From the time it was conceptualized, Sa Kabukiran has always been an eco-friendly farm. The presence of trees of different varieties, its landscaping that follows the natural contours of the land and the organic methods that are utilized to grow fruit trees and vegetables all add up to the idea that this farm is indeed eco-friendly. I have always wanted people visiting this place to see this farm as a place where they can indeed be one with nature. It should be a place where people can appreciate the land, the tress, the fishes, the mountain and the clean air.
In line with this advocacy, Sa Kabukiran has opened its doors to students wanting to learn more about the ecosystem. In August 9, 16 and 23, Sa Kabukiran would have played host to a group of College Freshmen of Holy Cross College from the nearby town of Sta. Ana. The three batches have dedicated a day Sa Kabukiran to learn more about the Ecosystem. The Modules on the Ecosystem have been prepared for them so they can truly understand what it means to be part of this ecosystem. After some inputs on the ecosystem, practical workshops were done to enhance their learning. The first workshop involved the making of potting materials using discarded plastic bottles. The class was divided into groups and given a complete set of tools to convert plastic bottles into potting materials. After this, they had to place soil into their newly converted pots and then plant seeds of pechay and mustard. In the afternoon a lesson on tree planting was discussed. Young people need to be taught the importance of trees nowadays. The skill of planting trees should also be a necessary skill to ensure their knowledge of planting and caring for trees. The discussion then culminated in the actual planting of trees Sa Kabukiran.
I believe in this advocacy. I used to think that Sa Kabukiran was a place that cannot be appreciated by young people. I was wrong. I thought then that since these young generation grew up with malls and computers and their contact with nature and the environment was limited, they wouldn’t be able to appreciate nature that much. As it turns out, I was surprised to see these young people really appreciate the land, the trees and the beauty that nature could bring them through their exposure Sa Kabukiran. Hopefully, their experience will at least make them love nature, help them preserve it, and help them make that initiative to grow plants and trees that help the environment regain its balance.
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A Lecture on the Ecosystem with
College Students from Holy Cross College, Sta. Ana, Pampanga
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The lecture Hall seen from the
attic.
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| Making potting materials by using discarded plastic bottles. |
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Lunch time at the Lecture Hall with banana leaves.
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