Happy birthday, Vince!

‘Passion’ by: Krissy

I couldn’t think of a better title for this so here you go. Let’s start with the word passion.

What do you really mean when you say passion? Is it really that strong uncontrollable emotion or some “yeah, I want it. I get it.” Kind of thing?

Right, I’ll tell you my experience about passion.

So here I am in Bohol, volunteering for a 3-month program, focusing on the contribution of young people to the sustainable resource management of a watershed and I say, “making a difference, as young as I am.”

Sounds like angels singing, yeah?

Yup, You felt that right.

May 2013, somebody handed me a flier of a volunteering program and my heart leaped. I was happy, afraid and what?.... excited! I just couldn’t think of a better adjective to best describe it then. I love volunteering! It’s something I really wanna do.

And so guess wha? May 2014 , I was told that I qualified for the program. So here I am in this amazing town of Bohol, living life to the fullest. Meeting new amazing people. Standing on a curb-waiting for buses (mostly a daily situation). It’s fun! Sometimes it makes me grouchy a little, but that's just it. Life is not just all bright days or beautiful sunsets. Right?

Bohol is stunning. And I tell you, you will fall in love with it, every day.

Sometimes it makes me wonder about those people who stay in their nutshells and refuse to live life out of their comfort zones.

I mean, Really, Life is amazing. Enjoy it!

MPR: Meanwhile in Pamilacan Resort

MPR: Meanwhile in Pamilacan Resort. Last June 10-11, 2014, we had our Mid-phase Review in the island of Pamilacan in Bohol. The Volunteers traveled from Guindulman Market to Baclayon Port and then Bacalyon Port to Pamilacan Island by boat. The travel was about three hours,  two hours (on the road) and 1 hour (in the sea) for us set our feet on the island. It was quite a long journey but it’s absolutely nothing compare to what we are about to witness and experience in the island.

It was so surreal. We were so lucky! We were welcomed by group of dolphins, swimming and jumping in the sea. I bet they are a big extended family of dolphins. There’s Nanay, Tatay, Auntie, Uncle, Lolo, Lola and baby dolphins. Awww… :D It was, for most of us, the first time to see a dolphin in person. What a surprise!

21 volunteers in 1 island. It was such an ideal place to relax and loosen up for the volunteers after weeks of working in their different placements. The MPR Committee (which is by the way composed of Jen, Faith, Kaynat & Mitch) did such a great job for choosing such an amazing venue for this event. 

We were barely getting over the dolphins when our boats finally stopped by the shore. It was then the locals in the island welcomed us with flower garlands. We settled down for a bit and discuss about health and safety reminders while staying in the island. We ate our lunch there and had our sessions for the day.

Our MPR would not be complete without the presence of our dear Youth Project Supervisors, Joanne and Badette and our Youth Programme Manager, Shiella. The Team VI 100's placement feedback and team plan were reviewed. Shiella said she is optimistis about the team's progress. 

Alex and Jude started the ball rolling and talked about Host home and counterparts. Followed by Eden and Harrhy who spoke about volunteer placement and counterparts. We also had our sessions for team planning, tool review, (M & E Committee), Team Dynamics, and Team Committees. That day we enjoyed the sunset especially the dinner by the beach along with bonfire. We also celebrated the birthday of our co-volunteer, Kaynat Ali.

The following day was a blast as well. We had time for snorkeling, volleyball, massage, and all other fun activities in the island. And we did some sessions on GCD’s and CAD’s, spoke about Personal Goals and Development and Cross-cultural Work.

It was an unforgettable trip, being able to reflect and share great, awesome, experiences from each other’s lives.

‘Forest Formers’ Community Action Day (CAD) - Thurs 12th June

Our first CAD was held at the DENR mega-nursery in San Pascual, Ubay. Over 100 young people from 4 youth organisations attended the event which was held outdoors and set against a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills lined by neat rows of saplings. The day began with an introduction from the VSO volunteers and Lilibeth of the Carood Watershed Model Forest Management Council. 

