Our research questions about the destination

Which question do we want to deal with more intensively and write a short text about it?

Before the trip we were given the task to choose a topic of special interest to us and to work on it on 1-2 pages after the trip. 

• What question(s) did we ask ourselves and what made us choose this question?
• What was the process like (before the trip, on the spot, afterwards...)?
• Where there any memorable encounters/experiences/knowledge on the trip about this?
• Where did the occupation with it bring us, what are the insights from it or do we take a new question with us?

Following you can find our topics

In the Philippines, like many other Asian countries, the concept of beauty is deeply ingrained in society, often revolving around fair skin and youthful appearance.

This preference for lighter skin can be traced back to historical factors, including colonization by Spanish and American powers, which placed fair skin on a pedestal. During the Spanish colonial period, Spanish colonizers held positions of power and privilege, and they often regarded fair or light skin as a sign of higher social status. This preference for fair skin was rooted in European beauty standards of the time, which emphasized pale complexions as a symbol of beauty and refinement. The Spanish colonizers also intermarried with indigenous Filipinos, resulting in a mestizo population that often had lighter skin tones. These mestizo individuals were sometimes favored and given preferential treatment in society, further reinforcing the notion that lighter skin was desirable. As a result, the use of skin-whitening products has become pervasive in the country.

The rise of K-pop and the global influence of Korean entertainment have also significantly impacted beauty ideals not only in the Philippines but also across Asia and beyond. Korean pop stars are often portrayed with flawless, fair skin, slender bodies, and youthful appearances, setting a new standard for beauty. Many Filipino youth look up to K-pop idols as role models and seek to emulate their looks and fashion styles. K-pop's influence is not limited to aesthetics but also extends to lifestyle choices, including skincare routines. The Korean beauty industry promotes an extensive and multi-step skincare regimen, emphasizing the importance of achieving clear and radiant skin. Consequently, Filipino consumers have shown an increased interest in Korean skincare products and routines, further fueling the demand for skin-whitening products.

One of the most common ingredients found in these products is hydroquinone, which inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. While some individuals use over-the-counter products, others opt for more drastic measures like skin-whitening injections. These injections typically contain substances like glutathione, which promise quicker and more dramatic results in achieving a lighter complexion.

However, the use of skin-whitening products, especially those containing hydroquinone or other harsh chemicals, can have adverse effects on the skin. These may include skin irritation, redness, uneven pigmentation, and even long-term damage. In extreme cases, the misuse of such products can lead to irreversible skin conditions. Skin-whitening injections also pose health risks, as their long-term safety and efficacy are not well-documented. These injections may have side effects, including kidney and liver damage, as well as potential complications when administered improperly. The pursuit of these beauty ideals can result in individuals neglecting their overall health, focusing solely on their physical appearance.

It is crucial to recognize the health risks associated with these practices. Promoting a more diverse and inclusive definition of beauty that embraces natural skin tones and values overall well-being is essential. By doing so, societies can encourage healthier attitudes toward beauty while respecting individual choices and cultural traditions.

Since I am an elementary school teacher and I generally love to deal with children, it was quickly clear to me that my research question would also revolve around the topic of children and school. Fortunately, we were able to gain a little insight into the world of filipino children and the school system through our stay with host families, but also the short visits to schools, which is why I was able to take a closer look at the aforementioned research question.

Before the trip, I had already researched the philippine school system and gave a short presentation on it for my travel group. I was all the more excited to learn more about this topic up close and personal on the ground. Even though it was vacation time in the Philippines at the time of the trip, I was able to learn some new things:

In general, it can be said that Filipino families have more children on average than Austrian families. 

From my experience I can report that the host families in which we were accommodated attach great importance to education, even if access to it is anything but easy in the Philippines.

In a presentation with the organizations "PAHRA" - Philippine Alliance of Human Righzs Advocates and "PhilRights" we were allowed to learn that in about 5% of the children do not even attend elementary school and more than 90% of the children cannot read a simple text at the age of 10, which reflects the Learning Poverty.

