Education for Dumolog, Roxas City Philippines

Dumolog December 2011

2011-12-11T15:47:00.000-08:00

Thank you to those of you who remembered to donate this year. I had the opportunity to work with Pan Productions this last October while they were filming in the Philippines. This gave me the opportunity to visit with our scholars. Unfortunately I do not have as many video and photographs as I normally do. I caught Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever while I was there. I was sick for about 3 weeks, which included a short stint in the hospital - in the Philippines they require someone to stay with you in your room. Mary Grace, one of the scholars, selflessly volunteered to do this. She went to get all my prescriptions and helped me with my IV tubes and bag every time I needed to get out of the bed. She really saved the day. Some of the parents also came to visit me while I was there. It was so heartwarming to have all our efforts returned when I was placed in such a vulnerable position. I always thought the payoff would be to see the children graduate and get a good job, but there is so much more to it than that. I am realizing how much we are all a part of their lives and how important we have become to their future.

Here is a video link to a YouTube video I put together with the footage I had.

I hope you enjoy it, share it, and remember to donate. http://dumolog.blogspot.com/

Graduation 2011

2011-04-11T10:53:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update. Mary Grace and Elman both received medals from their school for excellence! Our scholars will be starting school again in June. We have all the necessary funds for uniforms, supplies and fees from our fundraising in Sept-November. Thanks again for your continued support.

Dumolog X-Mas Party 2010

2010-12-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

The children of Dumolog had their Christmas party yesterday. Thanks to you guys it was a huge success. Unfortunately, I didn't get enough clothing donations to send a Balikbayan Box, so I sent the Christmas Funds through Western Union (receipts are available upon request). Rodolfo from the Rotary administered the funds and Vilma, from the Lastimoso house across the street, coordinated everything and cooked a feast for the kids! Thanks so much! I wish I could have been there.

With the additional funds raised we were able to get all of the children:

1. A new outfit of clothing (shoes, pants and shirt)

2. A toy and some candy.

3. A great celebration full of food and fun!

I've attached some pictures of your scholar. The pics were taken by Ina, the daughter of Vilma, with her cel phone. Have a wonderful holiday season! You really made a special day for these kids. It is such a treat to see them all smiling, playing and wearing their new outfits. I'm feeling a bit emotional about it - please know what an incredible day this was for them.

A Reminder...

2010-08-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

I was walking up the main road in Dumolog after learning that last year a few of the parents had sold their childrens uniforms that we bought. I had just implemented a new rule - If they sell their uniform this year, they will not be provided one next year. I was thinking "Why am I even doing this?" when right on cue I saw this boy who was working as part of a cement clean-up crew, just 100 feet away from the Dumolog compound. It quickly answered my question.

Second Year of School

2010-08-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

I hope you are all doing well. Just a quick note to let you know that the children started their second year of school under our support. A few of the children dropped out last year due to miscellaneous fees that the school charges the family for. Thanks to your support we are now able to cover these charges as well as uniforms, supplies, dental check-ups and, in some cases, prescriptions and medical attention.

I have partnered with the local Rotary in Roxas City to assist in distribution of funds to the school to cover the additional fees. This does not cost us anything as I have made a barter deal - their services for mine. At some point in the future I will be doing some graphics and possibly some video work for them.

The Rotary has a group of volunteer surgeons come to Roxas City every year to fix cleft lips. I was able to put forward the name of Paolo (a boy who lives in the compound next to our scholars) last December when I was there.
Paolo in December 2009

Paolo in May 2010

The last time I was in Roxas City I also spoke with some members of the Lions Club about their scholarship program. This wasn't in regards to a partnership, I was curious as to the rules they employ to insure a successful program. Their scholars must past an exam to apply for the program. They have a zero tolerance for failing grades and non-attendance. I think that is a worthy program and a great rule structure. However, many of the children we sponsor have never had the resources or opportunity to attend school full time. I understand the need for these strict rules, but I am hoping you will all hang in as these children adjust to this opportunity - they are getting better and will hopefully, with our support, and the support of their families, understand the gift they are being given. In the end, we may not have the success rate as other scholarship programs in the Philippines, but we are certainly providing an opportunity to these kids that everyone deserves, and we, in Western countries, take for granted.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Dumolog Christmas 2009

2010-01-19T12:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you again for your amazing support this year. I am happy to report that all the kids will be returning to school this June, along with our 5 new scholars.

