They were assigned to do different chores. The gentlemen carried a nipa hut towards the eco farm’s façade. Some of them looked like a human chain, passing on each hollow block from one end of the farm to another. In another nearby site, hands toiled to get the land prepared and ready for planting. 

These volunteers were soldiers, policemen, professionals, church members, youth, farmers and community members. On that day strangers became friends driven by a common goal - service to others. 

It was the Bayanihan para sa Kalikasan recently held at Lobo, Batangas last May 5, 2017. A total of 277 volunteers participated from various sectors od society. Represented were the Archdiocesan Ministry on Environment of Batangas, First Gen Corporation, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Lobo LGU, Batangas State University, local youth, Bantay Kalikasan and the people’s  organizations. The main objective is to work together in helping the communities with their livelihood initiatives specifically the ecofarm, organic farm and the marine ecotourism circuit. 

Volunteers happily shared their experience during the bayanihan.

“Ang pwersa po ng reserbis sa lalawigan ng Batangas ay handang sumoporta  para sa kalikasan upang ma-pangalagaan  natin ang ating kalikasan at mas marami pang turista ang bumisita sa bayan ng Lobo.” said Major Rommel Brual Basilan, Ajutan S1 Red Reserve, one of the volunteers who carried the bayanihan house in Mabisa farm.

“Sobrang sarap ng Bayanihan experience sa Lobo Batangas. Nakakapagod pero worth it,” Jesicca Dimaano, Bantay Kalikasan

“Masaya at fulfilling  kasi  nakatulong ako sa mga tao,” Michelle Famorcan, Bantay Kalikasan 

“Kahit kami ay mga babae, kayang-kaya pala namin itong organic farming. Tinulungan kami ng Bantay Kalikasan ng ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation at binigyan kami ng pagkakataon para kami ay matulungan bilang isang asosasyon dito sa Lobo.” - Marita Mendoza, Brgy. Sawang Organic Producer Association 

 “Nagpapasalamat ang Bantay Kalikasan sa pakikisama  at sana marami pa tayong gagawing bayanihan para sa kalikasan,” Jen Santos, Bantay Kalikasan’s Program Director concluded.

Lobo, Batangas is one of the 14 (fourteen) areas of intervention of Bantay Kalikasan. 

Bantay Kalikasan is building model communities where members are stewards of the environment,  have access to sustainable livelihood opportunities and are happy and healthy. 

In the work of Bantay Kalikasan, Bayanihan and the dynamic collaboration of all is key, after all, every Filipino is an earth warrior! 

Click the link for more photos: https://www.facebook.com/pg/abscbnfoundationkapamilya/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1387680547955068