REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Region IV- A CALABARZON

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Laguna
SANTA CRUZ INTEGRATED NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Brgy. Oogong, Santa Cruz, Laguna

GAD (GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT) SEMINAR NARRATIVE REPORT

Held once a year, the said team building took place last November 24-25, 2018,
Saturday and Sunday at Word of Life Spiritual Camp at Calauan, Laguna. Attended by 30
(thirty) participants from school administration, faculty, and utility, everyone were revitalized
energy wise at the said venue.

The place was far from the town proper which is just fit to those who are looking
for their own personal space away from the stressful call of work. It was intended for soul
searching adventure that the venue itself suggests serenity and calmness of its vast ground
where children of all ages could run around and have a brisk walk early in the morning. The
wind is indeed exhilarating. The scene in the panoramic view is definitely a wondrous sight to
look at. There are paths which are similar to rolling hills. There are mountains surrounding the
area which is perfect for both quiet moments and thrills on their zip line. The pool is safe to be
swum by all ages for one part of its shallow water is great for skinny dipping and a shame to get
drowned..

Before our short journey to the venue was a sumptuous boodle fight of native
foods we dined first thing in the morning in school. The food is literally native dishes, simple yet
very palatable. Truly Filipino, our plates are banana leaves while spooning every morsel to our
delight leaving with full stomach.

Back to the camp, most of us enjoyed a snack and some mementos in the kiosk
or store where most items are practically competitive in prices except for food which is more
expensive. Looking at the entire place is already relaxing. Others took pictures at the top of the
plateau looking giant rocks while some of us chose to be either comforted or rocked by the
swing shaded with trees. The ground is planted with Bermuda grass which feels so royal and
clean you would want to remove your footwear and prefer to walk barefoot. The villas so
spacious are two-floor houses with around ten double decked beds which could house around
eighty guests in one building alone is too much for a thirty. Each house bears a name after the
different provinces in the Philippines. We stayed at villa Palawan.

After much touring of the place, we were led to their church like venue for its red
soft pews. Attached to each pew is a soft panel to kneel on and an altar at the front. Word of
Life Camp is of a Baptist origin. That’s why the place possesses a very solemn atmosphere. We
were welcomed by their guides by some instructions while we are staying temporarily. Their
pastor shared with us God’s word about salvation, a personal spiritual encounter and fellowship
with our Lord Jesus as our Lord an Savior. They are all very accommodating and made us feel
at home in a Christian family.

We were called to rest in the villa right after the church sharing. It’s when we
were able to load our baggage and lay in bed for a while as we wait for the bell to ring to signal
lunch. Being tucked in bed in broad daylight was an invitation to lie down for a moment. The
bathroom is surprisingly open and big with lavatory, toilet, and shower rooms with locks.

Every meal in the mess hall is worth eating for the nutritional value of their menu
cooked and prepared by fellow Christians residing nearby. They have all dedicated their lives in
working there for according to them, the camp became their home and sanctuary. There is an
atmosphere of obedience and discipline for each one has to line up to get enough food. Every
menu is rightly cooked and balanced. Their brewed coffee is unforgettable and one of a kind.

A camp is incomplete without a zip line. Unlike Batis Aramin in Lucban, Quezon
camp, the Word of Life Camp has no other venturesome rappel tower, climbing steep walls, and
a forest adventure and find your way out maze. It has an overly high, nerve-racking, and
electrifying zip line which in Aramin is capable of being ridden by children. There’s a feeling of
fear and challenge while trekking the muddy, slippery, and steep starting point after wearing the
gears to carry you in the mid air. Having your turn is a bit shaky but that’s how it is going to be
till you are pushed without stepping on anything. You have to keep still holding on tight to the
rope that pulls you to the other side is like a G-force in a straight line where your entire body is
moving uncontrollably, your face like jelly. Hopping on to the endpoint is not easy for the planks
or stage is also very steep.

Come afternoon, we were tasked to engage in different games where we were

divided into two teams. The court was filled with noise, screeching, and cheers as each team
makes a big win is a riotous applause and laughter. The games are fun-filled but require
readiness and focus. Even if you are not athletic, each game is meant to be played and finished.
The game one was paused with a long break to give way to dinner. The first consecutive games
are exciting yet tiresome and sweaty. The playful ones chose to go back to play the last games
to know who will win. Others desired to attend to their night rituals and rest. Before the game,
another sharing of word was given by the camp pastor. It was different this time for this is what
we really came for in this place – the GAD (Gender And Development) which some of us were
not able to witness. Their version of the GAD Seminar is a very subtle one.

This kind of seminar give us an awareness of ourselves and others, that we are
not living and depending only to ourselves, and that the realization that we may differences but
we are one as a team. It is where we are supposed to start changing and reaching out. It is in
being different that we find others different as well, that our imperfections are made perfect by
others. For there are things that we cannot do that they can do to fill that gap and inability to do
certain things and vice-versa, that in being together, we make each other complete. Just like our
God who made us complete and perfect by His grace..