Sharing Life With the Mangyans of Calintaan
4:11:00 AM
Isolation is a problem faced by the indigenous peoples (IP) in the country.
An example are the Taubuid Mangyans who live in Calintaan, a municipality of Occidental Mindoro. Living in the backwoods means the tribe hardly gets to interact with visitors. They have limited access to commodities.
But recently a group of volunteers reached out to the community. The members of Trails to Empower Kids (TREK) and representatives from the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) brought boxes filled with shoes, hygiene kits, and school materials.
TREK is a group composed mostly of mountain climbers from different organizations. Their advocacy is to help kids and communities who live in the mountains or other isolated areas. The organization is now in its 10th year.
These were distributed in the area’s Balangabong Elementary School-Ulango Extension and its main branch, the Balangabong Elementary School. They were the first visitors of the Taubuid Mangyans this year.
Jheigh Ann Odi, a representative from SIDC, said the experience was overwhelming. She said that it was her first time to provide community service to the Mangyans.
It was not an easy climb what with the rain and rough roads. But her fatigue ebbed upon seeing their journey’s end.
“Everyone in our team was excited on our way to the location. We felt challenged because we know that we will be needing energies going up carrying the packages for the kids. Felt relief when we saw the small community, meaning we reached our destination,” she enthused.
The Mangyans were all too happy to share their culture with dance and song numbers. Odi said that despite the language barrier, happiness of the tribes people was evident.
The feeling is mutual for the giver and the receiver. “Our hearts were happy too because we felt the joy painted on their faces. It’s a different feeling,” Odi shared.
About the Taubuid Mangyans
It was roughly five years ago when the conservative ethnic group decided to move to the lowland areas after a native clergyman reached out to them. Upon their request, the local government built the Balangabong Elementary School-Ulango Extension. Currently, the school only has three teachers.
An example are the Taubuid Mangyans who live in Calintaan, a municipality of Occidental Mindoro. Living in the backwoods means the tribe hardly gets to interact with visitors. They have limited access to commodities.
But recently a group of volunteers reached out to the community. The members of Trails to Empower Kids (TREK) and representatives from the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) brought boxes filled with shoes, hygiene kits, and school materials.
 |
| A little Mangyan boy happily clutches all the donated items he received from TREK and SIDC representatives. |
These were distributed in the area’s Balangabong Elementary School-Ulango Extension and its main branch, the Balangabong Elementary School. They were the first visitors of the Taubuid Mangyans this year.
Jheigh Ann Odi, a representative from SIDC, said the experience was overwhelming. She said that it was her first time to provide community service to the Mangyans.
It was not an easy climb what with the rain and rough roads. But her fatigue ebbed upon seeing their journey’s end.
 |
| The Mangyan kids write a letter of thanks to their benefactors. |
The Mangyans were all too happy to share their culture with dance and song numbers. Odi said that despite the language barrier, happiness of the tribes people was evident.
 |
| The Mangyans render a special number for the guests. |
About the Taubuid Mangyans
It was roughly five years ago when the conservative ethnic group decided to move to the lowland areas after a native clergyman reached out to them. Upon their request, the local government built the Balangabong Elementary School-Ulango Extension. Currently, the school only has three teachers.
Smokey Tours: Seeing the Other Side of Manila
11:32:00 PM
Slum tourism has been around since the nineteenth century. At present, the special tour is offered in countries such as South Africa, India, and Brazil, to name a few.
In the Philippines, there is “Smokey Tours,” which is a project of World Experience Philippines, Corp, a duly registered non-government organization in the Philippines founded by Juliette Kwee.
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| Silhouettes of a child and a man standing on one of the corridors in Happyland in Tondo, Manila. Photo by Jay Yao Campos. |
The proceeds of the operations are used to improve the living conditions in various shantytowns.
Connecting Two Worlds
The Dutch psychologist who has been living in the Philippines since 2008 says that she is not new to volunteer activities. But she felt something stir within her during her first visit to Smokey Mountain, a poverty stricken area located in Tondo, Manila.
