AN AMERICAN EDUCATOR VISITS MINDANAO, WHERE MANY PEOPLE DARE NOT GO

A VOICE FROM AMERICA

By Ernie D. Delfin

AN AMERICAN  EDUCATOR VISITS MINDANAO  ON HIS OWN

AND LEARNED MORE THAN HE EXPECTED /  WE NEED MORE  SILENT  HEROES AND EMPLOYERS  IN THE PHILIPPINES

         One match can start a forest fire.  One idea can start a long journey.  Indeed, literally both serendipitously happened recently to Dr. Greg Bowden, Ph.D., the  principal of Running Springs Elementary School, a California Distinguished  School in Anaheim Hills, in Orange County.   An uncommon educator,  Dr.  Bowden  just  came back from his bold  and historic trip that only the brave and ‘crazy people do’,   traveling to the Philippines up to Koronadal City in  Cotabato, Mindanao,  a ‘forbidden’ place that  even Filipinos dare not go for many irrational reasons  fostered by  people who have never been there and sensationalized by the media to help  them sell their faded wares. 

             First,  a brief background about this l0,000 mile-trip to this  ‘dangerous’ place in Mindanao: It was over  two years ago,  when one typical Sunday,  Dr. Bowden read  about  Katipunan-USA in the Orange County Register. The newspaper  detailed about our active participation to an ONLINE mentoring program that was started by our  PTAG coordinator,  (www.ptag.org)  Jing Ureta, in Notre Dame Marbel University in Koronadal City, South Cotabato in Mindanao.  That was the match that lit a small fire in Dr. Bowden’s  interest to use his computer to communicate with Katipunan-USA, (www.katipunan-usa.org)  which Donna Delfin and his dad  founded about six years ago.   Thereafter, he was communicating with   Jing Ureta, the HR Manager and professor of the Notre Dame Marbel University in Koronadal City who immediately assigned Greg his mentee, Allen Navarro, then a sophomore  at NDMU.   Over two years of regular e-mail communications and  occasional  overseas call  from the mentor in Orange Country to  the mentee in  Koronadal  City  was an opportunity for each other to learn each other’s lives and culture.  It also germinated a desire in Dr. Greg’s mind to visit the Philippines to   attend the graduation of  Allen  at the NDMU.    This  March  he left for the Philippines, where he did not know anybody,  on an exciting two week voyage sparked by the internet.

            Dr. Bowden writes about his once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Philippines:

          “It is hard to believe that it has just been one week since I have returned to the USA - I have spent most of the week loading video on my computer, organizing photos, producing slide shows - all very time intensive work.  It has given me time to process the world wind of activities I had while in that beautiful country, the Philippines.  I continue to be overwhelmed by the entirety of the experience - and I am taking the time to make the videos and slide shows so my experience will not be immediately lost into my memory - I want to be ready to present this information to any and all who will listen and are interested.  I know the indefatigable Rotarian-businessman friend,   Ernie Delfin,  will have me speak to several groups soon.

           I continue to be humbled by the experience of so many people who had no idea who I was,  being so welcoming, kind, and generous during my stay.  From the time I arrived in Manila and met Mr. Jimmy Cura, the incumbent District Rotary Governor of Makati District,  - I felt a sense of peace and safety.  When friend Litay Ferrera, a past president of the Rotary Club of Makati Rockwell, joined him - well it was like a homecoming event - although I had only met her once  before in the US.  These two special people spent a great deal of time helping me get my feet on the ground and catch my breath from the long journey.  We had lunch and dinner together, Litay was kind enough to help me select a beautiful barong which became a gift from her, and Jimmy gave me a "windshield review" of the sprawling city of Manila.  I am so thankful for their kindness, which foreshadowed the rest of my trip.  Jimmy kindly put me up in a beautiful hotel so I had a chance to regroup.

