Producing Community Plans with Passion and Professionalism

Since becoming a CESO VA, I have had the most rewarding experience as a planner. I’d like to particularly share with you my experience in two secluded rural island areas in the Quezon province – Alabat Island (2013) and Polilo Group of Islands (2015) – who requested CESO assistance to complete community plans that will allow for positive, sustainable economic change. Like many other community plans I have worked on in my career as a planner, theirs needed to carefully maintain economic, social and environmental parameters to ensure sustainability.

Close in proximity as islands adjacent to the main island of Luzon – Alabat and Polillo have much of the same resources and infrastructure, as well as similar challenges. So, I set to work, inspired by the potential of these two island areas. After all has been said and done – from research and stakeholder consultations to recommendations made – I was glad to have been part of realizing the potential of these islands. It was so satisfying to be able to work with a groups of people in a communities where everyone is striving for common goals and for successful integrated plans which can be implemented over time.

However, I want to talk about my experiences beyond my assignment activities. My work in these two islands was consistent with my professional experience as a planner, it was the people’s lives and how they lived that truly affected me. I was deeply moved by their determination to improve their lives despite the challenges they faced. For two four week assignments, I was part of communities who valued their way of living, culturally, environmentally and socially, but who also strived for growth. It was inspiring. They were with me when I climbed mountains, explored caves, snorkeled adjacent to coral reefs, observed rare protected species, attended a local fiesta and ate the local cuisine. I felt connected to the people. They treated me like family and guided me through and included me in their community.

I was deeply moved by the conditions of the youth who go to schools in some of the remote areas where there is no electricity, and yet they are determined to get educated. So I’ve decided to try to raise money for solar panels in schools in the Polillo Groups of Islands, including speaking to two Okanagan Rotary Clubs (hoping for help in 2017). About $4000 CDN will allow 5 schools to obtain power.  If you wish to contribute to (literally) a brighter future of youth in the Philippines, do not hesitate to contact me at dsmith51@shaw.ca. I am happy to connect with you and talk to you more about my life-changing experience.