Last 13-15 Nov 2012, I visited the Goducate Training Center (Iloilo) together with 3 people from Goducate HQ and 3 Singaporean visitors. My main purpose for the trip was to assist in the administrative aspects and policies of Goducate. Little did I know that I would also join the second trio of people in exploring the training center.
Vince, one of the GTC staff members, volunteered to tour us around at six in the morning. Being touted as the latest tourist spot in Iloilo, GTC is huge. There are several attractions which catered for private individuals and corporate gatherings, like the swimming pools, zorbie rides, horse-ride, zip-line, rock-climbing, Sky city (tree houses), in-house restaurant and facilities for team building activities. I gamely rode the zip-line twice, fed the pangasius fish, fed starving tilapias at the fish spa, learned about the rice & catfish model, was intrigued by the African night crawler worms and the vermiculture process. I also helped to gather fresh chicken eggs, smelled the organic plants, rested at the gazebo (the highest point of the Goducate training center) and hiked almost around the place. I stayed with the other Singaporean visitors in the second floor of an air-conditioned comfortable accommodation.
There were plants and trees all over the place: Duhat (Java Plum), Atis (sweetsop or sugar apple), hanging squash, bitter gourd, papayas, mangoes and tomatoes, to name some. Most of them were past their harvesting season, so this tourist was not privileged to bring back any organic fruit or veggie. Dormitories and drainage system were still being improved. Some of the pavements were also being developed. The place was busy with the on-going constructions and guests from schools and barangays. But at the end of the day, the place was quiet.
To refuel us from the mental exercise of our daily administrative meetings and the walking and hiking, the delicious food prepared by Chef Bambi and her team was a real treat. The kitchen staff was neat.
GTC is home to the trainees who are being equipped to help needy Asians help themselves. Courses offered were in connection with the Community Development Work and English literacy. There were trainees from Cambodia and Laguna during that time. Trainees were required to converse in English outside their dorms.
Typical of Filipinos, the GTC staff and workers are very courteous. I thank all the cheerful staff and volunteers for their hospitality. All in all, my short stay in GTC was well-spent and I look forward to go back there again, especially during the mango harvest time.
For booking reservations/inquiries, contact:
Brgy. Sto.Angel, San Miguel, Iloilo. Philippines
Tel: 3367037 (Iloilo liaison city office) or
Tel: 09225506199 (Goducate Training Center, Iloilo)