We are here for an orientation to the Peace Corps Philippines, medical treatment (shots for Rabies, Hepatitis and malaria medication) and a visit to the US Embassy. It is an exciting time for all of us as only a few people have been to the Philippines before.
Manila is a busy city with crowded streets. We are not able to see much as most of us are tired from the long trip. We are also limited in our explorations by Peace Corps. We will soon be traveling to Bohol, an island in the southern part of the Philippines for 8 weeks of Pre-Service Training. Training will cover language, culture and job information. It sounds like a nice place to be.
We have already been given our assignments for the next 2 years. I have been assigned to Malaybalay, a city on Mindanao island in the southern part of the Philippines. Malaybalay is in the mountains and sounds quite beautiful. I will work for the Department of Social Welfare doing community development work. The community requested a person to assist with out of school youth, and the Peace Corps has decided that I might be able to be a good fit for that community. Malaybalay has been assessed as a safe environment for volunteers as there is no terrorist or guerilla activity in the area. Going to Mindanao is special because there is a great need for social services in that part of the Philippines. I am excited and it should be a very challenging experience.
On Friday, Feb 7, we will take a 30 hour boat ride to Bohol. It might be the last time I am in Manila for a while. Bohol might have internet acess. People in the Peace Corps have been very welcoming. The older volunteers have also been very happy to see us and share their stories. Everyone in our group is excited about their site selection and is looking forward to training and heading out
February 13, 2003 - Tagbilaran City, Bohol - We have started Pre-Service Training. Pre-Service Training will be 8 weeks long and consist of language, technical and cultural training. It is being held at a site called Dumadag Farm, about 15 minutes by jeepney (like a bus) away from the city. It is a peaceful place. We have started our language instruction and I will be learning Cebuano.
I have also been assigned to live with a host family. I live with the Ramos family in Booy province. They are nice people. My host father sells peanuts at the Agora Market (main city market) and my host mother is a school teacher for the deaf. They live modestly, but have a firm belief in hard work and I like them. They were married very young (21 and 17) and have worked hard all their lives to give their children better opportunities. They have 2 daughters, one living in Cebu and the youngest at home where she attends the local university and studies Education. She speaks good english and is fun to talk to. She has been a great help to me in learning the ways to live here. Their home is neat and clean and I have a room of my own. They have running water (most of the time) but I prefer a bucket shower because it is faster. The comfort room (restroom) is a toilet where you must add water to flush. It is really not such a hard adjustment, kind of like camping.
Training itself is ok. I feel I already understand most of what they are telling us about Filipino culture, understanding, community, etc. I will try to learn what is new and prepare for my work ahead. I get the feeling that I will a social worker trying to help young people. Does not sound very business like at all. I'll do whatever is asked of me. I joined because I did not feel good about visiting developing countries in Southeast Asia while in the Navy. It felt it was wrong to see children begging for money and young girls engaged in prositution while we had so much and power as visitors. I hope to help people in a more substantial way than what I saw in the Navy.
I look just like a Filipino, so I blend right in. I hope to learn the language so I will be able to bargain for food, shop and do chores. Mangoes here are delicious, they are smooth and remind me of the Pirie mangoes from Hawaii.
Next