The members of Batch 2001 were Mr. Takaaki Tominaga, Ms. Mizuho Azuma, Ms. Yumi Murata, Ms. Fumika Watanabe, Ms. Tamami Osawa, and Ms. Yumi Fujiwara.  All these students were first-time travelers to Leyte and Biliran.

The whole itinerary in the Leyte-Samar Region lasted from March 22 to March 31, 2001.  The period from March 25-29 was spent in Biliran Province.

The focus of their visit this year was Biliran Province, mainly to observe basic education (elementary and high school) in the rural areas and to retrace places and meet personalities mentioned in two books of memoirs of Mr. Kennosuke Nakajima, a Japanese radio operator stationed in Biliran town during World War II.  This year’s visit also featured a three-nights home-stay of the Japanese visitors with selected families of teachers in Barangay Caraycaray of Naval town, a press conference with members of the Biliran media group, and a one-day island-hopping tour facilitated by the Biliran Provincial Tourism Council. 

Other places visited on different dates included Tacloban, Palo, Sta. Fe, Carigara wharf, and the Breakneck Ridge memorial site in Lemon (Capoocan).

Before I came to the Philippines, my purposes (for joining) this study tour were (to observe): 1. NGO (non-government organization); 2. developing country; and 3. (aspects of) war.

1. NGO

Before I came (here), I could not understand very much the necessity of NGO (involvement) as one of our seminar activities.  So I wanted to understand and find out its necessity through this study tour, and also to know what kind of NGO the Filipinos need.

2. Developing country

I live in a developed country, Japan.  But there are many developing countries in the world, and the Philippines is one of them.  I wanted to know the differences between developed and developing countries, the reasons (for these differences), the problems, and their solutions.

3. (Aspects of) War

Before I came here, I learned for the first time the fact that Japanese soldiers had killed many Filipinos during World War II from an article that I read (as required reading for this tour).  I could not learn this (fact during my basic) education.  Until then, the only strong aspect I knew was that many Japanese were killed by the atomic bomb.  This was the passive aspect, (the opposite of the) active aspect of WWII (of which I was ignorant about for a long time).  Both aspects are facts, and it is important to know both.  So I wanted to know and feel the various aspects of war in the Philippines, and to think of what I can do as a Japanese.

After I came here (these were what I found out):

1. NGO

I could understand the importance of (the role of an) NGO, especially our activities with the Peace Development Fund (PDF).  For example:

(a)  School of Health Sciences (SHS):  It is important to donate books, video (player) and computers to SHS.  The (students) do not have enough equipment to get information.  This is a problem for them, especially that they (are expected to later) contribute to their own communities as nurses, doctors, and so on.  They have to think not only of the community level but also of the global level to solve their community problems.  They need lots of information from books, video and computers.  In addition, it is important to stop the “brain drain” to US and UK for the development of the Philippines.

(b)  Elementary School in Caraycaray:  They have a lot of problems.  The biggest one is poverty.  (Some) poor pupils could not go to school to (help the parents) look for food.  Also, the school does not have books and equipment for (audio-) visual materials.  Although they could learn about their (local) community through education (in the classroom), they (also) have to learn about global (trends) to find out and solve their problems.  So it is important to donate to them in the future.

But we have to think and research (whether) our donation and support for them are “needed” (and not just “wanted”).  We should not destroy their community.  We have to donate (while) thinking about their life.  I think they have a good community.  They have many relatives in their community and this is a good (starting) point to make a peaceful community.

In Japan, we do not have a good community like them.  Some of the reasons are (that) we get a lot of information from TV, video, computers and so on.  So we are very busy and do not (see the) need to connect (communicate) with our community.

I worry that we might destroy their community by our donation of information materials and so on.  So we have to tell them that donations have a bad aspect.  We have to know each demand for a common benefit and to keep contact with each other.

2. Developing country

I could feel the differences between developing and developed countries, the Philippines and Japan.  The biggest difference is poverty.  In (Barangay) Caraycaray, the people can eat three times a day.  But they do not have (many) job (opportunities) and their salary is low.

