Attorney Paul Mendoza Allen Glendale Attorney Beirne Balita.com From los angeles to the mountains

1. From Los Angeles to the Mountains
Talaingod, Davao
Words and Photos by Jenilene Francisco
Staff Writer
Children of the Ata-Manobo tribe getting ready for games and activities.
As a freshly minted college grad, I can attribute my success to many things. The Starbucks at
practically every block, for providing a place to study while I check my Facebook, update my
Tumblr, and download the newest songs from Itunes. The library, for those single cubicle-like
designs that would let me nap in private without full exposure from others. The vending
machines, conveniently located outside my classes, for always being a reliable source of
poptarts and Diet Coke. And the dining hall, for accommodating my various food cravings that
range from boba, calzones, and burgers.
While numerous other factors come into play, the one thing certain with today’s students, from
elementary to college, is that of technology. For one, it has allowed students to become more
organized. I myself can’t imagine having gone to class without my Macbook.
But in the grander scheme, technology has made research and getting access to credible
information a lot easier. Other than the go-to location for my midday naps, I still use the library
to check out books for needed research. I can access the card catalogue online as opposed to
opening each drawer and flipping card by card. In a matter of seconds, books and articles are
narrowed down in accordance to subject matter.
And truth be told, this little aspect students often take for granted has made my life in college so
much easier in making accomplishments. But does technology entail success? What is
success? And have we become so dependent on it?
It wasn’t until I went to the Philippines this past summer that this issue actually became an issue
to reflect on. Far from my blackberry, far from readily accessible Wi Fi, and far from available
electrical outlets, I found myself in Talaingod, Davao with the indigenous, Ata-Manobo tribe as
volunteer in a medical mission.

2. Anxiety manifested early, not because of the mosquitoes or apprehensions of the unknown.
Anxiety came from the fact that I would not have my Macbook. Oh, woe is me.
Volunteers came from the Netherlands, Canada, the United States, as well as the Philippines, to
offer their assistance and service to those in need. The living conditions were what we
expected. One private bathroom or ‘CR’ was provided. Toilets actually involved a shovel, a pit
dig in the gound, and of course baby wipes. Water was gold, as the nearest source of running
water was a 20-minute-walk distance away.
Singing Ang guera ni Lapu-Lapu.
Art therapy session with 5th grade students.
Other than my initial panic from being separated from my Macbook, these conditions were
bearable. Sure, it would have been nice to shower at the end of the day. But being there with
the tribe that for years has shown a fierce resistance against the logging company of AlCantara
& Sons, was more than enough reward. The thought of getting an interview with the notorious
Datu Gibang and Bai Bibiyaon Bigkay, both in hiding and wanted by the Armed Forces of the
Philippines, was enough to make my city girl heart skip a beat. The struggles of the Native
Americans I read about in elementary school soon came to light. And I could not wait to upload
pictures of the tribe on my Facebook and transfer taped interviews on my Macbook.
Throughout the mission, I worked on the psychological-social team with the children of the
community. More than 200 kids participated in the art therapy session. War and resistance was
not just a matter of stories heard from the older folks. Conflict and poverty continues to be a
lived experience by the Ata-Manobo children who continue to live in a war zone.
What gave these kids a sense of hope amidst alleged harassment from the AFP, hunger due to
a rat infestation, and health problems? Strength and determination came from the local

3. community school. The necessity of the school was a result of a 2003 medical mission, which
was a first in that specific community. With 98% of community members being illiterate, the
mission faced many difficulties in starting the health program because the masses lacked basic
educational skills. The initial priority of setting up health programs was shelved temporarily as
the shift of focus turned to setting up schools.
There were no computers, Ipads, or screen projectors to be seen in the small classrooms.
Powerpoint slides were not part of the day’s lesson. Their library consisted of a 3-shelved
bookcase hung up on the wall. Needless to say, no library card catalogue was needed.
Surprisingly enough, the school had one thing that surpasses public schools back in Manila and
Los Angeles. One classroom was solar-powered. And while that power did not have the
capability of fully charging a video camera, that “green” room was a big deal.
Despite the lack of technology in the school, success was not a total absence. Literacy among
the community has increased as children, once crippled due to language barrier, now move with
more comfort and ease in communicating. Visayan and Tagalog are now spoken by many of the
children. One girl in particular expressed her humor as she said that the English language was
the only thing missing.
As for success reached in their own lives in connection with their struggle, the school has given
the kids a sense of purpose. Given such odds and adversaries that work against their
livelihoods, selflessness can be seen as the kids expressed their desires of wanting to be
teachers, nurses and doctors. When asked why, many spoke of wanting to help their fellow
classmates and children. 5th grader, ‘Boyet’ participates in conferences and dialogues that
inform people of their tribe’s history and struggle. I have never seen a boy his age exude so
much charm, leadership, and courage. Being a grandson of one of the Datus, the mutual
respect witnessed between the elders and the community was clearly seen between Boyet and
his fellow classmates.
I got another crash course lesson on technology and success with the medical staff volunteers.
According to Doctor Lynn Redoble, also known as ‘Doc Lynn’ of the Community Based Health
Services in Mindanao (CBHSM), noticeable differences and achievements are seen with the
community’s health conditions compared to when the mission started in 2003.
Much work needs to be done, to say the least. Diseases that rarely strike the rich and city
populations were found in Talaingod. For that particular mission, the common diseases
diagnosed were chronic diarrhea, bacterial infection, symptoms of tuberculosis, and pneumonia.
The dental team also came across troubles due to lack of sanitary equipment and wash
supplies.
These complications and findings among the community are undeniably due to the lack of
technology. With minimal funding and lack of equipment that hinder success, these third world
diseases still strike men, women and children alike. Doc. Lynn recalls an incident in 2005. She
says it was “one of the most depressing.” A week after giving birth, a woman in the community
continued to bleed and suffer from a hemorrhage. Doc. Lynn wanted to take her to the hospital
in the city. The husband refused because of the lack of money. Apart from the hospital and

4. treatment bills, the motorcycle ride to the city would cost 350 Pesos (About $6). While the
woman showed slight signs of strength, she died that evening.
Regardless of the shortcomings, the mission still continues eight years later. Dedicated
volunteers continue to come and offer their services despite the foreseen hurdles. The support
expressed and felt from the community was enough to reassure oneself that the mission is and
will be successful. From the warm greetings of gratitude to the wash supplies, or palanganas,
provided by the community, it was enough to make me forget about my Macbook.
Would I have had enough faith in myself and be able to work under such conditions while
dealing with peoples lives? Would I be able to teach under such conditions without the use of
the Internet? Would I have been a successful college student without a computer? And could I
go on and live a normal life without Wikipedia?
For now, the answer would probably be no. If I hadn’t made it clear already, my Macbook is like
an organ that enables me to function day-by-day and practically hour-by-hour. But for those that
renounce such material objects in the name of service and for those that continue to get by
without them, I salute you.
Fr. Fausto “Pops” Tentorio Jan. 7, 1952 – Oct. 17, 2011.
He was an Italian priest that worked with the organization and community for the Lumads in the
Philippines.