To whom it may concern,
We, the undersigned, are writing with regard to the operation of the Philippine Spotted Deer Conservation Foundation (PSDCF). The PSDCF was conceived by Mr. ReneeGalang (who is the sole director) and primarily conducts operations in PanayIsland, in the province of Antique.
Our experience with Mr. Galang stems from participation inhis volunteer program between 10th June and 10th July2013, during which time we were supposed to have assisted with several research projects initiated by Mr. Galang. These projects were claimed by Mr. Galang to involve researching population demographics and distribution of Rafflesia lobata and Rafflesia speciosa, creating a management plan for Seco Island (municipality of Tibio), investigating Philippine Spotted Deer distribution and habitat, and identifying a potentially new species of Gymnosperm found in a restricted mountainous habitat within the municipality of Sebaste.
We believe that the operation of this Foundation is being conducted in an irresponsible and deceptive manner and provides no environmental conservation benefit. Further,claims made by Mr. Galang in his volunteer recruitment advert border on fraudulent.
This letter provides a summary of significant concerns andissues we have with the operation of PSDCF.
Of great concern is Mr. Galang’s treatment and deception of volunteers, who were required to each pay P80,000 for participation in his program. This included all food,transport and accommodation. Accommodation was advertised to be at Villa Tinigbas (of which Mr. Galang is a joint business partner) at an estimated cost of P12,000 per person, per week. Once participation of volunteers was confirmed, accommodation was changed to a location in Sebaste, at a cost ofP1,050 per person, per week. Nomention or offer of refund was made. Despite this considerable change in available funds, food provided to volunteers was poor and minimal. Mr. Galang often commented on how little funding was available for any‘extravagance’. When questioned how volunteers’ money has been spent, Mr. Galang was vague and despite several requests failed to provide an inventory of expenses.
Also of concern is the lack of research methodology behind all projects proposed by Mr. Galang. This resulted in visits to study sites where volunteers were left to conduct research activities of their own accord, with no guidance from Mr.Galang. Thus, little to no useful data were collected during the entire volunteer program. A clear lack of preparedness and planning was evident from the part of Mr. Galang. It is our opinion that damage to study sites far out weighed any conservation benefit derived from Mr. Galang’s operations.
Finally, we are concerned about recommendations and advise Mr. Galang is providing to officials of Panay, which may be inaccurate or misleading. Further, Mr. Galang may plan to develop tourism opportunities in Panay and based on recent discussions we believe that these may have serious negative impacts on the environment and on the local community.
Please feel free to contact us at any time to discuss this matter further,
Sincerely,
Timothy Rivett
Jan Braun
Raab Bustamante