By Manuel T. Perez Jr
Once in my life, I had a dream! I aimed to reach the top, as what other people also wanted to do but we can really never scale the obstacles unless you’ve been through it. I am an activist at heart…that’s what people say about me. I give passion and colors in everything I do! That’s how ambitious I am. I hate to be dishonored and maltreated, and I always comment on things that I really hate most. I know how to give credit to those who have done something right. I have a good vision, not only for my self but also for others. I am in vivacity with my deeds! and I have a strong fighting spirit. Little did I know that some people hated me for that.
One day, everything changed my future, my plans, and my happiness! It all vanished and turned to dust! They took away everything from me, because of me , because of what I really am.
I have wanted to be successful in the field I chose and really most hunted but I failed! I did everything, knowing that it is right for me and it is really for me. However, who would have thought that what I have considered the best for myself will be worst for others. They took my blood! The only drop that penetrates my body and gives me life. People said that it is a typical sentiment of a person who is a looser….to revenge…to prove to those who caused my depression and sufferings that I am not a looser nor a quitter…I am now stronger and I do fight back. I may be as graceful as a butterfly but I sting as hard as a bee.
This is not the end of life! This is just the beginning of a battle! I will fight to my last breath! “Nobody can put a good man down! Not even a wise OLD MAN, a flying EAGLE or a SEA MONSTER can destroy my confidence! They have not realized what they have destroyed. It’s my life, my future and my heart! I do believe that through constant learning I can have the power of success, I am happy where I am now! Thank you to my new family, who accepts me for what I am though at first I felt I don’t belong to this family. To the stable who raised me to become a good fighter, thank you! To my dearest antagonists, thank you, because you have given me a very challenging role. Now look at me! I am a man ready to face the future battles. I have found a new home that gave me more opportunities than what I had from my former stable, whom I thought was my real family but I was wrong. As a revenge, this single drop of ink may hurt them and make them realize what they have done! I slept in silence for so many years, I actually hibernated! Now I am back with vengeance and ready to face all challenges. They will see what I am going to be in the future. Good luck to all of us, to my former stable, and to the other future fighters, good luck!! Keep on sailing and I hope that we will see each other again in the future. They will just go ahead of me but I will do my best to follow, if not surpass them. To all the neo fighters in my new home, strive further, fight fast, be firm and be the best among the best!. Make it for yourself and prove to others that we are one of a kind. We have the unique ability that no one has and could have. This is something for us to be proud of! To the JPA officers, Congratulations for a job well done, especially to its President John Michael Ojano, my best opponent in class but a good friend, and to Ms. Barbara Czarina Nuyte, the beautiful treasure of the JPA who is also a good friend of mine even for the short period that we’ve known each other. I remembered what my Best Friend told me when he left me here to move on to a new fight and future, “the true friendship does not emanates from the long stretch of time “. He was right! It doesn’t really matter how long you’ve been together; it’s the bonding, the good relationship and understanding with each other that matters.
Special thanks to Dr. Herbert B. Rosana for being such a good mentor and adviser of BAPS, and to all faculty members of our department, Prof Gina M. Oropesa, Prof. Engelbert Reolo and Prof. Lloyd Berdin. ☺
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A.B. PEACE STUDIES SUMMER FIELD RESEARCH 2007 (Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines) Theme: Social and Economic Impact Ecotourism in Donsol: Implication for
By: Jonathan Dayaon
Donsol, the Whale Shark Capital of the World, in its successful launched of the community based ecotourism project through the effort of the local Government Unit, Non-governmental organization and the Donsoleñous becomes the 2007 subject of Summer Field Research by the Department of Peace Studies. The study aimed to examine the impact of this ecotourism on the significant stakeholders and the community itself, and its implication for sustainability and human security. The study is an integral part of Peace Studies program since peace is perceived as ecological harmony. “That lays the foundation and strength to build a just and humane society as envisioned by the constitution”.