       Leaving Manila all too soon, I was flying again to the southern tip of the "forbidden" island of Mindanao - a scary place for even Filipinos!  When I arrived at the airport at General Santos, in a giant Airbus 340, it so reminded me of the island of Maui by its vegetation and topography.  When I left the plane, I was able to know that here was different, and I say the first security guards with guns - but other than that - no signs of the chaos I was told to expect.  I met Jing Ureta  for the first time and Miss Dahlia at the airport - and I was beginning to reel from the long flight and the 16 hour time change.  Jing loaded me in the University club cab pickup, and we putted off to the Durian Farm and Resto for my first trial as a Filipino wanna-be!

     On the way we stopped at the Cantagauan Street Children Compound, where a Marist Brother  Crispin Betitia has anchored a good work to save children who have been abandoned by their families.  He will  soon be taking on some of the children to be released from the jails - the current law says children can be incarcerated at the age of 9 - and he will be the trial "halfway house".  I am sure he will be successful.

      The Durian test of Filipino citizenship -- well, this is a fruit that, on the whole, smells like a dead animal's rotting carcass - but I was told that it tasted like heaven!  The challenge was on - would I trust my hosts, and put a spoon of the fruit in my mouth?  Well, I passed out - I mean I passed, and successfully finished one part of a fruit.  I could tell that I had passed an important test, and fortunate for me - as this fruit is like garlic in the breath after it is eaten - so I would have been in the truck smelling it on everyone else's breath had I not tried it! 

   So off we went to the University - and I was quite excited to meet my mentee, Miss Allen Navarro - as I had expected her at the airport.  We got to NDMU, and I was escorted to the Administration Building - where we said hello in person for the first time.  She was behaving quite shy, and I later discovered that I was bigger and louder than she had expected!  Anyway, I gave her a hug as I had warned her I would - and she then disappeared - and I went off to the Convent where I would stay for the week.

   I always thought of a Convent as a place where nuns would live - so I was anxious to see what was in store - I was staying in the only air conditioned room (thank God!) and across form another mentor named Hal  Belisario  from Garden Grove California - about 15 miles form my house!  The Convent was for the Marist Brothers - and so I was relieved to find I was with Brother Crispin, Brother Edgar, and Brother Pat who was my most cordial host for the event of my stay.  Brother Pat and I had a wonderful time - he has been  a principal and was teaching a graduate class for the university - and so we had a lot in common.  He always had breakfast ready for me, and was able to help me get my clothes cleaned - I had only taken one suitcase on this trip as I promised Ernie he could have the 70 pounds of the other bag for his balikbayan items for Jing and Dr Chito Alba, a past president of the Koronadal City Rotary Club..

     During my week, I visited many exciting places - the Rotary Club / Venture Club Dental Mission to a Barrio, Lake Sebu and the T'Boli people with Melfie Gallego who has been hired by the United Nations to work on sustainable projects, and the schools that serve Lake Sebu and the T'Boli.  We also visited a model farm where the Champagnat Community College works to teach effective farming and family planning to this community.  I was overwhelmed by the care and concern shown by all of the members of the NDMU community - and their faith in God was so evident as they walked in paths of service to those around them! 

      Of course the highlight was attending the graduation of my mentee - Allen and I had become good friends, having written email beginning in February 2004, and we began speaking on the phone in June 2005.  I was proud to see her walk across the stage to get her diploma - as I felt I truly knew the obstacles she had overcome to reach this goal.  In the crowd of 1094 graduates plus all their family and friends - I figure about 3000 people, I was one of two white people!   I don't know why the other guy was there - but I was glad to be there at what Allen referred to as "my special and most unforgettable experience in my life".  Her mother was there also - and I think she was excited to have me there as well.

      Allen's family had 2 parties - one before the graduation on Saturday, and one after graduation as well.  Both times the spread of food prepared was incredible - and they made me feel welcome and special.  Allen took me around their farm - and the second party she had all her friends at - and I have some good pictures and fond memories of these events. 

