On November 4,
Wednesday, Sa Kabukiran was visited by the Board of Directors of Guagua
Rural Bank (GRBank). The board, headed by its President, Jay Carlos
were accompanied by some of its bank personnel. They came not only to
visit Sa Kabukiran but also took the opportunity to hold their weekly
credit meeting there.
The board decided to hold their
weekly meeting there after hearing a number of positive feedback
regarding the place. Since my sister Bettina was a member of the board,
they asked her to arrange the visit. When the board arrived, you could
see in their faces the surprise and the wonder they had for the place.
But I guess, they were surprised all the more with the lunch that was
served. In typical Sa Kabukiran fashion, the board was treated to a
sumptuous Kapampangan meal placed on fresh banana leaves, with everyone
eating with their bare hands. I heard a lot of compliments about the
food. It was simple, nothing really fancy, but was really filling. I
heard Jay telling us that the place and the food was a completely new
and different experience. Similar comments were given by other members
of the board like Grace whom I particularly saw to be so appreciative
and so amazed at the entire set up. Mike, too, one of the board members ,
had long wanted to come and see this place. Finally, on that day, he
saw for himself and experienced the Kabukiran way. Thanks Jay. Thanks
Grace. Thanks Mike. Thanks too Liza, for your generous comments on the
farm. Thanks to all of the board directors of GRBank for gracing our
place with your presence. Your comments give us a lot of encouragement
to continue our work in this simple place we call Sa Kabukiran. I hope,
you help us let other people know this place by retelling your wonderful
experiences Sa Kabukiran.
After that sumptuous meal,
the board proceded to the Kubo dedicated to mom’s memory. Before they
held
the credit meeting, I was requested by Jay to give a short talk.
The talk I prepared for the group was about the role of business in the
ecosystem. I thought that since the group was a business group, a
seminar on the role of business in the ecosystem was very appropriate.
Sa Kabukiran prides itself of advocating for environmental issues and
delivering these to a group of business people was just the right place
and time.
Right after the short talk about business and
the environment, the group held their credit meeting. The day ended at
about 5:30p.m., with some of the board members particularly Jay, Grace
and Mike taking a view of Mt. Arayat from the edge of the farm. I am
sure their stay with Kabukiran was a wonderful time spent. Having people
who appreciate much of the work done gives encouragement and such
affirmation for this endeavor. Thanks GRBank. More power to the number
one Rural Bank in Pampanga and Central Luzon!
