Destination Philippines

Insight Tour
April 8th-16th 2011

TEAR Fund INSIGHT TOURS
Learn about the economic, social and spiritual
climate in developing countries;
Observe the living conditions and the lives of those
in poverty;
Witness the hope and dignity that have been
restored in the lives of the world’s poor who can
now provide for their families through TEAR Fund’s
ministry;
Reflect on ways, as Kiwi’s living at a distance, we
can impact their lives;
Apply what you learn into your everyday life.
You will go where tourists rarely travel. You will see
the hope, energy and dignity of people conquering
hunger and poverty through their own enterprise.
This adventure will broaden your understanding of
Third World poverty and its solution. It will also
enlarge your heart!
Experience things tourists can’t…..
See microenterprises in operation and talk with loan
recipients in their homes.
Visit Partner Agencies and meet staff.
Have dinner and discussions with members of the
local Board of Directors.
Receive briefings on unique local conditions.
Enjoy sightseeing, shopping and comfortable
accommodation.
Minister to staff of TEAR Fund’s local Christian field
partners, pray for beneficiaries, take part in
devotions …with a small group of like-minded
people.
Richard Barter, TEAR Fund’s Resource
Development Manager is familiar with the
Philippines and will work to make your journey
interesting and enjoyable.
You will meet families who have broken out of this
vicious cycle of debt and usury and been able to
provide for their children the basic necessities of
education, health and good food in rural areas.
You will visit projects in the heart of downtown
Manila, Tondo, not far from the well-known
“Smokey Mountain” a rubbish dump that has for
years provided a living for the absolute poor. Meet
families who have come down from the mountain of
poverty into the valley of hope and enterprise. You
will get to know the local people in a positive way
you will never forget and experience the vibrancy of
transformed communities.
It is easy to believe the problems out there are too
big to solve, or to change channel and pretend they
don’t exist. Take this opportunity to encounter the
reality many people in the world experience daily,
and a solution to their distress that will convince you
there is indeed hope.
Cost
Costs are realistic compared to bulk commercial
tours. We are expecting the cost should not be
more than NZ$2,995. The exact amount will be
advised closer to departure. This cost is based on a
Singapore Airlines Airfare of around NZ$2,000. It
may be possible to get cheaper flights if you shop
around. Let us know if you want to arrange your
own international flights. This is ok if you are able to
arrive earlier or at the same time as the rest of the
group.
The above Costs will cover
• Accommodation over the period shown in
the itinerary
• Main meals (excluding alcohol) plus
morning afternoon teas while on organised
activities etc.
• Transport for all organised activities on the
Itinerary
• TEAR Fund administration and staff costs
• Airfares from Auckland (You may choose to
use your own agent, and may be able to
negotiate a better price)
The shared costs will not cover
• Room service charges including phone bills
and laundry
• You will have the opportunity to take
advantage of local tours. The hotel can
arrange this for you. You will pay the hotel
or operator directly.
• Personal purchases etc.
• Meals while in transit at airports etc.
• Any medical fees while in the Philippines,
and for any immunisations, prescriptions
etc. before going
Costs will depend on value of currencies at
the time.
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 Itinerary for Destination Philippines 2011
Day Date Activity
April
Friday 8 Check in at Auckland Airport at 10:00pm

Saturday 9 QANTAS SQ0282 leaves Auckland at

1:10am. Arrive in Singapore 7:00am. Fly out
to Manila at 9:00am on SQ0910, arrive at
1:15pm. Check in at Shalom Pensionne.
Have a look around the local area. Dinner at Shalom
Robinsons Mall Pensionne
Sunday 10 Drive to Cabanatuan. ASKI - Hotel
Cabanatuan
Monday 11 Visit ASKI projects in and around
Cabanatuan Rural MED - The challenges
faced by the rural poor are quite different to
those faced by urban poor. You will visit
villages where people still live much as Hotel
they've done for centuries. Cabanatuan
Tuesday 12 Visit ASKI projects in and around
Cabanatuan. Look at ASKI projects in the
Provincial City of Cabanatuan. The situation
of those living in small cities are unique as
they cannot grow food as can be done by
those in rural areas, but they do not have the
opportunities afforded to the inhabitants in Hotel
larger centres. Cabanatuan
Wednesday 13 Shalom
Drive to Manilla - Pensionne
Thursday 14 Visit CCT office headed by Ruth Callanta.
CCT is an outstanding example of Christian
Microenterprise at its best. In the morning
we will be introduced to the organisation and
the many aspects of their ministry. The
group will divide between those who would
like to visit their Trust Banks. The rest will
visit the Kaibigan street dweller Project and Shalom
some selected Trust Bank groups. Pensionne
Friday 15 Fly out at 2:20pm on SQ0917 to Singapore,
arrive 5:50pm. Fly out at 9:05pm
MAIN TOUR FINISHES AT THIS
POINT
Sat 16
Arrive Auckland @ 11:55am in the morning.
Sun 17 For those who wish to stay on, CCT can
organise a variety of Cultural and Historic
Tours. Some examples follow.

You could visit Intramuros (“The Walled

City”) that contains the original fort built by
the Spanish to protect Manila against
invasion by sea. This fort was also occupied
by the Japanese in WW2. Shopping
sightseeing in afternoon.

