A few years ago, a group of friends who planned to visit Bansalan told me that they had difficulties in finding my hometown on the Philippine map. I told them where the town is geographically located and assured them that one day Bansalan will be placed on the national map. Bansalan, with a total land area of 20,770.1966 hectares, is subdivided into 25 barangays.
The town is the boundary between the provinces of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur. It is sandwiched by two cities: Kidapawan City and Digos City, probably the reason why progress in the town is so slow. Vehicles do not linger long enough in the town. Passengers from North Cotabato are eager to reach Digos or Davao City, while passengers bound for North Cotabato are rearing to reach Kidapawan City and further to Cotabato City. It has never been a place where passengers stay longer for one reason or the other. Business activities remain in the hands of the local enterprising people. And so the town remains largely rural and agricultural and still waiting for a miracle for the local economy to pick up.
The tragic bombing incident last June 15, which claimed 10 lives, made headlines not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well. It was not exactly the idea I have in my mind for Bansalan to be known around the world. For all we know, the town could be listed by the Western countries as one of the dangerous places to visit in the Philippines.
After reading the news, my first reaction was a total disbelief. This incident should never happen in my hometown. But I was thankful that the bomb was not strong enough to hit the two nearby gasoline stations. After all, Bansalan is practically not prepared to deal with a disaster of this magnitude. The municipality has only one ambulance which is ill-equipped and does not even have simple first aid kit. Sometimes the driver is nowhere to be found. There is no para-medic team to attend to patients. In more instances, the ambulance has no gasoline.
The local people were generally calm after the incident happened. Randy Albores, chair of the Bansalan chapter of the Association of Bansalenos Worldwide (ABW) reported that the town's parish priest, Rev. Fr. Cristito Carmona, DCD, declared June 17, 2007 as mourning day in honor of the victims of the Weena bus bombing. During the 8 am mass, prayers were offered to the victims and peace for our town. After the mass, a procession was held from the church to the bombing site. There was a short liturgical service. Prayers, flowers and candles were offered. A small white cross was erected at the site.
This bombing incident is regrettable since Bansaleños abroad have been trying their best to stimulate local tourism to enhance revenues for the town. As a matter of fact, Bansaleños abroad are preparing for their First Grand Reunion this coming December and planning to invite their families and friends to visit the town.
However, “out of sight, out of mind” may not aptly describe the attitude of ABW members. The longer they live abroad, the more they are drawn to this sleepy town like falling in love for the first time and falling in love all over again.
ABW members launched the “Give Back” campaign since two years ago to help the development of their hometown. They have finished the re-painting of the ABC Gym (click http://www.bansalan.com/giveback_abc_evolution.htm) in cooperation with the municipal government.
They also support poor but deserving pupils in their hometown. This school year (2007-2008), they were able to raise enough funds to buy uniforms, school bags, school supplies, and pay school contributions of 84 pupils (please visit http://www.bansalan.com/literacy/abw_scholars.htm). They were able to raise almost Ph 200,000 after conducting a fund-raising campaign from December 2006 – May 2007. A funding agency based in the Netherlands matched 70% of the net amount they actually raised.
ABW members have many dreams for their beloved town: they want to send books, set up a learning center, build waiting sheds, and improve the Rizal Park. Some are seriously thinking of investing to spur local economy. One member based in Germany already built a nursery school, the Metilla Day Care center, and in fact shoulder the salaries of the teachers.
The bombing incident clouds a bit of these dreams. However, I know Bansaleños are resilient people. The incident may inspire them even more to work harder and support the development of their hometown.
Perhaps, ABW members could explore with the municipal government unit what measures to be taken to protect the lives of the local people. For instance, the municipal council can conduct disaster preparedness campaign to teach people to become more vigilant in dealing with terrorist attacks.
If they find a suspicious bag or box, the first thing they should do is not to touch or open it. They should vacate the area carefully but quickly without moving the object.
In developed countries, the first thing people do is to call a bomb demolition team. But in Bansalan, is there such a team or a person who knows? And if there is, do people know whom to contact? Anyhow, this is easier said than done. “Curiosity kills a cat,” so goes a saying and our tendency is to satisfy our curiosity first but the consequence can cause many innocent lives. Even if one calls a bomb squad, probably the instruction might be “open it first to be sure that it is a bomb!” For all we know, it is too late.
It is important that peace and order must be restored. Engagement of local government officials to the development of the town is equally important.
ABW members will explore possibilities in establishing such cooperation with the local officials in identifying projects that will improve the quality of life of the local people.
Now, where is Bansalan exactly located?
From the ABW website, I found this information:
“In the lowlands of Mt. Apo lies the rural town of Bansalan. Despite being considered an agricultural economy, it is one of the progressive municipalities in the province of Davao del Sur.
"Legend has it that Bansalan got its name from a Bagobo chieftain (datu) named 'Dansalan' whose tribal folks were the original inhabitants of the place. A so-called reporting error by the early surveyors transposed the name to Bansalan and somehow became the official name on record.
"Bansalan is also formerly called 'Miral' and some local folks still refer to this former name. Visitors to this rustic town would notice that in public transportation the signboard still says Miral instead of Bansalan.
"Bansalan is about 72 kilometers south of Davao City and is very accessible by land transportation mostly by buses going to Cotabato City, Kidapawan City, and Tacurong. Bansalan is about 12 kilometers northwest of the capital city of Digos. Her neighboring towns include Makilala, North Cotabato in the north, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur (formerly called
Kialeg) in the west, Matanao, Davao del Sur in the south, Mt. Apo and parts of Digos City in the east.
"The town of Bansalan is a second class municipality which means its income level is between 27 million to 35 million pesos. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 51,781 people in 11,073 households.
"Agriculture is the major source of income for this town. Bansalenos grow rice, corn, banana, fruit trees, coconut, sugar cane in the lowlands.
Coffee, vegetables and fruits are grown in the colder highlands of Mt.
Apo.
"Bansalan is also keeping up with the times in terms of technology. It has access to cable television, computers, and cell phone sites. It may not be at par with the big cities but it's getting there. Gone are the days when radio was the only source of mass media communications.” -- ###
June 2007
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
When ChristmasTrees Were Tall
“When I was small/ and Christmas trees were tall/ we used to love while others used to play/ don't ask me why/ but time has passed us by/ some one else moved in from far away,” so goes the first stanza of a song popularized by the Bee Gees. Listening to it brings me back to the many Christmases I celebrated in my hometown several years ago.
What was Christmas like in a little town called Bansalan in the ‘60s and ‘70s? Since Christmas is supposed for children, the season was a memorable event for me. I was born into a very poor family but despite this our house was loaded with Christmas decorations. My father and I had so much fun decorating our house during Christmas time.
As early as October, we would discuss the possible motif of our Christmas tree. After all, making the Christmas tree was a family tradition. We wanted to have a different motif each year. I could still remember the time when we wrapped a big branch of a coffee tree – cut from farm of my auntie who lived in Bulatukan, North Cotabato – with green crepe paper. Coffee? Yes, in those days, lots of farmers still managed small coffee plantations.
On another year, we made a big cone out from a hard cardboard and wrapped it with pastel-colored tissue papers. But the last one I could not forget was a Christmas tree made from a bunch of raw banana complete with fruits and heart (yes, the puso ng saging). It was an adorable sight to behold.
