Perspectives: Amanda Klassen — Stronger than a super typhoon
As a designer, Vancouver’s Amanda Klassen was excited to support a group of master weavers in the Philippines. But when she arrived, she wasn’t sure she could do it. Here is part of Amanda’s story, as told from her perspective. It all started last year when I began my placement as a Business Development Specialist,…
Read MoreNew ideas: helping Philippine farmers thrive
Volunteer Mandy Borja is putting his vast experience in agriculture, engineering and development to work in his home country. The Filipino- Canadian, a retired environmental and agricultural engineer, is volunteering as a knowledge management advisor with Trias-Southeast Asia. A former CEDA consultant, agriculturist for the Philippine government and project manager for the Worldwide Fund for Nature-Philippines,…
Read MoreSupporting Ongoing Typhoon Haiyan Recovery in the Philippines
Alan Orais was home with his family when Typhoon Haiyan tore through the Philippines in 2013, leaving entire communities devastated in its wake. At the time, he vowed that if his life was spared, he would dedicate his time to helping his community in whatever way he could. His home and all of his belongings…
Read MoreA Farm That’s Changing Lives
Nestled within the mountainous landscape of Bulacan, a central province in the Philippines, there is a place they call the “Enchanted Farm”. It’s not magical in the traditional sense—no whimsical creatures or talking trees. Rather, its magic lies in its ability to transform the lives of families living in extreme poverty. The farm is run…
Read MoreFilipino Canadian’s Volunteer Advises Her Community: You Can Do It!
Angie Marquez was 14 when she came to Canada from Marikina, a district of Manila in the Philippines. “I was heartbroken when I left,” she remembers. “I cried for days.” Leaving her friends behind wasn’t easy. It’s the kind of experience you never forget. She, her parents and two elder brothers followed her six older…
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