Kwee could not help but notice the difference between Smokey Mountain and its neighboring area, Makati City.
Kwee shares, “I went to Smokey Mountain and I was so touched by the community. But I also sometimes go to this posh park in Makati and I was shocked. It’s only half an hour from each other. I started thinking, ‘how can we connect this two worlds?’”
Kwee knew she has to use a tool that will appeal to Filipinos from all walks of life.
 |
| “Smokey Tours” takes travellers to Barangay 105 Happyland, a temporary housing resettlement in Tondo, Manila. Photo by Jay Yao Campos. |
She concluded: “What do Filipinos like? Filipinos like taking photos. We organized a photowalk and called some photographers to take photos of the children and to show the resiliency of the community.”
The photos, which were put up in an exhibition, sent a powerful message that one could be happy without material things as long there is love, food, and the opportunity for education.
Kwee says that the special tour took shape when she worked with the Smokey Mountain residents and area officers.
“I met some tanods at that time and I was amazed at how they could talk about where they’re from and what they’re doing with pride. “Why is there not a slum tour here?” she shares.
Kwee wasted no time in recruiting and training “tourleaders” from the area. She sought the help of Chris Way, the co-founder of India-based Reality Tours & Travel, which won the Community Award at the World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) 2015 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Ceremony in Madrid, Spain.
 |
| Meet the tourleaders of "Smokey Tours". |
“The communities loved it and they are happy. They are very open,” Kwee shares.
“Looking for Volunteers”
The number of Kwee's staff grew over the years. She started by training a barangay tanod and his wife. Now “Smokey Tours” is staffed by student leaders and freelance “tourleaders.”
Kwee says that potential “tourleaders” must undergo an initial interview, criteria checking, and poverty assessment. Aside from that, they are required to answer a questionnaire and an exam, memorize notes, and attend tours, meetings, and the Tourism Smokey Course developed by Kwee and her team. Their punctuality is also evaluated by the “Smokey Tours” leaders.
After that, Kwee says, the rest is trial and error.
Kwee enthuses that there are other ways to contribute to Smokey Tours.
“We also have volunteers in our office we always welcome who help with marketing, research, bookings, to name a few,” she says. “Actually, we are looking for some volunteers.”
 |
| Makeshift homes in Tondo are made of wood and other scrap materials. Photo by Marty Argarin. |
Facing Adversity
Kwee notes that she thought twice about starting the slum tour in 2014 because of all the negative comments that she received from the online community.
But she decided to push through for the sake of the community. “And at one point, I got so much criticism online. But I asked myself, ‘if I stop now, who will be the victims again?’ It will be the poor,” she says.
Open Doors of Opportunities
For Kwee, the way out of poverty is to provide livelihood and teach the values needed in life.
“I want to train people who can take their own initiative. To be empowered and to take responsibility. People are smart enough to make their own decisions,” Kwee says.
Activities
“Smokey Tours” has expanded its list of activities. Aside from the slum tour, tourists can now explore Manila while cycling, go to cemeteries and other local spots, and experience Old Manila by visiting Quiapo Church, Lacson Plaza, and Ongpin Street.
As a testament to the organization’s excellence, “Smokey Tours” has been ranked number one on TripAdvisor.
What a Voluntourist Finds by Trekking
7:07:00 AM
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| Camille Lumbang is a proud member of TREK. She has been with the group for some six years. |
One person who knows this all too well is Camille Lumbang who joined Trails to Empower Kids (TREK) in 2010. Her story paints a vivid picture of how voluntourism has allowed her to give back to different mountain communities and gain friends along the way.
 |
| Lumbang hands over an item to a happy kid in an outreach held at the Palina Elementary School in Kibungan, Benguet. Photo by Joseph Cruz. |
Scaling mountains and crossing rivers, the TREK volunteers have been to far-flung areas in the country including Calintaan, Mindoro; Balbalan, Kalinga; Fuga Island, Cagayan; Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte; and Papaya, Nueva Ecija.