We also hanged on our windows multi-colored Christmas lanterns wrapped with Japanese paper. We lined our main door with colorful blinking Christmas lights. But there was a hitch: Christmas lights attracted carolers and we had problem giving them pinaskuhan.
Every Christmas, our father would wrap small presents for all of us. We opened these presents after taking eating our Noche Buena but only after we had attended the midnight mass. Though not expensive, the gifts – a dainty handmade bag for me, plastic dolls for my younger sisters, pairs of socks for my brothers, and bandanna or nice blouse for my mother – were splendid because we only received them once a year. We rarely received birthday gifts since money was for food.
Days before Christmas, particularly at 3:30 in the morning, the phonograph of the parish convento would start playing Christmas songs. In order for the people to hear the music, the priest installed a loud speaker outside the convento. Indeed, the songs were literally a wake up call. Once the third song, “The First Noel,” would be played, I would rise up and start dressing up for the Misa de Gallo. The song served as my cue.
Before that, however, the two Christmas songs being played were “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Hark the Herald the Angels Sing.” Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, has been – and still is – an arena of bitter political dispute. I learned all these years later.
I always told my father how pleased I was that our family name Noel because during the Nativity season everybody seemed to remember us. Since I am the eldest of the eight children, I usually teased and made my brothers and sisters green with envy that the song was actually meant for me. My father was the only son and as far as I knew we did not have cousins who have the same family name.
Dressed in my Sunday dress topped with a second-hand twin-set, which my mother bought from the market (it was called “relief clothes” then; now, it known as ukay-ukay), I walked spiritedly to the church together with my parents and siblings. We would come early to be sure that we have the best set in the church.
I was always fascinated with the Christmas decorations in the church. I felt sad every time the décors were taken down after the Feast of Epiphany. I had to wait for the next Christmas to see them again.
Every now and then, the church would show a “real” Nativity scene. Local players would essay the roles convincingly that sometimes I thought Joseph and Mary may ascended from heaven. I watched them with awe and deep reverence. In several occasions, I was chosen to portray as one of the angels and this would be the highlight of my Christmas. I thought I had the most beautiful wings among other angels. My father made the wings especially for me that in most instances, I wanted to sleep wearing them.
Going home was a pleasant walk since we usually stopped at a store to drink warm native chocolate and eat suman or bibingka. The aroma of the native tableya brewing in an old clay pot was enough to wake me up from daydreaming, which I usually did when I was still young. I daydreamed about anything or hummed a song on my mind even while walking that my mother thought I was going out of my mind. Even until today, I still do this childhood habit especially when I walk home after a busy day.
My father, at age 49, died in an accident in April 1975. The first Christmas without my father was unforgettable. Being the eldest, I tried as much as possible to continue the Christmas tradition we observed. With the help of my younger brothers and sisters, I tried to make the Christmas tree and the lanterns. Everything we did seemed to be a poor version of what we have done the previous Christmases. My mother was not a big help at all. “If your father is still alive, he could have made this and that,” she told us.
Unlike past Christmases, we prepared simple food. Our late father was the only bread winner of the family, and we did not have much then to buy special food. Although I had a job, my salary was miniscule and I supported my own studies as well as my siblings. Months before Christmas, I started buying gifts at the bargain shops for every member of the family and saved enough money for our Noche Buena, which consisted of spaghetti and hotcakes made from Hungry Jack flour.
When all of us were gathered around the table, we were surprised when my younger brother requested something. “Please place a plate for Papa since he will join us,” he urged. Hearing this, we looked at each other and did not do anything. We all went to bed and dreamed about Christmas when my father was still with us.
Well, those were the days.
Today, I have a real Christmas tree made of fresh pine tree adorned with beautiful golden colored Christmas balls, pine cones, and dainty tulle and organza ribbons. Christmas packages are now bigger compared to those I had when I was still in Bansalan.
Snowflakes are falling while I am writing this piece. Perhaps we will have a white Christmas this year which we always dream of in the Philippines when we sing Irving Berlin’s “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”. I didn’t know then that the song was written while American soldiers were fighting during the Second World War and for their families who were waiting for them to return home safely. Why is it that there is always a sad story behind a beautiful song?
Our Christmas tree here in the Netherlands is literally much taller and fancier than what we had before. Food and wine are aplenty, gifts are abundant but the Christmas in Bansalan continues to linger on my mind. My memories drift back to the time when I was small and Christmas trees were tall.
Malipayong Pasko kaninyong tanan ug bulahang Bag-ong Tuig!
Christmas 2005
What was Christmas like in a little town called Bansalan in the ‘60s and ‘70s? Since Christmas is supposed for children, the season was a memorable event for me. I was born into a very poor family but despite this our house was loaded with Christmas decorations. My father and I had so much fun decorating our house during Christmas time.
As early as October, we would discuss the possible motif of our Christmas tree. After all, making the Christmas tree was a family tradition. We wanted to have a different motif each year. I could still remember the time when we wrapped a big branch of a coffee tree – cut from farm of my auntie who lived in Bulatukan, North Cotabato – with green crepe paper. Coffee? Yes, in those days, lots of farmers still managed small coffee plantations.
On another year, we made a big cone out from a hard cardboard and wrapped it with pastel-colored tissue papers. But the last one I could not forget was a Christmas tree made from a bunch of raw banana complete with fruits and heart (yes, the puso ng saging). It was an adorable sight to behold.
We also hanged on our windows multi-colored Christmas lanterns wrapped with Japanese paper. We lined our main door with colorful blinking Christmas lights. But there was a hitch: Christmas lights attracted carolers and we had problem giving them pinaskuhan.
Every Christmas, our father would wrap small presents for all of us. We opened these presents after taking eating our Noche Buena but only after we had attended the midnight mass. Though not expensive, the gifts – a dainty handmade bag for me, plastic dolls for my younger sisters, pairs of socks for my brothers, and bandanna or nice blouse for my mother – were splendid because we only received them once a year. We rarely received birthday gifts since money was for food.
Days before Christmas, particularly at 3:30 in the morning, the phonograph of the parish convento would start playing Christmas songs. In order for the people to hear the music, the priest installed a loud speaker outside the convento. Indeed, the songs were literally a wake up call. Once the third song, “The First Noel,” would be played, I would rise up and start dressing up for the Misa de Gallo. The song served as my cue.
Before that, however, the two Christmas songs being played were “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Hark the Herald the Angels Sing.” Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, has been – and still is – an arena of bitter political dispute. I learned all these years later.
I always told my father how pleased I was that our family name Noel because during the Nativity season everybody seemed to remember us. Since I am the eldest of the eight children, I usually teased and made my brothers and sisters green with envy that the song was actually meant for me. My father was the only son and as far as I knew we did not have cousins who have the same family name.
Dressed in my Sunday dress topped with a second-hand twin-set, which my mother bought from the market (it was called “relief clothes” then; now, it known as ukay-ukay), I walked spiritedly to the church together with my parents and siblings. We would come early to be sure that we have the best set in the church.
I was always fascinated with the Christmas decorations in the church. I felt sad every time the décors were taken down after the Feast of Epiphany. I had to wait for the next Christmas to see them again.
Every now and then, the church would show a “real” Nativity scene. Local players would essay the roles convincingly that sometimes I thought Joseph and Mary may ascended from heaven. I watched them with awe and deep reverence. In several occasions, I was chosen to portray as one of the angels and this would be the highlight of my Christmas. I thought I had the most beautiful wings among other angels. My father made the wings especially for me that in most instances, I wanted to sleep wearing them.
