Day 16: Marchin’ around in Maribojoc

This morning we woke up to another great Filipino breakfast complete with our respective homestay families. We then briefly observed the busy municipal market that included vendors that sold fish, dry goods, clothing, and miscellaneous items. Once done browsing the market, our team then visited the Mayor Leoncio B. Evasco  office complex. There he discussed how their sustainable farming efforts, drug crackdown, and improved healthcare elevated Maribojoc's municipality status from 5^th class to 4^th class. 

Our GIEU team then toured the municipality’s organic food farm that was started in January. The farm was quite developed despite only being a few months in. Maribojoc is attempting to produce fresh fruits and vegetables not only for their area as well as surrounding ones.  

                   

Lunch was enjoyed with several council members. We discussed many topics such as politics, education, and religion. It was quite a delight to have such distinguished members of the community join and speak to us.

From there, we traveled to the Holy Cross Church. It was established in the 16^th century and is the second oldest church still standing in Bohol. This church built by the Spaniards, was comprised of coral blocks. If divers in charge of producing blocks failed to do so received 14 lashes of the whip. Holy Cross church retains several ancient artifacts: a piece of the cross that was used to crucify Jesus Christ and the remains of Saint Vincent. 

Following our trip to the church, we then went to PUNTA CRUZ, a historical location in Bohol. Punta Cruz contains a watchtower that was used as a lookout for pirates and other maritime threats. We were then entertained by a cultural show that included a traditional dance that predated Islam and Christianity. They invited us to participate in the dance with them. The dance was much more difficult that it seemed.

The night ended with a very energetic display from both GIEU and the Youth Culture group. We sang karaoke throughout the night and made memories with the locals of Punta Cruz. Vice Mayor Fructoso wished us farewell and personally made sure that we all got home safely. And thus ends the final full day in Maribojoc. 

- Bowen and Amanda