Learning Visit 2017: In Depth

Okay, so I was being too selfish with my last post. With too much that happened within those two days, how could I possibly fit them all into 400 word article? The only plausible reason is that I was too afraid to write a long one thinking it's out of my comfort zone. I write articles as short as possible because I wanted to be less prone to mistakes. But, ex nihilo nihil fit.

I was out of my comfort zone during our two days of learning, I might as well be as courageous as I was in writing about it.

The Learning Visit 2017 focused on the visits to the communities that are benefiting to the programs of DSWD IV-A.

KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Sciences)

Brgy. Pinagdanlayan Health Center 

I was, honestly, still a little bit uncomfortable when we reached our first destination, Brgy. Pinagdanlayan. I didn't know what to do or whom to interview but I did what the brown envelope told me to do, to use the notebook and pen inside it.  

I listened and wrote every information I heard until a box caught my eyes. When I saw the "suggestion box" sitting on one of the tables, nostalgia hit me. I wrote a Plan to install Suggestion Box in our College as a requirement for our Public Relations subject. My prime reason was that there are people who receive courage through anonymity. 

Everyone has voice some are just afraid to speak. So, yes, I felt the urge to know what do the citizens speak of. And, what they usually say is, according to the resident nurse, the health center is always clean. Hm. That's plain. Haha! But yes, all of them used their anonymity to praise. No negative comment has been found inside the box. Seems like Brgy. Pinagdanlayan of Dolores, the very first municipality that implimented the Kalahi-CIDSS program, really benefited to the constructed health center in their community. 

Then again, why not? Instead of travelling an hour to seek for medical attention, isn't it much more convenient that a health center is just a few minutes away?

Comprehensive Program for Sama-Bajau 

Brgy. Dalahican

They are usually in groups, with babies carried by the mothers. Most of them wearing dirty clothes, if not all. They are found in the streets, asking for donations. But, not all!

The curiosity some of us have for Bajau are overpowered by annoyance, fear towards them. I witnessed them being laughed at inside jeepneys as they begged for donations. Although, I was curious, I was scared. I couldn't talk to them. That's why I was so happy that I became part of the Learning Visit 2017. I had the opportunity to interact with them and know that not all of them beg, some of them creates and sells for a living.I was able to buy a mat made by their own hands.

Comprehensive Program for Sama-Bajau made it possible. This program of DSWD focuses on the Bajau development. They are trained with skills that can help them be competent to  of the world they now live in. 

Discrimination. When they first entered this world, they were called Bajau. It's as if the word itself is something to be ashamed  about. But it mustn't be, right?

Perhaps, if all of us knew what our fellow brothers and sisters of the Bajau tribe have gone through, we'll be more wise and understanding not to bring more sadness to them. They have suffered enough.

Although, they didn't feel welcomed by this world at first, with the knowledge they had learned, discrimination can be put to an end. 

"Katutubong kultura ay pagyamanin..."

Everyone of us has the right to live without being insulted for what we are.

Learning Visit 2017

I don't do lengthy articles, well, I do if it's a requirement (remembering those 2000-word essays I wrote when I was in college). I always shorten things up as much as possible. No reason. That's just how I wanted everything I write to be. So, I apologize for the shortness of my article.

To simplify everything my way, and to somehow pay tribute to the souls I shared this journey with, I'll use Es.

Effort

First of all, it is indeed difficult for me to travel without the company of someone I know, but I was able to get through this one. Kudos to you, Kristelle! You finally exerted effort to explore the world outside your circle. You made me so proud. *Self-five*

On a more serious note, the government employees who are sincere to attend to the needs of those who are in need, through the implementation of various beneficial programs, should be commended for their love and compassion. 

And not only the government employees should be acknowledged for their hardships, one of the people I encountered that is notable for his effort is Sir Juncel Reyes, the resident nurse of the health center in Brgy. Pinagdanlayan, a project under KALAHI-CIDSS. Trading the possibility of a better salary in the cities to looking after the health of the small town residents is respectable. Four years of serving, four years of caring.

Experience

Riding on a fisherman's boat (fiber glass boat!), setting foot to Quezon Province, fish feeding... etc. all for the first time!

Chatting with some Badjaos and beneficiaries of 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), though, lands on an entirely different level of experience. It will always be a privilege to be able to connect with people.

Epiphany

Learning Visit 2017 helped me see things in a different perspective. If it weren't for the meaningful trip, I definitely wouldn't realize that:

(1) Badjaos did not come here (in Luzon) for self-gain. It was purely an act of survival. With only the knowledge of fishing, when they were threatened, became a subject of thievery, it was only natural for them to keep themselves away from danger and to seek for help.

(2) Those who are considered "poorest of the poor" are contented with what is given to them. They are grateful, regardless of the amount, with what they receive. Not all, maybe, (I always doubt the existence of "all" in every scenarios) but almost everyone. An outlook everyone should have, to be contented with what you have.

