When we first negotiated with Nanay Gonzales to buy the land in Alimodian, Panay, Philippines, it was a “remote” rural place. However, over the past year amazing unexpected developments have taken place!
Each time I visited the site from Iloilo City, I noticed changes along the way. Firstly, I noticed new residential subdivisions were sprouting out along the road. So what had earlier seemed like a rural campsite was now only about 15 minutes from middle-class housing projects. Secondly, the pot-holed road has been largely transformed into a nice national road. A possible reason for this upgrading is the new city airport nearby.
Though the city is fast “encroaching,” the campsite still has a nice camping ambience because it is a 5 minute ride over rough rural track from the national road. Furthermore, the terrain of the campsite – a valley between two hilly ridges – offers a nice, secluded country atmosphere.
We had earlier thought that the land was over 9 hectares but after a proper land survey we found out that it is 8.2 hectares (about the size of 20 soccer fields). The hilly portions of the land are covered with fruit, mahogany and bamboo trees. The flat valley portion is planted with rice and vegetables. Two springs of water provide adequate water supply. According to the owner, these springs continue to provide water, even in the dry season. This is very important because the camp hopes to produce enough vegetables, fruits and food (except rice) for our trainees.
Due to financial constraints, we will divide the development of the campsite into phases. The first phase of development will occupy about a quarter of the land area and should begin as soon as funds come in. Hopefully, we can gravel the roads, set up the electrical lines and build the multipurpose hall before the rainy season sets in in a few months time. Hopefully, we will take in our first batch of Goducate trainees by the last quarter of this year!