Education is also a costly affair in the Philippines, with tuition fees significantly higher than in Austria. In our host family in Marinduque, we were thus able to experience that the whole family pays together to enable the niece to study. From conversations with young people/students, I could also hear that they are very ambitious and want to go their way in order to be able to provide the whole family with a secure income and thus a better life. Completing a degree is therefore a privilege that is denied to many young people.

The IP (Indigenous Communities) show a big difference in terms of school attendance, as we experienced in our community immersion. Although there is an elementary school (1st-6th grade) in the village, according to project organizer Dr. Emilio, only a few children finish it. There is still a need to raise awareness in the IP community about the importance of school education for the children's later life. 

According to our observations, the role of the child is clearly different in these indigenous communities than in the urban communities. Children here are soon involved in agricultural work, thus staying home from school to do chores around the house and yard. Household tasks such as washing clothes or looking after the little brothers and sisters are often left in the hands of the children here, as we found out in conversations. 

In general, family cohesion in Filipino families is very high, according to our experience, and so are the expectations of the children. Since many people cannot afford to provide for their pensions, the children also represent a kind of provision. 

Violence and especially domestic violence is a topic that is unfortunately also very present, as we experienced in a workshop with CYP, the youth group of AKKMA Valenzuela. 

About the school system - my impression as a primary school teacher

Philippine school classes are filled with up to 50 children, for which only one teacher is counted. Textbooks are usually passed on for years, as the school budget is a very small one, as we learned from a conversation with the principal from Cabugao. 

The term "Kindergarten/ Kindergarden" is definitely understood differently in the Philippines. Kindergarten starts at the age of 5 and acts like a kind of preschool. In this year, letters, numbers, etc. are already learned in order to be able to start with certain previous knowledge in the 1st grade.

Conclusion

Good education is a privilege in Filipino families, which is unfortunately denied to many children. The family cohesion, but also the expectations towards the children, are great in many Filipino families, as I was able to experience during the trip.

I wonder how the school system will change in the next few years, whether any change will take place at all and whether the government will take the necessary steps to end the Learning Poverty.

The research question was very personal for me because I have a small farm at home with my parents. It was very interesting how the agriculture in the Philippines is structured and defined. 

The Philippines, an island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, its rich culture and its diverse agriculture. Agriculture plays a crucial role in the country's economy and is a significant factor in the food security of the population. In this paper, we will provide a comprehensive overview of agriculture in the Philippines.

The Philippines consists of more than 7,600 islands and has a remarkable geographic diversity, which has a strong impact on agriculture. The main factors influencing agriculture are climate, topography and soil characteristics. 

The climate of the Philippines is tropical, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. This has led to the development of two main cropping seasons: the "wet season" and "dry season." The northern regions of the Philippines are known for growing rice during the wet season, while the southern regions, especially Mindanao, grow rice during the dry season. On Marinduque, we were able to experience how strenuous rice planting is. So during the whole trip we were confronted with agriculture especially in the rural areas. Even in Manila were small scale farms in the backyard of some homes or residential communities.

The topography of the country ranges from mountainous regions to flat coastal areas. Mountainous regions are often suitable for growing fruits, vegetables and coffee, while flat coastal areas are mainly used for rice cultivation. As a tour group, we were able to observe this among the indigenous population where eggplant has just been cultivated. We also visited a plantation where string beans and various fruits were grown. The soil varies greatly from one island to another, which makes the selection of the crops grown and the use of fertilizers. Some regions are particularly suitable for growing sugarcane and coconuts, while others are better suited for growing corn and cassava.

Agriculture in the Philippines is extremely diverse and covers a wide range of crops and livestock. Among the most important agricultural products include:

• Rice is the staple food of the Philippines and a key product of agriculture. The Philippines is one of the largest rice producers in Asia and produces several varieties of rice, including the popular glutinous rice.
• Corn is another important cereal and is widely used as animal feed and in food processing.
• Sugarcane is an important crop that is grown for the production of sugar and rum.
• The Philippines is one of the largest producers of coconuts in the world. Coconuts are used for coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut meat and other products.
• Bananas and pineapples are important export products and are grown in large quantities.
• The Philippines produces high quality coffee and cocoa, which are in demand in international markets.

