My First Update

Sorry it has taken me close to ten days since arrival for my first post, however life has been quite hectic in Manila. Each morning I awake to a new schedule, with new Rotary hosts, typically, at a different Starbucks. Half the time our group does not know if it is coming or going, but we are all beginning to get the hang of it.

The large number of Rotary assisted schools and community projects continues to impress me. Today, for example, we visited a small farming/school village that receives aid from the Rotary Club of Parañanque Sucat. In a village is barely able to provide itself sustainable drinking water, we were greeted with smiles and local delicacies. Some of the children walk two hours (one way) on arid dirt paths just to attend their daily lessons. It certainly put in perspective the stories of our grandparents walking two miles to school through sleet and rain. The willingness of the educators in all of the local schools we have visited has been inspiring. Despite the physical and economical disadvantages these communities face, there are still many willing to make sure all Filipinos are receiving an education and general care.

As we visit more and more villages and schools, I often think of the phrase, "If you educate a child, you educate a nation." The same is true with political leaders. It seems that the political life here is quite complicated. Maybe this will put it in perspective: there are 8 presidential candidates, one of whom has been impeached from his position as--wait for it--President of the Philippines. So yes, it may seem to be politics as usual, but since its their political season it gives our team an opportunity to see if the campaign promises are matching up with what we are seeing on a day to day basis. Take for example, the education system, the roads we drive on and the hospitals we will visit in the upcoming days.

Yesterday, I had the unique opportunity to have lunch with Dr. Elenita Binay, who is a former mayor and current First Lady of Makati. Our conversation ranged from discussing her husbands campaign for vice president to her son's campaign for Mayor of Makiti. Did I mention I met their daughter the Congresswoman earlier in the day? (the political savviness of this family would make any Kennedy run for the hills.) Over the course of discussions with Dr. Binay or Congresswoman Binay, I did manage to ask some questions about their policies and political goals. The Congresswoman, for example, was very vocal about a bill she hopes to pass that would provide contraceptives for distribution to curb the spread of disease and for family planning purposes. She also acknowledged that there are a slew of environmental issues that need to be addressed. She was very vibrant and full of life and seemed to have the ability to sink her teeth into the issues.

After our lunch with Dr. Binay, her son Jun Jun Binay managed to join us. A young 33 year old councilman looking to fill in his father's shoes as mayor. Jun Jun, like his sister, was full of life and seemed very attentive on anything that was said. Unfortunately we were unable to have a substantive discussion about policy, however his energy and optimism said a lot. As I mentioned earlier--when you educate a child, you educate a nation. It seems these young political leaders have the will and energy to take on the problems of the Philippines. At times the local shanty towns seem endless or the schools do not have the room they need, however the ability I see in these elected officials gave me a lot of hope. They did not appear out of touch of what the problems were or how to address them. It all was very inspiring, and as a political geek, I can say I enjoyed the gossip I received as well.

That will be all from me for now. I will try to get on a standard schedule and try to update the best I can.