Along the coastal Barangays of the said Municipality, last May 7-11, 2007, the incoming senior class conducted the study under Research 2 subject of Dr. Herbert B. Rosana. Donsol is located at the province of Sorsogon & is very accessible with more or less one hour ride from the Bicol University Daraga Campus. The residents from the coastal Barangay were relying mostly their major income in fishing and with seasonal basis, they were benefited by the tourism industry. Under the principle of Ecotourism, the local community should be the one to implement the project and at the same time standing to be benefited from their activity. During the Butanding (Whale Shark) season, various fishermen converted themselves as a Tour Guide or they called themselves as Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO) as they undertake the Butanding Interaction Activity highly recommended by the Department of Tourism at the local Municipality of Donsol. There are these boat owners which basically used their boats for Butanding interaction even founded the Boat Operators Association (BOA). Aside from all of that, those great beneficiaries of the Ecoutorism Program are the Business Entrepreneurs, The Resort Owners and the Souvenir Vendors.
There are lots of efforts undertaken by the local Government Unit of Donsol, the Church and the World Wide Fund (WWF) a non- governmental groups in conserving and preserving the natural habitat all throughout the world. Although to some extent, opinions of stakeholders demand for more comprehensive plans and implementation of conservation projects. In summation, the pursuance of the conservation & the preservation of these rich natural resources of Donsol is one way of assuring the people for the elimination of treats with regard to the determination of environment and aquatic life. Many individuals and groups believe that the ecotourism brought a positive impact to their lives, and resulted to more infrastructure developmental projects and the elevated lifestyle Standards of people.
Because of the dedication and hard work done by each group, the Social and Economic Impact of the Ecotourism in Donsol were determined from the perspective of the different stakeholders through observations and interviews as well as experiencing of the researchers as a tourists during the Field Exposure. We also tried to generate policy implication that would help promote sustainability of ecotourism and human security of Donsoleñous, thereby improving the quality of life of the community & preserving the environment. As we, the researchers presented the finings, conclusion and recommendation before the energetic and equally hardworking Faculty of BAPS last May 24, 2007.
So, for us guys! Let’s keep it up…….and Good Luck Batch ’08…☺
Donsol, the Whale Shark Capital of the World, in its successful launched of the community based ecotourism project through the effort of the local Government Unit, Non-governmental organization and the Donsoleñous becomes the 2007 subject of Summer Field Research by the Department of Peace Studies. The study aimed to examine the impact of this ecotourism on the significant stakeholders and the community itself, and its implication for sustainability and human security. The study is an integral part of Peace Studies program since peace is perceived as ecological harmony. “That lays the foundation and strength to build a just and humane society as envisioned by the constitution”.
Along the coastal Barangays of the said Municipality, last May 7-11, 2007, the incoming senior class conducted the study under Research 2 subject of Dr. Herbert B. Rosana. Donsol is located at the province of Sorsogon & is very accessible with more or less one hour ride from the Bicol University Daraga Campus. The residents from the coastal Barangay were relying mostly their major income in fishing and with seasonal basis, they were benefited by the tourism industry. Under the principle of Ecotourism, the local community should be the one to implement the project and at the same time standing to be benefited from their activity. During the Butanding (Whale Shark) season, various fishermen converted themselves as a Tour Guide or they called themselves as Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO) as they undertake the Butanding Interaction Activity highly recommended by the Department of Tourism at the local Municipality of Donsol. There are these boat owners which basically used their boats for Butanding interaction even founded the Boat Operators Association (BOA). Aside from all of that, those great beneficiaries of the Ecoutorism Program are the Business Entrepreneurs, The Resort Owners and the Souvenir Vendors.
There are lots of efforts undertaken by the local Government Unit of Donsol, the Church and the World Wide Fund (WWF) a non- governmental groups in conserving and preserving the natural habitat all throughout the world. Although to some extent, opinions of stakeholders demand for more comprehensive plans and implementation of conservation projects. In summation, the pursuance of the conservation & the preservation of these rich natural resources of Donsol is one way of assuring the people for the elimination of treats with regard to the determination of environment and aquatic life. Many individuals and groups believe that the ecotourism brought a positive impact to their lives, and resulted to more infrastructure developmental projects and the elevated lifestyle Standards of people.
