Diving in

Reflections during immersion

By Monica Edralin

The Magic Word or rather, phrase: Coastal Resource Management

I remember looking at the list of practicum sites our program offered. The phrase that won me over was “coastal resource management”. I decided to sign-up for the three week immersion the Institute of Social (ISO) offered. I have always been a fan of the sea. Childhood summer memories always rang of experiences that had something to do with the three “s”s, sand, sea and sun. Suffice to say, it excited me to work with an NGO that tool care of the sea. I was familiar with the term CRM; I’ve read about efforts some NGOs put into establishing sanctuaries, but I have not really experienced it first-hand.

The remaining weeks of the second semester was a flurry of studies, org activities and taking care of the immersion. Two major events during pre-immersion wrecked my nerves; firstly, the interview with the ISO Director and secondly, the announcement of area assignments. Beneath the stress of school was something I looked forward to, my immersion/practicum in Camarines Norte.

I had just been to Negros a day before going to Camarines Norte. I ventured to Mercedes with Dave, Kat, Kuya Otsog, Brother Jong, Brother Rico, Ate Nori and Ate Carol. I remember the eight hour trip by land and finally arriving at out jump-off point for the island where we would be staying in-Quinapaguian island. As I walked towards the banka, I remember the visual overload I experienced as I saw both my loves-mountains and the sea. Whenever I was surrounded by blue, I had this feeling that I was surrounded my infinity, by vastness that kept me at peace. We reached our destination and settled into the ISO staff house, my home for the next three weeks. The highlight for that day was when we went snorkeling in the marine sanctuary where we were careful not to destroy any corals. It was beautiful; some corals were so massive that the katig nearly touched its top. After the trainer’s training, wherein voter’s education for the upcoming elections were given to leaders of the Inter-Island Management Council or IIMC, Ate Norie and the rest had to go back to Manila. I was left with Brothers Rico and Jong. At first I was scared of being alone; I barely knew the Jesuits, but as days went by, I got to know them better. Soon, Brother Jong and I were the only ones left in Quinapaguian. My main task during voter’s education was to document the proceedings. I observed the participants and took note of what was happening. After a few days, I moved to Poblacion in Tita Mildred’s home to help out with paperwork. My stay there was a colorful one; I met Tita Mildred’s daughter.

Theory into practice and then some

As an Observer

During another seminar in the Caringo, one island barangay, I noticed that people were really expressing some issues that surrounded the fishery sector. As other voter’s education progressed, new issues kept on rising. This affirmed the lesson our professor told us once how marginalized people know what they need. It was such a simple thing to say, but its implications were most complex. As a Development Studies incoming junior, I have taken up one DS major and would have to confess that I have millions of things I do not yet understand about development. But having to witness how people who derive their living from fishing opened discussions on problems or concerns about their sector made me realize that people who are into development work are one of the most sensitive people and people who posses unbelievable skills of communication. This is because imposition is something that should be erased from their vocabularies as they work towards helping the marginalized get what they need. It is almost common sense to think of who else would know what they need but themselves but is better said than done. I also realized how the word empowerment was not only a striking word, but is most striking when actualized and observed. There were three events or levels that made me realize this in my immersion.

First was how Kuya Otsog, my program coordinator reiterated that CB-CRM or community based coastal resource management and not just CRM was established in Camarines Norte, particularly in the municipality of Mercedes. He explained that when the fishery sector became fully independent, then the program of ISO would soon be phased-off in that area. This became apparent to me as the days progressed when I observed the dynamics between IIMC, the relationship between ISO and IIMC was based on partnership. I did not sense any hierarchy, of course, suggestions were made and given by both parties to one another, but with mutual respect.

As a Participant

Secondly, an experience that took me aback made me realize the value of empowerment. During our third voter’s education in an upland barangay, Brother Jong asked me if I could facilitate some group activities. I was surprised and scared initially because I was used to doing my job of documenting the proceedings and giving out name tags. I was overwhelmed by the task given to me; I am not really the public-speaking-type, but I was happy at the same time that Brother Jong trusted that I could handle such a task. I eventually got the hang of it, and even started enjoying the task! As I spent my nights thinking about my experiences, I realized how good it felt for even a single person to believe in your capabilities. On a more serious note, having organized IIMC and projecting that one day, ISO would be leaving the area because IIMC can already be independent seemed like a difficult task. But as what we learned later on, it is in the small efforts and effects that make a difference.

As an Apprentice

The last lesson on empowerment came from our interviews with ISO staff and the executive director herself, Dr. Liza Lim. We talked about the nature of development work ,and she mentioned that there are times when a development worker knows when to pull out or retreat when deciding on pushing through with a project. Furthermore, she mentioned that sometimes it’s better not to push through because it would be too risky for the people in the area. It was then that I realized that empowerment was truly something that was about and for the people in the area. It was not a one shot deal, a hundred of considerations should be thought of first before organization could take place. In this light, empowerment taken in the light of before and after complement each other as it takes a long time to really empower people but at the same time has far-reaching effects.

On a lighter note

The experience has been a rollercoaster ride; we were in one place at one time and another at the next. It was physically tiring, and at times missing your family and friends can also be emotionally challenging. However, I think the lessons I learned from the experience overshadowed all the tiny complications I experienced in my stay. I was able to appreciate the value of industry as I observed the lives of people around me as I engaged in my own small, everyday work. I was able to exchange stories with newfound friends who were my age. I was able gain insights from them and from Brother Jong, and I hope they somehow gained some insights from me. Although coastal resource management was not really the main focus of my immersion due to the elections, I realized how it is important to be conscientious of our own actions as it affects others in various ways. Elections made me realize that a single vote based on one’s conscience can, in the long run, help improve the lives of many. There were also some funny moments as I forced myself to sing videoke with my voice. I am thankful for this experience. I am glad that I dove in unfamiliar waters as I was able to learn something about myself and witness a colorful world.