Savers of Life and Earth: A Pursuit of Creating an Environmental Blueprint Words by Mdpn. Jestoni S. Sararaña, Mdpn. Syrus Miguel S. Santamena, and Katherine C. Bordador Photos by Mdpn. Syrus Miguel S. Santamena Opportunity has happened; we got a chance to visit one of the greenest places situated above a mountainous area here in Iloilo. Sitting at a round table under the swaying trees that protected us from the sun’s rays, hearing the chirping musical sound of the birds around the area, and embracing the wind’s breeze—it is indeed a breath-of-fresh-air kind of place. In front of us is the owner of the place, happiness written all over his face. We witnessed it, and we could say that it’s the emotions of satisfaction for the recognition of the place’s got at a moment. As an introduction, we asked him, “Sir, why did you choose the environment?” He looked in nowhere as if reminiscing about the root of everything, then he diverted his attention to us and said, “I started to fall in love with nature when I was in high school. I started my appreciation there and realized, na kung lonely ka gale, kung gina akigan ka ni nanay mo, kung wala ka friends na maka istorya, ara gale si nature na makadtuan mo—this is my heaven,” he responded with a face lit up with impish glee. Hon. Marcelo Valentine S. Serag, a graduate of the Master in Public Administration at the Lyceum of the Philippines University and Leadership and Development Management at the Asia Institute of Management (AIM), a father of three, an environmentalist, and currently sitting his last term as the Board Member of the First District of Iloilo, is the man behind the strong foundation of the San Joaquin Life and Earth Savers Organization (LESO). He has fallen in love with nature since he was in grade school, and now his burning passion for the environment has made him an advocate for its protection and preservation. A decade of love and passion has developed into some worthwhile activities and programs for environmental protection. As a board member, he is an elected official, though by heart he is an advocate of environmental protection. Some believe that he’s just doing it because he’s a public official; nevertheless, the reality is that he’s been the chairperson of the committee on environment since then, which he personally chose because it’s his advocacy. The heart of B.M. Val will always go back to nature, no matter what he achieves in life or what problems he may encounter. Nature has been his haven; he has dreamed of it since he was young.
THE UNDERLYING PURPOSE
Located in the secluded area of Brgy. Cata-an San Joaquin, Iloilo, Igbulawan Farm was created to fulfill the desire of living in harmony with nature and the love and appreciation for plants and the surroundings. The area is known for its pristine natural landscape and a prepossessing transformation of the environment. Igbulawan Nature Farm offers visitors the chance to escape from the hurly-burly life in the city and a time to pamper themselves by appreciating the beauty of nature. The admission fee costs Php 200.00 , which includes an entrance fee and nature’s fee that are both worth Php 50.00. While the Php 100.00 is consumable for coffee, foods and beverages. Nature’s fee serves as your contribution to environmental protection as this goes to the San Joaquin Life and Earth Savers Organization’s environmental advocacy and operations (LESO). The concept of transforming the local youth group and newage leaders into a force of goal-oriented individuals gave rise to the initial motivation for the organization’s foundation. In order to utilize young people as agents of change through projects and activities aimed for environmental protection and preservation, LESO was created in 2014. The group is engaged in several purposeful activities like leadership development, tree planting, coastal cleanups, disaster preparedness and response, bloodletting, livelihood training, and financial aid for school through scholarships. Currently, there are 125 active members in the organization. For eight years, LESO has consistently “walked the talk” and sparked change by deed. Every path established is maintained for its intended future. Their leisure in Igbulawan supports the environmental activities of LESO, which include the annual Earth Hour, Earth Day, and Arbor Day. LESO also raises awareness of the environmental problems
20 | The Seagull
we currently face through various activities and initiatives. Maintaining the beauty of our earth, conveying the value of the environment, and working to ensure its welfare are part of their goals. The organization provides activities for the benefit of its members so they can further discover nature and all of its aspects. The LESO’s purpose is to remind people of how important the environment is and how we should all do our part to protect what’s left, even in small ways. The project’s