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The Discussion List
What about a recollection straight from the
founder, Ish Fabicon himself for a start?
"The Romblon Discussion List sprang from the "cyberfaigao list" which
started in August, 1995 when Windows 95 was launched. (I'm still using my
pc I bought that year and still in windows 95!) Also, that year, the Ugat
Faigao '97 reunion in Toronto, Canada was being planned. To expedite its
preparations and enhance communications, I created the list among the very
few who, at that time, had a personal computer (PC). After the successful
reunion, the "cyberfaigao list" ceased to exist and in that same year, I
created "cyberhaklahan list" intended solely for Bantoanons. This list had
very few members, most notably Dante Fadriquela who first visited my
homepage on Banton Island (launched in August 1996 with Michael Mallen who
was then an engineering student at the University of Illinois,
Urbana/Champaign). The hp did create an interest among "netizens" around
the world (I'm still getting private e-mails about "beautiful romblon" and
"paradise" in banton island). In one of those discussions in "cyberhaklahan"
(asi root word is hakla which means to talk, discuss) the subject of
bringing the PCs to Banton gained interest and support. I had attempted to
hone on the concept of "sanrokan" and to harness its tribal virtue to the
full."
"In 1998, I had other ideas... why not make the discussions province-wide?
In June 27, 1998, I formally launched the Romblon Discussion List. So,
from a clan (Faigao) to a village (Banton) to a bigger village (Romblon
Province)... the rest is history."
Computer Topics
Early in the second
semester of 1998, the discussion focused on computers starting with Dante
Fadriquela's post entitled "Erap Classroom of the Future". The discussion
lasted for about a quarter and the RDL-CLEAR (Romblon Discussion List -
Computer Literacy, Education and Awareness for Romblon). Listers agreed to
donate old personal computer units to interested establishments in the
province of Romblon. Ismael Fabicon and Hannibal Ferrera started the ball
rolling. The first PC donation was made by Fabicon, himself, to an
elementary school in Calatrava. The municipalities of Romblon and Simara
were the next recipients.
In the last quarter of the
same year, Dante Fadriquela and Lyndon Fadri brought out the idea of
putting up a computer center in Banton. It sparked another round of
discussion. Listers, notably Ismael Fabicon, Gerard Falsado and Philip
Fetalvero, expressed support for the project. Fadri then prepared a
written project proposal and posted it to the list.
Sam Fonte, another US-based Yagting, discussed the matter with Fadriquela,
Fadri, Vice Gov. Jose Fonte and son, GP, in his Christmas visit to the
country. After the discussion, the Fontes, through the Fonte Foundation,
committed their full support. That put life to the project.
A more comprehensive project specification was developed and once more
posted to the RDL. One by one, Yagtings and non-Yagtings, helped or
promised to help and shared their resources for the Yagting Cyberstation
project.
Launching of the Yagting Cyberstation
The Yagting Cyberstation,
housed in the historic Faustino Fabella, Sr. building in Banton, was
inaugurated on Black Saturday, April 3, 1999. Dante Fadriquela, Lyndon
Fadri, Philip Fetalvero and Ismael Fabicon, coming all the way from the
US, led the preparations and the inauguration rites. This was followed by
exhibits: a Powerpoint presentation about the station, its objectives,
nature and operation; Romblon Homepages which include the homepages of
Silak, Ismael Fabicon, Hannibal Ferrera and the Stark family; Computer
Wonders (Dante Fadriquela), a presentation on the power of computers and
its benefit to mankind; MSWord and MSExcel, educational software and
computer games.
The cyberstation, intended to as a computer learning, access,
entertainment and business center, was equipped with six computer units
and two printers. Computer books and supplies were also made available to
the public.
The following day, a training seminar was conducted for the members of the
station, chosen from the junior and senior students of the Banton High
School headed by Mr. Villardo Fadallan, one of its faculty members, and
another for Municipal Employees. Dante Fadriquela, Project Coordinator,
conducted the seminars which focused on DOS, Windows, MS Excel, and
MSWord. Ismael Fabicon also taught the first batch during the first day of
training.