From the Hotel one can walk largely through

parks down to a Promenade on the edge of
Manila Bay. The huge Robinson shopping
3
 mall is around 20 minutes walk away, this is
guaranteed to satisfy the most determined
shopper.

For those who have a Trustbank in San

Carlos City, flights and land transport will
need to be arranged before leaving NZ.

Mon 18 You could take the ferry across the Manila Bay
to Corregidor Island. Corregidor is the largest
of the islands guarding the entrance to Manila
Bay. It has in the past protected and been lost
to the Spanish, Americans and Japanese. It
will be a great day giving you a unique insight
into the history of the Philippines. Fly out of
Manila 18:50pm

Areas we will travel to……..

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Partner Profile CCT
The Centre for Community Transformation (CCT) is
a Christian development organization undertaking
transformational programs and services among the
poor. It started as an informal organization of
development professionals then became a formal
development institution in 1992. Its belief is that the
approaches to development must be holistic and
transformational, addressing both the material and
spiritual needs of people. They must empower
people to reach their full potential as transformed
human beings in the image of God.
Our Vision
A network of Christ-centered faith communities
where Jesus is honored and worshipped and where
people live with dignity and sufficiency in
accordance with God's plan for a just, humane and
caring society.
Our Mission
As followers of Christ, we join the Holy Spirit in
God's work of transforming lives and communities
Our Approach
Poverty-focused, sector-specific, family-centered,
community based
O j e c t i v e:
Community transformation. To restore 'shalom' in
the world through the establishment of Christ-
centred communities of love, righteousness, justice
and peace. (Isa. 65:19-25;
Rom. 12:1-15:13). This calls
for a Spirit-led process,
modelled by the LORD Jesus
Christ (Lk. 4:18-19; 7:19-21).
It brings about harmony and
reconciliation, whereby
people are invited to repent of
their sins, and to trust and
obey Jesus Christ by forming
right ideas and relationships
with God, their neighbours, creation and their
selves (Mt. 22: 37-39; 2 Cor. 10:5). It enables every
person and community/people group to become
what God intended each of them to be (Eph. 4:17-
24; Col. 3:5-17).
Approach:
Holistic evangelism. In order to proclaim the Gospel
in its fullness and integral form among every people
group, we must be concerned for the total welfare
of the people - religious, social, economic,
educational, physical, etc. (Mt. 9:35-38; cf. 25:31-
46; Lk. 2:52; 10:30-37).
Goal:
People empowerment. Whether the whole
community turns to Christ or not (most probably a
majority will become at least sympathetic to the
Gospel) with the hope that the target people will
have been enabled to become mature and
responsible (not dependent) adults who can make
dignified and wise decisions for their individual and
communal life - as active participants (not passive
onlookers) in tackling issues that affect their lives
and destinies.
Strategy:
Contextualisation. There is only one Gospel, but as
many different expressions of faith ("religious
forms") as there are communities.
(1 Cor.9:18-23). Let the church planted grow in its
own soil; otherwise, it becomes "church-
transplanting" (not church-planting): Outside
resources may be tapped, but these must be
managed by truly empowered leaders who are
sensitive to their local culture(s) and able to
maximise the use of local resources.
Structure:
Interdependent groups.. The organised community
will become a network of peoples' organisations
(some quite fixed/formal, others ad hoc) led or
strongly influenced by a core group(s) of committed
resident Christians who have been discipled to
serve as leaders in the church and in the
community.
Community Programs
Spiritual Development
CCT uses evangelism and discipleship to reach out
to urban poor communities, zealously witnessing to
them and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus
Christ. Those who decide to receive Jesus into their
lives are nurtured and mentored in Christian values,
so that they too can disciple others.
Microfinance
Microfinance provides credit to poor families with no
collateral to be used as working capital for
business. Payable in easy installment terms, loans
range from P3,000 to P20,000 (US$60 to US$400).
Social Services
CCT's Social Services program hopes to see
strong, healthy, Christ-centered families. The
Program provides the following services:
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1.Water Supply
and Sanitation
2.Nutrition
3.Health Services
4.Social Security
a) Social health
insurance
a) Life insurance
Community Enterprise
CCT engages in joint venture activities with urban
poor communities and groups to make available
quality goods and services to the community. It
aims to provide employment opportunities for
community members. Examples of these social
enterprises include provision of potable water
systems, community drug stores, etc.
Child Development: Visions of Hope
Orphans, abandoned, and children of single parents
and indigent families are given financial assistance
to complete elementary and high school education.
The children are also given the opportunity to
attend weekly spiritual development classes,
leadership training, camps, art appreciation classes
and character formation activities.
http://www.visionsofhope.org.ph
Center for Community Transformation
KAIBIGAN MINISTY
Background of the Project
Decades ago, we have seen the increasing number
slum communities in the cities brought about by
migration of people from rural areas in search for
better income opportunities. As cities become
highly urbanized, more and more of these slum
communities are demolished and relocated in the
suburbs. As cost of living in the cities continue to
rise - including former slum communities now
densely populated residential and commercial
areas, people with lesser opportunities for
employment have become even more marginalized.
We now see not only individuals, but families living
in push carts, sleeping on the street pavements and
in waiting sheds, doing their daily chores under the
shade of the trees in the park, spending idle times
roaming around begging or at worst sniffing
addictive substances to deflect their attention from
hunger.
There are individuals who have literally grown old in
the streets – kids born, raised unschooled, and
learning the street way of life, while adults spending
some 10 to more than 20 years roaming around the
city. There are estimated 7000 individuals living in
this condition in Metro Manila and nearby cities.
This number is expected to increase as we
experience the consequences of the recent global
economic crises – forcing thousands of family
income earners out of jobs and out of businesses.
This does not concern us just because we do not
want them to fall deeper below the poverty line but
because allowing them to do so means pushing
them further into the mire of various unlawful
activities that threatens our very own peaceful
existence – making our every effort for personal
fulfilment meaningless and community development
pursuits void.
CCT’s Intervention
Kaibigan Ministry is CCT’s response to the now a
social phenomenon in Metro Manila and other
business centres in the Philippines – street
dwelling.
Seeing the street-dwellers situation and reflecting
on God’s prophecy written in the Bible, Ezekiel 37
on how the Lord shall reveal Himself as the Lord of
His people Israel who have long become old, dry
and hopeless due to oppression while in exile, CCT
was inspired by God’s power in bringing back the
valley of dry bones into life – giving them flesh, skin
and breath, allowing them to once again stand up
on their feet like a great army. CCT was also
encouraged by God’s promise to cause His
hopeless people to rise once more – giving them
His Spirit that they may live again and bringing
them back to their own promised land.
CCT upholds the dignity of each street-dweller as a
person created in the image and likeness of God.
As such, CCT believes that God so desires for them
to live a full and abundant life under His grace as
He purposefully designed for each one of them.
6

