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A Journey to Palawan: Engineering, Community and Perspective
Reece Almond, an Undergraduate Engineer in Curtins’ Liverpool office, has achieved an impressive milestone in his early career. Having joined the company as an apprentice, Reece is now progressing through his engineering degree while continuing to grow within the team. Recently, he was awarded the prestigious ICE Quest Travel Award, providing him with a unique, once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to travel to the Philippines. This experience has been fully supported by Curtins, reflecting the company’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and supporting personal and professional development.
Arriving in Tigman, Palawan
After 27 hours of travelling, I arrived in Tigman, Palawan – tired but instantly rewarded by the warmth of the place and the people. I had come to support the development of additional school space for local students, a project simple in concept but significant in impact.
"The work was tough: long days in 32 degree heat, digging trenches, mixing cement, laying bricks. It wasn’t glamorous, and I was rarely clean or cool, but every task felt meaningful. I was grateful to play even a small part in helping a community grow."
Lessons From the Community
There was a lot to process while I was there. Each day brought moments that made me reflect on what I have back home. It’s easy to get caught up in the small frustrations of daily life, but being in Palawan put everything into perspective.
Many families lived in one room shacks, wearing the same clothes day after day. Yet they were some of the happiest, most polite, and most positive people I’ve ever met. Their resilience, generosity, and warmth left a lasting impression on me.
The Final Days of Work
As the week came to an end, the physical exhaustion was real - more trenches, more cement, more sunburn. I still don’t know how the locals work in that heat with such energy and good spirits. Their work ethic was unbelievable.
But the experience wasn’t just about the graft. What stayed with me most were the people - volunteers and locals alike. People from different cultures, backgrounds, religions, and walks of life, all there for the same reason: to help. It was a powerful reminder that kindness is universal, and that it really is nice to be nice.
I went to Palawan hoping to contribute something meaningful, but I returned with far more than I ever expected.
Now that I’m back, I realise how much this trip has given me. It challenged me, grounded me, and reminded me why I chose this profession. Engineering isn’t just about structures and calculations - it’s about people, communities, and the difference we can make when we work together.
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