Ready for the Climb
Lumbang said that she discovered TREK through Facebook. She shared that she wanted to join but felt a tinge of uncertainty because she does not know anyone from the group. It was not until she spoke to an elementary classmate that she finally made up her mind to enlist.
“I saw the TREK page on Facebook and thought about joining. But then I decided to give it some more thought. I had a chat with Jasmin, an elementary classmate, told her about my interest, and she said I should join because I would meet ‘kind’ people there,” Lumbang shared.
Lumbang continued that she mustered enough courage to post on TREK’s Facebook group. She stated her intention to join but, unfortunately, she has no buddy or partner for the climb.
The newbie’s apprehension vanished when a TREK member sent her a message that they can team up. It can be said that the simple act was Lumbang’s introduction to the warm and welcoming environment of the organization.
“Flo Fajardo sent me a message. She said that since her buddy will not make it, we can be partners,” she shared.
When asked about her first experience with TREK, Lumbang said that it was easy for her to establish rapport with other volunteers.
 |
| Lumbang (rightmost) strikes a wacky pose with her TREK friends while crossing a river in Calintaan, Mindoro. Picture taken by Nelfie Flores. |
She added, “It's not difficult to develop friendships with fellow volunteers since you have the same goal of helping the target community.”
Care for Others
According to Lumbang, the spirit of “bayanihan,” a Filipino custom where the whole community joins forces to achieve a common goal, can be seen and felt within the group.
“There is the willingness to organize donations and arrange the programs for the outreach,” Lumbang said.
Lumbang added that the cooperative and helpful attitude becomes more evident during the trip as the volunteers face the travails of mountain climbing.
“Based on my experience, you will see the support and concern for one another when the mountain is difficult to climb. (For example), we help and assist one another when a volunteer gets tired or has to carry a heavy load. Moreso, we help one another when the road is slippery or when there is a need to cross a river,” Lumbang enthused.
The trek may be tough but for Lumbang it does not steal the joy of serving others.
“It is an opportunity to serve and to share the blessings that I have. When you get there, you will be touched because of how they (partner communities) appreciate the efforts. When you share blessings, you get something in return (even if not monetary). And you also realize the blessings in your own life,” she noted.
Lumbang is all smiles while giving goodies to the kids in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. Photo by Joseph Cruz.
TREK’s 10th Year Anniversary Campaign
As part of TREK’s tenth-year celebration, Lumbang and other TREK volunteers are going back to their ten partner communities for ten straight months.
TREK recently partnered with Conquer Outdoor Equipment to come up with a collection of travel bags that will be used to generate funds and supplies for #10for10 campaign.
In relation to this, the group recently held a benefit concert for the campaign at B-Side (The Collective) in Makati entitled, “Diyes Is It.”
Finding Meaning in Climbing Mountains
7:35:00 PM
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| Meet John Rex Jardinero, one of the volunteers of Trails to Empower Kids (TREK). |
When John Rex Jardinero joined Trails to Empower Kids (TREK) in 2015 in its Kalinga expedition, he had no idea that he will endure 17 hours of mountain climbing coupled with river and bridge crossing.
“It took us 17 hours to get to our host school but we were re-charged immediately upon seeing the energy, excitement, and joy of the community. The experience was life-changing so I immediately wanted to become a member and be actively involved in the organization,” he says.
 |
| Jardinero playfully pats a child's head during one of the TREK games. |
Helping Others
Jardinero is not new to community service. Back in his home province of Palawan, he was a student and community leader.
Although he is now based in Manila, Jardinero still chose a career that leans heavily on helping and providing ways to provide better services to others.
“I work for a local bank as its Customer Engagement Manager. Our mandate is to find gaps in how the branches handle our customers. Then we would devise intervention programs and implement them, together with the branch personnel themselves,” he shares.
Drawing a parallel between his day job and volunteer work, he says, “I find it very similar to what we do at TREK which is focused on enriching the lives of the communities through empowerment. We involve beneficiaries in all stages from planning, implementation, monitoring and follow-through after the outreach," he says.
