As more
and more names were added to the Romblon Group mailing list a rare
esprit the corps developed among Romblonese netizens even if most
of them never saw each other's faces before. They quickly bonded with
each other through their interface with the keyboards and PC monitors
only. The bonding was instant because they happened to have common
ancestral roots planted in the tiny islands of Romblon.
Bright ideas poured
in as the electronic exchange of messages revealed a genuine desire
to do something tangible for the province of Romblon. A sound idea
that rang a musical sound came from Dante Fadriquela who posted on
Aug. 6, 1998 a message entitled "Let's touch this … Education,
a portion of which reads:
"We don't
know the year when this computer technology will reach Romblon public
schools, but I have a suggestion. Should I address this to the DECS-NCR,
or to the division of Romblon?
"Why not
use the elective subjects in high schools to focus on Boolean algebra?
This is the mathematics/language of computers. Students will appreciate
this even without computers. Kaya unahan na natin itong "Erap
Class" or teach basic flow charting. By this, students will have
an idea of an organized work. These can all be done even without a
computer."
Michaela Reandelar
quickly responded:
"I think
you have a great idea here Dante, I still believe Romblomanon students
should be given a background on logic formulation. In this way, they
won't have difficulty understanding any basic programming courses.
I had the feeling of insecurities to my classmates in college before.
Everyone has the knowledge in flow charting and I was the only one
ignorant. I think logic
formulation course/ flow charting is a good start in understanding
computer
languages even without computers."
Sam Fonte also
responded:
"A good challenge
for us, US based Romblomanons, is to send/donate our old 486s or better
PC to our hometown schools together with educational software we no
longer need. You may not know it, but a lot of the towns and barrios
in Romblon province have 24 hours ac power now. With telephone links
to Manila (where the IPs are), available in several towns, Internet
access should not be far behind. I am sure with our help, a true wide
net Romblon discussion group
could emerge."
Gerry Falsado
from Singapore concurred:
"For us,
Romblomanons, I think we have the will, right attitude and resource
to initiate this project. This is for sure a concrete and workable
idea."
The immediate
responses from listers were unanimous excitement, which eventually
hatched into the cyberstation proposal. A few months later, kind supporters
offered donations either in cash or in kind. Offers of donations or
pledges then became a hot pursuit for a tribe that enkindled the spirit
of sanrokan in a global scale.
Manuel Esteban
inquired on Feb. 16, 1999 where to send his donation:
"Your group
is embarking on a project that is history in the making and I do not
want to miss this opportunity to be a part of it! I would like to
make a small monetary contribution if only I would
know where to send it!"
Bobby Castillo,
an RDL supporter, offered to help too:
"Greetings
to everyone. My name is Bobby Castillo, a fellow Bicol-lister of Ish
Fabicon and (a big admirer too), living in Reno, Nevada. I'm from
Sogod, Bacacay, Albay and Culaba, Biliran Island. I've been observing
the lists activities and I'm very much impressed with the dedication
of the list members here. I would also like to make a contribution
to your endeavors."
Mike Fadri posted
on March 2 the list of donations for the Yagting Cyberstation in Banton:
"Imaw kali
et listahan et mga donations nak ako nabaton (translated as this is
the list of donations that I received:
1. Mrs. Tagumpay Ferranco -$ 50.00
2. Mr. & Mrs. Ish Fabicon - $100.00
3. Jun & Ading Faderon - $100.00
4. Rene Faigao - $ 50.00
5. Bal & Myr Ferrera $100.00
6. Pershing Faminial $ 50.00 (Canadian)
7. Manny Esteban $ 20.00
8. Mr. & Mrs. Ish Fiecas $ 50.00
9. Mr. Bobby Castillo $ 25.00
10. Mr. & Mrs. Danny Faigao $30.00"
Finally, the Yagting
Cyberstation was opened as reported by Lyndon Fadri:
"We've done
it! The Yagting Cyberstation finally opened on Saturday, April 3 at
the Fabella residence. Let's congratulate ourselves for being a part
in making our dream come true. What a feeling!"
Cyberstations
were then established in the towns of Calatrava, Odiongan and Romblon.
On June 28, 1999,
Doc Simp posted this First Anniversary Message:
"A year ago
yesterday, the Romblon discussion group was launched - an offshoot
of a bantoanon cyber makeshift list called "haklahan". the
root word "hakla" means to talk it out among a group. to
"hakla" may not necessarily mean bringing out the best in
a discussion it could also root out negative vibes and ideas.
"The "hakalahan"
ceased to exist when an idea bloomed: why not invite other romblomanons
who have e-mail addresses to join? Today, we have now 120 subscribers
and counting. The list averages 180 messages per month since its existence.
We also have Bicolano subscribers whose interest and support to our
projects are a boon.
"The interests
on a lot of issues affecting the province of Romblon overflowed RDL
on its second month: health, history trivia, language, politics, religion,
culture, ad infinitum. We seemed to think that here at last, in cyberspace,
Romblon had a medium to discuss openly the issues that affect the
people and the provincial government. We talked and talked. Then we
stopped talking when the subject of bringing computer literacy to
the islands became a hot issue. A wish list of schools, NGO's, parishes,
civic organizations was posted in the list. We shipped the first PCs
- an apple IIgs and two 386 CPUs to Calatrava, Tablas Island.
"After that,
a project proposal known as the "yagting cyberstation" in
Banton island gained momentum and the spirit of "sanrokan"
(sharing) surfaced as a rallying cry, a shining star for the donors
and supporters to make a difference, to change a life with open arms
and open hearts. We knew our place, Romblon Province is your home.
In April this year, the computer lab in Banton island was inaugurated.
On opening night, we saw the hunger and fire in the eyes of the children
- the brown children who may not in their lifetime enjoy the music
of the mouse!"
Doc Simp's lengthy
message is abbreviated for lack of space in this CD-ROM but the accomplishments
of RDL-CLEAR speak louder than the words of the founder. CD-ROM is
written to demonstrate how powerful cyber dialogues can be. Distance
is no longer a barrier as fiber optic and wireless communications
have made the world smaller for distant Romblonese peers to have a
fruitful dialogue for the good of Romblon Province.