After talking with my contacts and support in Roxas City, it has been decided the best way to tackle the miscellaneous fees would be to have a bank account set up in the Philippines and disburse monthly payments to the elementary and high school based on the needed fees (about $2.50 per month, per child).

I've attached a link to a video showing how the additional funds were disbursed. It was originally going to go towards toys, but upon my arrival I saw how the rising rice prices had affected the families. They were also in need of clothing. So toys took a back seat, but were not excluded. Here is the link to a video as to how the funds were spent. Receipts are also available for anyone wishing to see them. I've used some of the timelapse I shot this last trip - a little dramatic - maybe, but it sure looks cool :)

I will be sending a CD with this video, along with a personal greeting from your scholar, electronic versions of a few photos and hard copies. There is also something for all of you from your scholar. The expenses is my X-Mas present to you all for the amazing help you have provided these children.

There is still a ways to go and other projects I would like to see implemented, such as a lunch program, running water in the compound and the ultimate dream of having 1 or 2 toilets. So I am going to be doubling up on the sponsors per child. So if you know anyone who may be interested in becoming involved, please pass on my contact information and I encourage you to show your video, photos and other gift to your friends and colleagues.

All the best in 2010!

NEW SCHOLARS

Jass Marie - Age 8

Elmar - Age 12

Ronalyn - Age 11

Rose Mae - Age 7

Jerica - Age 6

Another Update from Capiz

2009-12-04T17:26:00.001-08:00

So there still may be hope that the children who dropped out may return to school. All of them are from the same family. The mother (I have mentioned her before in a not so nice light) has hooked up with a man who is lame. Not that this is bad, but is not practical as she has so many mouths to feed – 8 kids and now another on the way. School kids encounter the odd misc fee, which is a few pesos per week. Times that by the 4 children she has in school and it adds up – especially with her situation. I’m trying not to judge people but she is not my favourite person at the moment.

I was able to get the contact information for the school principal and I’m going to try and set up a credit for the misc fees for these kids. So hopefully they will all be on their way back to school by the time I leave Capiz. There is a chance that the misc fee may vanish (we are in the PH) or that they won’t return to school, but it is a chance I’m going to take.

On the dental side of things: I will be getting more photos from Lovelle (our dentist), but wanted to share one of the results of her work. These photos are of Marilou. The first is from last year where she had two teeth growing out of place and a large cavity in the front – as well as many in the back. She would often smile with her mouth closed or try and hide with her hand. This year, she is all smiles. The difference is incredible to me and I hope you all can share in the satisfaction of how such a small thing changed Marilou’s confidence. We are doing good. It is a long road, but we are making progress. I have lots of video clips to share, and will get it to you after I return. You all have something coming to you from the children as well. Sorry that my communication has been so poor, but my mobile and internet signals have been slow and unreliable here. Thank you so much again.

Marilou Last Year

Marilou Yesterday

The Group

Capiz Bay seen from Dayao

Update From Dumolog November 27

2009-11-27T01:46:00.000-08:00

I went to Dumolog this morning and saw the kids. It’s been one year and I was shocked to se that so many of them seem to have lost weight. The price of rice is quite high. Many of their meals consist of rice with salt or sugar – and often a little fish. But it would seem that some rationing has been done to make the small amounts of rice they can afford last longer. It was a bit heartbreaking.

I made an executive decision to use the small reserve we have and some of the toy funds to purchase 650lbs of rice for the families – about $200. Each family will get a 50lb sack while the largest family (11) will get a 100lb sack. Hopefully this will be enough for them to get a little ahead for a month or two.

My original plan was to film the kids picking out gifts, but this may be problematic as I was informed I would need a permit to film in the store. Che Che is trying to contact the manager to bypass this. In any case I will film them receiving the rice, gifts and we will also buy the families some chicken or pork (depending on the prices perhaps some fresh fruit) as a change from the usual and a nice X-Mas dinner.

