From the moment I arrived in Mindanao, I was captivated by the natural beauty that surrounds the region. The lush greenery, pristine beaches, and incredible biodiversity that Mindanao is renowned for have been part of the ultimate southern Philippine experience. Exploring places like Iligan City, multiple places in Bukidnon, Oroqueta, and CDO allowed me to connect with both the city and nature in a way that I had never experienced before. Everything is a short drive away, may it be beaches, waterfalls, or mountainous sceneries that you only thought you’d see in the movies or poster cards.
However, what also stood out the most during my time in Mindanao was the warmth and kindness of the local people. Whether it was engaging in conversations with the locals in small villages or big cities, we were consistently greeted with smiles, open arms, and genuine hospitality. This sense of community and camaraderie made me feel at home even though I was far away from my own.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to Decedoll and Gwilym who played a pivotal role in facilitating the Mindanao journey. Their local area knowledge and guidance ensured that we could make the most of our time and truly engage with the essence of each municipality while meeting the lovely people of JPO who are based all over the region. Meeting them in person and talking to them made it feel like we have known each other personally for years even though that we only previously spoke over the Internet. It was a surreal experience that all parties enjoyed throughout the time that we spent together.
I would like to give a big thank you to JPO for making this incredible experience possible. I hope to return to Mindanao in the future to further explore its treasures and look forward to continuing to share my positive experiences with others.
Maayong adlaw, Mindanao!
-Erik Babol Training Manager
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