Going home was a pleasant walk since we usually stopped at a store to drink warm native chocolate and eat suman or bibingka. The aroma of the native tableya brewing in an old clay pot was enough to wake me up from daydreaming, which I usually did when I was still young. I daydreamed about anything or hummed a song on my mind even while walking that my mother thought I was going out of my mind. Even until today, I still do this childhood habit especially when I walk home after a busy day.
My father, at age 49, died in an accident in April 1975. The first Christmas without my father was unforgettable. Being the eldest, I tried as much as possible to continue the Christmas tradition we observed. With the help of my younger brothers and sisters, I tried to make the Christmas tree and the lanterns. Everything we did seemed to be a poor version of what we have done the previous Christmases. My mother was not a big help at all. “If your father is still alive, he could have made this and that,” she told us.
Unlike past Christmases, we prepared simple food. Our late father was the only bread winner of the family, and we did not have much then to buy special food. Although I had a job, my salary was miniscule and I supported my own studies as well as my siblings. Months before Christmas, I started buying gifts at the bargain shops for every member of the family and saved enough money for our Noche Buena, which consisted of spaghetti and hotcakes made from Hungry Jack flour.
When all of us were gathered around the table, we were surprised when my younger brother requested something. “Please place a plate for Papa since he will join us,” he urged. Hearing this, we looked at each other and did not do anything. We all went to bed and dreamed about Christmas when my father was still with us.
Well, those were the days.
Today, I have a real Christmas tree made of fresh pine tree adorned with beautiful golden colored Christmas balls, pine cones, and dainty tulle and organza ribbons. Christmas packages are now bigger compared to those I had when I was still in Bansalan.
Snowflakes are falling while I am writing this piece. Perhaps we will have a white Christmas this year which we always dream of in the Philippines when we sing Irving Berlin’s “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”. I didn’t know then that the song was written while American soldiers were fighting during the Second World War and for their families who were waiting for them to return home safely. Why is it that there is always a sad story behind a beautiful song?
Our Christmas tree here in the Netherlands is literally much taller and fancier than what we had before. Food and wine are aplenty, gifts are abundant but the Christmas in Bansalan continues to linger on my mind. My memories drift back to the time when I was small and Christmas trees were tall.
Malipayong Pasko kaninyong tanan ug bulahang Bag-ong Tuig!
Christmas 2005
More than just tweaking: Harnessing development potentials of migrants remittances
On 9, 10 and 11 July 2007 the Belgian Government will host the first meeting of the 'Global Forum on Migration and Development'. The King Baudoin Foundation has accepted the invitation to organise the first day of the Global Forum, which will be devoted to civil society. The 'Civil Society Forum on Migration and Development' on 9 July will gather a broad range of non-governmental actors to discuss the Migration and Development nexus and give input to the governmental discussions on the 10th and 11th of July.
The forum will bring together government representatives from migrant-receiving countries in Europe and countries of origin in Africa, Asia and Latin America, as well as international organizations, migrant organizations and other civil society organizations involved with migration and/or development. Of the estimated 550 applicants representing the civil society, 200 participants were finally selected by the steering committee of the King Baudouin Foundation to attend the ‘Civil Society Forum on Migration and Development’.
A broad-range of topics related to migration and development nexus will be discussed but specifically on the following:
· Highly skilled migration: balancing interests and responsibilities and tackling Brain Drain
· Temporary labour migration as a contribution to development: Low skilled migration and measures to combat irregular migration
· How can circular migration and sustainable return benefit development?
· Measures to increase the development value of remittances: Formalization and reduction of transfer costs and ways to enhance the micro-impact of remittances on development to the benefit of the wider community
· Strategies for building diaspora/migrant organisation capacity for development
· The value of the "migration and development" nexus and migration out of choice vs. migration out of necessity
· Enhancing policy coherence and strengthening coordination at global level (role of agencies and entities with a development, social, labour and human rights mandate)
· Looking ahead: Developing strategies and partnerships to work on 'migration and development' issues
In order to ensure wide participation from the public, the King Baudouin Foundation launched a three-week 3-week online session facilitated by December 18 – an NGO based in Brussles which advocate for migrants rights - and ran in English, French and Spanish. It was open to participation from non-state actors from around the world focusing on Human Capital Development and Labor Mobility: Maximizing Opportunities and Minimizing Risks; Remittances and other Diaspora Resources: Increasing their Net Volume and Development Value, and Enhancing Institutional and Policy Coherence and Promoting Partnerships.
Aside from the online discussions, several regional and country-level consultations were also conducted and migrant remittances - money immigrants and foreign workers send abroad to their families - was among the themes which was extensively discussed. Participants of the online discussions put forward policy recommendations to drastically reduce the cost of remittance transactions, the use of formal financial systems, harness the development potential of migration, and to allow microfinance, credit unions, and cooperatives to engage in remittance services.
The topic is quite relevant in the case of the Philippines. Accredited delegates from the Philippines to attend the Civil Society Forum should be able to submit clear policy recommendations. According to the Central Bank of the Philippines, Overseas Filipino sent home an estimated US$ 14 billion last year, placing the country as no. 4 among remittances receiving countries. Most of the 8 million OFWs are located in the USA and the Middle East. The remittances account for about 10% of the country's economy the bank added. The Philippines is the fifth-largest recipient of foreign remittances behind India, China, Mexico and France, and the highest when remittances are measured as ratios to population, GDP and exports. OFWs have become the government’s biggest source of precious dollars.
The Philippine government accounts the positive growth rate and the appreciation of the Philippine peso to the steady flow of remittances. The peso rise according to Joachim von Amberg , outgoing World Bank director was due more to the dollar weakening than the peso becoming a stronger currency. Even the Ugandan shilling is appreciating against the dollar. The same is happening in other African countries.
The increasing remittance flows has made remittances an interesting subject of study of policy makers, development organisations and academics. Some policy makers and people in the academe are proposing policy measures on how to leverage remittances for development. One of these proposals is to remove tax privileges enjoyed by overseas Filipino workers whose remittances keep the Philippine economy afloat for several decades now. “Such a move can arrest the possible hollowing effects on industries and mitigate the loss in international competition," according to the study conducted by Tereso Tullao, Michael Angelo Cortez and Edward See.
In reaction to the recommendation, Michael Defensor, former administration candidate who lost in the senatorial bid credited the positive economic growth to the steadily growing remittances and described the proposal as "foolish" and "counter-productive". The unpopular tax proposal was vehemently rejected by OFWs and eventually watered down.
The correlation between housing boom and remittances and its multiplier effects on the local economy are also worth looking into. Century Properties, a Manila based real state developer estimates that 30 percent of all remittances end up in spending for the real estate sector, whether it is used to buy property or spent on housing improvement. Construction work needs workers thus, the housing boom propelled by remittance inflows indirectly contribute to job generation.
The impact of remittances to micro and macro development of the country could not be simply ignored and to harness its development potentials need more than just tweaking. The growing dependence of the country’s economy on the money sent home by OFWs, the perpetuation of the culture and social costs of migration, and violation of migrants’ rights are some priority issues of concern which need immediate and careful attention.
The Civil Society Forum on Migration and Development must result into action-oriented policy recommendations related to remittances and their contribution to poverty alleviation and development. Some basic principles must be considered such as:
1. Remittance is only one aspect of the migration and development field. Remittance tends to be singled out because it is seen as making the most direct contribution to development in migrants’ countries of origin. However, addressing other dimensions in the migration and development field can also help to boost the contribution of the remittances to effective development on the ground.
