Foreigner no more

These last few weeks haven’t provided me with too much office time, as I have been tied up with various trainings and conferences around the area. I am now a First Aid first responder here in Tabaco City after completing a four-day First Aid training with my office. The following week I was asked to take part in a Fiberglass Polyester Resin (FPR) boat making training with community members from all over the Bicol Region held at the Regional Fisheries Training Center (RFTC) here in Tabaco City. This was one of the best things I have done since being here as I was able to get down and dirty, learn something new, and observe local knowledge, etc. Our finished product was a 30-foot long fiberglass boat made from scratch, which will be used by RFTC for travel purposes to conduct future trainings on San Miguel Island. No break…two days later, I was invited to attend the 6^th international Conference on Kuroshio Science held at Bicol University Tabaco Campus. The Kuroshio Current is a warm-water current that originates here in the Bicol Region and travels up along the coast of Taiwan and Japan. I was able to meet and network with researchers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Russia, and Japan, along with others from the Philippines of course. I hope the knowledge I gained and people I met can be useful for me for my PC service, and possibly in my future career endeavors. Quick side story from the conference…the first evening concluded with a dinner and cultural presentation put on by some BUTC students. I sat at a table with a man from Taiwan, three researchers from Japan, and a girl pursuing her master’s degree in Taiwan but originally from Moscow, Russia. Up to this point, I have become so used to speaking Tagalog and/or Bicol (usually bits and pieces) that English seems somewhat foreign to me. However, since this was an international conference, all the presentations and researchers spoke in English in order to understand one another. As I sat around this smorgasbord of a table, I found myself occasionally mixing Tagalog words into my speech, only to realize that my companions didn’t understand what I was saying. For the first time, I was the native speaker again!! What a turnaround. 

One topic I haven’t elaborated on much is my work-related projects at the LGU. Despite the often irregular work pattern and the holiday season that is now upon us (or should I say has been since September here), I’ve been fairly involved these first few months lining up activities the LGU would like to accomplish, as well as my own personal plans I’d like to get involve with during my two years in Tabaco City. In October, my first project proposal was approved for a pilot aquaponics system for the LGU. Aquaponics is a sustainable food system that combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a closed system where both fish and vegetables can be grown. System construction will hopefully be starting next month.  I’ve also been beginning the preliminary steps for updating the Coastal Resource Management (CRM) Plan for Tabaco City. This involves engaging the community in socio-economic data collection, conducting local habitat assessments, and updating management strategies for the future. In addition, I’m also hoping to continue collaborating with RFTC and BUTC on their fisheries trainings and research, and I have begun discussions about starting up an environmental education class at Tabaco National High School next year. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my progress.

This past weekend I helped fellow PCV Jeff out with a medical mission at his site, partnered with the local chapter of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. Free dental and medical care was provided for roughly 500 people, most of whom cannot afford it on a regular basis. I primarily assisted with a first aid/hand washing station. Got to surf for the first time the following day with 3 other PCVs and 2 Australians (also volunteers). I didn’t get up (much harder than it looks!) but it was quite the experience nonetheless. More outings to come!

It seems I’ve made it a habit to conclude my posts with a story. Last Wednesday night, I was lying in bed reading a book when my ate knocked on my door and asked me if I’d like to go to the videoke bar with her and her friends. I was exhausted and was ready to call it quits for the night, but it seemed really important to her that I go so I changed clothes and headed out. I wasn’t really in the mood to sing or drink, so I sat back and watched. I was repeatedly asked if I wanted to sing or anything to drink, but I refused, indicating that I was comfortable. It seemed that my ate was more concerned with my happiness than enjoying the time with her friends. I tried to relay this to her, but soon felt obligated to have a beer and sing a few songs to appease them. Filipinos are all about the love ballads, so I chose to sing “Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down, but then decided to “energize” (shout out to fellow PCVs Russ and Rachel) the group with the 90s hit “What’s My Age Again?” by Blink-182. As midnight approached, my ate and I headed home. But before I crashed into my bed, I received a text from her telling me how she will never forget this night because it was the first time in her life she got to go out with her friends and how happy she was to spend it with me. I found out the next morning that if I had chosen not to go with her, she would not have been able to stay out (my kuya’s orders). I now understood the importance of my presence that night. Independence is something that I often take for granted, whether it’s been in my social, educational, or career opportunities and experiences (even the Peace Corps). I feel incredibly privileged to be able to give a little bit of independence and freedom to someone else, even if it’s only for a night.

Maligayang pasko (Merry Christmas) everyone!

**CHECK BACK LATER FOR PHOTOS