With the success of the opening of the station, also regarded as a
proto-type for the province, listers based in the Philippines and the
visiting Ismael Fabicon agreed that focus will be on putting up computer
centers in each municipality rather than mere computer donations to
institutions, in its 14 April 1999 meeting at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay
City.
The RDL-CLEAR Organization
After the successful
launching of the Yagting Cyberstation, the movers in the list thought of
giving the organization a legal personality to be more credible and
effective. It was envisioned to be an international organization with the
United States as its home base although the registration of the Philippine
group came in first. It was in July, 1999 when Philippine-based listers
met at Greenbelt, Makati City and formally set up the organization. Nemuel
Fajutagana, Lyndon Fadri, Jo Winsyl Solidum, Dante Fadriquela, Philip
Fetalvero, Michaela Reandelar and Gerard Falsado (in absentia) served as
the founding directors. Fajutagana and Fadri were named President and
Vice-President respectively while Solidum was chosen Secretary and
Treasurer. RDL-Pinas meets at Biniray, 1999.
The group worked for the
organization's registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC). It finally received its certificate of registration from the SEC in
the last quarter of 1999.
Registration in the United States came in late. It purposely waited for
the Philippine chapter's registration with the SEC. It was formally
incorporated in the State of Illinois in December 5, 2001. Its application
for 501 IRS is still pending.
The signed incorporators were: Art Ferrera, Jr., Hannibal Ferrera, Sheila
Ferrera, Ireneo Faigao and Ismael Fabicon. Subsequently elected to the
Board of Directors are: Nicanor Musico, Nemuel Fajutagana, Minnie Festin
Navato, Clotilde Fabella Cortez, Samuel Fonte, Renato Famatigan, Morgan
Benedicto and Ismael Fabicon (Executive Founding Director). Currently, the
officers are Hannibal Ferrera (president), Ireneo Faigao, Bayani Famarin
(vice-presidents), Shiela Ferrera (secretary), Michael Fadri (treasurer),
Darlene Downer (funding/linkage chair), Romeo Ramos (tax consultant) and
Anthony Hui (Legal Consultant).
In Chicago where RDL-CLEAR is based, even non-subscribers are involved in
the activities of the organization, from ordinary meetings to fund-raising
activities, especially the spouses of the active listers: Alice Faigao,
Leny Mallen, Babz Ferrera, Ellen Fabicon, Pie Ferranco, Sol Ferrera, Nets
Mangoba and Dely Ferrera.
The Philippine organization is autonomous but regards its US-counterpart
as its parent. It implements most, if not all, of the projects of the
organization, given the fact that the recipient or beneficiaries of such
projects is Romblon province, itself. It also makes its own project
proposals. The US organization, on the other hand, makes the policies and
directions and do most of the fund-raising activities.
The Bic/Rom Tree-Planting Project
Through Ismael Fabicon who is also a
subscriber in the Bicol Internet Discussion Group, a joint venture with
the Bicol group - The Mahogany Tree Planting Project - was conceived. The
project immediately garnered support and in no time gathered pledges of
1,500 mahogany seedlings and close to $350.00.
Tree-planting at Mt. Calvary, Romblon, Romblon.
Tree planting projects
started in Romblon. Members of the Science Club of the Romblon National
High School planted mahogany trees at the Calvary Mountain. It was
followed by a tree-planting in Tablas in partnership with the Women
Mayors' League of Romblon headed by Mayor Alice Fetalvero of Calatrava.
The latest project worth P 10,000.00 was in San Jose (Carabao Island) in
partnership with the local educational sector through SDS Joseph Fadri and
is proving to be the most successful one.
Opening
of the Calatrava Computer Center
On October 31, 1999, RDL-CLEAR
Philippines' members launched the Calatrava Computer Center. The RDL-CLEAR
delegation was composed of Michaela Reandelar, the project coordinator,
Dante Fadriquela, Philip Fetalvero and Jo Winsyl Solidum. It was attended
by high school and elementary students, local officials, elementary and
high school teachers and young professionals of Calatrava. A short program
was held with message deliveries and recognition of efforts from Fariquela,
Solidum and the mayor. A quick presentation of the power of computer was
likewise conducted by the RDL-CLEAR team.
