THE RDL-CLEAR STORY

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.

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 informations 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 Sanrokankan

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.