    On Monday,  I made a presentation to the faculty of NDMU and some pre-service teachers, and on Wednesday I presented to the faculty of the IBED.  I am hopeful I was able to meet their needs in some way - I discussed learning styles and ADHD.  Again, everyone was so kind - I received a T'Boli guitar from the College of Education, and a beautiful dress barong from the IBED.  Gifts I will always treasure.

      Along the way, we went to London Beach for a day where we met up with Ma'am Janet and her family, and Brother Pat came along as well.  The University took a bus so Allen could bring all her friends - and we spent a beautiful day at the beach eating, talking, and I was the only one sunning - and I got a good burn for my efforts!!  But Jing proved herself the queen of the Karaoke as the crowd got bigger and bigger as she continued to sing - well that was a little story - but we all had fun anyway.

      Jing and I went to the retirement party for Estel Barietta, the IBED principal - and we sat for 1 hour 45 minutes looking at the food - we were just ready to eat - when the Rotary Club called from downstairs and was ready for us to come to their meeting.  Thank God they were eating as well - pancit, lumpia, adobo, and of course Lechon!  I had brought $1, 000 cold cash for them on behalf of the Rotary Club of Anaheim Hills,  as their initial donation for a joint deep well water project.  The Rotary Club  plans to build  affordable housing for the poor at about $1,000 per house!.  That is amazing - a house for $1000 - how many could we build if people knew how little they cost???  Anyway, had a great time of fellowship with the Rotarians and Venture Club - and Dr. Chito Alba was very kind.

     So for the grand finale - well I had told Jing I would cook in her house.  I did not know about the despedida, and so I was surprised  that each person brought food to the event - all along I said I would cook, and I thought that meant I would cook for all!  So Jing has in her freezer a 2 year supply of spaghetti sauce courtesy of me and Allen - we went to the store and purchased all the ingredients, and did some cooking together.  Allen was kind even when she was bored and tired of listening to me talk and talk - I reminded her of a song I once had heard - "shut up man, we're makin' memories"  and I think she got the meaning as she kept telling me that at challenging times later in the day.   And many of the wonderful people I had met at the university - Ma'am Pe, Miss Dahli, Brother Pat, Lena, Ma'am Janet - and others - all came to see me off.  I had a great time, and was sad to leave - I told Allen and Jing that I had something in my eye - and so I left to go back and pack for the journey home.

     "The journey home is never long - your heart arrives before the train..."  I was so glad to see my wife at the airport - I think I surprised her!

I was so sad to leave - but Jing and her mother flew with me to Manila, where we visited her sisters and their families.  Manila is a world apart from Mindanao - and Litay was so kind to bring a wonderful dessert and a beautiful picture frame as a gift - and we shopped at a "straw market" kind of place where I bought my wife Vicky some beautiful pearls.  I was glad to have Jing and her sister with me - Manila is a huge, sprawling place.  I stayed in a hotel courtesy of Ma'am Pe - and I was glad to have hot water and no friends in the walls there! 

      I have great memories of this trip of a lifetime - and I can't thank Ma. Conception "Jing" Ureta  enough for this entire voyage.  She took the risk to let this unknown white American become a mentor, and she also said "why not" when I suggested visiting Koronadal.  She had the wisdom of experience from her position as Personnel Director of NDMU - and I hope she continues to use her expertise with people in ways to benefit those around her.  Jing, I had such fun being with you, and can never repay you for all the kindness and trust you have shown me.  I hope we can have an enduring friendship - I want to be like you when I grow up!

      To my mentee, Allen - I will never forget the kind words you spoke of me and to me - and I pray that I did make a difference in your life - I thank you for being given the chance to do so, and for all the lessons you have taught me about how people are all the same no matter who we are or where we come from.  I also pray that you will continue to aspire in your life - to strive - and that you remember two things - becoming is superior to being, and without dreams, there is no need for work - and without work there is no need for dreams.  Dream on my friend!!!

 Thank you to my family for honoring my need for this trip.  It was truly a life changing event, and it will pay great dividends.  May God richly bless you all.  I hope we can return to see all the progress we will make on the book project with Ernie’s  Katipunan-USA and Rotarian network, and to see more graduates from the NDMU Grant In Aid program.  We will be collecting and sending books for the school libraries, including the University, as the need is so great!”