Animal husbandry also plays an important role in agriculture in the Philippines.

Poultry, pigs, goats and carabao are some of the most common livestock.

Although agriculture is of great importance in the Philippines, the country's farmers face a variety of challenges. These include Natural disasters such as typhoons that can destroy crops, as well as problems related to land reform and land distribution. In addition, many farmers are dependent on small-scale farming, which can threaten their economic stability at risk.

Overall, agriculture in the Philippines is an important driver of the country's economy and plays a crucial role in the food security of the population. 

food security of the population. Nevertheless, the Philippines is not self-sufficient and must import food from abroad. With the investments, modern agricultural practices and sustainable development policy, the Philippines can further increase its agricultural production and improve the living conditions of the rural population. Institutions and organizations promote awareness of independent and sustainable food production to empower farm families and to promote cooperation and exchange. These are important steps in the right direction, but of course there remains much room for improvement.

•  What is the place value of music at the Philippines?
• What are some traditions at the Philippines and how does the music takes place in it?

Putong

Putong is a ceremony, in which visitors are honored and welcomed. The ceremony is a symbol for thanksgiving, hope and prayer for a long and blessed life. The women and men wear costumes and carry baskets of flowers, palm leaves, or coins. This tradition is often associated with ceremonial and celebratory events in Filipino culture, such as weddings, birthdays, fiestas, and other important gatherings. In Marinduque they sang and danced for us visitors twice as a welcoming event. It was very interesting that almost all of the songs of the Putong could be use as a music for an Austrian waltz. The tact of the songs was a 6/8 one. After some slower songs at the beginning, the music tended to be faster and more danceable.

The celebration ended with all the participants throwing the coins to the visitors and shouting Mabuhay, which means "long life". For us visitors it was on the one hand really nice to be welcomed in such a lovely way but on the other hand quite challenging to be in the spotlight for such a long time. We are not used to such traditions in Austria.

Harana

The Harana is originally a serenade tradition in rural areas of the Philippines, in which young men meet single lady visitors and sing for them.

Harana has been an important part of Filipino courtship and romantic tradition for generations. While it is less common in urban areas today, it still exists in some rural and provincial communities, and it remains a symbol of traditional Filipino romance and culture.

In Marinduque, the heart of the Philippines, the people are used to welcome their visitors with a Harana. While we were sitting in front of our host families house, a lot of the people from the village sang for us a few songs.

Karaoke

Singing karaoke is a widespread and popular pastime in the Philippines. There were a lot of karaoke-bars everywhere and in Marinduque we had our private “karaoke-station” in our host-families house.

Malong

A "malong" typically refers to a traditional rectangular or tubular piece of fabric worn as a multi-purpose garment in some Southeast Asian cultures, particularly in the Philippines and among various indigenous groups in the region. 

A malong is often brightly colored and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a skirt, dress, head covering, blanket, shawl, or even as a carrying pouch for items. Its versatility makes it a practical and cultural symbol in the Philippines.

The specific design and patterns on a malong can vary based on the cultural and regional background of the wearer. It is not only a functional piece of clothing but also a significant part of the cultural heritage of the communities that use it.

Even before the trip, it was clear to me that I would like to choose the topic of sustainability as my research question, because it is a very current topic and, from my point of view, one of the most important ones, especially from the development perspective. From previous stays abroad - though not in Asia - I thought that we are confronted with the topic differently there than here in Austria. Already in reports you read again and again that especially the garbage problem is gigantic there. Therefore, I was curious to see to what extent we would encounter the topic - both at first glance, but specifically also in conversation with the organizations and projects.

