The Lapis @ Papel Project 2015 Part I

I met Ms. Liz three years ago and we were still co-workers back then. We were hanging out at her room when she asked help about a social work that she was doing with her mother and boyfriend. She introduced us to her Lapis @ Papel Project (Pencil and Paper Project) that aims in helping the students of Mangyan tribe of the Mindoro Oriental province by giving basic school supplies.

I was already giving school supplies donation since 2013 and from then on I have also encouraged my other friends in giving out donations for the project. This time it was different as we also joined the Lapis at Papel Project in going to the Mangyan Tribe to give our donations face to face with the students.

It was Friday evening when we started our trip to Mansalay Oriental Mindoro. We have to ride a ship from Batangas Port to Calapan Por in Orinetal Mindoro. From Calapan Port, we will then take a van that from the port to the house of Ms. Liz. We left the Batangas Port at 10:30 in the evening and arrived at Calapan Port at 1:30 in the morning. The van ride from Calapan to Mansalay was two hours; we arrived at Ms. Liz’ house just before four in the morning. I took a quick shower before I decided to take a short nap. I needed to get a sleep as I know that I will need enough energy for all the activities we will be doing later in the morning.

At eight in the morning all is set for us to go to Quinomay elementary school – this year’s beneficiary of the Lapis @ Papel Project. To go to Quinomay elementary school, we need to ride a tricycle and then take a hike at the mountain and cross some rivers. But instead of riding the tricycle, my friends and I decided to ride the dump truck instead. The dump truck carries all the donation and food that we will bring to the school. As expected most of the road that we pass is not yet cemented so we had a bumpy ride going to the mountains.

the road going to Quinomay Elementary School

We reached a river and from here on we will be walking our way to the school as the truck and the tricycle can no longer pass the steep and narrow way of the mountain. The donations are carried by the Mangyan and we followed them as we walk upward the trail and cross some rivers. It’s amazing how the Mangyans were able to carry all the donations; some of them are even bare-footed. While we on the other hand, need to take some rest once in a while to catch our breath.

Mangyans carrying the donated school supplies

a Mangyan kid that served as our guide

When we reached our destination, the whole Quinomay Elementary School community, including the students, teachers and parents are waiting for us. We were greeted by the students. Ms. Liz and her boyfriend in return greeted the Mangyans in their own dialect. You can see the excitement and awe on the faces of the students. The teachers gave us fresh coconut as refreshment.

the students of Quinomay Elementary School

 The teachers and students prepared a short program for us. There was dancing, singing and students saying thank you speeches both in Tagalog and Mangyan dialect. We appreciate all the performances and effort that the students and teachers did. The also gave us some fruits to eat while we watch the program. After the program, the games were next where every winner will be receiving a prize. The students show their competitiveness and at the same time are having fun.

The students performing a declamation together with teacher

The students preparing for a song

It started to rain just after the games, so we decided to give out the donations at their respective classrooms. We were assigned with the grade two pupils. The grade two pupils is just sixteen kids. We took out from the box of the donation the bags with the school supplies. There was excitement in the voice of the students as you hear them exclaimed which bag they want. When the kids received the bags they opened it and there was smile in their faces as they saw their new notebooks, pencils, crayons and pad papers. But what caught my attention is the amazement in their faces when they saw the eraser that was in their bag. After one student brag about his eraser, each one of them starts to check if they also have erasers. Before we left the classroom, the students and teacher gave their thanks.

prizes being given to the winners of the games

grade 2 pupils checking their bags

When we finished giving out the donations, we were treated to lunch by the teachers of Quinomay Elementary School. They prepared a simple meal that all of us volunteers can share. We also gave out some pancit for the students. While eating lunch, we watch the students go home, each one of them waiving their good byes to us.