Feature: Embracing Mother Nature the Kalikasan Camp way BY: VENUS MAY H. SARMIENTO BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 1 (PIA) – They carried backpacks, bags on wheels, mats and beddings. They came in droves and were clad in jackets and thick clothing. The event was the Kalikasan Youth Leaders Camp held at the Baguio City National High School from Nov 28-30 where 700 youth from the provinces of Regions 1, 2 , 3 and the Cordilleras internalized “Walang Iwanan para sa Bayan at Kalikasan.” It was an adventure-filled and freezing three-day camp. Temperature in the City of Pines dropped to 16 degrees. So instead of the usual camping in tents, organizers deemed it proper to just house the students in the school’s classrooms. The activity formally started on Friday afternoon, but for the students who came from as far as Ilocos Norte, Tuguegarao, Bataan, Kalinga and many other provinces, adventures started in the wee hours of that day as travel time alone consumed eight to twelve hours. Day One had warming up activities for learning, un-learning and re-learning leadership. The group dynamics inspired greatness among the youth leaders. As if the travel was not tiring enough, the youth engaged in a Zumba party and shared light moments with their new found friends. On the second day, the participants woke up to a mass exercise for some stretching before lining up for the ‘Climate Social Network Eco-Tour’ activity. Fifteen groups are bound for Balili River while the other 16 headed for Mt. Cabuyao. Mt. Cabuyao may not have been so famous to low-landers before as it is now. Thanks to Xander and Agnes of Forevermore for making the place such a hit among youngsters. The marker of ‘Sitio La Presa’ hang prominently in the show’s taping area. Trees and plants were the top grossers for the group in Balili River. Professors and Forestry students of the Benguet State University equipped the minds of the visiting groups on knowledge about the different kinds and species of trees that grow in the Benguet province. After the eco-tour, the Botanical Garden became a witness to the inspiring talks and workshops conducted by environmental advocates, social entrepreneurs, social media experts and climate change advocacy champions. The night was capped by a concert where environment-themed music were played. And finally the third day came. This was intended for a design thinking and project planning workshop. Each province was given a chance to showcase the best practices in climate mitigation and adaptation. Each participant was encouraged to do his part to help mitigate the effects of climate change in his own little way. Sorting the trash, unplugging appliances when not in use and refraining from using plastics and styro products are just some of the small ways which can contribute big in mitigating climate change. As Filipinos are known for the bayanihan, the spirit was carried on to lunch time with a boodle fight infront of the City High building. Long tables were laid with banana leaves full of rice and topped with various viands. It was food galore and eating was done with bare hands. To seal the bond of friendship among the youth, hundreds of them dared to take the fire hose bath courtesy of the Bureau of Fire . As the hose started splashing the freakishly cold water of the mountains, whistles and hoorahs from students echoed throughout the school grounds. They blurted: “Walang sinabi ang ice bucket challenge!” And then, it was time to say goodbye. The youth have to leave their new found friends and acquaintances as they hope to see them again somewhere, some how. The Kalikasan Youth Camp may have wrapped up and only memories may have been left of the good old three days, but it surely left a lasting imprint on the participants to help embrace Mother Nature. It is hoped that each participant will be a multiplier of the things he learned and be a good steward of a greener and healthier planet. (VHS/PIA1-Pangasinan) - See more at: news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/411417423335/feature-embracing-mother-nature-the-kalikasan-camp-way#sthash.2gL8tqyP.dpuf
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 08:56:16 +0000
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