After the importance of forest management to a watershed was made clear it was time for a walk and a talk with a DENR forester to see the nursery’s different plantations. Half an hour later the now sweaty group returned, their attention rewarded by volunteers distributing snacks. The morning progressed with an exciting firefighting talk and display given by the Ubay fire service. Volunteers and the youth got stuck in as they took it in turns to extinguish a burning pyre of dry leaves. Everyone was impressed by the ferocity with which a forest fire can spread and the take home message was well received.

Before lunch the main activity was kindly prepared by the DENR staff. The youth were given an engaging demonstration of tree planting and how a tree nursery works before getting their hands dirty preparing seedlings in small cellophane bags. Everyone gathered excitedly around a large mound of soil each tasked with preparing 10 seedlings. They say many hands make light work and surely enough an hour later thousands of seedlings were ready for planting.

Lunchtime beckoned and, in true Filipino style, was followed by a talent contest. The different youth groups showcased their finest including an all boy dance trio, a medley artist and hosts of excellent singers. The Filipino volunteers were represented by Eden ‘voice of an angel’ Monsanto but the UKVs had nothing to show for themselves. Rumour has it they are forming a dance troupe but we will have to wait and see…

As the hilly vista of the mega nursery became silhouetted by fast approaching thunderclouds it was time to wrap things up. There was time for a large group photo before the heavens opened and the youth clambered to get on the backs of trucks headed for home. All in all it was a great day and as they left, many of the youth were already asking when we were holding the next one!

MIP-PHASE REVIEW

Happy Birthday Dear Kaynat!



Discourse Sparked on Team VI 100's First Global Citizenship Day

1st GCD Team started the session
 with an interesting energizer.
 

Kopiko 3 in 1 coffee mix. Quaker oats. Milk in a tetra pack. Battery. The audience has to guess what (COUNTRY) these items were originally produced or manufactured, and whoever gets it correct can keep the item. "Iraq!" "Philippines" "Azerbaijan"  "USA!" "United Kingdom!"... Everybody in the audience answered in chorus. This is easy. Just enumerate all the countries you know and you might get the correct answer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who would have thought that almost half of the items presented are originally produced in Indonesia? This is not a usual guessing game or energiser. It is a reflection of how globalisation and interdependence is pervasive  and embedded in our day to day life. The world has become a big market for all emerging products and commodities and yes, you are a part of it!

1st GCD tackled the issue on Globalisation and Interdependence.

 

The 1st Global Citizenship Day of the Team VI 100 last June 3, 2014, 1:00pm to 3:00pm,  tackled about "Globalisation and Interdependence". It was held in Guindulman Municipal Hall, Training Room. The presenters were, Sha, Jen, Denmark, Susie, Amy, and Sofia.

Sharmaine Lizada, a Filipino Volunteer and a Social Science Area Studies Major, started by presenting the definition of 'globalisation' by going through bulleted phrases and words. It is a process. Scholars and academicians have different definitions of this word. Basically, it means the world is getting smaller and smaller and smaller. And the nations are getting closer and closer and closer to each other. Is it a bad thing or a good thing? One thing is for sure, it's inevitable at this age of capitalism and modernism.

GCD Facilitators asked, "Is it possible to develop globally while preserving the culture and tradition of each nation?" Mind-boggling questions like this had definitely kept the audience thinking and ranting in their minds. Trade partnership and alliance between and among nations are the manifestations of Globalisation.

 

For some people, this gives them excitement and thrill for it could mean endless opportunities, progress and good economic implications. But for some, it is disturbing and alarming to think because of how globalisation could badly affect a nation's identity and origin. And yeah, it could be a bad thing.

An action case study was given to the audience. Three Countries. Where should the supply of water go in these three countries?--The First Country is suffering from drought and no source of water at all. The Second Country has the abundant supply of water. And lastly, the Third country has knowledge on how to use the supply of water effectively.

