The previous treks were really kind to me. There was not much of a hike and was not that
strenuous. I already had my implants
removed, and was on my way to full recovery from a mountain climbing accident in 2013.
But I felt I was already
getting rusty, and was a bit scared. I
didn’t trust my legs. I also didn't trust my trekking shoes, which I
bought before the accident and have remained in the box ever since.
But I trust my friends
and they said it was an easy trek. Well, yes, except we had to trek
through a landslide; negotiate some steep ascent and descent; cross several
hanging bridges; and a few river crossings.
 |
photo by Judy May Saracho |
But, all is well and there is a reason. I also trust trails and every trail has its rewards, especially this one. We are doing this for kids.
It was TRails to Empower Kids or TREK's 8th
Anniversary Outreach!
Balbalan, Kalinga
Balbalan was not an easy
place to get to. We had to take a ten-hour
bus ride from Manila; ride a truck to the jump off point; and trek through the rain. Some of our volunteers even had to
cross a wrecked hanging bridge.
They were wary of
tourists. We had a long interrogation at a military checkpoint. One
of our volunteers who conducted the initial recon was even mistaken as a member
of the NPA (New People’s Army).
But these are just part
of the travails of the trails. Our story is about the kids; the beauty of
Balbalan; and the kind of community the elders built for their children.
One of the things that
impressed us about the community is how much they value the environment and the
emphasis they put on being clean and green. There are trash cans
everywhere, properly labeled; the kids are disciplined; and the elders make sure the community remains tidy. One of the signs
that we are already near the community is the abundance of signs reminding everyone to take care of the environment.
We camped at Tawang
Elementary School, one of our beneficiaries. The students from the other
schools, Buaya Elementary School, Bassao
Primary School, Bonong Community School
and Ubual Primary School, just trekked to
our campsite during the turnover ceremony, which we scheduled the day after we
arrived at our campsite to give us time to prepare for a full day program.
Outreach Day
We started our day early.
We were excited to welcome the kids and see how they would react to our
gifts. While waiting for all the students, we asked them to prepare some
artwork.
By mid-morning, we started
our program.
We started with a prayer
that felt like it awakened all the spirits of the mountains to pour out its
blessings for everyone. It was led by Mrs. Ines Bayudang, who also
helped the group organize this outreach.
Each school also had their
own part in the program. Our host school performed Kalinga’s traditional
dance accompanied by their traditional instruments.
There were also students
who reenacted a bodong, a Kalinga peace pact ritual.
It was also not just
the students who prepared something. The barangay officials, teachers, and parents also had their own
performances.
The whole morning, our
hearts were beating with the beat of their gongs.
We were also enjoined to dance with them and it was such an honor. It was
like being accepted as part of the community. I was also privileged to receive
from the community, as a token, a traditional weave that can be worn as a
skirt.
After the program, we had
lunch (and thank you very much to our volunteers, including the guys from
Kalinga Mountaineering Society who took charge of the kitchen). Then, it
was time to play games and give gifts.
Imagine a whole field
filled with children running, jumping and laughing. It was
glorious.
The most awaited part came
after. We turned over a two-kilometer hose to our host school, so that
the school can have its own access to clean, drinking water. We also
turned over books, teaching materials and other gifts for the teachers.
The kids each got their own toys, backpacks, school supplies, and loot bags.
We ended the program with
the awarding of prizes for our art contest, then an impromptu concert. The kids
who live on the mountain usually have
amazing voices. We've seen that in our past TREKs.
Rewarding TREK
After the kids left, we
had our reward – a refreshing dip in the
cool, clear river beside the school. The day ended with lots of stories shared
around a bonfire.
It was back to Manila the
following day with lighter loads on our
backs, but with more joys in our hearts. I left Balbalan with that big,
familiar smile on my face and in my heart. I knew I am back on the trails
for good. Yeah, my legs got swollen and I worried a bit, but it was okay.
The swelling was gone after a few days but the memories of that 3 days
with Tribong Buaya will remain in me, forever.
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