In the last quarter of 2005, CCT started the
Kaibigan Ministry. The initial agenda was to win
their trust by befriending them – thus, the term
“kaibigan” a Filipino term for friend was used. All
recipients/ beneficiaries of the ministry are then
called “kaibigan”.
The initial scheme was to meet them at least once a
week, serve them a free meal to relieve their
hunger, share with them Bible-based life values,
introduce them the One True Friend, Christ Jesus
and encourage them to have a life-long relationship
with Him while walking alongside CCT. The
Kaibigan Ministry also provided medical assistance
to those in need. Individual case management was
also conducted in order to address short term and
long term needs of the kaibigan.
Individual and group character formation activities
were also conducted for the kaibigan to ensure that
change happens from within. Each was also given
opportunity to have source of livelihood based on
their individual skills and interest. For those who
wanted to be reunited with their families, the
ministry coordinated with CCT’s network of branch
offices nationwide and other local government units
to facilitate the reunion. They are likewise referred
to local church group to ensure that they will be well
guided as they face the challenges of rebuilding
their lives.
Through the help of friends and supporters of CCT,
the Kaibigan Ministry has been able to:
1. Renovate an ancestral house and build
facilities within its 2000 sqm backyard that
now serves as the Kaibigan Community
Centre amidst a densely populated area in
Pasay City, Philippines. The owners have
allowed CCT to use their property for 5
years beginning this year, free of rental
fees.
2. Build facilities for the street-dwellers within
the Kaibigan Community Centre such as
sleeping quarters, toilet and bath, laundry
area, open kitchen, canteen, bakery,
general merchandise store, clinic,
counselling / prayer room, fellowship hall,
tailoring area, ministry office and children’s
playground. We are also looking forward to
setting-up a purified water refilling station
for the community.
3. Served free meals and conducted value/
character formation sessions with more
than 5000 street-dwellers in Metro Manila.
4. Conducted 2 batches of Evangelistic
Camps/ Retreats to:
st
1 Batch – 32 street-dwellers from which 13
were identified to join a 6-month in- house
character / value reformation. 6 out of these
people are now serving as volunteers of
Kaibigan Ministry or part of the construction
team that are on-the-job training with CCT
Property Development Unit.
nd
2 Batch – 233 street-dwellers joined the
Christmas Camp from which about 80
persons were invited avail of the overnight-
inn / temporary shelter facilities of the
Kaibigan Ministry. 45 of them are currently
on initial 3-month intentional character
reformation intervention. We are now in the
phase of identifying employable skills or
income generating projects for them to
enable them to have a source of income
and unlearn the habit of dependency.
5. Organized a 30-member team of Kaibigan
as construction workers. They were
awarded a contract to fence half of the
perimeter of 5 hectare CCT Training and
Retreat Centre in Tagaytay City, while the
other half of the perimeter was awarded to
a private development contractor. It was
worthy to note that the Kaibigan team were
able to finish the work 1 month ahead at 1/3
the cost cheaper than the private
contractor. Visitors, without knowing which
side was constructed by the Kaibigan team
were always mistaken to think that the
topsy-turvy work was that of the kaibigan,
while the neat and good work was done by
the private contractor. They were always
surprised to know it was the other way
around. Their diligence and perseverance
to do their daily work well has paid off. To
this writing, the private contractor has hired
the Kaibigan team to redo and finish the
work that their team started and left
unfinished due to relationship problems.
We look forward to a long-term relationship
with this private contractor to help us win
construction contracts with the Kaibigan as
workers. This arrangement will help us
increase the number of kaibigan to join the
construction team.
7
6. Organized a 10-member service/
maintenance team deployed at CCT branch
offices in Manila. They started as On-the-
Job Trainees. Since January 2009 they
have been hired as employees, with
Kaibigang Maaasahan Multi-purpose
Cooperative (street-dwellers cooperative)
as their manpower agency. We look
forward to increasing their numbers and be
deployed to other companies aside from
CCT.
7. Assisted 16 street-dwellers to be reunited
with their families in their hometown/
province. The network of CCT Credit
Cooperative staff and partners nationwide
has made it possible for the Kaibigan
Ministry to trace the whereabouts of the
families of the street-dwellers in the
provinces. They have also been referred to
a local community church that can nurture
their spiritual/ character growth. There was
also a time that the Kaibigan Ministry in
Manila helped traced the children of
residents in a CCT community who were
illegally recruited to work in Manila and
were forced to sleep on the streets. The
Kaibigan Ministry prevented the two young
ladies from becoming street-dwellers in
Manila.
8. Provided medical assistance to 66 street-
dwellers. 5 were housed at the Recovery
Room at the Kaibigan Centre until they
were fully recuperated and were reunited to
their families in the provinces.
9. Organized the Kaibigang Maaasahan Multi-
purpose Cooperative (KMMC - street-
dwellers cooperative) to facilitate the
income generating projects/ businesses of
the Kaibigan. Currently, the cooperative
runs:
a. A Kitchenette that cooks the food
served during feeding programs
and supplies catering services to
CCT functions. Soon we will start to
accept catering functions from
network of CCT friends and
supporters. We are also on our way
to setting up a Party Needs
business.
b. A Bakery – to provide quality and
affordable bread to street-dwellers
and other members of the
community where we operate. We
also look forward to supplying the
variety stores owned by CCT Credit
Cooperative partners as outlet of
our bakery.
c. General Merchandise Store –
currently sells household cleaning
products, generic medicines and
used clothing. Allowing people to
purchase used clothing at minimal
price gives them a sense of pride
for being able to have a “good buy”
than giving for them free. We do
give free clothes as a gift during
special occasions like birthday or
Christmas. Selling of household
cleaning products house-to-house
within communities where CCT
operates becomes a source of
income for the kaibigan too.
d. Tailoring Shop – trains street-
dwellers tailoring skills and accepts
tailoring jobs.
The KMMC provides savings facilities and a
social security payment scheme for the
kaibigan. Loan windows are also provided
to those who are already employed or who
would want to start an individual or group
income generating project. We currently
register 83 kaibigan as associate members
of the cooperative.
10. Minister to 50 adults (including elderly and
sick) and 30 children daily, while we do
case management and exert efforts to
reconcile them with their families.
8