As this case study was given, the audience on their seats divided into three groups immediately. The first group (Saba, Mitch, Eden, Ana, Kaynat, Felvs, Krissy) answered all countries got the water. "It's a win win, because the Galleon Trade will be used." The second group (Alex, Kathleen, Azra, Harrhy, Josh) answerd the second country. The third group (Faith, Saba, Jude) answered the Third Country! Conflicting views and opinions is evident by the answers of the groups. Discussion had sparked.

 

Here are some pictures during the group discussion on the Action Case Study given by the 1st GCD Team:

 

 

 

There is no definite answer to the case study. What is important is that there was a discourse and exchange of views and ideas. GCD is meant to be this way. Well done, 1st GCD presenters!

 

 

'The 1st GCD TEAM' From the right: Susie, Sha, Sofia, Den, Amy. Jen was also part of the team but she was busy with the MPR meeting and preparation when this photo was taken. :D

Towards a sustainable future: Volunteering in environmental education, Bohol, Philippines.

In May 2014, a group of 21 bright eyed enthusiastic VSO ICS volunteers, 11 from the UK and 10 from the Philippines, landed on the tropical island of Bohol.

We are working with VSO Bahaginan and a partner NGO, the Carood Watershed Model Forest Management Council (CWMFMC), on environmental sustainability and educational sustainable livelihoods. The purpose of the council and our work is to educate and empower the youth and realize their potential as stakeholders and advocates of environmental sustainability. This work is important as the watershed suffers from 7 environmental risks highlighted by CWMFMC and has 45-57% incidents of poverty rate. Exacerbated by economic pressure to harvest forest resource, population growth and climate change.

PLACEMENTS

Our work is spread across 6 municipalities within the watershed. We get up to a variety and creative activities, mostly working with youth but not always. Last week, the 2 UKV’s and 2 ICVs based in Guindulman attended a women association meeting and Farmers Federation to present the IEC and help plant seeds. On the other side of the watershed in Alicia, Denmark, Vincent, Sofia, Sussie, Felvs and Kaynat participated in the parish youth day attended by 240 people. Community outreach is vital to raising awareness of issues affecting Carood. This past week nearly all placements took part in the Bayani Challenge a national volunteering event. This involved a lot of dancing and was a fun away to get our local communities involved and aware.

HOST HOMES

One of the key aspects to being an ICS volunteer is living in your host home and immersing yourself in a new culture. New food, customs and insects will bring it out the best and worst of times. Even for the ICVs there are differences which take getting used to; intermittent electricity, and overabundance of rice, etc. However, all volunteers encounter generous Filipino hospitality wherever they are. “Our host family are very accommodating and hospitable. They cook food to our requirements and always translate to their conversations and Filipino TV soaps to us. They teach us their language and their customs and appreciate ours, they really make us feel home.”

SOCIALS

A time to let your hair down after the hard work of setting up youth organizations all planning CADs is always appreciated. As a group we use our days off to take in the sights and sounds that Bohol can offer. So far the highlights have been a trip to Canawa Cold Springs, A must in a hot climate and celebrating a fellow UKV’s 22nd birthday on a white sand beach. –21V  

VSO-ICS Bohol Team volunteers accepted the challenge – BAYANI (Hero) CHALLENGE 2014!

BOHOL, Philippines – VSO-International Citizen Service Volunteers, Bohol Team VI 100 stood together with a thousands of volunteers and accepted the Bayani Hero Challenge (BC) 2014 – a challenge to rebuild Pilipinas while spreading the spirit of volunteerism, unity and solidarity with the theme, “Walang Iwanan.” (“Leave no one behind".)