Because of the dedication and hard work done by each group, the Social and Economic Impact of the Ecotourism in Donsol were determined from the perspective of the different stakeholders through observations and interviews as well as experiencing of the researchers as a tourists during the Field Exposure. We also tried to generate policy implication that would help promote sustainability of ecotourism and human security of Donsoleñous, thereby improving the quality of life of the community & preserving the environment. As we, the researchers presented the finings, conclusion and recommendation before the energetic and equally hardworking Faculty of BAPS last May 24, 2007.
So, for us guys! Let’s keep it up…….and Good Luck Batch ’08…☺
Remembering the Disastrous Typhoon: LOOKING BACK IN THE PAST (the typhoon reming experience)
By: Ragsky
FEAR, AGONY and SORROW- these are how to describe the feelings of the people in last year’s disaster that came to us. November 30, 2006, the date that every one remembers. It is when the super typhoon Reming brought havoc to the province of Albay. The typhoon packs a 210-230kph on wind velocity and a heavy rainfall that is 22mm per hour which cause a wide range of destruction like landslide, mudflow and floods. Now let us look back at how the typhoon Reming change the life and of the people in Albay.
As early as 7:00 am, the beautiful skies turn dark as black, the province is as silent as a dead desert, only the sound of hauling winds may be heard, which is getting stronger by minute, as if giving a warning that a strong storm is approaching. At about 9:00 am, all hell breaks lose, strong winds pummel the province, heavy rains pour that causes mudflow from the Volcano that come crushing down, destroying everything in its path. Many are left with no shelter, without food and water, hundreds died and thousands injured. Infrastructures like office buildings, malls, roads, bridges and houses were destroyed, leaving Albay helpless and paralyzed. The government was alarmed by the situation. They had difficulties settling the problems and supporting the families who were victims of the calamity. According to the government, 80% of the populations were affected. They immediately sought help from the private and non-government organizations. As a result, Relief operations and medical missions were offered.
Being a responsible person, I accepted the challenge of becoming one of the volunteers in relief operations of Redemptorist Legazpi. At first, I was shy because there were so many volunteers, but as time goes by, my shyness was gone because it’s easy for me to make friends with them. The experience was really fun and uplifting; we packed sacks of rice, dozens of dried fish, canned goods, noodles and clothing.
Furthermore, I was chosen by the organization to go to the island of Rapu-Rapu as one of the volunteers to give relief goods. When I was about to go there, I felt excited and at the same time, I was curious of the place and the people that I’m going to meet there. As I stepped on the island I was surprised by the panoramic and attractive view that will surely catch attention. I discovered later on that those are just mere illusions of the island…eight out of ten families are suffering from poverty. Lack of education and some are jobless. For them to have better life, they depend on fishing and farming as their main source of income. As I gave relief goods to the people there, I felt a sense of fulfillment in my life. Their way of saying thank you and smiling back at me makes my heart go fonder. One of the people there told me when we are about to go home that “Iho salamat sa tulong ninyo, malaking bagay na ito sa amin. Ang mga katulad ninyo ay talagang pinagpala ng diyos”, those words gave me strength, all my hardships were gone and it made me realized that helping others can make a difference in this world just like golden rule “do unto others as what others want to do unto you” . We are still lucky and we must appreciate the common things around us. Those are the things that I’ve learned from what I had experienced. I encourage the people to join activities and to volunteer in any event to help people who are in need. Those experiences will stay in my memory and it will remain until my last breath is taken…☺
FEAR, AGONY and SORROW- these are how to describe the feelings of the people in last year’s disaster that came to us. November 30, 2006, the date that every one remembers. It is when the super typhoon Reming brought havoc to the province of Albay. The typhoon packs a 210-230kph on wind velocity and a heavy rainfall that is 22mm per hour which cause a wide range of destruction like landslide, mudflow and floods. Now let us look back at how the typhoon Reming change the life and of the people in Albay.