ASKI Profile
The Organisation
ALALAY SA KAUNLARAN SA GITNANG LUZON,
INC. (ASKI) is a non stock, non-profit Christian
development organisation. A group of Christian
leaders and businessmen in Nueva Ecija registered
the organisation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission in July 1987.
Vision
To see people living in accordance with God’s plan
for a just and caring society where all live with
dignity, sufficiency and responsibility towards others
and the rest of creation.
Mission
To promote socio-economic and spiritual
transformation in the Province of Nueva Ecija by
strengthening and harnessing the resources of
development organisations, cooperatives and
groups engaged in micro, cottage and small
enterprise development and assisting individual
beneficiaries alleviate poverty and bring about the
fullness of life based on ecumenical Christian
development philosophy.
Background information
 The province of Nueva Ecija occupies the
eastern rim of Central Luzon Plains in northern
Philippines and is completely landlocked.
Surrounding provinces include Pampanga and
Bulacan in the South, Pangasinan in the North,
Aurora and Quezon in the East and Tarlac in
the West.
 The predominant terrain within the province
comprises low lying alluvial plains and rolling
uplands.
 In view of it being landlocked, the province’s
water resources are composed mainly of
surface and ground waters that are harnessed
for irrigation, power generation, aquaculture,
production, recreation, and domestic
consumption. Water for domestic consumption
is extracted from the ground waters by means
of deep wells and hand pumps. Rural areas of
the province with no irrigation facilities extract
ground water for irrigation purposes.
 The province has a total land area of 550,718
hectares, with 197,448 hectares (37%) of this
classified as forestland. However, only 94,454
(48%) hectares is forested. The numerous
birds, reptiles, mammals and insects are
subject to indiscriminate hunting.
 There are 29 municipalities, 4 cities, and 849
barangays (villages) which make up the
province of Nueva Ecija. The province contains
a total population of 1,659,883, growing at a
rate of 2.11 % (census as of 2000). The
regional and national regional and national
growth rates are 3.20% and 2.36 %
respectively. Male population accounts for
50.83% of the total population while female
population accounts for 49.17%. The Census
2000 indicates a total household base of
340,158, with an average of 4.87 individuals
per household. The working age population
(aged 15 years old and over) is estimated at
approximately 1,065,000 (64.16%). Out of this
approximately 391,000 (36.7%) are
unemployed, 674,000 (63.3%) are employed.
Forty two percent (42%) of those employed are
engaged in agriculture.
 As per poverty threshold indicator, a person in
the province would need PHP11,319.00 per
year at his disposal to ensure he/she could
meet their basic needs. There is a poverty
incidence of 15.4% in the province. (Income
and poverty indicators 1994-1997).
 The province’s population density per square
kilometre is at 302, higher than that of the
national average of 255 per sq. km. . Urban
drift is apparent in areas due to perceived
greater opportunities for gainful employment,
business activities, education, better access to
social services, etc
 Both in the urban and in the rural area, going to
fiestas (elaborate community celebrations) is a
basic social norm. People invest time and
9
 resources in such activities. In the rural areas,
a favourite recreation activity post harvest
season is playing “tong-its” (a game card) or
bingo.
 Notably, the majority of both urban and rural
populations are able to meet the three times a
day diet requirement. However, there is little
evidence that the diet is a balanced one.
 Only a few cottage industries operate in the
rural due to low quality of electric power, lack of
water supply system and the absence of
adequate communication systems. The same
factors have discouraged potential investors
from establishing factories and other forms of
industrial operations in the rural areas.
 With regard to gender: women are partially
recognised as economically active. They are
not merely treated as housekeepers but a “help
meet” in their homes and communities as well.
They are given the opportunity to deal with
other people and also manage small business
to increase family income.
 There are multiple factors determining poverty
in both the urban and the rural areas. The
farmers and landless workers in the rural areas
suffer from limited and poor rural infrastructure,
which significantly affects their productive
capacity. The poor infrastructure means limited
access to the markets that are essential to
obtaining a fair price for their produce.
 Farmers and landless workers have very limited
access to capital as well as to appropriate
technology.
 The informal sector is equally affected by lack
of appropriate technology and access to
markets. Thus, workers in the informal sector
suffer from irregular employment. Further, they
are subject to exploitative terms and conditions
at work.
 A small number of families dominate both the
political and the economic scene in the
province. Approximately 15 families own 85%
of the land. With the resource base and
political power they control they direct a
development process which does not always
align with the needs of the most vulnerable
 Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in
the province. Other significant religions include
Iglesia ni Kristo, Aglipay, Methodist, Jehovah’s
Witness and Born Again Christians. In general
there is little discrimination on the basis of
religion in all spheres of life. However the
Christian tradition is the central source of
values which pervade society.
 A.S.K.I. has been working as a poverty
community development agency in the province
of Nueva Ecija since 1987. Until recently they
have worked primarily with the informal
workforce through holistic micro-finance
programmes. However, a growing realisation
that the urban oriented micro-finance
programme is not a panacea in development
terms, has led them to seeking ways in which
they can broaden their programme. A great
deal of focus has been brought to designing
programmes which can be used to facilitate
truly sustainable development for the most
vulnerable communities within their province. It
is in this context that ASKI has looked to the
more marginalised rural communities.
Land use
 Quezon has a total land area of 6,937 hectares.
The agricultural area is about 6,050.27
hectares or 87.22% of the total land area.
Residential areas (3.2%) all barangays are
concentrated along the transport lines. The
remaining land area (9.58%) is utilised for
commercial, institutional and other purposes.
Agriculture/ Horticulture and Animal Husbandry
• Quezon is primarily agricultural land. Of its
total land area of 6.937 hectares, 87.22% is
devoted to agriculture. Rain fed area covers
1,267.27. The terrain in the municipality is
generally flat and has silt loam soil type, well
suited to agriculture, particularly to rice and
corn growing.
 There is an irrigation system in the area that is
made up of shallow tube wells and small farm
reservoirs. Irrigated area covers about 4,783
hectares.
 Rain fed area covers 1,267.27 hectares and is
only suitable for cropping during the wet
season.
 Vegetables and other root crops that are not
affected by scarce water supply, are planted as
a substitute to palay in rain fed areas during the
dry season. Vegetable production is not
immensely affected by water because it is
planted in bacood and puddy during dry
season and near creeks during rainy season.
Fruit bearing trees are grown for domestic
purposes only.
 Drought is a problem during the dry season and
there is a need to encourage farmers to plant
drought resistant crops.
10