There is a big gulf in prices between the Philippines and Japan.  The reason is that they are a developing country and we are a developed country.  For example, producing Coke is one important job, but this job is controlled by a US company.  And this control is influenced by colonial culture, war (experience), and so on. 

The companies and countries that control the Philippines are connecting education and religion in the (country).  Education in the Philippines is (characterized as) “spoon-feeding” and (is) Americanized.  It is important to criticize the education (system) and religion and so on to solve and change their state.

I think the view of Professor Borrinaga and of the (members of the) Atitipalo Visual Arts Group of Palo (on this issue) is very important.

It is important to develop an original industry in the Philippines.  For example, making accessories (and items for sale) from coconut (by-products such as the shell, fiber, etc.) and so on.  If we can establish a base for peace in Eastern Visayas, we also need a guide who can explain the history of WWII and of this area.  This could be a source of new employment.  But we have to think more.

3. (Aspects of) War

I could learn various aspects of war (from this study tour).  For example, Japanese soldiers were massacred in Palo during WWII.  But in Biliran, the relationship between Japanese soldiers and the inhabitants was very peaceful.  Both are historical facts.  I think of both aspects to (better) understand WWII.

I think it is important to establish a base of peace in various places and to tell people about them, because the facts are (often) not taught in schools nor included in textbooks. 

I could also feel the importance of (a good) relationship between Filipinos and Japanese through our PDF activities.

In closing, I want to contribute to my hometown in the future, to be a teacher or something like that.  So I was glad to meet students of SHS, high school and elementary school, a mayor, many teachers, and so on.  From them, I could feel how important it is to create a community.  The best one (observation I had) was that they love and have pride in their own community.  From now on, I want to study more and (develop) the ability to create a good community.

Thank you very much for everything, especially Professor Borrinaga.  Thank you very much!

Am I really alive?  How many people are enjoying their lives in Japan?  These were questions I asked during this study tour.

Japan has many types of material (things).  People can live conveniently in Japan.  We do not need to worry about the next meal.  We have a lot of jobs to get money (from).  But I think Japanese society is forgetting some important (aspects).

Certainly, the Philippines’ society does not have a (lot of) material (things).  Instead, both children and adults have pure smiles and a good community. 

We are alive, and each other (faces) many problems.  Our (respective) situations are very different.  So we can think of what is lacking, what we can do, and so on.  (But) when we want to solve our modern problems, should we think about the solution from the general population’s point of view?

Biliran (town) was a very peaceful place during WWII.  The symbol was a love story between a Filipina (woman) and a Japanese (officer).  When I listened to the (wartime friendship) story of Elsa (Mrs. Francisca Chan) and Mr. Nakajima and the (love) story of Captain Sasaki’s (wartime betrothal to Corazon Nierras, now Mrs. Pajota), I was very happy.  Because I understood that the opponents during the war were not (different) peoples.  Both the Filipinos and the Japanese are (the same) human (beings).

So we have to understand that war could be repeated if the general population could not recognize the realities in their (respective) countries.  In fact, we now have a hidden war.  It is the different economic (rich-poor) situation between our countries.

Society is made by people.  If people change for the better, society will become better.

For us (study tour participants), education is a key point to the solution.  The general population does not know the real war history.  Because they have not been taught the real war history.  I see the same problem in both countries, the Philippines and Japan.

I want to convey the reality to the children.  I think we have to convey this to as many people as possible.

Why am I alive now?  What do I want to do?  I live in Japan, which has many material things.  We are wasting them.  They are just tools.

It is important that we think about a good society for the general population.

The Philippines has just given me a big power.  The Philippines has told me, “Please be alive!”

I want to be alive with all my might like the Filipino, like nature in the Philippines.  To live with all my might for myself and for others, for this may be the message from people who died or were killed during the war.

This study tour in Leyte (and Biliran) Island(s) is drawing to an end.  I had many experiences and I learned a lot of things here.  I had some questions to myself throughout this tour.  I am sure I have to find answers from now on.

Leyte Island is just like a paradise.  This was my first impression of Leyte.  I stayed in Manila for 10 days last summer, so I was able to compare Manila with Leyte.  There are many differences.