Participation as a TREK Volunteer
Jardinero shares that in the Kalinga expedition, he spearheaded the kids’ activities. But he says that he is planning to do more for TREK as the group marks its tenth anniversary in 2017.
 |
| Jardinero playing with the children during TREK Calintaan. |
Next year, TREK plans to implement a ten-month outreach program that involves past beneficiaries.
“I hosted TREK programs and helped facilitate the games for the kids-beneficiaries during the outreach. For the 10th year, I am in talks with singer-songwriter friends for a mini-benefit concert to raise funds for the #10For10th communities we will be visiting or re-visiting,” he says.
Slated for December 10, the gig will also be his pre-birthday celebration for a cause in partnership with the League of Authors of Public Interest Songs (LAPIS).
Also in the works is a collaboration with his singer-songwriter colleagues to come up with the TREK’s theme song.
“Hopefully, we will be able to complete it by next year to serve as our tribute to TREK, the volunteers, and the communities for the tenth year,” he says.
His other contributions to TREK include telling stories of inspiration to his friends and family and spurring them to participate.
“During free time, I share how TREK brings out the best in people– the partner-community residents and the volunteers,” he says.
“I'm also encouraging more friends and family members to help in any or all of the ten communities we will partner with next year by donating, finding sponsors and volunteering to join the actual outreach programs,” Jardinero adds.
On the Meaning of Community Service
When asked to give his two cents about volunteer work, Jardinero says that one must be willing to address the needs of the communities.
“There are so many communities that need assistance– find a way to help them. You may join TREK or any other volunteer organization,” he says.
He also says that volunteers have to connect with the people in the community and not just to take in the sights.
“When you visit a place in the Philippines or elsewhere, don’t just be amazed by its beauty, get to know its people especially the indigenous folks. Listen to their stories, their aspirations, and their dreams,” he says. “You may be able to help in the realization of these dreams by simply sharing their stories.”
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| Jardinero (rightmost) doing the Kalinga's traditional dance. |
“It’s never about your personal fulfillment or satisfaction. It’s how the community, the leaders, the parents and the kids will be empowered and move forward, after you partner with them,” he says.
He adds: “When you do volunteer work, never think of what you will get from doing it– always have the community’s welfare in mind. I think that’s what TREK is all about and that’s what keeps the most selfless volunteers behind it going nine years after partnering with the first community.”
Photos taken by: Alain Carrascal, June Jaroz, Reynaldo Canlas, and Rod Aldueza. |
| Jardinero (third from left) smiles for the camera with other TREK members before giving away slippers and school supplies to the beneficiaries in Kalinga. |
Some Do’s and Don’ts in Voluntourism
8:48:00 PM
Voluntourism
allows participants to meld traveling and community service. It can be a
fulfilling experience, one that leads participants to meet new people,
discover a foreign culture, and contribute to community building.
 |
| Volunteer work is never boring! |
Good
intentions are notable but voluntourists must also have a concrete plan
in undertaking this kind of activity. Preparing well can go a long way
and will benefit not just the volunteer but also the target
beneficiaries.
Do your research. Just like any seasoned traveler, allot time to read blogs or articles that talk about the organization that you want to sign up with. If possible, interview individuals who have joined the organization to know the score.
Do
decide if you want to pursue a domestic or an international trip. If
you plan to go abroad, research on the country to learn about the fees
and other needed documents. Some organizations require volunteers to
have a travel insurance. For local expeditions, read about the community
to know the requirements and how to connect with key contacts.
 |
| Whether embarking on a local or an international trip, one of the benefits of voluntourism is meeting like-minded people. |
Do
plan an excursion that reflects your interests and competencies. There
are organizations that are in need of individuals with key skills. Tell
your partner organization about your abilities and interests beforehand
so that they have an idea how to make your trip more relevant.
Do
maximize the use of technology. According to organization founders and
facilitators, most volunteers get in touch with them through email or
Facebook.
Do
a pre-trip orientation with your contact. Anticipation is a traveler’s
best friend. Ask questions about the social norms like language,
appropriate clothing, or other cultural practices. Another thing to
consider is your lodging. Some organizations do not have centers where
volunteers can take shelter. In that case, you can ask for their help in
securing your food and accommodation.
