Trip to Angeles City

Dear all, Tim B here! I thought I'd write as bit to tell you about the trip that myself, Ian and Sol took to Angeles City a couple of days ago. We went to Angeles City, (1 and a 1/2 hours north of Manila) to visit the Renew Foundation. It was set up by 2 English guys, including a friend of mine from theological college. The foundation works with women in the sex industry. The R of Renew stands for ' recover', the E, for 'empower', the N for 'network', and the EW stands for 'employment for women'. There was a massive US airforce base in the city until a few years ago, meaning a thriving prostitution industry. Renew told us that there are at least 12, 000 registered sex workers in the city and many more who are unregistered. There is a 3 KM strip of bars and clubs, called Fields avenue which is just a horrific place. I mean absolutely horrible. The whole city is based upon the industry. There were lots of middle aged white men walking round the city either on their own, or looking for sex. It was SO overt... In the picture we see Paulo, one of the founders, talking with Sol from Kanlungan.

There were boys walking the streets selling viagra. The police and local mayor are in on the act, even though they deny anything is wrong. The chief of police has been seen frequenting brothels.

Many of the girls are trafficked from villages in the south of the Philippines. Renew have done research, asking the prostitutes here they came from: A very large number came from only 3 small villages, many trafficked by the police, at a very young age. Some girls are 'bonded' and have to pay off debts, sometimes their own, sometimes their families. Renew have recently bought one girl who was attending the foundation out from her debt, which was only 35 pounds. Incredible.

They had a great new centre staffed by social workers and health workers. Classes are given there to offer the women a skill, that they make some money, on coming out of prostitution. There are dormitaries for the women and their children (they are often single Mums). The social workers walk the streets at night making contact with the sex workers.

To finish: In the context of a huge, deceitful and exploitative industry, this quote I saw in the centre speaks very powerfully:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

It was a really helpful day for all. Renew and Kanlungan are networking, and discussing the possibility of referal's between centres.

If you want to know more, let me know. Love to you all!