Unfortunately 4 children have discontinued school. Mary Grace, Marilou, Roldan, and Eric. However, I was approached by the families asking if I could find sponsors for 5 more kids. Ronalyn, Elmar, Jass Marie, Rose May, and Jerica. So I will be replacing the spots with these new kids and introducing them through photos to their sponsors when I return. I’ll try to get them started with vitamins, tooth paste etc. I know it is upsetting that some of these kids have decided not to continue school. However, I can see that sometimes, for the families, it makes more sense to have more hands during the day. It’s an unfortunate reality we may have to face as we move through this. I will always welcome them back into the program but the funds collected will be used for those families and kids furthering their education – it hurts to even type that as I know tomorrow I have to act upon it. I truly appreciate your support – thank you again.

1 Year Anniversay!

2009-10-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I met Mary Grace in Dumolog, Capiz. I look back and think of how much we have all accomplished this last year. 13 children are going to school and have sparkling new teeth - almost. As of Sept 12th, 2009 the dentist has completed 75% of the dental procedures. She has been seeing them whenever she has time, and also when the children don’t magically disappear when it is time to visit her. It is all paid for and she hopes to be completed by November.

I had a bit of upsetting news. Mary Grace has once again dropped out of school. Her mother is pregnant again and has left with the new man (this seems to happen with each child since her father was murdered). So I fear it won’t be long until her siblings also drop out. I will see what I can do when I am there to ease the situation and hopefully get everyone back in school.

I will be going to the Philippines from November 22nd, until January 9th. I will be spending a few weeks in Capiz and will come back with lots of new pictures and video messages for all the sponsors. It has been a challenge coordinating everything from here and apologize for not having anything new over this past year – other than words. I do have to thank Che Che who has been invaluable to this project working - I know some of you have received photos from her when you sent gifts to the children.

Since I will be there at X-Mas, I am hoping to have a gift for each child – a bit of a reward for going to school. Their X-Mas is pretty much non-existent, so I think it would be a great experience and incentive for them to continue working hard. I know not everyone celebrates Christmas, however, the Philippines is 87% Catholic and in Capiz, most are Christians. Just so nobody feels I might be imposing western values (The Spanish beat me to it 400 years ago)

I'll be back in the New Year with more news.

Time For School!

2009-05-13T10:10:00.001-07:00

It’s time for another Dumolog update. We were able to get the rest of the funds together to get all of the children’s teeth fixed :) . Work has been ongoing since January so many of the kids will have bright new smiles for school next month. The initial donations contributed to the dental fund, but are also buying:

For Girls: 2 school blouse, 1 skirt, 8pcs. writing notebook, 1 school bag, pencil, 2 grade 1 pad papers, and slippers

For Boys: 2 t-shirt, 1 shorts, 8 writing notebooks, 1 school bag, pencil, 2 grade 1 pad paper, and slippers

Unfortunately because of the dental bill we have nothing in reserve until next fall when I will be approaching everyone again for the following year :)

Thank you so much for your support, we call all pat ourselves on the back and know we have done a good thing this year.

Our Dentist, Lovelle Licanto, was kind enough to donate the antibiotics and pain relievers – as well as the already generous discount. Che Che Lastimoso has also been coordinating the dental visits and school supply runs. Vilma, her house help, has been the one taking the children, who I have included a fee for to cover her additional work and time – this will come out of my own pocket as well as all the Western Union Fees.

All together we were able to raise $1430 which sent 14 kids to the dentist (not just a visit but the actual repair of their teeth) and to school for 1 year. The disbursement was this:

232 – Dental Visits/ Cleaning – incurred each year.
330 – School Uniforms and Supplies - incurred each year
867 – Restoration and extractions for the children’s teeth
As always, the Western Union receipts are available for anyone who wishes a copy of them.

Unfortunately parents have decided to keep 2 of the children back from school to work in the fish drying compound. I will contact their sponsors directly. The hope is that they will change their mind. If not, there are other children and parents in line who are more than happy to take their place. It is just an unfortunate reality we might face over the years. I have to admit that my heart sank for these kids when I heard the news.