• The municipality’s agricultural production is low
largely due to inadequate water supply
attributed to lack of adequate irrigation during
the dry season. Marketing of farm produce is
also inefficient as a result of poor road networks
and farm to market roads.
• Farmers cannot get a good price from their
agricultural produce (palay) during the wet
season, largely because they are sold in the
immediate wet condition. Solar dryers, apart
from being limited, are only efficiently utilized
during the dry season. There are currently no
facilities where farmers can dry their produce
during the rainy season.
need for capital assistance, training support
and technology transfers for groups/ individuals
who are interested. However, the municipality
has insufficient capital to boost cottage
industry.
• The commercial activities are centered in and
around the public market. Enterprises found in
the different barangays are generally small
scale sari-sari stores (run out of people’s
houses) which have limited customers. Their
existence is precarious almost without
exception.

 Livestock and poultry are raised for domestic

use as well as for commercial purposes by a
great proportion of the population. There are
over 15 commercial hog rearing backyard
production enterprises. There are over 10
commercial poultry operators or contract
growers, mostly in barangays Dulong Bayan,
Ilog Baliwag, Dona Lucia, and Bertese. Ducks,
turkeys, dogs and sheep are also raised in the
area.

Fisheries

 The municipality has commercial waters and

about 35.23 hectares of fresh water fishponds,
with 17 operators. These fishponds have an
average yield of 52.84 metric tons per hectare
per year.

Trade and Commerce

 There are approximately 239 commercial

establishments in the municipality with sari-sari
stores being the predominant enterprises. The
Commercial activities are centered in and
around the public market located in Barangay
II. It is accessible to all barangays by tricycle.

 The only large scale industry in the municipality

is metal craft manufacturing.

 The trade and commercial growth of the town is

slow, being attributed to the lack of industry and
corresponding employment.

• Small and the medium scale industries are

given little support for their development. There
are limited marketing outlets for manufactured
goods and products. There is lack of financial
assistance and credit facilities.

