Local organizations in the Philippines truly value the presence of SCAW and do what they can to enhance the bedkit distributions to make them into a celebration -- with students performing dances or singing.
The organizers of the Plaridel distribution went as far as to provide us with a motorcycle escort from our hotel through the chaotic traffic to their site where we delivered 330 bedkits, The seven motorcyclists were members of Patrol Assistance Rescue and Community Services (PARACS).
We had three out-riders in front of us waving the traffic over to the sides of the road -- both in our lane and in the on-coming lane. There were times when the on-coming traffic did not budge so they rode in their lane and forced them onto the shoulder. It was nerve-wracking for us; so it must have been even more so for them. Needless to say, we thanked them profusely for their assistance and nerves of steel. Afterward they helped the Knights of Columbus with the SCAW distribution which went like clockwork.
During the Paranaque distribution, the nuns arranged for local students to perform a traditional southern Filipino dance for the bedkit recipients and the SCAW volunteers at their site -- which was enjoyed by all. At the San Antonio site, a young girl about seven or eight years old did the welcoming speech and another sang their national anthem. Normally, everyone, especially the recipients sings the Filipino national anthem with enthusiasm and gusto in a proud display of patriotism. In Bustos, the school that hosted the distribution had taught 50 girls to sing the Canadian national anthem. It was nothing short of amazing the way that they sang it.
We were welcomed to our first site, Pulilan, this morning by a parade of uniformed marching musicians and a majorette corps made up of Grade Four and Five students from our hosts, the Pulilan Central School, who had given up their Saturday to be part of the distribution. The Canadians, OVOs, local volunteers, and bedkit recipients watched in wonder as these talented young people performed musical numbers and beautifully choreographed majorette maneouvers. This was followed by an outstanding cheerleading display by the young students, who had tailored their athletic cheers to honour Canada and the SCAW donors.
This delight was repeated in the afternoon prior to the Paombong distribution at the Bridge Crossing School with traditional dances performed by Grade Six students from the host school dressed in elaborate national costumes. These graceful and elegant entertainers had also given up their day off to show off their award-winning dance routines and participate in our worthwhile cause.
In summary, SCAW is a highly respected and valued program in the Philippines. The recipients, their parents, and the SCAW volunteers pass on a heartfelt "
Salamat Po" or 'Thank You Very Much' to all of the donors.
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