.

                                       A. Greg Bowden, Ed. D.                     

* * * *

       On the  Philippine front,  let me also profile  another unsung hero and silent employer who I  met during my recent visit to the Philippines. His name is Naido Duldulao, a cousin of my ‘kabagis’ (brother) Nestor Duldulao of Northern California, whom I’ve known since our  CPA auditor years in Manila decades back. Naido, a fellow GI (genuine Ilocano),  who like many industrious Ilocanos ventured in the Promised Land called Mindanao.  Married a beautiful Davaoenia, Tong, Naido ventured  into  some thriving businesses from shipping, overseas placement and recruitment and to operating bangus and catfish fish pens in Samal Island.  He also started exporting these freshly and instantly frozen  bangus to America and Europe.  After early retirement from the Philippine Navy as a Captain, he found Mindanao the perfect place for him to raise his family and grow his diversified businesses.

       A soft spoken businessman, Naido, the CEO-Founder of ND Shipping Group of Companies in Davao City and Manila,  is not only making an excellent living but also giving lots of opportunities and employment to hundreds of Filipinos.   In our trip to Davao and Samal Island, I met dozens of his employees who love working for his companies.  One late weekday late afternoon, past 6:00 PM, I was surprised that almost everyone was still working without watching the clock, unlike in most offices in America. The few days that I was with Nestor and Ceny Duldulao and  another couple Art and Essie Claveria, all from Northern California as guests of Naido and Tong Duldulao in Davao City  with an overnight stay in their luxuriously built family resort in Samal Island, where the fish pens were situated,  I  knew then that he is living in paradise compared to the Ilocandia region that he came from. Perchance,  this writer if circumstances were different I would possibly have done the same in my younger years.  (Why is it that human beings dream to be in other places other than where they are?)

      On the eve of Valentines Day 2006,  two Rotarian friends of mine, Jess Cifra and Litay Ferrera Brunner, past presidents of the Loyola Heights and Makati Rockwell Rotary Clubs, respectively,  met Naido Duldulao at Shangrila EDSA to discuss how we can jointly help employ more Filipinos. As he is in the home front, he told us that given the chance he would like to place thousands of unemployed Filipinos to work not only in cruise ships but also in North American cities that are being rebuilt, like New Orleans where massive rehabilitation and  construction work worth billions due to devastation caused by Katrina are still ongoing for  the next several years.  Collectively, we agreed with Naido that the best way to elevate the living conditions of our people is through good education and sustainable employment. For all his silent efforts, Naido’s  contributions to Philippine society did not go  unnoticed.  His fellow Ilocanos in Ilocandia honored him together with dozens of accomplished and successful “Sons and Daughters of Ilocandia” that included Supreme Court justices, military generals, educators, authors and businessmen. 

       In these competitive days of globalization and information society, our Philippine society needs more of the tribes of Naido.  The country needs doers and not just talkers. The politicians, the so-called national leaders, are often the cause of problems as evidenced by so many unconscionable, extravagant, stupid  government projects like mothballed Westinghouse project of yesteryears, the overdue NAIA 3 airport and the alleged “fertilizer scam” that apparently  did not produce more crops to eat or export  but suspiciously purchased votes for some incumbent politicians. Cumulatively these kinds of government officials’ shenanigans  and stupid ways of doing government projects  are adding tons of baggage that have prevented the economic airplane of the Philippines from taking off!

      The Philippines certainly needs more  people who  walk the talk and really  help, like our silent and modern day heroes of Davao City and Ilocandia like, Naido and Tong  Duldulao. 

       Naido and Tong, I am fortunate that our paths crossed;  thank you for that memorable trip to Davao and Samal Island and above all for the employment you create for others!   May your  tribe  increase!  Happy Easter to all!

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Email:   erdelusa@hotmail.com  or ernie.delfin@gmail.com

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