Our volunteer Barborka Šišková shared with us her experiences from her stay in the Philippines. Under the auspices of ADRA Slovakia and with the financial support of SlovakAid, she was able to spend eight months there to work on development projects in the ADRA Philippines office.
Why did you sign up for the volunteer challenge, sending a person to the Philippines?
I was interested in development aid or cooperation - especially its ethical aspect, the way of redistribution of money in projects, sustainability and the weight of the declared needs by the beneficiaries themselves. From my previous volunteering experiences I learned - to take a lot from the time - spent for others without financial reward and to try to get the most out of it for myself as well. I think that is the biggest motivation of people who are active in various associations, movements, NGOs. But I was motivated not only to go to the Philippines to help, but also to learn more about the ethics of development organizations in these countries.
You came back a few days ago. Don't you regret that you applied for the ADRA Slovakia challenge?
I don't regret it at all. I am very grateful for this volunteer experience because I was able to get the most out of the job in my area of interest.
What were your first impressions of the country as soon as you arrived?
First impressions of the Philippines were, of course, horror and dismay. I think that I understood the so-called „composition of glasses“, i.e. the way of looking at the functioning of the world (for which I had been preparing for a long time before I left) only on the spot. A lot of things are different there, and even if first impressions are shocking, bad, or at least worse than here, it may not be immediately so here.
Can you give specific examples?
For example, the traffic jams everywhere were terrible! Sometimes the 40 km we had to drive to the capital Manila took us 3-4 hours. And what I wished was that there was at least as clean air as during the „peak hours“ on the Trnava Toll... On the other hand, comparing Bratislava and Manila you realize a lot. Both cities are comparable in size, but the population is different. Our Bratislava with 600-700 thousand is not really comparable to Manila with about 25 million people. In that respect, I found it a miracle that we were moving in traffic at all. So with my dismay at the traffic, the ossification of the system, the corruption, the pollution, and the pervasive poverty, I figured that with such a huge number of people and such a difficult history, there's really nothing to be surprised about.
Do the local people feel the same way?
The dismay came over me because I had something to compare it to. Unless one has other knowledge and experience, one does not see it all so negatively. Not even the typhoons and the destroyed homes, the poverty... Especially the kids in those evacuation camps, when they don't have school and they're all there together, they're having as much fun as any kid. And sometimes it's thanks to the different NGOs that are present.
You worked in the partner organisation ADRA Philippines. What was your work in this organization?
I worked as a „Planning and Research Assistant“, so my assistance consisted of actively seeking international donors for challenges that were strategically aligned with the direction of the organisation. This was followed by needs analysis, communicating with stakeholders and then from the data gathered trying to set a goal and activities to get to that goal. But it's very simplistically put. Of course, it was much more challenging and complex. Plus there were other administrative responsibilities on top of that.
How do you think development aid or cooperation is implemented in the Philippines? Does it make a difference?
In a country like the Philippines, where corruption is found in every layer and permeates the entire history of the country, there are a large number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Huge sums of money are pouring through them. Unfortunately, here, too, it is possible to see how some can enrich themselves even at the expense of the needy and in the area of charity.
I was very lucky with the visiting organization. I worked with people who were highly organized and efficient. They encountered many obstacles in the course of their work that hindered them from fulfilling their mission, yet they continued to work with passion. What saddens me most is the unethical and unsustainable nature of some of the development projects. However, where the word of the beneficiaries is viewed with sensitivity and where their involvement is active, there is a high likelihood of sustainability of the set changes for the better.
How are local people reacting to this aid?
Beneficiaries were usually even more frustrated after the end of the project and the departure of specific organisations than before it started. This was precisely because they were receiving the whole service from the organisation and the local people did not actually know how to participate and continue the processes. And I think that's a huge problem, and I blame that mainly on the approach of those insensitive organisations.
What are the people like there? What attracted you to them?
I hate to generalize, but I've been really lucky with people. They were exactly as they are stereotypically described - kind, selfless, hospitable and very respectful. To them, family is sacred and they value relationships above all else, helping others. They are resilient to negative situations and patient. Despite the high level of poverty, I mostly met very joyful people. But on the other hand, it's hard to expect honest feedback from them, because to be critical of another is to put them in an awkward situation. They want to avoid this in every way possible because they are afraid of jeopardizing the relationship with a particular person.
What travel highlights appealed to you?
Nature in places where there are no human settlements is beautiful. But the Philippines has a very poor provision and practice of waste recycling. There are no garbage bins everywhere and people throw waste on the ground, even in caves, on beaches or in the mountains... So, if you take away the problem of waste, the Philippines has a lot to offer - especially when it comes to literally paradisiacal natural phenomena. However, environmental protection is not assured, so I fear how the country will fare in the future.
What surprised you during your volunteer placement?
I was surprised daily by many things. Especially the ease with which the locals lived. Then the dedication to work, the loyalty and the strength of family ties. Examples like that will be etched into a person's life for a long time if they have the opportunity to make friends with them. Here at home (after returning to Slovakia), I have already had several opportunities to fret - over train delays, utter pettiness, or unwillingness to help each other. But when I remember the Filipino's humble life and their willingness to share what little they had, I realize what life should really be about.
In a few days we will be sending three more volunteers out into the world. What would you tell them - how should they prepare for their stay?
Keep an open mind, don't pre-judge anyone and ask lots of questions. Spend time with the children and if you are critical, be kind...
Text and photo: ADRA team
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