Thankful for being in the Philippines

Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

I’m a little bit late with that first greeting but like the title suggests I’ve got a lot to be thankful for this year. I spent the holiday with about 15 other volunteers in Pandan, Antique, home of my RVC (resource volunteer coordinator-the volunteer who helped train me) Kevin. It was quite the feast with 4 turkeys stuffed with lemon grass and lechoned (roasted) over coals. We also had loads of pumpkin, blueberry, pecan, and apple pie. I ate until it hurt…but it hurt so good :)

I’m also thankful for my recent trip to a few hinterland mountain barangays. Since I arrived in San Joaquin I had heard of a possible Micro-hydro power rehabilitation project deep in the mountains- so deep that I would need a guide and the trip would definitely require an overnight stay. I was eager to go in July, August, and October but all my scheduled trips were canceled due to weather or other conflicts. Finally, I was able to make the trek this past November. I went with my counterpart and Nanay (pinoy mom), Erlyn, as well as about 10 teachers who would be evaluating the schools of the mountain barangay’s. We arrived in Barangay Bad-As that overlooks Mt. Bulu-tinaw, which is one of the few areas left on Panay with natural rainforest vegetation. Our rest house was right next to the school and gave an amazing view of this mountain and valley of rice terraces below. I spent a few minutes giving the kids of the school a quick geography lesson of where I was from and I why I was there. Most kids in my town are pretty amazed to see me but these kids were even more shocked by my presence. I later found out that I was the first “kano” (despite its AmeriCAN roots essentially means “white person”) to ever visit the area. That afternoon Erlyn and I headed to Bulutinaw with a few guides to get a glimpse at the world’s biggest flower– the Rafflesia. When in bloom the Rafflesia can be a meter wide in diameter. Unfortunately, we only got to see the bud of the world’s largest flower as none were in bloom, but hopefully I can make a return visit.

The next day Erlyn and I broke off from the teachers and headed to barangay San Mateo Norte which had the possible Micro-hydro project. The barangay captain took us through a rough hike along the river they diverted for their irrigation and Micro-hydro. We then walked back along their impressive manmade earthen canal which hugged the mountain and was stabilized by fruit trees. After the 2-3 kilometer hike back to the barangay we came upon the 10-12 meter drop off for the Micro-hydro. I was surprised to see that the turbine was placed to only utilize about 2 meters of the potential head. After returning and researching the turbine/generator unit purchased, I discovered it was a low head model that could not exceed 1.5 meters of head but required a minimum flow rate of 130 liters/second. It was then obvious why the unit never worked since the flow rate of the canal was only about 38 liters/second (and it was still rainy season) according to some rough measurements I had taken. The barangay had shelled out P70,000 for a system that was essentially never going to produce electricity for their set up. I’m hoping to contact the supplier and explain the situation to see if we can’t get a different model turbine/generator that utilizes the site’s head. One major challenge is that this system was put in about 5 years ago so it may be difficult finding exactly who installed it. As much as I would love to work on this project it will be up to the barangay captain and people of San Mateo Norte whether they decide to continue seeking Micro-hydro power.

Other work this past month includes visiting the water systems of three barangays who have quantity issues in the summertime. We should be able to help more with these projects in the dry season when we can get a better idea of their exact needs. We also visited another high school to talk some trash.

Life is still rocking in the Philippines but I have to admit I’ve been really missing my family and friends lately…I imagine that’s probably got a lot to do with the holiday season. This will be my first Christmas away from home but I’m hoping to make it a memorable one. I plan on doing a dive the 23rd and maybe a really long bike ride Christmas day.

Wishing YOU ALL a VERY MERRY PINOY CHRISTMAS!

Ian

Peace Corps Legends Kevin and Lloyd showing off those beautiful birds

Kids from Bad-As elementary school with Mt. Bulutinaw in the background. Some of these kids have to walk 2 hours to and from school everyday.

This guy was our guide when we were passing through barangay Igpayong. You'll notice he's not wearing any shoes or tsinelas (sandals) which made me feel like a chump for stumbling behind in my hiking boots...yea this guy is hardcore.

Mt. Bulutinaw at sunset