With two full workdays behind us and motivation rushing through the group, we began our first Sunday in Ubujan re-grouping for our hectic week of construction. Within just the first few days back in the community our team has gathered an incredible amount of valuable information about the community’s needs, expectations, and even plans for further phases of the project. Our packed schedule has evolved as we adapt to progress updates from our contractor. We were all grateful for this break day to step back, reflect, and strategize for the week ahead.
We have planned to strategically dedicate time to preform rainwater assessment activities while preparing the eastern part of the community for construction. Fortunately we have EWB alumni and now mentor, Sarah Hartman, to share her rainwater system expertise with the group. Her lessons on rainwater systems and management helped us create community surveys to gauge the community’s perception of and interest in rainwater as a drinking water source.
After a very productive morning our team headed out for a fun afternoon of sight seeing and fiestas! Our first stop was to a local barangay fiesta, where we were to feast in honor of the Sacred Family (Mary, Jesus, and Joesph). This was probably one of the most amazing lunches I have ever had! There was lumpia Lechon (a whole roasted pig) to spare. Everyone was so excited to spend our lunch with the warm members of Ubujan before headed off to see the famous Tarsiers of Bohol.
Tarsiers are some of the smallest (and most adorable) primates on earth. They are the only entirely carnivorous primates that exist and are very territorial and sensitive to sound. We ended our day overlooking the endless rows of chocolate hills, refreshed and more excited than ever to dive right into construction.