As a native Filipino with an understanding of the complexity of cultural differences, tribal values, political agendas, isolated beliefs, catholicism and fast modernization, it is still hard to balance and pin point how best to help the communities. Money is not the answer to every problem in the islands, in fact it can sometimes make the atmosphere more complicated. It is a personal policy not to unjustifiably hand out or directly involve money in our projects, and we do not deal with one person or a leader who wants funds for undisclosed projects. It is also intentional that our support, no matter how small, does not happen instantly, providing a more sustainable form of positive change. Through these principles we strive to make sure that our projects directly provide the most effective help.
Our projects concentrate more on education, nutrition and medical help. We have young talented people who cannot otherwise afford access to higher education and qualified achievement. So far we have funded 3 college places and several high school places. Last year we provided 600 young students with a complete education outfit- bags, notebook, pens etc. This season we will aim to do 1,000. We help individuals who need hospitalization, immediate medical attention and medicine supplies. We continuously support the food program set up by the concerned leaders of Barangay Buena Suerte to tackle malnourishment among a percentage of the young children living in the deprived parts of El Nido. Every week we feed 70 under-nourished children. As the business grows the project grows with it and now seeking help from other organization for livelihood and clean water source programs.
As a traveler joining us, you give something back to the communities you will visit, but be aware that our expeditions are not a showcase of these projects. Thats the last thing we want to do. Although we can point out a few helping projects along the way, there will be no Tao plaques in huts, no welcome dancing children in Tao shirts. You might see a few kids running around with Tao school bags or Tao football team shirts but this is so that we can maintain the positive presence of our relationships with them.
The expedition season 2010/ 2011 will continue to concentrate on education and nutrition for the very young villagers. We have volunteers who observe and decide which project will be more self sustaining and long term help for the communities. Most of the villages population is 70% under 13 years old, this means a lot of young children. Tao is supporting 3 small villages to build and run their own daycare centers, where 3-6 years old can come and learn prep education. This will make them more confident when they start elementary school across to the bigger villages but also will give their mothers some free time to do other work. We are also continuing to support the nutrition programs for the younger children in El Nido town and village on route. We have a lot of help from other organization for finding a way to protect communities' drinking water sources which we found the easy cause of diseases amongst young children.