It started with six (6) 486 units and 1apple computer donated by Aida
Stark - a native of Calatrava).
Charter Changes
Realizing that the province of Romblon has
other and much bigger concerns than just computers, RDL-CLEAR expanded its
scope and its meaning changed to Romblon Discussion List - Cultural,
Livelihood and Educational Assistance for Romblon.
Inauguration of the Odiongan Cyberstation
The Odiongan Computer
Center, the biggest computer center of RDL-CLEAR, was launched on May 27,
2000. The center was put up in partnership with BANGKAT, an organization
of Bantoanons in Tablas, and the Department of Science and Technology,
Romblon Chapter.
Dr. Nemuel S. Fajutagana, Ismael Fabicon, Philip Fetalvero and Dante
Fadriquela, project coordinators, together with Engr. Bilshan Servañez of
the DOST and Mr. Apolonio Fababeir, president of BANGKAT, led the opening
rites.
Seven computer units equipped with basic computer programs for word
processing and lay-outing were set up in the said station. It had an
Internet connection.
On the launching day, the team was able to successfully connect to the
Internet and send and receive messages to and from the Romblon list. It
was an awesome treat for most of those who attended the program, since it
was practically their first cyber-experience. After sending the post
declaring the station open, it took only a few minutes for three messages
from the listers to come in - sharing everyone's excitement and happiness
over the success of the said endeavor.
Within the first month, the Odiongan Station has maintained its Internet
connection, and has, in fact, sustained its subscription in the list. This
added privilege is made possible by the generous sanrok of the DOST which
shouldered the long distance charges. A computer literacy training was
also conducted, thus opening opportunities to the public. Aside from
these, the station is currently offering commercial services to the local
community at very reasonable prices.
Launching of the Marble Cyberstation
While the Odiongan Station
was being launched, the second team of the Pinas chapter, composed of
Lyndon Fadri, Ronelo Fababeir and Jo Winsyl Solidum headed for Romblon to
start preparations for the inauguration of the Marble Cyberstation at the
Non-Formal Education Center of the DECS Division of Romblon. They were
later on joined by the team from Odiongan.
With six (6) computer units donated by Cocolife, solicited through the
help of Jocelyn Fadri, a manager at Cocolife, and the monetary donation of
the Fonte Foundation augmented by the sanrok of the family of Mr. Pablo
Fano, Jr., the station was opened at one o'clock in the afternoon and
formally handed over to Frankie F. Fatallo, NFE coordinator of Romblon who
manages the station under the oversight the Division Office headed by SDS
Joseph Fadri. The launching rites were attended by representatives from
the Division Office, representatives from the municipal government, some
students and some observers. The station was blessed by Fr. Miles Fadri in
the morning.
Theater Workshop at Romblon
After the launching of the
Marble Station, the team rushed off to the Romblon National High School (RNHS)
for the opening program of the Summer Theater Workshop. This activity was
successfully carried out with the wholehearted sanrok of the RNHS Junior
Republic headed by Mr. Hipolito Berano, adviser, the support of Fiorelio
Faigao, principal, and his staff, the very interesting and creative inputs
by the teacher artists from PETA, and a very generous sanrok of an
anonymous donor. The two-and-a-half day Basic Integrated Theater Arts
Workshop was attended by thirty-five (35) enthusiastic participants from
various agencies of the municipality and hence was comprised of diverse
age groups, personalities and experiences or backgrounds in theater arts.
There were even four participants from Banton but were not able to
complete the sessions.
On the last day of the workshop (30th), the four groups of participants
showcased their own modern interpretations of Romblon's history and daily
living, conveying culturally and socially relevant messages to the
audience.
On May 23, 2001, another PETA workshop was conducted - this time in Banton
in coordination with the Banton Women's Association headed by Ms. Perla
Fruelda. Ismael Fabicon and Lyndon Fadri spearheaded the project. This was
attended by members of the association and some teachers.