Thanks again and enjoy the summer!

Dumolog Dental Work - Yikes!!!

2009-02-16T17:07:00.001-08:00

Another update on the kids – they have all been to the dentist for a cleaning and check –up. Here are the results:

Marilou - 10 yrs. old will have 3 extractions and 5 restorations
Marilou has mild gingivitis so she needs to have a twice a year oral prophylaxis.
Mary Joy - 10 yrs old - 2 extractions and 7 restorations
Reshell Ann - 6 yrs old - 9 extractions and 1 restoration
Jorie - 8 yrs old - 4 extractions and 2 restorations
Alex - 6 yrs old - 8 extractions
Jemaema -6 yrs old - 3 extractions and 1 restoration
John Mark - 8 yrs. old - 7 extractions and 3 restorations
John Paul - 6 yrs old - 10 extractions and 1 restoration
Eric - 7 yrs old - 7 extraction and 2 restorations
Romy - 6 yrs old - 6 extractions and 1 restoration

Two children are missing from the list. I was told by the dentist that they were…ahem…”unmanageable”. J

We are being given a discount for each procedure- 400PHP ($10.60CAD) per filling and extraction. This makes the total bill for all the children $867.36 CAD. I sent a payment of $400 today via Western Union (paperwork available if requested), but have held back what is required for all the children to go to school this coming May/June. This leaves us $467.36 short on the dentist bill.

Some of you donated more than the $50 per child and I wanted to let you know how the funds are being used. All the money is being put into a pot. Even though we still have 3 children requiring sponsors, they have all gone to the dentist and received what the others are – I really don’t want anyone left behind on this. The dentist will be treating the children based on the severity of the treatment needed. This dentist bill will be the only one of this kind – in the future it will just be maintenance. You have already done so much, so it does not feel right to ask for anything more, but if you know anyone who would like to help out with the dental bill ($5, $10 or more), it would be greatly appreciated. In the future, the $50 will be sufficient for dental check-ups, school, and occasional treatment.

I will be receiving photos of the children at the dentist, which I will forward, but in the meantime, here is Marilou and Alex – Alex’s tooth condition is in a critical state. I will also follow up with the birthdates of the children – which will be sent privately to their sponsors. Thank you again for all you have done.

January Update - the ball is rolling

2009-01-15T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Just a quick update to let you know what is going on with the kids. I made the first of 3 payments to Che Che Lastimoso who is overseeing this project of ours. The payment amount was $232 which will include a dental cleaning and check-up for all 14 kids, vitamins and toothpaste. The next, and largest, payment will be made for dental restoration. Then the third will be made in May to register all the children for school. The Western Union transfer paperwork is available for anyone who requests a copy of it - as will all the transfers.

There are still 3 children without sponsors, so if you know anyone who is interested, please forward them to my blog. As of now, I will be balancing funds to make sure that no child is excluded.

A special thank you to Drew and Jenny who sent their sponsoree, Mae, a gift box. Che Che will be sending the photos soon - it was much appreciated. I will be returning to the Philippines Christmas 2009 and I will be getting video of all the kids and personal updates for all of you. Until then, please know that your help is greatly needed and invaluable to these children.

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-24T11:05:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to wish everyone who has sponsored a child all the best in 2009. I will be sending out bulk emails and individual ones to update you on our progress. The children will begin visiting the dentist in late January and will begin school in June. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!

Mary Grace

2008-11-13T20:38:00.000-08:00

I'm not just facilitating the raising of funds for the education of these kids, I am also sponsoring one of them. If you remember my first blog entry, I mentioned Mary Grace. I am happy to say that Mary Grace is now back in school and her lola is watching the children during the day - daycare can be arranged free of charge for other children with parental type responsibilities to younger siblings.
Mary Grace and I visited the dentist and after 6 appointments she had a full cleaning, 11 restorations and 2 extractions. After 3 weeks, it has been reported to me that Mary Grace is still brushing her teeth everyday :) The total bill was $110 CAD - so I encourage anyone to please contribute to the dental fund for these children.