Do
immerse yourself. One of the many blessings of voluntourism is knowing a
new culture and meeting new friends. Sit down with the locals to know
the community’s needs.
 |
| Voluntourism is one way to explore a new culture. Tribal dancers from the Panay Bukidnon of Iloilo do a performance using traditional moves. |
Don’t
make hasty decisions without consulting your host organization. Talk to
your immediate contact about your needs and thoughts. They are
responsible for your well-being so there is a need to maintain clear
communication throughout your stay.
Don’t
forget to share the joy of voluntourism with others. Involve your
friends and loved ones in these life-changing expeditions. Send photos
or write about your trip to engage them.
 |
| Get creative with your shots for voluntourism souvenirs. A volunteer arranges slippers donated by TREK to create a ground artwork. |
Whatever
cause you decide to take, it is always good to remember that
voluntourism is not about personal gain but about inspiring change in
the community that you decide to help.
Guiding Volunteers Up the Mountain
8:45:00 PM
Leading a group of people in an outdoor mission can
be a daunting task. But for Ujin Austria, a seasoned expedition leader
(EL), directing the Trails to Empower Kids (TREK) participants is all
part of the adventure that can be referred to as "voluntourism."
 |
| Austria comfortably talks about his experience for the TREK Calintaan promotional material. |
Leading Others
Austria, a mountain climber with over 15 years of experience, says that he keeps on learning and growing as an EL with every TREK trip.
He shares that TREK’s expedition to Kalinga held last December 2015 was one of the most challenging adventures to date.
“That
time, the typhoon just ended so we needed to cross a river. We were
told that if the river level rose, we had to walk a little bit further.
We even had to cross a hanging bridge,” he enthuses. “Also, they were a
couple of new volunteers from PS Bank, one of our sponsors.”
 |
| Austria crosses a hanging bridge in one of the TREK outreach programs. |
 |
| Traversing raging rivers at TREK's trip to Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro. |
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| Austria, carrying a yellow backpack, leads the TREK members in a muddy trail. |
‘Simple life’
Austria shares that each TREK crusade touches his heart anew.
“There are always different experiences for me. The beneficiaries’ cultural presentations and unique way of saying ‘thank you’ present a different impact every time,” he enthuses.
Austria says that the rustic setting in the upland communities help him put things into perspective.
“We
are used to the city where everything is fast-paced and all about the
money. But in every TREK trip, everything is different, very simple,” he
notes.
Getting Hands Dirty for a Good Cause
Austria shares that volunteers have to be prepared to tackle nature’s obstacles.
“The participants should not be afraid to get dirty and sweaty during the climb. It’s all part of the experience,” he says.
He also encourages the volunteers to set aside gadgets to be able to gain a deeper insight about the community’s culture.
“When
you reach the area, limit the use of gadgets. Be a local; immerse
yourself in the community. That way you can know their immediate needs.
It will also help you learn something about yourself,” he says.
 |
TREK’s 10th Anniversary
Austria
shares that TREK will celebrate its tenth birthday in 2017. They are
currently crafting an exciting activity lineup for their partner
schools.
Philippine Eagle Foundation: Guardians of the Rare Monkey-Eating Eagle and Other Birds of Prey
9:16:00 PM
The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), known globally as a powerful and majestic bird of prey, is on the brink of extinction because of habitat loss and illegal hunting.
The dwindling number of these birds remains a major environmental concern today. But thankfully, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), a Davao-based organization, stepped up to the plate to save the endangered species through conservation measures.
Established in the 1970s, the PEF aims to conserve the species of monkey-eating eagles and other birds of prey (raptors) in the country. To strengthen their resolve, they built the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC), an 8.4-hectare space located at the foothills of Mount Apo in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City dedicated to raising awareness about and breeding Philippine eagles.
Rai Gomez, the Education Administrator of PEF, says that the facility has become a tourist spot in Davao, and has even received support from then-mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Breeding Program
The only breeding facility in the Philippines, PEC uses artificial insemination and the natural pairing process.
