GLOBAL RECONCILIATION PROJECTS
in partnership with Kalumonan Development Centre and House of Joy Orphanage,
San Isidro, Davao Oriental, Philippines
Countries
PHILIPPINES
Where exactly is the Philippines?
If you look quickly at the world map and look for the South China Sea between South Asia mainland and Australia, you will see many large and small island masses among three islands to the right of Malaysia and Indonesia, which make up the Republic of the Philippines.
The Philippines is a land of diversity, ranging from the industrial cities to the high mountain ranges of rain forests and then on to the relaxed rural fishing villages of the coastal regions. There are three basic geographical divisions in the Philippines; Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Luzon is the largest and is the major northern island where Manila, the capital city is located. The Visayas, the middle group of islands and lastly Mindanao, the southern most group with the most diverse culture. It is in the province of Davao Oriental in Mindanao that GRP operates its community development programmes.
Brief History
In 1521, the Philippines was claimed in the name of Spain by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer funded by the Spanish, who named the islands after King Philip II of Spain. They were then called Las Felipinas. This was the beginning of a 400-year colonial rule. The Americans took control of the Philippines upon defeating Spain in the Spanish-American war of 1898. during the World War II, the Japanese occupied the islands. Towards the end of the war, the Americans returned, and following the war, the Philippines was granted a final independence in 1946.
Language and Culture
There were more than 70 dialects found in the Philippines, however, the official languages are English and Filipino (formerly called Tagalog as the Philippines national language). In Mindanao, the common language is Visayan. The cultures are diverse with heavy Spanish and American influences, with Chinese influences found in some cities. Religion plays a vital part of daily Filipino life. Muslim cultures are generally confined to the Mindanao regions.
Cultural Breakdown
Christian Malay covers 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 3%. The Philippines is unique in being the only English speaking and Christian country in South East Asia.
Why do GRP operates in the Philippines?
For many, the Philippines conjures the image of tropical paradise islands and even though it is true that the Philippines are islands of great beauty, there is another side to the picture.
For many living in the Philippines, the lifestyle is one of the hardships, some supporting families on less than £1.50 per day (U.S. $2.00). A population of 41% are living below the poverty line. Street children are increasing daily along with the appalling child abuse. In the year 2000, there were over 1100 cases of child abuse and child exploitation and sexual abuse reported.
NORTHERN IRELAND
As you are most probably aware Northern Ireland has faced social unrest, with the most recent upsurge beginning in 1969 and continuing until 1998 when what became known as the " Good Friday Agreement" was signed by all conflicting parties and the beginning of a peace process was put in place. Of course, any of you who have media contact will know that there have been recent isolated incidents of violence, but in the main the peace process has held until now and is perceived to hold for the future. However, the years of conflict have caused the communities in Northern Ireland to be divided both physically and mentally. In the aftermath, we are left with the situation where many in the inner cities have little or no contact with the former opposing side. This has left a large number of people who were born during the conflict to become nuclear in their understanding of their own social environment and that of the world. The media attention given to the situation described above has also meant that many people internationally are not aware of the positive lifestyle of Northern Ireland. The great beauty of the landscape and the hospitality of the people are often forgotten, but for those who have travelled in Northern Ireland, they are often surprised at the normality of life. The recent areas are confined to a few inner city localities and should not be taken as an overall picture of the Province, a province that wishes to forget the past and move forward to a sustainable peaceful society.
Global Reconciliation Projects wish to assist in this concept by involving people from all over Northern Ireland and /or any other nationalities who wish to take part in positive change.
To date, G.R.P. has been giving presentations describing how through interaction here and abroad we really can use our experiences to find ways to peaceful solutions. In June of last year, approximately forty (40) children from inner city Belfast had a sponsored walk organized by G.R.P. to raise funds for the people of San Isidro, Philippines. This walk raised over £1, 000.00, which contributed to ten (10)educational grants for students in need in the Philippines and also contributed to a Christmas party for the children of House of Joy. The remainder of the money was used for establishing a home industry for several young mothers.
These are the first steps in learning about global unity. In the next year, G.R.P. hopes to begin a "Kids" program in Northern Ireland to further develop ties with socially deprived in the Philippines and the children of Northern Ireland. Through this, we hope that the children of Northern Ireland will learn not only how to integrate successfully in their own society but also to gain knowledge in the world we all share.
GRP 19 Prospect Link, Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland BT38 8QT. Mobile 07876270733 Landline 02893365342 e-mail grpinfo@btopenworld.com