location of the tulunghaan is near the households, children need not to travel far to Mayjo. Working and busy parents can also leave their children in the tulunghaan and and the kids are guaranteed safe. Free meals are also given to kids, proving only that they are being taken good care of by their teachers.

(Maam Herminia Punay, 78)

Another interviewee, several houses away from the tulunghaan was Maam Jasmine Malimit, 38. She believes that the tulunghaan is also beneficial since it’s a good preparation for children before they step into kindergarten school. Since kids are being trained at a young age, they develop no difficulty in adjusting when they finally transfer in the big schools in Mayjo. She also added that the NGOs responsible for this are indeed a big help in the community.

                                       (with Maam Jasmine Malimit, 38)

Before my day ended, we went to councilor Rosalie Mascada’s residence to interview her with regards to the tulunghaan as well. According to councilor Mascada, the tulunghaan benefited the parents through:

a.    The less effort and time exerted to send their children to school

b.   NAKASAMA trainings and seminars make effective teachers.

c.    Made every parent participative through the guidance they give their kids and their cooperation during co-curricular activities.

On the other hand, it benefitted the children through:

•      The formation of their value
•      Gradual growth and development
•      Access to academic learning (colors, shapes, numbers, comprehension, arts, logic)
•      Improved motor skills
•      Free healthy meals every class.

According to councilor Mascada, several follow ups will be done in order to fully improve the classroom of the tulunghaan sa Paypay.

(With councilor Rosalie Mascada)

The activity taught me about how projects in small sitios are benefitting its constituents. I learned the essence of day care centers, not only as a general knowledge, but how its mechanism works in a sitio in Northern Cebu. It was built because it makes life and work easier in Paypay. The impact of the tulunghaan to the community is over-all beneficial to both the parents and children. It is a successful project in a rural zone, and with its continuous development through the help of NGOs like the WRCV, learning will be more suitable and much safer. 

June 30, 2016

                                         (Preparations before the prayer rally)

                                (Arrival of the rally in the Fuente Osmena Circle)

The interns joined the prayer rally/parade after Rodrigo Duterte’s inauguration. I may be a UP student, but I don’t usually join rallies inside and outside of our school because of the principles I believe in. Instead of pulling down an elected official, pointing out his flaws and shouting and burning banners in the midst of the rally, the people during the prayer rally hoped for a better administration under President Duterte. 

We had experienced a peaceful and quiet walk. With their banners and sign boards, they wrote #DearDigong to address their needs and demands. Priests were also present to lead the mass, and organization leaders were there to represent the prayers their good offices and organizations extended. Diverse people were there like religious groups, drivers, farmers, business men, fisherfolks, men, women, the youth, children, students and cultural artists. 

(Bagong Alyansang Makabayan leader representing their organization)

          (13 doves were released by the priests and the organizations' representatives)

We were also entertained by a group of cultural singers that filled the whole afternoon with inspirational music. Activist leaders have consolidated all the change that all these organizations seek for. GABRIELA sought for more job opportunities, free housing for relocation, and better hospitals with better facilities, free medicines and free services, livelihood projects, lower prices in the market and an additional curriculum in schools that empower respect for the LGBT community.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan consolidated all demands with these 15:

1)   Territorial Integrity

2)   Respect and Democracy

3)   Sovereignty in economy

4)   Industrialization for the economy

5)   Reform for land (Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill)

6)   Increase minimum wage

7)   No to K-12

8)   End corruption

9)   Allocate more budget to other sectors such as health than the military.

10)     Empower education and culture

11)     Respect LGBT community

12)     Maximize natural resources in a more necessary and  responsible way

13)     Defend the rights of our national minorities

14)     Continue the peaceful negotiations with the MILF and others.

    15) Independence from the US

The activity enlightened me about all the issues and struggles that the diverse communities suffer into. People live in different environments that needed attention and help. These groups are active enough and have inspired me that movements like this can actually move a mountain. Cooperation and determination is the key for the change we needed. The impact of this in the community is very simple: awareness and action. Those who did not know, knew. Those who are members, led. Indeed, change is coming and we hope for a better leadership, a better country under the administration of our 16^th president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte. 

July 2, 2016

It was one busy and exciting day for the staff and the interns. I enjoyed the "habal-habal" ride and the sight of high mountains and nature. From the city to the grassroots again! We went to visit Brgy. Quanos, Minghanilla to document about women's weaving livelihood with which the Women's Resource Center of Visayas, Inc. has inputted help and care. Brgy. Quanos has its own WRCV officers and their president, maam Liza Madolara welcomed us for an interview and a preview with how basket-weaving, their primary source of livelihood is made. 

(Interview with Maam Liza Madolara in her residence)

According to maam Liza, the WRCV has helped them with their lives in Brgy. Quanos. Aside from their basket-weaving livelihood, the WRCV has also contributed help to build their foot bridge so that they may have a decent and safe way of crossing the river from their homes to the street. Trainings were also held in their barangay such as soap making, leadership training and education for voters. The anti-VAWC movement is also being campaigned and continuosly being met in the barangay under WRCV. Maam Liza's daughter who graduated Cum Laude was also a full scholar of GABRIELA.

After the interview, we went to observe how they weave their baskets. It was said that their baskets are being exported by numerous clients that reserve orders from their barangay. According to them, the price of a plate size basket (with no handle) is 7 pesos each and is being sold more than this amount in the market. Unfortunately, our labor sector in the grassroots are not being given extra credit and they see it as unfair. They hope though that under the new administration, they may be able to have higher income and justifiable wages. Below are pictures of the transition of "walis ting ting sticks" into beautiful, hand crafted baskets. 

(Finished plate size basket)

The interns tried to make their own baskets too.

(A picture with the WRCV officials and the interns)

The day wasn't done yet! After this, we went to visit the other WRCV members with their recyclable weaving livelihoods in Tungkop. We were tasked to observe and have a look at their products that are to be showcased in the fair trade which date will soon be announced. Their resourcefulness has allowed them to create artistic, simple and beautiful ideas that later became their livelihood.

      (Recycled plastic wrappers made into earrings and keychains sold for 35 pesos and 25 pesos)

(Recycled plastic wrappers woven into handbags, wallets of different sizes and coaster/glass covers)

On Monday July 4, 2016, we will be conducting an interview in Minglanilla about their livelihood in weaving recyclable materials, and how WRCV helped to reactivate their women's organization in their barangay.