In artificial insemination, the monogamous Philippine eagle is imprinted to its caretaker. Meanwhile, for the natural pairing process, two compatible eagles are matched by the PEF staff.
Last February 2016, the natural mating of two eagles produced the 27th chick born in captivity.
Out of the 35 eagles in the facility, 9 are captive bred and 16 are rehabilitated or rescued birds.
Gomez shares that only seven Philippine eagles are for viewing, while the rest are kept from the public for “conservation breeding and research purposes”.
Programs
Gomez shares that PEF offers a wide array of programs in addition to their breeding project.
In Research and Conservation, the PEF researchers workers check the condition of forests and monitor the Philippine eagles in the wild. Gomez adds that these researchers are in charge of working with the local community to educate them how to protect the eagles and other bird species in the area.
Disseminating information is still the best way to protect the environment. In PEF’s Conservation Education Program, they educate their guests about the Philippine eagle. The learning session is complemented with a bird watching activity and “Nature Discovery” where they visit the rainforests to learn more about biodiversity.
Gomez adds that they also strengthen their relationship with the upland communities. They work with the indigenous tribes so that they can continue and preserve the work that was started by PEF.
“It is very important to get strong support from the partner communities. Presently, we also work with former hunters who are now the number one protectors of the Philippine eagle in the area,” she shares.
Their Development Program concentrates on planning fundraising events, handling social media activities, and getting in touch with media.
Volunteer Programs
Gomez says that they are working with organizations but also welcome individual volunteers, who are mostly undergraduate biology and science students.
The local and foreign volunteers get in touch with PEF through email. Scores of foreign participants, mostly sent by their partner organization, AIESEC, choose PEF because of the rare species housed in the center.
During their stint at the PEC, volunteers experience close encounters with the Philippine eagle and various species in the facility. Under the guidance of the PEF staff, the volunteers can also observe and study the plants, trees, and flowers that thrive in the Davao forests.
When asked about the feedback from their volunteers, Gomez shares that the participants are happy and go home with a wealth of experience.
“They start working in different fields. Their immersion here is like a training ground for them,” she says.
Gomez explains that they do not limit the stay of the volunteers. Some visit for a week or stay for a month or two.
No fee is required to become a PEF volunteer. However, all participants must be able to pay all the food and lodging expenses during their stay. To help the volunteers, Gomez says that the PEF staff handles the coordination for all their needs.
Kid Volunteers
Right now, the PEF team is bent on instilling knowledge to volunteers as young as eight years old. The new program, which started in 2016, has about ten active students.
Gomez shares that not even the distance and lack of transportation can quench the enthusiasm of the students.
“If you want to develop future stewards, you have to start with the kids. We encourage them to come to the center so they can create memories with wildlife,” Gomez enthuses.
She adds: “We focus on them to develop their love for the environment.”
PEF as an Educational Facility
PEF is currently designing a module for volunteers who want to go full-time in the conservation process.
“It is a challenge for us to see growth in our volunteers. We want to develop more trainings for them,” Gomez shares.
However, Gomez says that they grapple with the irregular influx of volunteers. One option is to encourage schools to send their students to the facility to learn more about the environment.
“We want them to see the center as an educational facility for the students,” Gomez explains.
Wing Slap Movement
PEF recently launched “Wing Slap Movement”, a campaign launched in honor of the Philippine Eagle Week.
According to Gomez, the wing slap is an eagle’s way to protect themselves in times of danger.
“It is also our way of saying that the destruction of the environment and the killing of our national bird has to stop. When you do the wing slap movement, it is sending a message to stop the destructive activities,” Gomez explains.
Three-time UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez and the rest of Bali Pure, a volleyball team, supported the campaign.
Visit PEF’s website (http://www.philippineeagle.org/) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/phileaglefdn) to learn more about the organization and their donation process and volunteering opportunities.
The dwindling number of these birds remains a major environmental concern today. But thankfully, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), a Davao-based organization, stepped up to the plate to save the endangered species through conservation measures.