Before I came here, I (studied) about the tragic (wartime) history in Leyte.  This was hidden history in Japanese education.  I feel that education about history was seldom received (appreciated) in school.  However, there were many sad facts of war that Japan performed, like in Leyte. 

There are differences in (approaches toward) education about history in the world.  Therefore, I think is it very important for us to study the real history in school, so that we can have “common understanding” with peoples of other countries.

I met many new faces in Leyte.  Because of this opportunity to meet many people, I learned many things from them.

We visited Biliran town, which was kind of a peaceful place, because they (local people) had good relationships with the Japanese soldiers during the war.  Some ladies told us nice stories and memories about love or friendships.  It was a little surprise for me to hear these stories.

Life is simple in Biliran.  There are many nature scenes and a great ocean there.  However, they have a lot of problems to solve.  All schools need audio-visual materials like TV, video and computers.  Their (instructional) materials are limited.  The students can study about global (issues) only from textbooks, even if the teachers are good.

However, they have a good thing that we do not have in Japan.  It is a good community.  I guess many students hope to make a great contribution to their community after they graduate from college.  It is wonderful, isn’t it?  (The SHS system is also great.)

I stayed with a family in Biliran.  It was a really awesome experience for me.  I stayed with an “extended family” where relatives live together.  It is Filipino style.

I could see how important a community is.  My foster mother, who is an English teacher in high school, told me, “I want to show you the real life of ordinary people here.”

I think the people in the Philippines are strong.  They have a lot of energy to live.

People in Biliran always told us, “We are poor.”  But I do not know what poverty is.  “What is real poverty?”  This is one of my questions.

I always think about happiness and the meaning of life.  There are many problems not only in the Philippines but also in the world.  The times have been changing and different times have different problems.  We have to solve our problems in the world together.

“We are still happy in spite of our problems,” people in Biliran said to me with a smile.

It is my eternal question, “What is happiness in my life?”

I think a style like “give and take” is very important, for both people in the Philippines and us (Japanese).  I also feel that both global education and local education are important.  I think we can exchange ideas with other countries’ peoples.

What can I do right now and from now on?  This is the final question to myself in this tour.

I am not a doctor and I am not a teacher.  I am just a student.  But I am sure I can do something for this world where I am living.

I just cannot explain all the gains I got from this tour in this paper.  But I have to make full use of my experience in the Philippines.

This is my second time to visit the Philippines.  I learned a lot from this tour, especially on the following points:

q       For what reason should the ordinary people fight a battle in this area?

q       Daily life in the Philippines

q       What I can do

1. For what reason should the ordinary people fight a battle in this area?

I visited “Lemon Pass,” which was a historical place during World War II (on March 25).  In this place, many Filipinos, Americans and Japanese lost their lives.

On the same day, I had a chance to interview “Elsa” (Mrs. Francisca Chan), Mr. Nakajima’s wartime friend in Biliran town.  While I listened to her story, I was surprised that her face was full of smile, just like she longed for the old days.

Lemon Pass and Biliran are not far from each other.  But each area had a different history.  I wondered about this difference.  One answer was the type of (military) officer assigned to each area (during the war).

From this observation, I found out how the (lives of) ordinary people were influenced by top-level decisions.

When I read “Sunset in Biliran,” I wondered why I did not know the history between the Philippines and Japan.  The present Japanese textbooks on history were made by the government.  I could tell what history was buried (or hidden) by somebody else.

2. Daily life in the Philippines

I had three-nights home-stay in (Barangay Caraycaray, Naval) and felt the daily life of the people in the Philippines.  I think (this experience) is very important for me. 

In the university I studied why the Philippines need “development.”  But I could not directly see and know “what is the problem?”, “what is needed?”, and “what they want to be?”.

I talked to my foster family about many things.  And they asked me lots of questions.  But I could not give enough answers.  I was very sorry.

When I go back to Japan, I would like to study to find the answers myself.

I believe one question leads to another, and I can learn from them.

3. What I can do

Last month (February), (the Shitaba) seminar held an exhibit of art works of the Atitipalo Visual Arts Group of Palo (in Japan).  Before holding the exhibit, we talked about the meaning of the activity.  It was very difficult for us to think (of the answer), because we had not met the artists and did not know what we needed to convey from their art works.