The country is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns. This is one of the reasons, why sustainability is a big topic for the country. But as in other countries, it´s a big and controverse topic. On the one hand the Philippine government has been implementing policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate-related disasters. The government tries to create laws for a sustainable future, even if they don’t have enough resources to deal with this big topic – at economic, political and social level.

Biodiversity conservation is another critical aspect of sustainability in the Philippines. The nation is known for its unique and diverse flora and fauna, but many species are endangered due to habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts involve the establishment of protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries, as well as campaigns to combat poaching and raise awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity. But we also saw areas for example in Marinduque, where the nature and biodiversity was completely destroyed due to mining. Mining is a big topic in the Philippines, especially when you have a look on the consequences. But the country tries to take the right steps forward by prohibiting the mining to stop the contamination and give the nature the chance to recover – even if this will take decades.

On the social front, the Philippines is working towards improving access to education and healthcare, particularly in remote and marginalized communities. Sustainable development goals are being pursued to reduce poverty and inequality, ensuring that economic growth benefits all citizens.

Also tourism is a significant industry in the Philippines, and efforts are being made to promote sustainable tourism practices. Responsible tourism aims to minimize the environmental and cultural impact of tourism while providing economic benefits to local communities. We experienced this in different ways. On the one hand, we needed to pay environmental, tourism and development fees at nearly every tourism spot. On the other hand the tourism spots are very crowded and we experienced a lot of overtourism there. But not only the tourism as itself is the problem, also the tourists are part of the problem. And because tourism is such a significant and big part of the economy, the country needs to find solutions especially in this sector.

But the government point of view is not the most significant thing in my opinion. The biggest point we got to know is how the society thinks about sustainability and how they deal with it. Here we also experienced very controverse situations. To show one example: we got to visit the local school in a small village in Marinduque together with the Marinduque council for environmental concerns MACEC. They showed us their projects, the curriculum where they teach the young kids how to deal with sustainability and planted trees with the local kids. But while talking to us about all these things, we looked outside the window of the school and saw this fire in the backyard. They just throw everything on it – no matter if organic or nonorganic. For me this was one of the most impressive and memorable things to see. The contrast between the theory and practice, between what they want to create and how much effort, change and learnings it needs.

How difficult it is to translate the knowledge into action and to deal with the local facilities. How difficult it is to convince each and every part of the country, that it needs the power of all to create a real change – from the locals in the school up to the stakeholders in politics and economy. That the environmental change is the biggest and most important problem on and for the Philippines, because it affects every single part of their life.

In conclusion, sustainability in the Philippines encompasses a wide range of efforts to address climate change, protect natural resources, conserve biodiversity, and promote inclusive development. The nation recognizes the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental and social responsibility to create a brighter and more sustainable future for all Filipinos, but often the implementation is not working.

With all these experiences and learning from the time of the Philippines there are a lot questions, which are not answered yet for me. Why is the garbage problem that big in the Philippines? How can you solve these problems? What is our part in this discussion? How is it possible that Filipinos are such nature-loving people, but you still find garbage everywhere even in the deepest jungle? That people there don't care if there is more garbage than plants in their front yards. That the garbage there has no value, but is simply thrown aside but simultaneously they us it for example to plant their plants in old plastic bottles. That there is no system in place to deal with this problem. Above all that the awareness of this problem is simply missing for the vast majority of people there - also because they have other, often more existential problems.

I guess I could write my bachelor thesis about this topic, because there are so many parts which are missing in this short text. So how to end it without feeling powerless, unmotivated, depressed?

We had a talk with some indigenous people which are fighting hard for their nature and try to protect it from getting destroyed by a big dam. They are more or less powerless in contrast to the big companies and the politics behind the project. But it was inspiring, how they bounce back and are not willing to stop to stand up for their rights and make clear to the government, that they need to think about a more sustainable solution. There was a quote on the shirt of on of these indigenous members which said:

“Real change takes time. And yet, precisely it does, there is no time to lose.”

