GRBank goes to Sa Kabukiran

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!