 The LGU encourages setting up of more small

scale livelihood activities. It recognizes the
11
TEAR Fund

Since it was founded in 1974, TEAR Fund New

Zealand has raised millions for aid and
development assistance in the world's poorest
countries and communities.

TEAR Fund works in close partnership with other

Christian development agencies, national churches
and missionary societies throughout the developing
world. TEAR Fund has a holistic approach to
development that provides economic and material
help as well as spiritual hope by bringing together a
partnership of social action with a clear and
unambiguous witness of Christ's love and salvation.
TEAR Fund is a recipient of New Zealand
government matching funds through participation in
the voluntary agency support scheme. This means
the funds you provide will multiply.

Your input will be reused to create jobs for

generations to come. Thank you for considering
partnering with these people.

In Christ

Richard Barter
Manager Resource Development

12
DESTINATION PHILIPPINES
The 7,000 islands which comprise the Philippines
are the forgotten islands of South-East Asia: they're
off the main overland route and have never
attracted great numbers of tourists. There's no
doubt that the country has lost out economically
because of this, but its reputation as the basket
case of Asia is now thoroughly outdated. Most of
the Philippines is laid back, stable and relatively
safe. The country likes to promote itself as the
place where `Asia wears a smile' and the locals are,
by and large, an exceptionally friendly and helpful
bunch. On top of this, transport is cheap, the food is
good, accommodation is plentiful and (for the
monolinguistic) English is widely spoken.
Facts at a Glance
Full country name: Republic of the Philippines
Area: 299,000 sq km (116,610 sq mi)
Population: 68 million (growth rate 2.5%)
Capital city: Manila (pop: 10 million)
People: Predominantly descendants of Malays,
Chinese and Muslim minorities and a number of
mestizos (Filipino-Spanish or Filipino-Americans)
Language: Pilipino (Tagalog) and English plus
numerous widely spoken indigenous languages,
some Spanish
Religion: 82% Roman Catholic, 9% Protestant, 5%
Muslim, 3% Buddhist
Government: Republic
13
Environment
The Philippines consists of 7107 islands in the
western Pacific Ocean, only 2000 of which are
inhabited. Luzon and Mindanao are by far the
largest, and comprise roughly 66% of the country's
area. Only about 1000 islands are larger than one
sq km and 2500 aren't even named. The
Philippines' nearest neighbours are Taiwan (north),
Eastern Malaysia and Brunei (south-west), and
Indonesia (south).
The archipelago has a volcanic topography and
experiences frequent seismic activity. There are 37
volcanoes in the archipelago and the highest peak
is Mt Apo (2954m/9689ft) in Mindanao. About half
the country is under cultivation and about a third
remains forested, despite tree-felling and slash-
and-burn agriculture. There are more than a 1000
species of birds and animals, notably wild dwarf
buffalo, mouse deer, crocodiles and pythons. There
are over 10,000 species of trees, shrubs and ferns,
the most common of which are palms and
bamboos.
The Philippines are hot and humid year-round. The
weather pattern across the archipelago is complex,
but can be roughly divided into the dry season
(January to June) and the wet season (July to
December). The average annual temperature is
25°C (77°F).
History
The first inhabitants of the Philippines arrived up to
300,000 years ago, probably migrating over a land
bridge from the Asian mainland. The Negrito or
Aeta arrived 25,000 years ago, but they were driven
back by several waves of immigrants from
Indonesia, followed by maritime immigrations of
Malayan people. In 1380, the Arab-taught Makdum
arrived in the Sulu archipelago and began to
establish what became a powerful Islamic sphere of
influence over the next hundred years.
Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521 and claimed
the archipelago for Spain. Magellan was killed by
local chiefs who quite naturally disapproved of this
notion. Ruy Lopez de Villalobos followed in 1543
and named the territory Filipinas after Philip II of
Spain. Permanent Spanish occupation began in
1565, and by 1571 the entire country, except for the
strictly Islamic Sulu archipelago, was under Spanish
control.
A Filipino independence movement grew in the 19th
century and Filipinos fought on the side of the
Americans in 1898 during the Spanish-American
War. When the Spanish were defeated, General
Aguinaldo declared the Philippines independent.
The USA, however, had other plans, and promptly
purchased the islands from the Spanish for US$20
million. The USA eventually recognised the
Filipinos' desire for independence and Manuel L
Quezon was sworn in as President of the Philippine
Commonwealth in 1935 as part of a transitional
phase pending full independence. Japan invaded
the Philippines in 1942 brutally interrupting this
process and ruled until the USA re-invaded two
years later. The Philippines received full
independence in 1946.
Ferdinand Marcos was elected president in 1965,
declared martial law in 1972 and ruled virtually as a
dictator until 1986. His regime was attacked by both
communist and Muslim guerrillas, and he was
accused of ballot-rigging and fraud. The
assassination of prominent opposition figure
Benigno Aquino in 1983 sparked massive anti-
government protests. A snap election in 1986 saw
the opposition parties rally around Aquino's widow,
Cory. Both parties claimed victory, but Aquino was
widely believed to have polled most votes. She
initiated a programme of nonviolent civil unrest
which resulted in Marcos fleeing the country.
Aquino re-established the democratic institutions of
the country, but failed to tackle economic problems
or win over the military and the powerful Filipino
elite. US strategic influence in the country
diminished following the 1991 Mt Pinatubo eruption
which destroyed the US Clark Air Base, and after
the Philippine Senate refused to ratify the lease on
the Subic Bay Naval Station. Aquino survived seven
coups in six years and was succeeded by her
Defence Minister Fidel Ramos in 1992. Ramos
attempted to revitalise the economy, attract foreign
investment, cleanse corruption and expand
provision of utilities. In 1998 he was replaced by the
Philippines' answer to Bruce Willis, Joseph Estrada.
The Philippine government and the Moro National
Liberation Front signed a peace accord in
September 1996 ending, formally at least, the
MNLF's 24-year struggle for autonomy in
Mindanao. The peace agreement foresaw the
MLNF being granted considerable autonomy in
many of island's provinces. Peace in the area
remains elusive however following the rise of a
splinter group, the militant Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF), which opposes the agreement. The
government continues to conduct military
operations in MILF-held areas in Basilan and Sulu.
Economic Profile
GDP: US$173 billion
GDP per head: US$2660
Annual growth: 2.5%
Inflation: 7.5%
Major products/industries: Electronic and electrical
products, clothing
Major trading partners: USA, Japan, Taiwan
14