I will keep this quote in mind in so many situations from now on, because it says everything and maybe is the biggest learning for me – maybe for all of us! (Greta)

The Austrian and Philippine education systems have some notable differences. Let's start with the structure. In Austria, the education system is divided into different levels that build on each other. There is primary school, which lasts for four years, followed by secondary school, which lasts for another four years. After that, students can choose to attend a vocational school or opt for the gymnasium, which leads to the Matura qualification. On the other hand, the Philippine education system includes six years of primary school, four years of middle school, and two years of senior high school, making a total of twelve years.

Another difference lies in the grading of student performance. In Austria, grades range from 1 (excellent) to 5 (insufficient). Regular tests and written assignments are conducted to assess students' progress. In the Philippines, school evaluations often rely on a pure percentage system, where 100% represents the highest grade. There are also regular tests and examinations to measure students' performance levels.

Another significant difference is in school fees. In Austria, schools are usually statefunded, and education is free or very inexpensive. In the Philippines, private schools are widespread, and tuition fees vary greatly. This can be a financial burden for many families. But public schools are also free.

Education is of great importance to Filipinos. In Philippine culture, education and academic achievements are often highly valued and viewed as keys to success. Many families place great emphasis on ensuring their children receive a good education, as they see this as a pathway to better future opportunities.

The high value placed on education is evident in the Filipinos' great interest in attending school and the sacrifices many families make to enable their children to go to school. Often, parents take on additional jobs or save intensively to cover their children's school fees and educational expenses. Education is considered an investment that will pay off in the long run.

It is important to note, however, that the appreciation for education in the Philippines also comes with challenges. The education system faces problems such as overcrowding, limited resources, and geographic inequality, all of which can affect access to and quality of education. Classes with 40-50 children are not uncommon here. Schoolbooks are also reused for many years. Nonetheless, education remains an important concern for many Filipinos, as they believe it opens up opportunities for personal growth, better job prospects, and improved quality of life.

Overall, it can be said that education holds a high value for Filipinos and is seen as the foundation for individual and societal success. Many Filipinos see a good education as a "weapon" with which they can secure a better life in the future.

In the Philippines, there is a basic compulsory education requirement. However, there are challenges in enforcing compulsory education. Particularly in remote and rural areas, where access to education may be limited, compulsory education often cannot be fully enforced. In some cases, poverty, lack of infrastructure, or other socio-economic factors can make it difficult to fully enforce compulsory education.

Additionally, cultural factors also play a role. In some communities, especially indigenous communities, traditional beliefs or family obligations may prevent children from attending school, even though compulsory education exists. In the IP community, we have encountered a girl who could not go to school because she had to take care of a younger sibling while her mother went to work. However, there is an alternative learning program for such cases. A child can catch up on missed schooling at home, take an exam, and rejoin a higher grade level if they pass.

During the learning assignment, I was fascinated by the versatile use of certain indigenous plants, which is why I would like to address their importance and necessity for the lives of the Filipino population with my research question. "How necessary are the useful plants bamboo, coconut palm and the banana tree in the everyday life of the Filipino population, what different areas of application do they have and are there Austrian useful plants that can be compared in terms of their variety of applications or their significance?"

Bamboo is probably one of the most important plants in Asia, and it is not for nothing that it symbolizes endurance, flexibility and durability. From scaffolding to drinking cups, bamboo can be used for many things. This became most clear when we visited the indigenous population in Pampanga. We cooked rice in bamboo tubes, ate in bamboo huts and made a whisk out of bent bamboo strips that we needed for our Austrian cooking evening for a „Kaiserschmarren“, a traditional Austrian dish. 

But why is bamboo so ingenious? 

This fast-growing, resilient, easily accessible and at the same time very high-quality raw material can grow up to one meter per day, up to a height of 30 meters. Despite its light weight, bamboo is as robust as some hardwoods and also very elastic. It can therefore be used for a wide range of applications. A breathable stable building material that can be used in bent form for everything from small furniture to everyday items such as baskets, the fibers can be made into fabric and thin strips can be used as veneer for flooring and furniture. The ability to make compromises, to adapt to circumstances and yet always emerge unbroken from crisis situations" is attributed to bamboo, and perhaps it is precisely this plant that strengthens the people of the Philippines and Asia in the broadest sense.