2. Migrants are the strategic agents behind the flow of remittances. Yet, migrants still remain invisible and are largely overlooked in the debates and policy considerations on the issue. This raises a concern particularly among migrants and needs to be addressed. After all, without migrants, there would be no remittances in the first place. Migrants feel that they and their tangible contribution to development and poverty reduction in their countries of origin are not appreciated. More importantly, there is a need to pay a greater attention to the well-being of the remittance givers who are mainly vulnerable workers, particularly women that perform dirty, dangerous and demeaning (3D) jobs in return for paltry wages.
3. There is a need to advocate linking migrant remittances to Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Creating such a policy link would help mainstream the development potential of remittance in a wider development agenda. Furthermore, this process will enable migration and development issues to become an integral part of the recipient countries’ strategic national economic and development plans.
4. Addressing the socio-economic inequalities generated by remittances in the receiving localities should be considered. How this can be redressed is an aspect, which needs to be discussed. It is also important to hear the views of migrants on how remittances can be invested in productive ventures that generate a means of living for those who are not direct beneficiaries of remittances.
5. Consideration should be made of the strategic policy recommendations of the Civil Society Forum in the future dynamics of remittances. This raises the question: what can we learn from past experiences, best practices and positive exceptions to future policy interventions. This knowledge is essential for the formulation of policy positions and strategies, better policy responses, practical operations, and, in the end, improving the quality of life of the poor recipients in the developing countries.
To maximise the benefits of remittances, it is recommended among others to 1) reduce the high cost of remittance transfer, 2) promote financial literacy/financial democracy, and 3) link remittance with microfinance. Likewise, Filipino migrant organisations should try partnering with international organisations, the private sector and governments to increase the worth value of their development projects, and forge strategic trade alliances with other stakeholders. Most of the success stories about remittances are individual, not collective. This proves that despite the huge amount of remittance inflows, governments and development agencies have not yet really found the appropriate strategy to unleash the full development potential of remittances and taking diasporas as active partners in development.
For instance, the Philippine government and the new members of the 14th Congress can look into the possibility of replicating the 3 for 1 program in Mexico. Under this program, the local, state and federal governments of Mexico will match one dollar each for every dollar invested by Mexican diaspora organisations on any productive and social projects in their hometown. The 3 x 1 scheme has been institutionalized meaning it remains enforced, respected and implemented regardless of who holds the power in the government. Moreover, the program respects ownership since the Mexican diaspora organisations participate actively in the identification, implementation, and monitoring of the projects. In the Philippines, the government just taps migrants as mere donors who have no right to say on the projects.
However, capturing a share of remittances for development requires transparent and coherent policies, the relevant enabling environment, and full recognition and appreciation of the positive contributions of migrants to the development of their countries of origin. It cannot be fully achieved without consideration of other migrant-related issues such as the human rights of migrants including women and the social costs of migration.
July 2007
The forum will bring together government representatives from migrant-receiving countries in Europe and countries of origin in Africa, Asia and Latin America, as well as international organizations, migrant organizations and other civil society organizations involved with migration and/or development. Of the estimated 550 applicants representing the civil society, 200 participants were finally selected by the steering committee of the King Baudouin Foundation to attend the ‘Civil Society Forum on Migration and Development’.
A broad-range of topics related to migration and development nexus will be discussed but specifically on the following:
· Highly skilled migration: balancing interests and responsibilities and tackling Brain Drain
· Temporary labour migration as a contribution to development: Low skilled migration and measures to combat irregular migration
· How can circular migration and sustainable return benefit development?
· Measures to increase the development value of remittances: Formalization and reduction of transfer costs and ways to enhance the micro-impact of remittances on development to the benefit of the wider community
· Strategies for building diaspora/migrant organisation capacity for development
· The value of the "migration and development" nexus and migration out of choice vs. migration out of necessity
· Enhancing policy coherence and strengthening coordination at global level (role of agencies and entities with a development, social, labour and human rights mandate)
· Looking ahead: Developing strategies and partnerships to work on 'migration and development' issues
In order to ensure wide participation from the public, the King Baudouin Foundation launched a three-week 3-week online session facilitated by December 18 – an NGO based in Brussles which advocate for migrants rights - and ran in English, French and Spanish. It was open to participation from non-state actors from around the world focusing on Human Capital Development and Labor Mobility: Maximizing Opportunities and Minimizing Risks; Remittances and other Diaspora Resources: Increasing their Net Volume and Development Value, and Enhancing Institutional and Policy Coherence and Promoting Partnerships.
Aside from the online discussions, several regional and country-level consultations were also conducted and migrant remittances - money immigrants and foreign workers send abroad to their families - was among the themes which was extensively discussed. Participants of the online discussions put forward policy recommendations to drastically reduce the cost of remittance transactions, the use of formal financial systems, harness the development potential of migration, and to allow microfinance, credit unions, and cooperatives to engage in remittance services.
The topic is quite relevant in the case of the Philippines. Accredited delegates from the Philippines to attend the Civil Society Forum should be able to submit clear policy recommendations. According to the Central Bank of the Philippines, Overseas Filipino sent home an estimated US$ 14 billion last year, placing the country as no. 4 among remittances receiving countries. Most of the 8 million OFWs are located in the USA and the Middle East. The remittances account for about 10% of the country's economy the bank added. The Philippines is the fifth-largest recipient of foreign remittances behind India, China, Mexico and France, and the highest when remittances are measured as ratios to population, GDP and exports. OFWs have become the government’s biggest source of precious dollars.
The Philippine government accounts the positive growth rate and the appreciation of the Philippine peso to the steady flow of remittances. The peso rise according to Joachim von Amberg , outgoing World Bank director was due more to the dollar weakening than the peso becoming a stronger currency. Even the Ugandan shilling is appreciating against the dollar. The same is happening in other African countries.
The increasing remittance flows has made remittances an interesting subject of study of policy makers, development organisations and academics. Some policy makers and people in the academe are proposing policy measures on how to leverage remittances for development. One of these proposals is to remove tax privileges enjoyed by overseas Filipino workers whose remittances keep the Philippine economy afloat for several decades now. “Such a move can arrest the possible hollowing effects on industries and mitigate the loss in international competition," according to the study conducted by Tereso Tullao, Michael Angelo Cortez and Edward See.
In reaction to the recommendation, Michael Defensor, former administration candidate who lost in the senatorial bid credited the positive economic growth to the steadily growing remittances and described the proposal as "foolish" and "counter-productive". The unpopular tax proposal was vehemently rejected by OFWs and eventually watered down.
The correlation between housing boom and remittances and its multiplier effects on the local economy are also worth looking into. Century Properties, a Manila based real state developer estimates that 30 percent of all remittances end up in spending for the real estate sector, whether it is used to buy property or spent on housing improvement. Construction work needs workers thus, the housing boom propelled by remittance inflows indirectly contribute to job generation.
The impact of remittances to micro and macro development of the country could not be simply ignored and to harness its development potentials need more than just tweaking. The growing dependence of the country’s economy on the money sent home by OFWs, the perpetuation of the culture and social costs of migration, and violation of migrants’ rights are some priority issues of concern which need immediate and careful attention.
