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      A group of 66 Dutch and Filipino youths experienced a three-day adventure challenge dubbed as the “Tarsier Quest” in Bohol recently.

      They had close encounter with nature and wildlife, firsthand, during their trip here on July 25-27.

      The Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center, the leadership and citizenship program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, led the quest for 20 Dutch delegates and 46 Pinoy youth from the Aboitiz Leaders of Excellence and the Cebu City Mayor’s Management Team.

      On day 1, the group experienced a breathtaking sky ride called ‘suislide’ and a mesmerizing river trek inside the Ka Mira Cave managed by the Danao Adventure Park, a booming tourist attraction in the province of Bohol.

      At night, they had an interaction with the local youth of Danao. The local youth and a local band serenaded and danced with the delegates at the farmers' training center operated by Naty Gonzaga, mother of Danao Mayor Louis Thomas Gonzaga.

      On day 2, they visited Chocolate Hills in the municipality of Carmen, the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape and Simply Butterfly Conservation Center in Bilar.

      The Dutch delegates were amazed to see a tarsier, an endangered species, protected by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc. in the municipality of Corella.

      They were also challenged to discover what was peculiar in the Dauis Parish Church, the well in the altar.

      After a tiring but thrilling two days of admiring the beauty of nature and wildlife of Bohol, and in the process discovering more of their inner selves as well as others, the group bonded further with more 'integration' activities in Panglao Island.

      It was also noted through the three-day adventure, the Dutch and Pinoy youth delegates found and shared more similarities than differences, developed and nurtured bonds of friendship which serve as the continuing platform and vehicle for volunteerism, active citizenship, and development cooperation. (Harold C. de Mesa)

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