Mary Grace before the dentist.
I understand that not everyone can make a long commitment like this for the years that are involved so I will also be trying to balance additional donations just in case one person needs to drop out. That being said we are asking for $50 a year - more if you can swing it. This amount will change the future for these children by helping them get an education and move one rung up the economic ladder. Without your help this is impossible. There are no social programs to assist these children in getting out of extreme poverty.

I am asking anyone who is interested in sponsoring a child for $50 a year to contact me and I will send you their picture and ensure updates are given as regularly as possible. Also we are hoping for donations towards dental work, vitamins, tooth brushes and tooth paste.

Donations can be sent to sales@highbanks.ca via Paypal: You can pay by MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express, or a PayPal email transaction at.

https://www.paypal.com/us/

Our Scholars

2008-11-13T20:09:00.000-08:00

Roma - Age 6

Reshell Ann - Age 6

Jorie - Age 8

Gemaima - Age 6

Mary-Joy - Age 10

John Paul - Age 6

Eric - Age 7

Alex - Age 5

Lani - Age 3

Mae - Age 2

Marilou - Age 10

Roldan - Age 6

Marlo - Age 5

John Mark - Age 8

I am asking anyone who is interested in sponsoring a child for $50 a year to contact me and I will send you their picture and ensure updates are given as regularly as possible. Also we are hoping for donations towards dental work, vitamins, tooth brushes and tooth paste.

Importance Of Education

2008-11-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

When I was in the Philippines this last month I stayed in Barangay Dumolog, Roxas City, Capiz. Across from the house is a fish drying compound where people work for $1 a day. On a previous trip, I had taken photos of people working in many of these compounds. Upon returning, I had printed and given out those pictures to the subjects. This is how my interest to help with the education of these people began. I was out filming night shots for my Aswang documentary and a girl came up to me and said,"Where's my picture?" I replied "I don't have any." "Okay, give me candy." "I don't have any candy either." "Okay, just give me pesos." she said with a huge smile. Her lola (Grandmother) came out scolding her - I laughed. We asked each others name, she told me about the stray dogs in the compound and then we parted ways. It dawned on me that we had the entire conversation in English. English is not, by any means, uncommon in the Philippines, but it is very uncommon amoung children in the Visayan provinces - in the poorer areas such as Dumolog. The extent of their English is usually "Hey Joe!", "California." "Hey man!" "What's your name?" and "Happy Birthday".

I asked about this girl the next day and found out that her father was murdered two years previous on the street in front of the compound and her mother had just recently taken off with a man, leaving this girl 'Mary Grace' and her 7 brothers and sisters. The two older brothers work in the fish drying compound while Mary Grace, 12 years old, takes care of her 5 younger brothers and sisters. Upon further inquiry, I discovered that Mary Grace was at the top of her class when she was forced to drop out.

I could take one of two approaches at this point. Just move on because such are the hardships of life in the Philippines, or I could take some action to affect change. I found out that there are 15 children in this compound whose parents can't afford to send them to school. The cost for an entire year of school is $50. This includes miscellaneous fees, exams, uniform, and shoes. I visited the compound with, my friend, Board Member Rommel Lastimoso and he explained that the parents will still be responsible for food, but the education would be paid for providing I can get the needed donations. The funding will be administered via an employee of Rommel to ensure that every penny goes towards education, minus a small fee which will be used for transportation to take the children to get their uniforms.

This is part one. Part two is to educate the children on hygiene, especially their teeth. An education will allow the children to gain employment in the city where they can earn $80-$120 dollars a month, as opposed to $30 a month in the fish drying compound. However, there are not many employees in restaurants and retail that have rotten teeth.

A trusted local dentist, Lovelle Licanto, has agreed to see these children as the funds are raised to send them. This will start with a cleaning and examination. The work needed will be forwarded to me and each child will be treated as necessary. Lovelle has already donated tooth brushes and tooth paste to each child in the compound. The Philippines does offer some free dental programs, but the often prescribed treatment is extraction as opposed to restoration.

I am asking anyone who is interested in sponsoring a child for $50 a year to contact me and I will send you their picture and ensure updates are given as regularly as possible. Also we are hoping for donations towards dental work, vitamins, tooth brushes and tooth paste.