A good chance came and we were able to visit the artists (in their Palo display studio).  I felt the power from their art.  I do not (possess) expertise in art, but I have a heart to feel something.

I could feel the beginning of something.  I would like to make up a good relationship.

Last summer I visited Manila.  I saw one of their problems that are known to the world, the Smokey Mountain.  I was not able to find a hint to its solution.

This time around, I learned lots of hints that I could concretely act on.

Finally, I was glad to see stars in the heavens together with my companions (during a brownout in the evening of March 25).

I joined the Philippine Study Tour for the second time.  My first visit was to Manila last summer (August).  I saw actual problems related to the environment, development, human rights, and so on.  And I learned that these problems were not isolated but related to each other.

Then I visited Leyte and Biliran for the first time.  Here I met a lot of people and went to various places.  And I got various opportunities to think about myself.

When I went to SHS (the School of Health Sciences in Palo), I looked at a Philippine map that pointed to places where SHS students are active in their home communities after their graduation.  I was moved at that time, because the SHS had trained manpower that had deep roots in local communities. 

The SHS practices a system of education – “learning by doing” – between the school and the community.  So I thought that the SHS is playing an important role in solving poverty as one of the Third World’s problems.  I think it is important for me and the Japanese to have relationship with the SHS.

When I went to Hill 522 (in Palo), Lemon and so on, I thought that both ordinary people and soldiers were troubled by the war between Japan and America.  It was hard for many Filipinos to choose a side in order to live or to save their lives.

I then thought, for whom was that war (WWII) for?  And what actually was “peace” to the ordinary people?  I thought I have to achieve peace to live a good life for the ordinary people.

I read Mr. Nakajima’s books in Japan, as an assignment from Prof. Borrinaga.  And I actually met Captain Sasaki’s fiancée (Mrs. Corazon Pajota) and Elsa (Mrs. Francisca Chan), who were written about by Mr. Nakajima.  Then I was surprised that Japanese soldiers and Filipinos in Biliran (town) were friendly with each other and had stories of love and friendships during WWII.

Before, I had a bad image of the Japanese soldier, because Japanese soldiers killed a lot of ordinary people during the war.  I did not know (yet) about the truth (in Biliran).

Now I have changed my thinking and opinion (on this issue).  And I thought, what was the real history?  It is important for me not only to think about the war, but also of various things from the point of view of the ordinary people.

I had an opportunity to visit Caraycaray (Central) Elementary School and high school (Naval School of Fisheries) and (experienced) home-stay.  I could observe the shortage of visual aids in (both) schools, for instance, video, PC (personal computer), books and so on. 

I learned the importance of community in Biliran.  In Japan, I could not learn local history and society in the schools I graduated from.

Japanese students could learn global information from TV, PC, newspapers and so on.  There are good points in each other (in Biliran and in Japan).  So I thought we need to have a good relationship to achieve each other’s purpose and to give-and-take.

In my home-stay, I could experience ordinary life and know the problems that ordinary people always live with.  We cannot get this experience (by living) in the hotel.

I had discussions with my foster family about education and so on.  They said, “You (Japanese) are rich!”  This gave me some doubt about (the concept of) “what is rich” and “what is poverty.”

I thought about what I wanted to say to the teachers in (Barangay) Caraycaray: “What effect does education have in solving the poverty of the community?”  We Japanese must also think about this.

Lastly, I thought about what to do and what we could do in Japan to make up a good relationship in the 21st century.

Thank you for the ten days (study tour), Prof. Borrinaga.  And thank you for inviting me, my home-stay family (Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Protacio).

A beautiful rainbow was waiting (in the sky) when we arrived in Leyte.  I could see the sea, greenery and a lot of nature.  They were just beautiful and I felt that the earth was alive.

I am always thinking of what peace is.  And how I can create peace by my way in my life.  This means what I am going to do or to be in my life.

Through this study tour, I tried to find something that I wanted to find in my life.  I would like to write about history, the differences of communities between Japan and the Philippines, and our connection (or affinity) through this tour.