(3) Some of them are trying. Although they are put to shadow by the evil, some government workers are trying their best to do their job. Yes, they're trying. If you think that DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) is doing nothing, well there's the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), SLP (Sustainable Livelihood Program) and KALAHI-CIDSS for you to research on, or you could just ask me *wink* *wink* (please don’t!).

(4) The Province of Quezon is a wonderful place. The province just doesn’t have that exposure, even on social media, compared to other provinces, so you have to see it for yourself. But if you’re planning to visit Quezon, you should explore Atimonan. Aside from the tourist attractions, the people there are so welcoming that they can make you feel at home.

Escape

An escape doesn't necessarily mean going for a vacation, at least not for me. It's more of a experience-something-new-and-see-things-in-a-different-light kind of thing. That's why I'm grateful to be part of Learning Visit 2017. I'm part of the people who escaped!

Thank you DSWD IV-A for the opportunity!

A Wandering Wanderer

I'm all over the place lately. Aside from applying for a job, I have to do someting to distract myself from the sadness caused by rejections.

Honestly, the hardest part of jobseeking is to not let yourself be eaten by the thought that you're not enough.

To keep myself steadfast and strong from the pressures of adult world, I decided to immense myself with matters that matter.

Of course going out with my friends is on the list. Great friends = great moments!

I also attended, dragging my friends with me, a special film screening organized by UNHCR Philippines, to celebrate the World Refugee Day. #withrefugees

Now, I'm hoping to be a part of Trip to Quezon to witness DSWD serve the poor communities of Quezon Province.

I actually never been much knowledgeable with the activities conducted by DSWD. All I know is that they are doing their job which is to be of service to the Philippines by helping those in need and to think and execute ways for the development of the country.

So how did I end up being all-of-a-sudden excited of an activity of DSWD? I saw this announcement on my feed:

And I instantly wanted to join. Imagine, I'll get the chance to be of help to those in need with something that I am always passionate about: writing. Plus, I get to see for myself how DSWD uphold its duties (I have always been more of a visual learner afterall). It's a win-win, why would I not try to join?

But really, if my career as a writer won't work out, the only possible future I'll ever want is to work alongside a team of loving people, volunteers. How fulfilling a life lived for love can be?

Paradise

"Where's your paradise?"

Mine is where everything is in harmony. Where the suns shine at their brightest but not burning anything. Where there's the sea and it's the only thing I hear. Where I can feel the wind caressing my exhausted soul.

Away from the world and its expectations.

Her

There are times when she just pops into my head.

I don't know her personally and she doesn't know me, too. But she's very significant.

She has the power to awaken my anxiety within a second. Her existence is something that makes me question, "How worthy am I in this world?"

It's just unfair, you know.

Everytime I see my favorite candy, I see her. Everytime he talks about the past I see her. Like everything is connected to her and I have no power and right to disconnect him from her.

What's more powerful than this so-called, "first love"?

She's his first love.

She's someone I will never be.

Desperation 101

To be honest, I really thought that finding a job is easy, that some people exaggerate. Goodness me, I. SHOULD'VE. BELIEVED. THEM.

I applied to about 30 companies now. Only few of them respondended. Only ONE invited me for an interview.

Where is the "Kaye" they believe in? I can't seem to find her. Right now, all I can see is a "Kaye" with no potential and just a desperate job seeker.

And then there's this awesome batchmate of mine who landed as an Executive Assistant. She posted something inspirational, it goes like this: you being a fresh grad doesn't mean you can't achieve something big.

And there goes my uneasiness again.

Wish me luck on my interview this Tuesday.


Here's a line that ends this post:
Although, I'm not great, I believe He has great plans for me.

Officially With Him

Before anything else, Wow!!

It's really nice reading my past entries here. It's very nostalgic. Just amazing.


So, yeah. Let's now focus on my title.

It started of with a plan. I honestly wanted to climb a mountain. Him, being supportive as always, loved my idea. I wanted to have an epic photo wearing my graduation toga so climbing a mountain crossed my mind (it won't only provide the background, it will also give a deeper meaning to everything).

Mountain is everything.

At first, we decided to climb Mt. Batolusong, it offers the Sea of Clouds scenery which I really really REALLY wanted to witness, but due to lack of preparation we opted out with Mt. Binacayan. And don't regret the change.

I was able to witness Sea of Clouds! For the first time. And it's my first time even to climb a mountain!

Below are the pictures, in case you won't believe me.

Wonderful shots by our tour guide, Kuya Romel:

And here goes our creative grad pic (haha!)

My mama accompanied us. So it was really a little bit difficult for me to give him my 'yes' (he's been courting me for almost 10 months!). The scenario went like this:

Mama: Tayo na! (Let's go!)

Me: Oo, tayo na. (Yes, let's go.)

Then, I look at Doms.

Me: Tayo na, Doms. 

And that's the start our adventure on a new mountain. <3