The Beauty and Darkness of an Island

We recently reached the half way stage of the three month programme that I and all our volunteers are part of. Thus it was time to get away and have a review of how things were going up to this point. As a treat, we went five hours south from our usual base in Hagonoy, to the island of Puerto Gallera. Puerto Gallera is a popular spot with tourists, and for good reason – it is surrounded by stunning beaches and beautiful underwater wildlife.

However, we weren’t in Puerto just for a break (much to the annoyance of some of our volunteers!). We spent the first days running workshops, looking at how everyone was feeling, how their work was going and how they were working as a team. It was great for everyone to take a step back and try to find solutions to things that were worrying or irritating them.

After our work we had a day and a half to enjoy the island. We boarded little boats and went exploring… First stop was an underwater cave. The entrance would be easily missed to the untrained eye – a hidden gap in the hide of a hill. We descended downwards into the dark… It was really amazing to go swimming through caves, and to be able to pass through one chamber to another. Very atmospheric and fun!

After that, we went a bit further out to sea and then put on some snorkeling equipment. What followed was amazing – we saw beautiful coral reefs, the gigantic clams (which were so huge and menacing that they looked like something from outer space) and huge swarms of multicoloured fish and eels. It was fantastic to be so close to it all, and to be able to see them all so clearly. The fish gradually became used to our presence, and when I’d keep still they’d start nibbling at me! It was great to be so connected and close to the life under the sea.

Some of the Stairway Foundation's actors

The Stairway Foundation – our base for our four days in Puerto Gallera was the Stairway Foundation, an organization that works with street children, particularly those who have suffered from sexual abuse. It was the perfect location, as not only were the beds, food, meeting space and staff all superb, but the money we were spending was going directly to a good cause.

The Foundation also laid on a few extra activities for us. The highlight was a performance of a play exploring some of the struggles and emotions that sexually abused children may go through. It was a really hard hitting and excellent performance. All of us were completely silent at the end – we had been deeply moved by the stories portrayed.  It’s not often that a “hotel” would provide excellent value for money and excellent, educational entertainment, but that’s what we got – hats off to staying at ethical establishments!

The darker side to Puerto Gallera – Puerto is a popular spot for Western tourists, some of which unfortunately are not the kind that most countries would want to attract. Walking around the community, it was very easy to spot the 60 year old white men surrounded by two or three 20 year old prostitutes. Likewise, there were several westerners spending time in the company of children, and taking photographs of kids on the beach. Pedophilia/child abuse, both from what I have seen and from what local people tell me, is rife in Puerto Gallera.

Whilst this was shocking, perhaps worst of all was the seeming indifference of the local people.  I have spoken to many Filipinos about the pedophiles I saw, and yet the response I mostly get is a resigned shrug of the shoulders. People are so used to seeing westerners use prostitutes and abuse children that it is seemingly a non-issue. I find it difficult to understand this response – so far the only argument I have heard is that the general public don’t want to damage potential income streams for the children and young women engaged in sex work. Yet I still don’t quite understand how the general public can turn a blind eye to pedophilia when it is happening right in front of their eyes (however pious that might make me sound)...

As an aside, I was also saddened to hear the general stereotype that many Filipinos seem to have of Westerners. People have told me that they view Westerners as sex-obsessed, and that many Westerners are pedophiles. This, combined with the painful history of the Spanish and American occupations to the Philippines really makes me question how most Filipinos still welcome Westerners with kindness and such big smiles. It is a mystery to me!

So, quite an eye-opening week really. I hope all of you are well and enjoying each day. Lots of love and a big hug,

Robert