Culture
The Philippines has developed a mixed culture from
the blending of foreign influences with native
elements. Today, the Muslims, and some of the
isolated tribes, are the only people whose culture
remains unadulterated by Spanish and American
influences.
Although traditional theatre, literature and
kundimans (love songs) in the national language
have experienced a resurgence since Cory
Aquino's People Power movement, visitors are
more likely to witness beauty contests, lurid soap
operas, violent and sentimental Filipino movies, and
local bands perfectly imitating Western pop tunes.
About 10% of Filipinos (the so-called cultural
minority groups or tribal Filipinos) retain their
traditional culture. There are some 60 ethnological
groups, ranging from the Badjao of the Sulu
archipelago, who are sea gypsies, to the head-
hunting Kalinga in the north of Bontoc.
The Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia.
Over 90% of the population claim to follow Christian
faiths. The largest of the minority religious groups
are the Muslims, who live chiefly on Mindanao and
in the Sulu archipelago. There is also a Philippine
Independence Church, some Buddhists, and a
small number of animists.
The geography and history of the Philippines have
conspired to produce a multiplicity of languages,
some 80 dialects in total. The concept of a national
language developed after the Spanish-American
War in 1898 and Tagalog was declared the national
language in 1936. There were several other
contenders for this role, including Cebuano,
Hiligaynon and Ilocano. A compromise reached in
1973 confirmed Pilipino as the national language.
This is based on Tagalog, but has linguistic
elements of other Philippine languages. Despite
this, English remains the language of commerce
and politics in the Philippines.
Filipino cuisine has Chinese, Malay and Spanish
influences. Popular morning and afternoon snacks
are called merienda, and pulutan (small morsels)
are served with alcoholic drinks. Barbecued sticks
of meat or seafood are popular evening snacks.
Standard dishes, always served with rice, include
meat and vegetables cooked with vinegar and
garlic, grilled grouper, meat stews and a huge
variety of soups - rice, noodle, beef, chicken, liver,
kneecap, offal and sour vegetable. Side dishes
include strips of unripened papaya, fermented fish
or shrimp paste and bite-sized pieces of crispy pig
skin. Halo-halo is a dessert made from crushed ice
mixed with sweets and fruits and smothered in
evaporated milk.
Facts for the Traveller
Visas: Twenty-one day visas are issued on arrival.
Health Issues: Check with your doctor re
vaccinations.
Time: Four hours behind NZ
Electricity: 220V, 60 Hz
Weights & Measures: Metric
Tourism: 1.2 million visitors per year
Insurance: Ensure you have Travel Insurance. We
can arrange this. Please let us know.
Money & Costs
Currency: peso @ Feb 24 2010
Exchange rate: US$1 = 46.4 pesos
NZ$1= 33 pesos
Relative costs:
Budget meal: US$2-3
Restaurant meal: US$4-5
Top-end meal: US$12-15
Budget room: US$4-5
Mid-range hotel: US$15-20
Top-end hotel: US$150-400
The US dollar is the most recognised currency in
the Philippines, and is often easier (and cheaper) to
change than cheques. Large denomination US bills
will get you a particularly good rate, but only clean
banknotes are acceptable. If you want to use
cheques, the bigger brands will be accepted by
most banks throughout the country. ATMs are all
over the place, and you can use Master Card and
Visa in them.
Whether you tip or not is up to you. Restaurant staff
will generally expect one, even if there is a service
charge included. If you're catching a taxi with a
working meter, round up the amount. When
shopping, especially in markets, it's worth trying to
get a 10% discount - most Filipinos will aim for one.
As a tourist you'll probably be quoted a higher than
usual price anyway.
CCuullttuurraall TTiippss ffoorr tthhee
PPhhiilliippppiinneess
Maintaining cordial relations at all times is essential
in this culture; making only positive comments is a
15
good place to start. Negativity of any kind can
cause "loss of face", which has unfortunate
consequences in this culture, including loss of
reputation as well as the severing of friendships and
Other meaningful bonds.
 Although the re a re m a ny s ocia l ine qua litie s ,
there is a belief that everyone must be treated with
civility. Moreover, as people rise in importance, they
are expected to behave with heightened modesty
and graciousness, especially in their dealings with
the poor. For example, beggars are politely refused
with the phrase "Patawarin po", which means,
"Forgive me, sir." Snubbing a beggar may result
only in "loss of face."
 Vis iting m e n s hould e xpe ct to s ha ke ha nds firm ly
with other Filipino men, both upon introduction and
subsequent meetings.
 Fore ign wom e n m a y initia te a ha nds ha ke with
Filipino men or women.
 G e ne ra lly the re is not s uppos e d to be phys ica l
contact between men and women in public. When
in public, rather than initiating a handshake, men
should wait for a Filipino woman to extend her
hand. Christian women in the communities
appreciate a handshake, especially when a
foreigner initiates it.
 C los e uppe r c la s s fe m a le frie nds in the
Philippines greet each other with a hug and kiss.
Similarly, close upper class male friends may
exhibit close physical contact, such as holding
hands or walking arm in arm around a friend's
shoulder. A handshake, bow and smile is most
common in the poorer communities.
 As a s ign of re s pe ct, the childre n, when
introduced to elderly, take their right hand and put it
on their forehead (just like what you commonly see
when the Pope or the priest visit the children in
Eastern countries). We call it "pagmamano".
 Childre n a ddre s s olde r m a le s a s "kuya ," a
respectful title for elder brother and the female as
"ate" for elder sister.
 Filipinos ofte n gre e t e a c h othe r b y m a king e ye
contact, smiling, and then raising and lowering their
eyebrows.
 W he n s om e one ra is e s his or he r e ye brows a t
you, it is often a way of indicating that you have
been understood.
 Ra is ing one 's voice is una cce pta ble in F ilipino
business culture. Moreover, it's important to
maintain a low, yet controlled tone of voice at all
times. Striving to speak this way can help you
conduct business with greater effectiveness and
may even allow you to project more of an
authoritative, confident image.
 Don't a s s um e tha t a s m ile is a n indica tion of
amusement or approval. Frequently, smiling is used
to mask embarrassment, nervousness, and other
feelings of distress. This is why you will sometimes
observe Filipinos smiling or laughing during
inappropriately somber or tense moments.
 Vis itors s hould a void s ta ring a t Filipinos , who
can easily interpret a stare as an hostile gesture. If
you are stared at, it will be in your best interests to
look away, or return a nice smile.
 It's re com m e nde d tha t you bre a k e ye conta ct
several times in the course of a conversation. When
you look at a Filipino too intently, it is often
interpreted as "gawking" rather than a sign of
attentiveness.
 W he n it is ne ce s s a ry to wa lk be twe e n two
people, lower your head with your hands clasped in
front of you as you pass them. This gesture confers
respect.
 Be ca us e of the ye a rs of
U.S. military presence in the
Philippines, most North
American gestures are
recognized and understood.
 P ointing a m iddle finge r
at a person or thing is
considered the most
obscene gesture in the Philippines.
 S ince pointing can easily be perceived as an
insulting gesture, Filipinos rarely indicate objects or
directions by pointing with their fingers. Instead,
they indicate with a glance or by pursing their lips.
 To be ckon s om e one , hold your ha nd out, pa lm
downward, and make a scooping motion with the
fingers. Beckoning someone with the palm up and
wagging one finger can be interpreted as an insult.
 You m a y obs e rve pe ople his s ing in re s ta ura nts ;
this is a common way of beckoning servers. It is not
used to beckon foreigners.
 Indica ting "two" with the finge rs is done by
holding up the ring and little finger, instead of the
forefinger and middle finger. The thumb is not
generally used to count numbers in the Philippines.
 It is not cons ide re d polite to put your hands on
your hips when talking.
16
 A Filipino, e s pe cia lly a c hild, m a y try to ge t your
attention by brushing a finger against your elbow.