The Civil Society Forum on Migration and Development must result into action-oriented policy recommendations related to remittances and their contribution to poverty alleviation and development. Some basic principles must be considered such as:
1. Remittance is only one aspect of the migration and development field. Remittance tends to be singled out because it is seen as making the most direct contribution to development in migrants’ countries of origin. However, addressing other dimensions in the migration and development field can also help to boost the contribution of the remittances to effective development on the ground.
2. Migrants are the strategic agents behind the flow of remittances. Yet, migrants still remain invisible and are largely overlooked in the debates and policy considerations on the issue. This raises a concern particularly among migrants and needs to be addressed. After all, without migrants, there would be no remittances in the first place. Migrants feel that they and their tangible contribution to development and poverty reduction in their countries of origin are not appreciated. More importantly, there is a need to pay a greater attention to the well-being of the remittance givers who are mainly vulnerable workers, particularly women that perform dirty, dangerous and demeaning (3D) jobs in return for paltry wages.
3. There is a need to advocate linking migrant remittances to Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Creating such a policy link would help mainstream the development potential of remittance in a wider development agenda. Furthermore, this process will enable migration and development issues to become an integral part of the recipient countries’ strategic national economic and development plans.
4. Addressing the socio-economic inequalities generated by remittances in the receiving localities should be considered. How this can be redressed is an aspect, which needs to be discussed. It is also important to hear the views of migrants on how remittances can be invested in productive ventures that generate a means of living for those who are not direct beneficiaries of remittances.
5. Consideration should be made of the strategic policy recommendations of the Civil Society Forum in the future dynamics of remittances. This raises the question: what can we learn from past experiences, best practices and positive exceptions to future policy interventions. This knowledge is essential for the formulation of policy positions and strategies, better policy responses, practical operations, and, in the end, improving the quality of life of the poor recipients in the developing countries.
To maximise the benefits of remittances, it is recommended among others to 1) reduce the high cost of remittance transfer, 2) promote financial literacy/financial democracy, and 3) link remittance with microfinance. Likewise, Filipino migrant organisations should try partnering with international organisations, the private sector and governments to increase the worth value of their development projects, and forge strategic trade alliances with other stakeholders. Most of the success stories about remittances are individual, not collective. This proves that despite the huge amount of remittance inflows, governments and development agencies have not yet really found the appropriate strategy to unleash the full development potential of remittances and taking diasporas as active partners in development.
For instance, the Philippine government and the new members of the 14th Congress can look into the possibility of replicating the 3 for 1 program in Mexico. Under this program, the local, state and federal governments of Mexico will match one dollar each for every dollar invested by Mexican diaspora organisations on any productive and social projects in their hometown. The 3 x 1 scheme has been institutionalized meaning it remains enforced, respected and implemented regardless of who holds the power in the government. Moreover, the program respects ownership since the Mexican diaspora organisations participate actively in the identification, implementation, and monitoring of the projects. In the Philippines, the government just taps migrants as mere donors who have no right to say on the projects.
However, capturing a share of remittances for development requires transparent and coherent policies, the relevant enabling environment, and full recognition and appreciation of the positive contributions of migrants to the development of their countries of origin. It cannot be fully achieved without consideration of other migrant-related issues such as the human rights of migrants including women and the social costs of migration.
July 2007
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the hasteAnd remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
And listen to others even the dull and ignorant;
They too have their own story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
They are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
You may become vain or bitter,
For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you what virtue there is;
Many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
It is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;
You have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life
Keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
It is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
- Max Ehrmann
Desiderata (in Tagalog)
Humayo ng panatag
Sa gitna ng ingay at pagmamadali,
At tandaang may kapayapaan matatagpuan sa katahimikan.
Hangga't maaari nang walang pagsuko
Makipagkapwa-tao
Bigkasin ang iyong katotohanan nang mahinahon at malinaw
At makinig sa iba, kahit sa mapurol o mangmang
Sila ma'y may kanilang salaysayin. Iwasan ang mga taong
Maingay at magaspang; nakaririndi sila sa diwa.
Kung ihahambing at masamain mo ang loob, pagka't
Laging may hihigit sa iyo at may hihigtan ka.
Masiyahan ka sa iyong mga natamo, gayundin sa iyong mga balak.
Manatiling buhos ang iyong kalooban sa mga gawain, gaano man
Kababa; tunay itong kayamanan sa nagbabagong panahon.
Maging maingat sa pakikipagkalakalan paagka't ang mundo'y
Batbat ng panlilinlang. Subalit huwag hayaang
Makabulag ito sa iyo sa anumang kabutihang mayroon; maraming
Nagpupunyagi para sa mga adhikaing dakila; at sa lahat ng dako
Ang buhay ay lipos ng kabayanihan.
Huwang mangkunwari laluna ng pagmamamahal
Huwag ding talikuran ang pag-ibig, pagka't sa gitna ng
Katigangan at kalungkutan, kailanma'y umuusbong
At nabubuhay itong tulad ng damo.
Maluwag na tanggapin ang payo ng katandaan
Banayad na isuko ang mga bagay ng kumusmusan
Arugain ang tibay ng loob na sasalag sa mga biglaang
Sakuna. Ngunit huwag palulumo sa mga guni-guni
Maraming takot ang dulot ng pagod at kalungkutan
Sa kabila ng malusog na disiplina, maging mabait sa iyong sarili.
Anak ka ng sanlibutan, tulang mga punungkahoy at bituin
May lugar ka rito. At malinaw man sa iyo o hindi, walang
Alinlangang bumukadkad ang daigdig ayon sa nararapat.
Kaya maging panatag ka sa Diyos, anuman ang pagkakilala mo
Sa kanya. At anuman ang iyong mga gawain at mithiin, sa maingay
Na kalituhan ng buhay, panatilihin mong panatag ang iyong kalooban
Sa kabila ng panlilinlang, kawalang-buhay at mga gumuhong pangarap
Maganda pa rin ang mundo.
Salin nina Cora at Rey Casambre
Sa gitna ng ingay at pagmamadali,
At tandaang may kapayapaan matatagpuan sa katahimikan.
Hangga't maaari nang walang pagsuko
Makipagkapwa-tao
Bigkasin ang iyong katotohanan nang mahinahon at malinaw
At makinig sa iba, kahit sa mapurol o mangmang
Sila ma'y may kanilang salaysayin. Iwasan ang mga taong
Maingay at magaspang; nakaririndi sila sa diwa.
Kung ihahambing at masamain mo ang loob, pagka't
Laging may hihigit sa iyo at may hihigtan ka.
Masiyahan ka sa iyong mga natamo, gayundin sa iyong mga balak.
Manatiling buhos ang iyong kalooban sa mga gawain, gaano man
Kababa; tunay itong kayamanan sa nagbabagong panahon.
Maging maingat sa pakikipagkalakalan paagka't ang mundo'y
Batbat ng panlilinlang. Subalit huwag hayaang
Makabulag ito sa iyo sa anumang kabutihang mayroon; maraming
Nagpupunyagi para sa mga adhikaing dakila; at sa lahat ng dako
Ang buhay ay lipos ng kabayanihan.
Huwang mangkunwari laluna ng pagmamamahal
Huwag ding talikuran ang pag-ibig, pagka't sa gitna ng
Katigangan at kalungkutan, kailanma'y umuusbong
At nabubuhay itong tulad ng damo.