Another ingenious plant, the fruit of which is also a must in our muesli, has completely different uses in Asia. The large leaves of the banana tree are used as biodegradable tableware or as practical packaging material. Apart from the leaves, the variety of bananas and their much better and more intense taste was a very special experience for us. The fruits are particularly important in bad times, they grow all year round and can be stored well, which is why they are a staple food during a typhoon, as it is not possible to grow and harvest rice at this time.

We experienced the importance of a fresh coconut for ourselves. When we accompanied the Ayta community in Pampanga to their field and planted calamansi trees in what felt like 40 degree temperatures, we were very grateful for the freshly harvested coconut milk. Harvesting coconuts is no easy task, but with the prevailing temperatures and the exertion of agricultural work, a fresh coconut is a necessary source of energy. The dried flesh of the ripe nuts is a rich foodstuff, mainly because of the oils it contains. The hard shell is also used as fuel, charcoal and is a perfect substitute for a shovel. Last but not least, we were also able to try out the use of coconut palm fronds for sweeping, as a broom is painstakingly made by hand from the middle stalk of the leaves.

We experienced the importance of a fresh coconut for ourselves. When we accompanied the Ayta community in Pampanga to their field and planted calamansi trees in what felt like 40 degree temperatures, we were very grateful for the freshly harvested coconut milk. Harvesting coconuts is no easy task, but with the prevailing temperatures and the exertion of agricultural work, a fresh coconut is a necessary source of energy. The dried flesh of the ripe nuts is a rich foodstuff, mainly because of the oils it contains. The hard shell is also used as fuel, charcoal and is a perfect substitute for a shovel. Last but not least, we were also able to try out the use of coconut palm fronds for sweeping, as a broom is painstakingly made by hand from the middle stalk of the leaves.

The nice thing is that really all parts of these plants find their use, from food to important everyday helpers, much is covered, which is precisely why the necessity is proven. The ingenuity of these plants and the inventive use of them can hardly be surpassed, but there are also some Austrian plants whose versatile areas of application can inspire. 

Cooling summer pants, superfood grains or tasty oil, linen or flax is or was a miracle plant, especially for the Mühlviertel region. Linen was planted on a large scale and could be processed after 100 days. The seeds were ground and pressed into oil. The oil and seeds are considered to be very healthy, especially because of their omega-3 fatty acids. The linen fabric is obtained from the plant stalks, which are beaten, combed and then spun using a specific technique. This textile raw material is regional, which is why the ecological footprint is much better in comparison.

A somewhat nasty super plant is the stinging nettle, its nettles on the leaves and stems have shaped the childhood of many, but its healing powers have been known in Europe for thousands of years. As a tea, for example, it has a digestive, diuretic and blood-purifying effect. A mixture of honey and nettle seeds is known as the "Red Bull of the Alps", the seeds contain many minerals, vitamins and proteins and can be used for vitalization. The leaves of the nettle can be prepared as spinach or used to dye fabric.  

The willow is a plant steeped in history, as the craft of basket weaving has been practiced throughout Austria since 1342, with the thin elastic branches being alternately woven into thicker branches. The ingredients of silver willow bark have also long been used in herbal medicine; a tea made from it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-rheumatic, antipyretic and antibacterial properties and is used as a natural antibiotic. The salicin it contains has been used as a well-known medicine since the 19th century  

Our native super plants were very important in earlier years. The desire for regionality and natural healing is bringing these plants back to mind. The history of herbal medicine can be equated with the history of mankind and is of great importance worldwide. Especially for people living in poorer conditions, the knowledge and use of indigenous plants is of great importance! The plants do not need much, grow on their own and provide so much, namely a livelihood!