“To say that we had fun is an understatement. Bayani Challenge is done to honour everyday heroes; be it a farmer, a politician, a teacher, or even a student. ”~Mich

ICS Volunteers, Michelle Beluso and Alexander Allford, dared to do the rigorous volunteer work of BC in their work placement assignment in the Municipality of Ubay. For Mich, the Bayani Challenge has been the most notable part of their volunteering journey to date. In the duration of the event, they were able to do radio guesting, coastal clean-up, carabao milking and children feeding; get the chance to be involved in the BC team meeting; visited some communities during their MMR Vaccinations and school clean-ups; assisted in the distribution of paints for the boat painting project; and most importantly, executed without hesitation the Unity Dance in as many areas as possible.

Ubay, being a focus municipality of the BC, had a five-day duration of the event from May 19 to 23, 2014. Also included in Ubay’s BC are the following activities: Paraisong Pambata Paradise for Children, Free Books Distribution, Mural Painting, Brigada Eskwela, Operation Tuli (Circumcision), Free Haircut for Senior Citizens and Tricycle Drivers, Youth Orientation Seminars (THQ), and Talaba Culture.

In the Municipality of Alicia, from May 28 to 30, 2014, over 8, 000 volunteers is the target number of national, local and international volunteers who will be participating the BC. It includes the 6 ICS Volunteers, Vincent Paul Ontolan, Sofia Zolghadriha, Susannah Pick, Kaynat Ali, Denmark Garcia, and Felvic Fresco who are assigned in Alicia for their work placement. Their main work in the event was as a support team for the secretariat and program.

Jeff Richard Segumalian of the Pilipinas Natin Movement, who attended the event in Alicia, emphasized the vital part of each one in building a nation. According to him, the task of building a community should not be left over the shoulders of our leaders and so it is a duty of each member of the community to take part in nation-building; to volunteer; and to be of help to one another.

Alicia is a participating municipality of the BC with the volunteering activities such as Tree Planting, Community & River Clean-ups, Medical & Dental Check-up, Feeding Program and School Refurbishing. The event was a massive showcase of volunteerism and the spirit of Bayanihan Helping each other.

“It’s a good start for the Municipality of Candijay, a participating municipality of the BC, in reliving the spirit of Bayanihan, unity and solidarity especially it engages young people to take part in nation building.” This is the thoughts of Faitherlaw Montallana, a Filipino volunteer, about the Bayani Challenge in the Municipality of Candijay. The BC in Candijay ran from May 28 to 31, 2014.

During the event, Harrhy James, UK volunteer, conducted an awareness-raising presentation about the Carood Watershed to a group of Municipal Employees. Both Faitherlaw and Harrhy are assign in the Municipality of Candijay for their work placement. – 21V

Bayani Challenge 2014 Kicked-off this Summer with a message of Hope, Unity and Solidarity -- Walang Iwanan. (Leave no one behind.)



This Summer 2014, Bayani Challenge aims to gather 1 million volunteers, its largest target to date.



Bayani Challenge 2014 (BC) is being spearheaded by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Pilipinas Natin! Movement and Gawad Kalinga (GK). Shown below is the open letter from organizers of the event.

Dear friends, 

4 months after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), we are reminded that 2013 was indeed an extraordinary year for the Filipino people. The conflict in Zamboanga displaced thousands, the earthquake in Bohol rocked thousands, and the winds of Yolanda devastated thousands. But at the same time, these events have once again brought the Filipino to its core: relationships that refuse to leave each other behind (Walang Iwanan!).

This coming summer, the journey will become even more intense and exciting as we raise 1 MILLION VOLUNTEERS to rebuild Pilipinas. We invite you, your family, and your friends to join the Bayani Challenge 2014.

Whether on ground or online, this is our chance to put faith in action and build concrete hope when and where it matters the most. We can make Bayani Challenge 2014 an extraordinary act of solidarity and heroism for the nation. Don't miss out on the summer of a lifetime!
Walang Iwanan!

From April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor) to June 12 (Philippine Independence Day), the volunteering activities will be conducted in Aklan, Antique, Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Palawan, Samar, and Zamboanga.

To register and for more details, visit: http://www.bayanichallenge.com/. You may also email bayanichallenge@gawadkalinga.com for inquiries. --  21 Volunteers