Maluwag na tanggapin ang payo ng katandaan
Banayad na isuko ang mga bagay ng kumusmusan
Arugain ang tibay ng loob na sasalag sa mga biglaang
Sakuna. Ngunit huwag palulumo sa mga guni-guni
Maraming takot ang dulot ng pagod at kalungkutan
Sa kabila ng malusog na disiplina, maging mabait sa iyong sarili.
Anak ka ng sanlibutan, tulang mga punungkahoy at bituin
May lugar ka rito. At malinaw man sa iyo o hindi, walang
Alinlangang bumukadkad ang daigdig ayon sa nararapat.
Kaya maging panatag ka sa Diyos, anuman ang pagkakilala mo
Sa kanya. At anuman ang iyong mga gawain at mithiin, sa maingay
Na kalituhan ng buhay, panatilihin mong panatag ang iyong kalooban
Sa kabila ng panlilinlang, kawalang-buhay at mga gumuhong pangarap
Maganda pa rin ang mundo.
Salin nina Cora at Rey Casambre
Making a Difference: Bansaleño Expats Give Back
GOUDA, The Netherlands – My present job provides me with rare opportunities to work with African, Asian and Latin migrant organizations which actively support small development projects in their countries of origin. Watching them how they help their own communities made me wonder whether my fellow Bansaleño expats have also inclinations to help our hometown. Beyond sending money to their direct families, are they also willing to contribute to the development of our hometown?
For several years now, I was mulling over linking Bansaleño expats with Kapatiran Philippines, Inc (KPI), a small non-governmental organization which I helped set up in Bansalan a few years ago. However, it was a daunting task to get their addresses until I came across the Bansalan website, which was constructed by Edwin Bibera, a fellow Bansaleño now living in Fullerton, California. After giving some comments about the website, I tried to ask him if he was willing to maintain – on a voluntary basis – the website of KPI. “No problem,” Edwin assured. “At least I can do something for our hometown.”
Great! Now, there were two of us doing something for our hometown. But the question is: Where are the rest?
Unknowingly, on the first week of November 2005, Edwin’s website was noticed by some Bansaleños and even those now living in other parts of the world. This was when Edwin posted new articles and pictures of popular places of our town. One particular picture – that of the ABC Gym – caught the attention of Imee Mabandos-Schneider of Frankfurt, Germany. Her compelling message urging Bansaleños to help renovate the dilapidated gym triggered off a series of e-mail exchanges.
In her e-mail message, Imee warm-heartedly recalled various events – such as basketball tournaments, dances, and large official functions and other activities of the various schools and community, among others – were held in the gym. “ABC had been a great part of our growing up years in Bansalan,” she wrote. “In the spirit of (forthcoming) Christmas, we can give back to our hometown by raising the amount of Ph20,000 to at least repaint the façade of the gym.”
The snowball effect of Imee’s initial posting was overwhelming. In no time, Bansaleños residing abroad – Toronto in Canada; Alaska, New York, California, Ohio, and Virginia in the United States; Rotterdam and Gouda in the Netherlands; and Frankfurt in Germany – and even those in Manila and Davao started sending their pledges.
The awe-inspiring response of the Bansaleños resulted to the formation of the virtual community called the Association of Bansaleños or www.Bansaleños.com with “Give Back Campaign: ABC Gym Project” as its initial project. In less than a month, our group raised the amount of Php155,212.00 - almost 8 times more than Imee’s original request.
Curiously enough, the members of Association of Bansaleños have different professional backgrounds and they are doing different types of jobs. While implementing the project, we were discovering our untapped talents, hobbies and interests. We found out we have excellent fund raisers and event organizers in our midst. All these proved to be useful in our campaign.
Aside from renovating the gym, some Bansaleños also decided to raise funds to support the education of poor children our hometown. As of this writing, the “Give Back: Literacy Project” received pledges amounting to Ph 50,000 – enough to support the education of 30-35 poor pupils next school year. In fact, some even committed themselves to support the children until they finish their elementary education.
While older folks are very much willing to help, younger generation is also involved. Jane Nique, who now lives in New York, related her conversation with her 17-year-old daughter Nikki: “Nikki shed a tear when she heard the story about the poor children in Bansalan. She offered to sponsor one child. I asked her how she would do it since she’s still a student and without an income. She replied that she can set aside some money from her weekly allowance. She also want to write to a child to encourage him or her to study hard because by the time the child would graduate from elementary, she would already be a nurse. By then, she could support the child’s college education.”
Nikki, however, is not alone. During our visit in Bansalan five years ago, my two sons – Michael and Richard – asked their uncle Joselito why there so many out-of school children in the neighborhood. My brother, a barangay captain, told my two sons that the parents of these children are too poor to send them to school. In fact, he was supporting some of them but had a hard time sustaining the support due to lack of funds.
My two sons offered to help and came up with an idea on where to get the money. “Richard and I just won’t go to McDonalds four times a year Mamma and the money we would save would be given to some children to help them go to school,” Michael volunteered. I told them that if they would do that, I would match what they would have saved. They did – and their initial donation actually started the basic literacy program of Bansalan’s KPI.
I am aware that my fellow Bansaleños have bigger plans for our hometown but they know their contribution is limited. They are willing to support any worthy community projects but they would like also to see local government officials to match what they would do. Hence, taking advantage of her recent Christmas vacation in Bansalan, Imee together with some Davao and Bansalan-based residents presented the plan to the town mayor and his council. Mayor Melchor Arches warmly welcomed the proposed initiative. Today, the renovation of the ABC Gym has become a joint project of the local government unit and the Bansaleño expats.
Through regular e-mail contacts, I learned several stories about their gift-giving practices. I heard that long before the “Give Back Campaign” was launched, a few were already involved in various family and community projects. For instance, the list of donors who contributed to the renovation of our church included many names of families who have relatives overseas. Thanks to the “start-up capital” from relatives abroad, new small businesses (restaurants, photo services, bakeries, grocery stores, transports, etc) have been set up which stimulate local economic activities and create jobs in the town.
Fact: Those who are working abroad are spending their remittances for the improvement of the economic condition of their families. A case in point is the “Japayuki village,” a small enclave in Bansalan where nice and well-appointed row of houses were built from the money sent to their families by Bansaleños working in Japan. In building the houses, temporary jobs are created for local carpenters and laborers.
Another example is the Nique family – with three siblings now living in New
York – who distributes Christmas gifts (cash money, rice, canned goods, T-shirts, bicycles) every year to indigent children and parents in their barangay.
More recently, I learned that a fellow Bansaleña, who married a German, is now busy developing her small farming village. After building her own house and that of her family, she also purchased a land and subdivided it into small parcels, which she sold to homeless families in our hometown at very low price. Likewise, she opened a grocery store and a bakery in her village and hired local people.
With the aforementioned examples, it finally dawned on me that the Bansaleños are not different from the African, Latinos and Asian migrants whom I worked with. They give back because they feel they still feel they are very much part of the community. They also want to share the blessings they enjoy with those whom they left behind. Perhaps, some unconsciously give back because one day they might return. Whatever their motives are, the Bansaleños are making a difference but not without reason.
In his recollection, Edwin wrote: “So many memories and some of them pass to oblivion. But in retrospect, I didn't really regret living in Bansalan. In fact, I love it there. Like a tree which roots are firmly grounded in that old town, my travels were like branching out to reach new heights: to see more of the world. But it seems like I never left at all. I am always home.”