Corregidor Island Trip

Corregidor is the largest of the islands guarding the
entrance to Manila Bay.

Tadpole shaped, it lies of the southwestern tip of

Batan Peninsula, 26 miles off Manila.
It rises about 450 feet above sea level with a land
area of three and a half square miles. During the
Spanish era, the island was a fishing village replete
with a lighthouse and signal station through which
all ships entering and leaving Manila Bay had to
stop, thus earning it the name "Corregidor" which
means "corrector."

When the Americans came, a hospital was built for

wounded soldiers. In 1906, because of the strategic
importance of Manila and the Bay, the Americans
built a full-scale fortification on the island, equipping
it with long-ranged and tractor-drawn guns,
minefields and anti-aircraft guns.

During the last Pacific War, Corrigidor became a

theatre of war between the Japanese Imperial
Forces and the combined defenders of Filipino and
American troops, thus, its valiant last stand against
the superior invasive forces came to be written in
history. The occupying forces, however, were to be
vanquished upon the return of the Americans in
1944.

On October 12, 1947, Corregidor was turned over

by the US Government to be Philippine whose flag
was hoisted in place of the American flag,
witnessed by President Manuel Roxas. The
Filipinos regained final ownership of the island
fortress.

Location : Off Bataan Peninsula

How to get there : Trips to Corregidor may be

arranged with local travel offices in Manila although
daily tours via passengers yachts could be availed
At the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex at
Roxas Boulevard for a very affordable package
rate.

Travel time : About 1 hour cruise from the Manila

Bay area.

Corregidor, Philippines is approximately 145 Kms.

away from Manila (Rizal Monument).

17