A lifetime engagement
by ISA LORENZO
After over 20 years, Rob Van Vlierden has returned to the Philippines.
Rob is a social worker and a member of Steunfonds Filippijnen, which is part of Filippijnen Groepen Belgie (Philippine Groups Belgium), a network of solidarity groups in Belgium. He first visited the Philippines in 1983, at the suggestion of a colleague’s brother, a priest involved in the theology of national liberation. He was able to collect $10,000 to finance new economic activities for farmers and their families who were victim of hamletting in Mindanao
“We were so impressed by what we saw that we decided to continue with the workmanship,” says Rob. He went back to the Philippines in 1987 and continues to be part of a local group of volunteers that has donated over $2 million to projects in the country. The projects vary from sustainable agriculture to labor and education. Since 1984, The group has given P1,000 a month to educate children of organizers from the people’s groups Kilusang Mayo Uno and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas. His organization will also start to support the children of victims of human rights violations.
During his visit last May, Rob met with representatives from people’s organizations and stayed at communities in Tarlac and Isabela.
Rob checked on the progress of an irrigation project in Isabela that his organization is funding, in coordination with PNFSP. He also explored other potential future projects.
PNFSP promotes sustainable agriculture in communities in provinces like Isabela by helping the people implement appropriate technology projects.
While much has changed in Manila, Rob says that in the countryside, nothing has changed. “It's absolutely the same as 26 years ago. [There is] no electricity, no water, the children still don't go to school.” Despite the backwards situation, Rob was still impressed by the people's solidarity in the communities in Tarlac and Isabela. PNFSP is helping to build a small irrigation project in two barangays of the town of San Mariano, Isabela, with Rob’s group helping with the fundraising.
In Isabela, Rob volunteered to help set up an education program for the children. He has also pledged to tap volunteers including teachers and engineers who can help in literacy, numeracy and appropriate technology programs.
Rob is among the many people who are building a strong network of solidarity to combat hunger and food insecurity all over the world.
For all that he has seen and done in during his three-week visit, Rob still found his visit to be much too short. He plans to return for a three to four-month visit after he retires in six years.
“For me it’s clear that it’s a lifetime engagement.”