The training ended with a cultural presentation on the 25th of May at the
public theater. This led to the formation of the Banton Theater Institute
(BATI) currently headed by Loijorge Fegalan.
Medical Mission and Aids
Early in 2001, RDL-CLEAR,
in partnership with the Operation Health Aid (OHA) distributed free
medicines to San Andres, Sta. Maria, Banton, Odiongan and Sta. Fe. This
year, immediately after the Sanrokan convention, it will conduct a medical
mission to Sibuyan in partnership with a local organization.
Launching of the
RDL-CLEAR Website
The RDL-CLEAR website was
launched in 2001 with Michael Mallen as the official webmaster. It
contains information and photos about the organization's projects. It also
shows the RDL-CLEAR activities and at the same functions as a bulletin
board for members.
SANROKAN 2002
The Sanrokan 2002 is so far
the biggest event/project sponsored by the RDL-CLEAR with funding of not
less than half a million pesos. It was a series of activities from April
26 - May 2 which included the Cornelio Faigao Writers' Workshop, Medical
Seminar with continuing medical education (CME) credits, a medical mission
to Sibuyan and the Sanrokan Convention, its main activity.
RDL-USA at Chicago/Dinner
Dance for Sanrokan
The RDL-CLEAR USA, since
1998, has engaged in the following activities:
1. Partnered with Operation Health Aid (OHA), a San Francisco based
not-for-profit organization, in distributing medicines to Romblon.
2. Partnered with Pintig, a theatre/drama group in Chicago, Illinois to
sponsor Pinoy-related drama productions; and
3. Held a "garage sale" in August 2001 and a "Breakfast at the Hollywood
Casino" to raise funds for Sanrokan 2002.
4. Sanrokan 2001 dinner dance
5. Sanrokan 2002 dinner dance
Current Status of the RDL-CLEAR Projects
Computer Centers. During
the past school year, due to the relocation of the family of Villiardo
Fadallan, head of the cyberstation team, training and operation of the
Yagting Cyberstation was halted. It also seemed that the interest of
Bantoanon students and professionals in computers also dwindled. The
station now opens by request.
The proposal to transfer the station to the Banton National High School
informally made by its principal is being evaluated. Presently, one (1)
unit is lent to the Parish Office and another one (1) to the Banton
Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
Trainings in the Marble Cyberstation, as the Non-Formal Education Center
implements the Functional and Education Literacy Program - Literacy
Integrated for People Empowerment II, has been continuous until only two
of the original six units remained operational early this year. As there
are no fees collected from the trainees, the cyberstation could not afford
to have the computers fixed. The remaining operational computers were also
transferred to the ADB-NFE bldg. as power supply was cut in the original
venue.
On the other hand, the Odiongan Cyberstation, after three months of
operation ceased its Internet connections. It was realized at this point
that without an ISP, Internet connection will be very expensive and
therefore not feasible. The station, however, continue to provide computer
services to students and professionals in Odiongan.
The Calatrava Computer Center proves to be the more successful one as it
is now under the maintenance of the local government. A permanent staff (Lilibeth
Fajilan, a computer science graduate) has been assigned to facilitate,
maintain computer units and give computer trainings/tutorials to high
school students.
New computer units and airconditioner were installed a few months back.
The new computer units were installed to accommodate computer trainings of
first year high school students in the newly opened Municipal High School
of the same town.
Even if most of the centers did not progress as planned, thousands of
kasimanwas have already benefited, and still counting. The mere experience
these centers provided to children who never had touched a mouse or a
computer keyboard is already an achievement. What more with the computer
learnings and access it has provided to the public.
Other Projects. The tree-planting project is ongoing. The Banton Theater
Institute (BATI) that sprang from one of the workshops is active. The
medical mission is also an ongoing project.
Summary
It is just about four years after the RDL-CLEAR
was conceived and eventually born. The story has just started…
By Lyndon F. Fadri
with contributions from Ismael Fabicon, Jo Winsyl Solidum, Michaela
Reandelar, Dr. Nemuel Fajutagana & Bal Ferrera; most information lifted
from
Silak, a quarterly publication of the Silak it Bantoanon, Inc.
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