About us
Who we are?
Palawan Aid International-Kabatangan View Schools, Inc. (PAI-KVS) is a SEC-registered non-profit, non-governmental organization in the Philippines dedicated to providing education tailored to the culture, language, and needs of the indigenous people of southern Palawan. From 1992 to January 2026 this outreach was supervised and sponsored through Adventist Frontier Missions, Inc. (AFM), based in Michigan, USA.
As an independent ministry, PAI-KVS supports the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church; however, it is not part of, affiliated with, or supported by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®, or its affiliates. Therefore, all content, services, and opinions offered by PAI-KVS are solely those of the organization and not those of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church.
How We Began
Spoon Family with Village Friends
George Family, 1999
Beginnings (1992–1998)
In 1992, Ray and Dawn Spoon and their family began ministry among the Palawano people, building strong relationships while caring for both physical and spiritual needs. They served until 1998.
The George Family Arrives (1995)
In late 1995, Kent and Leonda George and their four children joined the work. During their first year, they lived in the lowlands, learning Filipino language and culture while making regular trips into Palawano villages to build relationships and begin learning the language.
Living in the Mountains (1996)
By late 1996, the Georges were living full-time in the mountains. They treated the sick, deepened friendships, and continued learning the language and culture. Their small 10’ x 10’ hut became a central gathering place for first aid, trading goods, and daily conversation.
Growing Leadership
After the Spoons returned to the United States, the Georges assumed full responsibility for the work. They had already been joined by Sunday Villarica (serving since June 1996), who became a mentor to many young men. He later married Debora, and together they raised two daughters and lead a church and school in a distant village.
Expanding Medical Ministry
As the medical ministry grew, student missionary nurses came to assist, often serving for a year or more. With patients and caregivers frequently sleeping on the clinic porch, the need for better facilities became clear. In 2009, the clinic moved into a remodeled building with an exam room, pharmacy/nurse station, lab and procedure room, and patient rooms. A two-room birthing house was later added.
Church Growth
The first baptisms took place in November 1996. As of October 2025, there are at least nine church plants, over 250 baptized members, and many small groups and Bible studies led by Palawano lay leaders.
Education
Today, education has been established in five villages, with mostly Palawano teachers serving around 200 students. At least 16 students are currently attending higher education institutions, preparing to return and serve their communities.
Healthcare Impact
The clinic now serves more than 4,000 patients annually, providing health education, natural remedies, and medical care. Financial assistance is available for those needing referral to lowland doctors and government hospitals.
Bible Translation
Translation and editing of the full Bible into the Palawano language is ongoing. Many materials have been written in Palawano, including songs, Bible studies, health materials, and story books.
Looking Ahead
Much has been accomplished—but much remains. Over 200 individuals have served in the Mission to the Palawano project, and their contributions, along with God’s blessing, have made this work possible. The need continues to grow. More villages are requesting missionary outreach, education, and medical care—and additional workers are urgently needed.
First Students in One-room Classroom
Challenges
Land Displacement and Resource Exploitation:
Illegal logging, mining, and land grabbing by commercial interests threaten the Palawano's ancestral domains. Despite laws like the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA), enforcement is weak, and many Palawano lack formal land titles, making them vulnerable to displacement.
Access to Education:
Before this work was begun, there was very limited access to Education due to their location as well as a lack of respect for their cultural practices and language. But with the inception of schools that catered to them and their specific needs, this is changing.
Access to Healthcare:
Before the medical work was begun in this region, there was minimal access to Healthcare. And if they did access it, they were not respected and they did not understand the instructions given them.
Marginalization and Lack of Political Voice:
The Palawano often have limited participation in local governance and decision-making. Their concerns are frequently overlooked in development projects.
Environmental Degradation:
The Palawano’s way of life is closely tied to the forest, yet deforestation and biodiversity loss directly affect their food sources and spiritual beliefs. Their role as stewards of the environment is often ignored in policymaking.
Cultural Erosion:
Influence from outside cultures through media is significantly changing their culture and customs and language.
Achievements
Through the years of caring for people in their times of greatest need, deep trust and friendships have been established. The work that is so far established in a number of communities, is coveted by so many. If there were more workers, the gospel would go further and faster now that the foundation has been laid.
By God’s grace the first baptisms were in November of 1996 and as of Abril 2026 there are at least 9 church plants, over 250 baptized members, unknown number of small groups and Bible study groups, all led by Palawano laymen. The fact that Palawano laymen are leading these groups is a major advancement, as they are inherently reticent to take leadership.
As of today, formal education has been established in 5 villages with mostly Palawano teachers guiding over 200 students. At least 16 students are at external institutions of higher learning as they train for service to their fellow Palawano upon their graduation.
The clinic serves over 4,000 patients a year, bringing health education, natural remedies and medicine to those in need. Assistance is given to those who need to be referred to lowland doctors and government hospitals. An extensive protocol book has been written to orient medical personnel.
Translation of materials for the maturation of the churches is ongoing. Various styles of Bible studies have been prepared. Songbooks with hymns and choruses are published. Translation and editing of the entire Bible in Palawano is still progressing. Story books have been translated and are in use in Mother Tongue classes in the schools.