In July 1901, Belknap (accompanied by his wife) sailed for the Philippines. He started on his first pay trip within two weeks after arriving in Manila. His first stop was at Calamba (on the island of Laguna), where he became ill and required surgery.
Belknap's journey to the Philippines in July 1901 marked the beginning of his work there. He began his first paid assignment just two weeks after arriving in Manila. Unfortunately, his initial stop at Calamba on the island of Laguna took a turn for the worse when he fell ill and required surgery.