As early as 7:00 am, the beautiful skies turn dark as black, the province is as silent as a dead desert, only the sound of hauling winds may be heard, which is getting stronger by minute, as if giving a warning that a strong storm is approaching. At about 9:00 am, all hell breaks lose, strong winds pummel the province, heavy rains pour that causes mudflow from the Volcano that come crushing down, destroying everything in its path. Many are left with no shelter, without food and water, hundreds died and thousands injured. Infrastructures like office buildings, malls, roads, bridges and houses were destroyed, leaving Albay helpless and paralyzed. The government was alarmed by the situation. They had difficulties settling the problems and supporting the families who were victims of the calamity. According to the government, 80% of the populations were affected. They immediately sought help from the private and non-government organizations. As a result, Relief operations and medical missions were offered.
Being a responsible person, I accepted the challenge of becoming one of the volunteers in relief operations of Redemptorist Legazpi. At first, I was shy because there were so many volunteers, but as time goes by, my shyness was gone because it’s easy for me to make friends with them. The experience was really fun and uplifting; we packed sacks of rice, dozens of dried fish, canned goods, noodles and clothing.
Furthermore, I was chosen by the organization to go to the island of Rapu-Rapu as one of the volunteers to give relief goods. When I was about to go there, I felt excited and at the same time, I was curious of the place and the people that I’m going to meet there. As I stepped on the island I was surprised by the panoramic and attractive view that will surely catch attention. I discovered later on that those are just mere illusions of the island…eight out of ten families are suffering from poverty. Lack of education and some are jobless. For them to have better life, they depend on fishing and farming as their main source of income. As I gave relief goods to the people there, I felt a sense of fulfillment in my life. Their way of saying thank you and smiling back at me makes my heart go fonder. One of the people there told me when we are about to go home that “Iho salamat sa tulong ninyo, malaking bagay na ito sa amin. Ang mga katulad ninyo ay talagang pinagpala ng diyos”, those words gave me strength, all my hardships were gone and it made me realized that helping others can make a difference in this world just like golden rule “do unto others as what others want to do unto you” . We are still lucky and we must appreciate the common things around us. Those are the things that I’ve learned from what I had experienced. I encourage the people to join activities and to volunteer in any event to help people who are in need. Those experiences will stay in my memory and it will remain until my last breath is taken…☺
NO ID, NO UNIFORM, NO ENTRY
By:Joemel Naz
The student in every school, college/University should always wear proper uniform as a part of identification and respect for their school. Let us take a look at the students of BAPS. “Tanong ko lang may PEACE pa ba?” Sometimes the students of said course do not wear their uniforms and ID’s. Several reasons were: they don’t want their uniform to look, because they want to keep it newer; or “pang porma lang”. They can wear civilian clothes during the wash day which was scheduled every Friday, but the freshmen, wear their school uniform because it is required and it should be observed by the students, be it rainy day or sunny day. My suggestion is, all year levels should have a penalty for the students who do not follow the school regulations. To have Peace, start at the proper wearing of uniform, make it presentable and wear it rain or shine because we are the peacemaker . Our college should impose a sanction for those students who do not properly wear their uniform. I also suggest that they should start this imposition to the BAPS Department. Pwede kaya yon?
The student in every school, college/University should always wear proper uniform as a part of identification and respect for their school. Let us take a look at the students of BAPS. “Tanong ko lang may PEACE pa ba?” Sometimes the students of said course do not wear their uniforms and ID’s. Several reasons were: they don’t want their uniform to look, because they want to keep it newer; or “pang porma lang”. They can wear civilian clothes during the wash day which was scheduled every Friday, but the freshmen, wear their school uniform because it is required and it should be observed by the students, be it rainy day or sunny day. My suggestion is, all year levels should have a penalty for the students who do not follow the school regulations. To have Peace, start at the proper wearing of uniform, make it presentable and wear it rain or shine because we are the peacemaker . Our college should impose a sanction for those students who do not properly wear their uniform. I also suggest that they should start this imposition to the BAPS Department. Pwede kaya yon?
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