Daday Amor-Cintron of New Jersey summed up the sentiments of most Bansaleño expats when she wrote: “Seriously, because of the choices we made (and choices we did not make) some of us have ‘wow’ lives and some just plain ‘blah’ lives. Some of our lives are glorious, and others not so glorious. But no matter where in the world we are, we have these experiences and all of God’s graciousness to be thankful for. When I am overwhelmed with the routine drudgery of the fast lane we call life, I think of all the simple things of our past, the humble beginnings of Bansalan. It is safe there.”
Note: The Give Back Campaign is an on-going project of Bansaleños. For more information, please visit: www.bansalan.com. -- ***
January 2006
For several years now, I was mulling over linking Bansaleño expats with Kapatiran Philippines, Inc (KPI), a small non-governmental organization which I helped set up in Bansalan a few years ago. However, it was a daunting task to get their addresses until I came across the Bansalan website, which was constructed by Edwin Bibera, a fellow Bansaleño now living in Fullerton, California. After giving some comments about the website, I tried to ask him if he was willing to maintain – on a voluntary basis – the website of KPI. “No problem,” Edwin assured. “At least I can do something for our hometown.”
Great! Now, there were two of us doing something for our hometown. But the question is: Where are the rest?
Unknowingly, on the first week of November 2005, Edwin’s website was noticed by some Bansaleños and even those now living in other parts of the world. This was when Edwin posted new articles and pictures of popular places of our town. One particular picture – that of the ABC Gym – caught the attention of Imee Mabandos-Schneider of Frankfurt, Germany. Her compelling message urging Bansaleños to help renovate the dilapidated gym triggered off a series of e-mail exchanges.
In her e-mail message, Imee warm-heartedly recalled various events – such as basketball tournaments, dances, and large official functions and other activities of the various schools and community, among others – were held in the gym. “ABC had been a great part of our growing up years in Bansalan,” she wrote. “In the spirit of (forthcoming) Christmas, we can give back to our hometown by raising the amount of Ph20,000 to at least repaint the façade of the gym.”
The snowball effect of Imee’s initial posting was overwhelming. In no time, Bansaleños residing abroad – Toronto in Canada; Alaska, New York, California, Ohio, and Virginia in the United States; Rotterdam and Gouda in the Netherlands; and Frankfurt in Germany – and even those in Manila and Davao started sending their pledges.
The awe-inspiring response of the Bansaleños resulted to the formation of the virtual community called the Association of Bansaleños or www.Bansaleños.com with “Give Back Campaign: ABC Gym Project” as its initial project. In less than a month, our group raised the amount of Php155,212.00 - almost 8 times more than Imee’s original request.
Curiously enough, the members of Association of Bansaleños have different professional backgrounds and they are doing different types of jobs. While implementing the project, we were discovering our untapped talents, hobbies and interests. We found out we have excellent fund raisers and event organizers in our midst. All these proved to be useful in our campaign.
Aside from renovating the gym, some Bansaleños also decided to raise funds to support the education of poor children our hometown. As of this writing, the “Give Back: Literacy Project” received pledges amounting to Ph 50,000 – enough to support the education of 30-35 poor pupils next school year. In fact, some even committed themselves to support the children until they finish their elementary education.
While older folks are very much willing to help, younger generation is also involved. Jane Nique, who now lives in New York, related her conversation with her 17-year-old daughter Nikki: “Nikki shed a tear when she heard the story about the poor children in Bansalan. She offered to sponsor one child. I asked her how she would do it since she’s still a student and without an income. She replied that she can set aside some money from her weekly allowance. She also want to write to a child to encourage him or her to study hard because by the time the child would graduate from elementary, she would already be a nurse. By then, she could support the child’s college education.”
Nikki, however, is not alone. During our visit in Bansalan five years ago, my two sons – Michael and Richard – asked their uncle Joselito why there so many out-of school children in the neighborhood. My brother, a barangay captain, told my two sons that the parents of these children are too poor to send them to school. In fact, he was supporting some of them but had a hard time sustaining the support due to lack of funds.
My two sons offered to help and came up with an idea on where to get the money. “Richard and I just won’t go to McDonalds four times a year Mamma and the money we would save would be given to some children to help them go to school,” Michael volunteered. I told them that if they would do that, I would match what they would have saved. They did – and their initial donation actually started the basic literacy program of Bansalan’s KPI.
I am aware that my fellow Bansaleños have bigger plans for our hometown but they know their contribution is limited. They are willing to support any worthy community projects but they would like also to see local government officials to match what they would do. Hence, taking advantage of her recent Christmas vacation in Bansalan, Imee together with some Davao and Bansalan-based residents presented the plan to the town mayor and his council. Mayor Melchor Arches warmly welcomed the proposed initiative. Today, the renovation of the ABC Gym has become a joint project of the local government unit and the Bansaleño expats.
Through regular e-mail contacts, I learned several stories about their gift-giving practices. I heard that long before the “Give Back Campaign” was launched, a few were already involved in various family and community projects. For instance, the list of donors who contributed to the renovation of our church included many names of families who have relatives overseas. Thanks to the “start-up capital” from relatives abroad, new small businesses (restaurants, photo services, bakeries, grocery stores, transports, etc) have been set up which stimulate local economic activities and create jobs in the town.
Fact: Those who are working abroad are spending their remittances for the improvement of the economic condition of their families. A case in point is the “Japayuki village,” a small enclave in Bansalan where nice and well-appointed row of houses were built from the money sent to their families by Bansaleños working in Japan. In building the houses, temporary jobs are created for local carpenters and laborers.
Another example is the Nique family – with three siblings now living in New
York – who distributes Christmas gifts (cash money, rice, canned goods, T-shirts, bicycles) every year to indigent children and parents in their barangay.
More recently, I learned that a fellow Bansaleña, who married a German, is now busy developing her small farming village. After building her own house and that of her family, she also purchased a land and subdivided it into small parcels, which she sold to homeless families in our hometown at very low price. Likewise, she opened a grocery store and a bakery in her village and hired local people.
With the aforementioned examples, it finally dawned on me that the Bansaleños are not different from the African, Latinos and Asian migrants whom I worked with. They give back because they feel they still feel they are very much part of the community. They also want to share the blessings they enjoy with those whom they left behind. Perhaps, some unconsciously give back because one day they might return. Whatever their motives are, the Bansaleños are making a difference but not without reason.
In his recollection, Edwin wrote: “So many memories and some of them pass to oblivion. But in retrospect, I didn't really regret living in Bansalan. In fact, I love it there. Like a tree which roots are firmly grounded in that old town, my travels were like branching out to reach new heights: to see more of the world. But it seems like I never left at all. I am always home.”
Daday Amor-Cintron of New Jersey summed up the sentiments of most Bansaleño expats when she wrote: “Seriously, because of the choices we made (and choices we did not make) some of us have ‘wow’ lives and some just plain ‘blah’ lives. Some of our lives are glorious, and others not so glorious. But no matter where in the world we are, we have these experiences and all of God’s graciousness to be thankful for. When I am overwhelmed with the routine drudgery of the fast lane we call life, I think of all the simple things of our past, the humble beginnings of Bansalan. It is safe there.”
Note: The Give Back Campaign is an on-going project of Bansaleños. For more information, please visit: www.bansalan.com. -- ***
January 2006
Someday you will remember…
I’ve been writing my journals since I was 19. From time to time I re-read some of my entries, the period when my two boys were just small kids. I remembered that when my eldest son Michael was just 5 years old we had an interesting conversation about my hometown Bansalan. The mother-and-son conversation went more or less this way…
Why is the color of your eyes black, Mamma?
