Our initial location here in Puerto Princesa is an area known as "Pulang Lupa", which means "Red Earth". It is located in the barangay (suburb) of Santa Lourdes and is only a few hundred meters from the city's landfill, which is an old Mercury mine. An added health risk to this already vulnerable population is that Pulang Lupa is quite isolated and is a far distance from the local health center.

The community consists of roughly 60 households creeping up an excavated hill. Many of the residents make a living off the landfill, either collecting recycleables or creating new products from discarded ones. A number of families also grow fruits and vegetables on a subsistence level. Some also care for animals on the behalf of other people. Eating meat is a luxury that most residents don't enjoy very often.

As we undertake our work in Pulang Lupa we will explore opportunities to establish programs in other locations. If and when we do implement programming at other sites, we will ensure that we continue to maintain a presence in Pulang Lupa.

We also hold seminars at Palawan State University for students of the Nursing and Education departments. We hope that by further educating the youth in these influential fiields, they in turn will be able to help others in the future.