Established in the 1970s, the PEF aims to conserve the species of monkey-eating eagles and other birds of prey (raptors) in the country. To strengthen their resolve, they built the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC), an 8.4-hectare space located at the foothills of Mount Apo in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City dedicated to raising awareness about and breeding Philippine eagles.
Rai Gomez, the Education Administrator of PEF, says that the facility has become a tourist spot in Davao, and has even received support from then-mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Breeding Program
The only breeding facility in the Philippines, PEC uses artificial insemination and the natural pairing process.
In artificial insemination, the monogamous Philippine eagle is imprinted to its caretaker. Meanwhile, for the natural pairing process, two compatible eagles are matched by the PEF staff.
Last February 2016, the natural mating of two eagles produced the 27th chick born in captivity.
Out of the 35 eagles in the facility, 9 are captive bred and 16 are rehabilitated or rescued birds.
Gomez shares that only seven Philippine eagles are for viewing, while the rest are kept from the public for “conservation breeding and research purposes”.
Programs
Gomez shares that PEF offers a wide array of programs in addition to their breeding project.
In Research and Conservation, the PEF researchers workers check the condition of forests and monitor the Philippine eagles in the wild. Gomez adds that these researchers are in charge of working with the local community to educate them how to protect the eagles and other bird species in the area.
Disseminating information is still the best way to protect the environment. In PEF’s Conservation Education Program, they educate their guests about the Philippine eagle. The learning session is complemented with a bird watching activity and “Nature Discovery” where they visit the rainforests to learn more about biodiversity.
 |
| A PEF volunteer educates a couple of elementary students about the Philippine Eagle. |
“It is very important to get strong support from the partner communities. Presently, we also work with former hunters who are now the number one protectors of the Philippine eagle in the area,” she shares.
Their Development Program concentrates on planning fundraising events, handling social media activities, and getting in touch with media.
Volunteer Programs
Gomez says that they are working with organizations but also welcome individual volunteers, who are mostly undergraduate biology and science students.
The local and foreign volunteers get in touch with PEF through email. Scores of foreign participants, mostly sent by their partner organization, AIESEC, choose PEF because of the rare species housed in the center.
 |
| AIESEC volunteers prepare PEF materials that will be used in the organization's education programs. |
When asked about the feedback from their volunteers, Gomez shares that the participants are happy and go home with a wealth of experience.
“They start working in different fields. Their immersion here is like a training ground for them,” she says.
Gomez explains that they do not limit the stay of the volunteers. Some visit for a week or stay for a month or two.
No fee is required to become a PEF volunteer. However, all participants must be able to pay all the food and lodging expenses during their stay. To help the volunteers, Gomez says that the PEF staff handles the coordination for all their needs.
Kid Volunteers
Right now, the PEF team is bent on instilling knowledge to volunteers as young as eight years old. The new program, which started in 2016, has about ten active students.
Gomez shares that not even the distance and lack of transportation can quench the enthusiasm of the students.
 |
| PEF's young volunteers clean the river in a bid to help protect the environment. |
She adds: “We focus on them to develop their love for the environment.”
PEF as an Educational Facility
PEF is currently designing a module for volunteers who want to go full-time in the conservation process.
“It is a challenge for us to see growth in our volunteers. We want to develop more trainings for them,” Gomez shares.
 |
| A PEF volunteer plays with the children from an upland town near the Philippine Eagle Center. |
“We want them to see the center as an educational facility for the students,” Gomez explains.
Wing Slap Movement
PEF recently launched “Wing Slap Movement”, a campaign launched in honor of the Philippine Eagle Week.
According to Gomez, the wing slap is an eagle’s way to protect themselves in times of danger.
“It is also our way of saying that the destruction of the environment and the killing of our national bird has to stop. When you do the wing slap movement, it is sending a message to stop the destructive activities,” Gomez explains.
Three-time UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez and the rest of Bali Pure, a volleyball team, supported the campaign.
Visit PEF’s website (http://www.philippineeagle.org/) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/phileaglefdn) to learn more about the organization and their donation process and volunteering opportunities.
