Our group, Trails to Empower Kids (TREK), is turning 17 soon, and what better way to celebrate than by heading back to the Visayas for one of our most ambitious projects yet—TREK Nasidman and TREK Ajuy. This wasn’t just any outreach; it was a summit-to-sea adventure, connecting mountain and island communities. It was ambitious, a bit crazy, and absolutely worth it.

At first glance, the odds were against us. Four schools. Two municipalities. One faced peace and security challenges, and the other involved remote islands that are tricky to access when the weather isn't ideal. On top of that, we planned this during a typhoon-prone month. To make matters even more challenging, the rising cost of living has affected everyone, making it harder to stretch resources. 

As always, we moved forward with faith and determination, and we were blessed throughout the journey.

Summit: Reconnecting with Panay Bukidnon Culture

Back in 2015, TREK visited three Schools of Living Tradition - Masaroy, Garangan, and Agcalaga - and had the honor of meeting Federico Caballero, a National Living Treasure from the Panay Bukidnon community.

The Panay Bukidnons, also known as Suludnons, reside in the mountainous areas of Capiz, Antique, and Iloilo. This time, we chose Cabatangan Elementary School, located in the Lambunao part of the same mountain range, as one of our recipients. I was especially excited because it allowed us to reconnect with a cultural community I've long admired.

Cabatangan Elementary School. Photo taken during our recon

However, just before the scheduled turnover, military activities in the area escalated. Our plan to personally deliver supplies, interact with the community, and let our volunteers experience the mountains had to be adjusted for safety reasons. We made the difficult decision to meet the school’s representatives at the jump-off point instead.

Though it wasn’t the interaction we had hoped for, we were still able to make a meaningful impact. Every student received a new backpack filled with school supplies, along with slippers, raincoats, hygiene kits, and storybooks.

After the turnover, we headed to Barangay Panuran for lunch at the Panuran School of Living Tradition (SLT).

Since community tourism is a key part of TREK’s mission, and with the hike to Cabatangan no longer necessary, we decided to visit Panuran SLT instead, originally planned as a side trip.

Though we were a bit disappointed that the Cabatangan hike didn’t happen, the day was anything but wasted. 

The Panuran community surpassed all expectations with their generosity. School officials, barangay leaders, tribal elders, and culture masters warmly greeted us. They even prepared a delightful spread of rice cakes, corn, peanuts, and drinks—our third breakfast that day! We had already eaten before setting out and again at the Cabatangan jump-off, thanks to the hospitality of the Barangay Captain.

Breakfast at Panuran SLT

What truly impressed us was the performance by the students and culture masters. A cast of about 30 put on a show that gave us rich insight into Panay Bukidnon life. It felt like watching a live musical, with scenes showcasing courtship rituals, formal family visits for marriage proposals, weddings, and traditional celebrations.

After the performance, we were treated to an even grander feast, featuring traditional meals for lunch. 

Since our plans for Cabatangan had to be canceled, we decided to hold a dental mission for the SLT students and some of their parents.

I have to admit, I felt a bit humbled by how much the community gave in comparison to what we could offer. I will make sure they remain in our thoughts and future plans.

Sea Journey: Sailing to Ajuy’s Islands

From Lambunao, where we stayed, we traveled early in the morning to Ajuy to board the boat that would take us to two island communities with last-mile schools.

The land trip took about two hours, and the boat trip to our first destination—Tagubanhan—took less than an hour. We were fortunate with good weather and the support of the local government unit (LGU). 

Once again, we were welcomed with a sumptuous breakfast spread prepared by the Barangay Captain of Tagubanhan, Girly M. Amante.

After breakfast, we headed to the school, where the students were already gathered, leis in hand, waiting for us. We got right to work. Our kitchen team began preparing lunch for the children, the dentists started accepting patients, and the rest of the volunteers organized donations, which included backpacks, raincoats, storybooks, and loot bags.

Meanwhile, we kicked off the program with a storytelling session, followed by a surprise birthday celebration for two of our volunteers—Lanie and Doc Jing. Afterward, we held the formal turnover ceremony.

Lunch followed, and once again, the Barangay Captain floored us. The meal was a seafood feast: the best ceviche I’ve ever had, along with crabs, shells, squid, and more—truly a meal that can only be experienced in a community like this.

After lunch, a few volunteers, including myself, sailed to Nasidman. Our dentists stayed behind to continue their mission while the rest of us boarded a speedboat for the next island. The ride was rougher, and I ended up getting wet, but I wasn’t worried. In fact, I felt lulled to sleep and probably took a short nap!

When we arrived at the school, the children were waiting in one of the classrooms due to the rain. We continued with more storytelling while some volunteers set up the book and toy nook that the school had requested. 

Our very simple book and toy nook for the Nasidman kids

When everything was ready, we gathered outside for a simple program.

We wrapped up the day by distributing loot bags to the children and sharing snacks before heading back to the port to meet the rest of the volunteers.

Side Trips: Wandering Through Iloilo’s Wonders

As mentioned, as part of our missions, we like to include a bit of tourism. 

On our fourth day in Iloilo, we explored Lambunao, visiting the Mari-it Conservation Park, where we saw Visayan spotted deer, trekked to Montillano Falls, and ended the day with a relaxing stay at J-maire Farm Resort.

On our final day, we toured more of Iloilo, starting at Garin Farm, where we climbed the famous Stairway to Heaven, and then visited Miag-ao Church to give thanks. We also stopped at the weaving center in Indag-an, followed by lunch, a visit to Jaro Cathedral, and finally, some pasalubong shopping before heading to the airport.

This outreach was a wonderful exchange of kindness, and I can’t wait for more adventures together. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible—our generous donors, hardworking volunteers, and our gracious hosts in Lambunao, the Leal Family. I’m also thankful to the teachers, community members, officials, and students who warmly welcomed us.