Article by Mrs. Edgermi G. Gingoyon
The Junior High School Department celebrated a day of learning, service, and environmental stewardship through its Social Involvement(SI) and Faculty and Staff Development (FSD) activity held at the Cebu Diversified Advocacy Cooperative (CEDACO) on November 8, 2024. The activity emphasized the importance of social responsibility while providing faculty and staff with a unique opportunity to engage themselves in the daily life of local farmers.
The day began with an insightful orientation at Greeners Farm, an initiative of the cooperative that supports sustainable farming practices. Participants were introduced to the various hands-on activities designed to deepen their understanding of agricultural work.
Agricultural Experiences
The activity featured a carousel-style format, with groups rotating through four interactive stations:
Beekeeping
Clad in protective suits, participants learned the delicate art of managing bees and harvesting honey. Teachers expressed fascination with the intricate teamwork among bees and gained an appreciation for the farmers’ expertise in handling these essential pollinators.
Sowing
At the nursery area, participants sowed seeds into prepared seedbeds. The process offered a grounding experience, with faculty enjoying the rhythm of planting while gaining knowledge into nurturing young plants.
Transplanting
Guided by seasoned farmers, participants prepared the soil by loosening it before planting lettuce seedlings. The physical effort required to ensure proper spacing and root coverage gave everyone a glimpse of the labor-intensive process behind the fresh produce often taken for granted.
Concoction Preparation
This station introduced participants to an organic farming technique using natural fertilizers. By mixing banana stems and molasses, participants learned how farmers create eco-friendly solutions to enrich the soil and promote healthy crops.
Fellowship over Food and Local Produce
After the activities, teachers and staff shared a hearty lunch, enjoying the camaraderie fueled by the day’s schedules. Nearby farmers showcased their fresh produce, giving faculty and staff the chance to support the cooperative by purchasing vegetables and other goods.
Gratitude and Reflection
The activity concluded with participants reflecting on the value of their experience. In the group sharing, many expressed admiration for the dedication of local farmers and the importance of adopting sustainable practices.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the administration, the Campus Ministry and Social Involvement Office, and the Faculty and Staff Development Office for supporting this activity. This experience truly aligns with the values of Cura Personalis and being Persons-for-Others,” shared one teacher in the group sharing.
The day at Cebu Diversified Advocacy Cooperative reinforced the importance of supporting local communities and protecting the environment—a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future.
