GSE Vocational Visits an 'eye opener' in Bohol, Central Visayas!!

 The team members looked forward to their first focused Vocational visits. The experiences were fascinating and clearly demonstrated that Australia is indeed, 'the lucky country'.
Visits to the Bohol Chronicle, Holy Name Grade School, three banks and meeting the Chief of Police and Chief of the Fire Department were highlights! The team will be following this up with an 4 additional vocation visits in the coming weeks in Cebu and Ormoc City.
Extraordinary perspectives are continuing to be realised by the team. The capacity to report on the cultural aspects of the Philippines and how this affects the processes and operation of their respective roles is being seen as growth promoting and insightful.

Above: Kylie Pitt (media photographer) addresses media students from Holy Name University.




Left: Kylie with proprietor and owner of the Bohol Chronicle, Peter P. Dejaresco.

Ian, addressing grade 5 students from Holy Name Grade School (that has over 900 students).
Principal, Dr Pricianos Legitmas explained that the Grade School is actually part of the Holy Name University which has over 9000 students from Kindergarten to University levels. The multi campus complex is run by The Fathers of the Society of the Divine Word, a German order of Catholic priests, with Fr Francisco Estepa, as president of the board.
The idea is that you enter kinder and proceed through infants, primary, secondary and University to eventually graduate with a law, medical, teaching, nursing, etc etc degree!!!! Quite innovative and extraordinary.

David visited three banks in Bohol, and is pictured here with Manager of the China Bank, Mr Rodney A. Lumuthong (right) and President Elect of the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran, Mr Peter Crowther.

 Armoured 'cash carters', Philippine style!!

Police Officer Rebecca Rose was a 'big hit' at the Tagbilaran Police HQ, posing with senior police officers.
As soon as this pic was taken the police media placed it on face book!!!

Our hosts especially arranged for Rebecca to meet the National Police Commission's top Provincial Police Officer of Bohol, Constantino V. Barot, Jr.
Many questions were raised about policing, it's processes, and the role that have women in the force. A very special and rare moment. (This pic has been placed in the Bohol Chronicle.)

Martin Crew receiving a Philippine Fire Brigade hat with Bohol's Fire Chief.

Two fire trucks (vintage but in working order) on standby!
Rosters are arranged on a basis of one day on, one day off- not something that would be popular in Australia!!