I can’t help being emotional as I tap on the laptop’s keys as I put into words my experiences and memories of the soon ending Sulyap sa Karagatan project of the South Sea Exclusive Foundation.
Ah, time flies! Indeed, it is an expression commonly heard by all of us. Truly, it is what I am feeling now. I can still remember the “makings” of the education program: from the preparations of Kyra and Sander of the foundation; to Natasha and I’s internship for it; to the pilot program; and to the recruitment of the volunteers; up to the actual program – going from school to school to teach children regarding the marine environment and making them appreciate nature by bringing them close to it through the excursions. I’ve seen it all! I’ve seen how it’s made and I can’t help but really reminisce on how much I’ve learned from this experience.
I would say that my favourite part of the whole project is going on the excursions and showing to the kids mostly of what we discussed from the Sulyap sa Karagatan booklet. Furthermore, I also love going to the mangroves with them as it allows me to be my most creative while I am telling them stories about the sea under the shade of the mangroves and sitting on its roots. Also, most of them live very near the sea but never really experienced going near the mangroves to examine it, nor snorkel on the reefs. Truly, it is a one of a kind experience for everyone.
Seven elementary schools: Tagburos, Tagburos Aplaya, West Central, Mandagarat, Don Ramon Roces, Abanico and Mauricio Reynoso Elementary schools. With the help of everyone, we have made the project possible. We have touched 7 schools with our “green” and “sustainable” efforts to conserve the environment. But, the learning does not only occur from the volunteers to the students – it also happens from the students to all the people involved. Having the experience to go to the elementary schools honed me to become more enthusiastic into what I am doing. I have really learned a lot from the experience. Children are best at being CHILDREN. The children possess so much energy and potential in them that makes you want to learn more and impart more!
There are so many to be really thanked for their efforts on making this program possible. For without them, this project would not have fully bloomed into a great learning experience: the NCDO, Southsea Exclusive Philippines Inc., the City Government of Puerto Princesa, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Legend Hotel Palawan, HOBBAI, the elementary schools.. and of course, South Sea Exclusive Foundation.
Recieving instructions before snorkeling
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