Palawan in March

Well, I'm off to Palawan again on March 01 for a month to get the project moving along. There is so much to do. First is trying to get the electrical power lines extended 2 km to the property. Then I have to rent ( rent only until I raise the money to build the facility on the property ) a house or building that can be reformed into a dwelling for the caretaker family that was living on the property. After consulting with them I hope to find such a place nearer to the city where the kids can go to school and with enough land for the father and eldest daughter's husband to grow vegetables and fruit. Next challenge is to help the mother and eldest daughter ( 17 yrs. ) start a micro business. With start up capital of between one and two hundred dollars we hopefully can come up with an idea to help provide the family with food, clothing and basic necessities. It sounds far too small a capital to most people but believe me, many small businesses are started with even less in these parts. The target is obviously not to make heaps of money but rather instill a pride that they are doing something for themselves. Maybe a small mobile fried chicken kiosk or a mobile phone station which is nothing more than one mobile and a watch. Local people passing by can use to make calls and the mobile owner charges a 20% mark up on calls. You see in the countryside not everybody has ready access to a phone. At least in this venture there is no spoilage unlike a food business. I am thinking of ideas that I have seen operating successfully in other parts of the Philippines and Thailand. If anyone has a good idea, don't be shy and send me an email. Many thanks to those of you who have mailed and offered encouragement and support

How's my English?

A couple of junior high school girls grab a chance to practice their English while waiting for a jeepney. This is just what I hope to provide the children at our group home. Just a chance to go to school like regular kids. Doesn't seem like too big a goal does it. Well, it is when there are so many of them that just don't have that chance. By just completing high school and getting into a training school would give a chance for the whole family of that student to escape The Cycle of Poverty.

Fresh Seafood?

A natural fish trap located about 5 minutes from the property.

Carabao Cab

No need to worry about getting stuck in the beach when you ride the "carabao cab".

Apple

This is "Apple". 16 years old. Another familiar story. While sitting on this 7km. long deserted beach I saw this young lady walking with a pot on her head. She walked up to me, put the pot down and started talking to me. I was surprised that her English was so good. She said she studied English hard because she wanted to become a tourist guide but unfortunately had to stop her studies at Junior High level as there was money for her schooling or food for the family. Naturally food won out. But "what was in the pot" I asked? "Nothing" she replied. She had walked 4 km down the beach to her Aunt's home to get some food for her brothers and sisters but her Aunt also didn't have extra so she walked the 4 km back with an empty pot and no food for her family. That now familiar lump was again rising in my throat when I asked what she would do for the evening meal. "No problem, we have enough rice for the youngest children and I will go into the ocean and gather some seaweed to boil for vitamins and catch some small fish to make a paste for the rice." "How about some bigger fish" I asked? "The big fish are too far offshore now to catch without a boat" she replied.
I wished her luck and we said farewell.
I will often wonder what will become of Apple and her dream to become a tourist guide. On my next trip to that beach I will ask about her.

Palawan Sunset