Because I am a Filipino.
What is a Filipino?
Look, son. The people here in the Netherlands are called Dutch just like your Pappa. I am from the Philippines and so I am Filipino. Every country – and there are many countries all over the world – has a name for their own people.
But where is the Philippines located, Mamma?
It’s a distant country, far from where we are now. That’s where your grandma lives. You only reach it if you take the place and travel night and day.
How come you are here in Holland?
Oh, that’s a long story. Maybe I will tell you next time.
Are there tigers and elephants in the Philippines?
Oh no. Where did you get the idea?
Monkey, perhaps?
Sure we still have monkeys!
What about snakes? Do you have snakes in the Philippines?
Yes. I remember when I was your age, I saw a couple of times snakes crawling by the riverbank not far from your grandma’s house. I was told they were not of the dangerous type, but just the same, I was terribly scared.
Are there plenty of big trees where Oma Helen (Lola Helen) lives?
Yes. A long time ago, I used to climb our guava and mango trees, but the fruit trees are not there anymore. They cut the trees because we needed space for our house and garden. We had also plenty of trees, really big ones in the forests. You know your grandma lives near the foothills of Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines. We don’t have mountains here in Holland so I cannot make a comparison. You know the tall Euromast in Rotterdam, don’t you? Well, our mountains are much taller than the Euromast. But there are not much trees anymore in our forests.
Where have all the trees gone?
Where? I remember there was a logging company operating in our town. Your grandpa used to work in the saw mill as a mechanic. Everyday large trucks transported many trozos, big timbers from the mountain and brought them to the saw mill. Where they brought the lumber I exactly don’t know. But I vaguely heard stories when his workmates came to our house for a drink; I still remember they talked about some Japanese guests visiting the saw mill. Funny, but I was six or maybe seven years old then, almost like your age, and somehow I still remember their faces.
When we visit Oma, can I take a swim in the river?
What about the river? Oh yes, the river. I remember taking a bath there early in the morning before going to school. We also washed our clothes there especially on Saturdays. You know what? I also enjoyed catching small fish called paitan with friends I the neighborhood. Alas, there are no fish anymore, and the water has become very dirty and shallow. Too bad, you cannot swim in the river anymore.
Why is your hair black, Mamma?
Because I am a Filipino and most Filipinos have black hair.
Is the Philippines near Africa? The people there also have black eyes and black hair. I saw them on TV?
Oh no. The Philippines is located on the opposite side of the globe. Let me show you. It’s here, down here. See that group of islands? It’s called an archipelago.
Are there also soldiers in the Philippines? There are plenty of them in Africa.
Oh yes, my son. Plenty of them.
Do they shoot and kill people?
Yes, they do. Sometimes. Several times. Many times, I guess. There are people who carry guns in the Philippines and just shoot anyone.
But why? Are the Filipinos bad?
No, they are not bad my son. It’s actually like this. There are plenty of people in the Philippines who are poor, very poor. They have no money to buy food, clothes and medicine. Parents have no money to send their children to school and to buy them toys. They want to change the situation. They want to improve their lives and to have a better future for their children. But some people do not like that the poor will change the situation. Some want change and they use guns to.... But why are you asking so many questions?
Because I want to know!
But why do you want to know so much? I can’t go on answering all of them.
Because I wonder why I have brown eyes. Your eyes are black, and Pappa has blue. Where did I come from Mamma?
My son, that’s all for today. Next time I will tell you more. When you are a bit bigger you will find out for yourself the answers to your questions. Now, do you already know why your Mamma has black eyes?
What about your eyes? I don’t remember what you said. I’m so sleepy.
Go to bed my son. Someday I hope you will remember. I really hope so just like I remember.
Why is the color of your eyes black, Mamma?
Because I am a Filipino.
What is a Filipino?
Look, son. The people here in the Netherlands are called Dutch just like your Pappa. I am from the Philippines and so I am Filipino. Every country – and there are many countries all over the world – has a name for their own people.
But where is the Philippines located, Mamma?
It’s a distant country, far from where we are now. That’s where your grandma lives. You only reach it if you take the place and travel night and day.
How come you are here in Holland?
Oh, that’s a long story. Maybe I will tell you next time.
Are there tigers and elephants in the Philippines?
Oh no. Where did you get the idea?
Monkey, perhaps?
Sure we still have monkeys!
What about snakes? Do you have snakes in the Philippines?
Yes. I remember when I was your age, I saw a couple of times snakes crawling by the riverbank not far from your grandma’s house. I was told they were not of the dangerous type, but just the same, I was terribly scared.
Are there plenty of big trees where Oma Helen (Lola Helen) lives?
Yes. A long time ago, I used to climb our guava and mango trees, but the fruit trees are not there anymore. They cut the trees because we needed space for our house and garden. We had also plenty of trees, really big ones in the forests. You know your grandma lives near the foothills of Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines. We don’t have mountains here in Holland so I cannot make a comparison. You know the tall Euromast in Rotterdam, don’t you? Well, our mountains are much taller than the Euromast. But there are not much trees anymore in our forests.
Where have all the trees gone?
Where? I remember there was a logging company operating in our town. Your grandpa used to work in the saw mill as a mechanic. Everyday large trucks transported many trozos, big timbers from the mountain and brought them to the saw mill. Where they brought the lumber I exactly don’t know. But I vaguely heard stories when his workmates came to our house for a drink; I still remember they talked about some Japanese guests visiting the saw mill. Funny, but I was six or maybe seven years old then, almost like your age, and somehow I still remember their faces.
When we visit Oma, can I take a swim in the river?
What about the river? Oh yes, the river. I remember taking a bath there early in the morning before going to school. We also washed our clothes there especially on Saturdays. You know what? I also enjoyed catching small fish called paitan with friends I the neighborhood. Alas, there are no fish anymore, and the water has become very dirty and shallow. Too bad, you cannot swim in the river anymore.
Why is your hair black, Mamma?
Because I am a Filipino and most Filipinos have black hair.
Is the Philippines near Africa? The people there also have black eyes and black hair. I saw them on TV?
Oh no. The Philippines is located on the opposite side of the globe. Let me show you. It’s here, down here. See that group of islands? It’s called an archipelago.
Are there also soldiers in the Philippines? There are plenty of them in Africa.
Oh yes, my son. Plenty of them.
Do they shoot and kill people?
Yes, they do. Sometimes. Several times. Many times, I guess. There are people who carry guns in the Philippines and just shoot anyone.
But why? Are the Filipinos bad?
No, they are not bad my son. It’s actually like this. There are plenty of people in the Philippines who are poor, very poor. They have no money to buy food, clothes and medicine. Parents have no money to send their children to school and to buy them toys. They want to change the situation. They want to improve their lives and to have a better future for their children. But some people do not like that the poor will change the situation. Some want change and they use guns to.... But why are you asking so many questions?
Because I want to know!
But why do you want to know so much? I can’t go on answering all of them.
Because I wonder why I have brown eyes. Your eyes are black, and Pappa has blue. Where did I come from Mamma?
My son, that’s all for today. Next time I will tell you more. When you are a bit bigger you will find out for yourself the answers to your questions. Now, do you already know why your Mamma has black eyes?
What about your eyes? I don’t remember what you said. I’m so sleepy.
Go to bed my son. Someday I hope you will remember. I really hope so just like I remember.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)