“Hindi pala kami nakahiwalay sa mundo, kasi nakarating kayo dito” (We are not cut-off from the rest of the world, because you are able to come here)
These words left an imprint on me and the hearts and minds of 35 other good souls who joined us on an outreach program in Apayao.
TREK Pudtol is Trails to Empower Kids’ 4th Outreach Program.
Why Pudtol?
When we were deciding on the next site for our outreach it was Mimay, one of the group’s founders, who suggested Apayao. We all haven’t been to Apayao so we agreed and immediately arranged for our recon.
It was my longest bus ride. Mimay and I were joined by fellow TREK founder Noel, plus Boy Bayhon, one of our most active volunteers. We took the evening bus and woke up just in time to appreciate Ilocos Norte. We caught a glimpse of the windmills of Bangui, the picturesque Patapat Viaduct that connects the Maharlika from Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley Region, and the beautiful coastline of Ilocos Norte.
The tourism officer of Pudtol, Apayao arranged for transportation from the bus station to Pudtol. We left the bus station immediately after tasting Apayao's variation of pansit, the one with fried egg on top, which was our breakfast. We paid a courtesy call to the mayor of Pudtol, Apayao, Mayor Batara P. Laoat. That is when we introduced our group Trails to Empower Kids or TREK.
At the Mayor's House |
Crossing Apayao River |
Our dinner courtesy of the mayor |
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With the community members |
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Playtime at Mt. Magpulto |
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River trekking, rather swimming |
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River trekking |
Malibang Elementary School |
I joined the advance party to Aurora, and didn't join the visit to Cacalagan Elementary School anymore. Aurora was where we decided to hold our main program. We loaded all our donations in a banca.
It was a totally different river cruising experience. The Apayao River's view was vast and wide. This time, the waters were dark green and not much light found its way in the thicket that surrounds the river. The river would easily pass as a location shoot for those creepy movies, but being that close to nature's embrace, I found it really relaxing and serene.
Aurora Primary School |
Playing with the children |
The volunteers |
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