I noticed that there were many (accounts of) history of WWII.  People who had lived at that time have their own history.  I did not have a chance to learn about the war between Japan and the Philippines.  (But) from this study tour, I could learn about the war by two ways.  I found not only good relationships between Japan and the Philippines but also bad relationships.

I went up Hill 522 (in Palo), and I thought of how hard it was to get food and water (up there) during the war.  I felt that many soldiers had difficulties because of the (extreme heat of the) sun.  I also felt that both American and Japanese soldiers were fighting with their own selves (rather than against each other).

I really think that to create peace, people have to know what war is.  (Of course,) we can learn from books, but (actual) visits showed us very important lessons.  I think that Japan has peace, but we do not have real peace in the world.  I could feel how important peace is after visiting Hill 522.

I met “Elsa” (Mrs. Francisca Chan), “Captain Sasaki’s fiancée” (Mrs. Corazon Pajota), and Mrs. Catalina Velasquez.  I was surprised that there were good relationships during the war.  All (these three) women lived in Biliran (town) and they had good (friendly) relationships with Japanese soldiers during the war.  In separate interviews, they told us their stories about the war with a lot of smiles.

“Captain Sasaki’s fiancée” told us she had fun during the war.  And Mrs. Catalina Velasquez told us, “Goodwill gets goodwill, and hatred gets hatred.”

My image of WWII was changed.  I felt that we have to focus not only on one fact but on many facts to study history.  We cannot understand the war from one fact (and viewpoint) only.  Through this study tour, I could see the war from a different (perspective).  This means I am getting to understand real history.

Knowing the real facts is important to get rid of misunderstanding.  I feel it is necessary to know the real facts for making peace.

There are different community styles between Japan and the Philippines.  I learned that the Filipino education system (at grade school level) focuses (first) on the community.  I could feel that Filipino communities have tight (close) relationships.  I felt that they are studying for their community and they are working for their community.  They have good relationships with their neighbors, relatives and so on.

During this study tour I home-stayed in (Barangay) Caraycaray.  My foster mother said, “Your country is rich.”  However, we do not have good relationships in our communities.  We do not have time to talk with the family.  In this aspect, our country is not rich.

In my opinion, the Japanese do not have a vision for solving problems from the community (level).  Now Japan has many problems.  For example, some teenagers killed their friends and teacher.  To solve this problem, I think we can learn from the Filipino education system.  For education, it is very important to (first) learn from (one’s) own community.

I met many people during this study tour.  In doing so, I could learn about their (own) vision and I could also share our vision with them.  This means we are getting to know each other step by step.

I home-stayed for three days (and nights).  This means that I could join (my foster family’s) normal life.  This allowed me to know what they are thinking and what they need to develop.

My foster mother is the principal of the elementary school.  She told me, “We need visual aids to teach.” 

Indeed, there is a limitation when students learn only by (listening to the teacher) talking.  The teacher needs visual aids to teach.  Otherwise, the students might become tired of listening to the lecture.  In addition, the students need to get more information (than can be delivered by lectures).

I feel that the schools I visited have few chances to get global information.  I think that teaching about the (home) community is very important for education, but to teach about global issues is also needed.

Through the home-stay, we (Japanese students) could know each other (members of the foster families).  I told them (my foster family) what kind of problems Japan has.  Also, I could know what kind of problems this town has.  Both of us can find solutions by cultural exchange.

Our relationship has just started.  We will learn from each other, and this relationship will be very important for both of us.  I think that one person could not do everything by himself or herself.  However, through cooperation, we can do many things.  So now we are learning together.

My foster family received us with full kindness.  We talked a lot and shared many experiences.  We shared Japanese food, did Japanese paper craft and so on.  Riding on the “habal-habal” (single motorcycle outfitted to accommodate 5-6 riders) was a very nice experience for me.  They also gave me a gift item that was made in their community.

Finally, to share opportunities, it is very important to know each other.  This is very necessary for creating peace.  Also, I really think that visiting is the best way to know each other. 

(Good) relationships result in cooperation.  Then our cooperation will serve as a resource to create a brighter future.

Through this study tour, I realized that we have to know each other’s vision and purpose.  Now I think I would like to create opportunities for making peace.

I think that finding advice about what I want to do with my life is one of the results of this study tour.