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Learning To Do More
by Bryan Eric Cerebo
Haring Ibon Issue 38 | April-June 2009

Typhoon Frank visited the island of Panay with intense rage and anger last June 21, 2008. Rain immensely poured down with strong winds and blaring lightning. These sparks seemed to break the wide sky above. The streets near our house were flooded and the same gush of water seeped through our house. Nature unleashed its fury as it hampered lives and billions of properties. It was so wicked and destructive it permanently marred those who lost loved ones and their homes, and left us with nothing but our faith to revive us from such a disaster.

Two days after this unforgettable event in Iloilo, I browsed a local magazine and an article caught my attention. The headline was: “Coal-fired Power Plant in La Paz Pushes Through!” I was so alarmed that there were people who remained callous and oblivious about the ailing environment and as if typhoon Frank never happened.

The earth is rebelling while people choose to be indifferent. Not a single day passes today without hearing disturbing news about the environment locally and globally. From local newspapers such as Manila Times covering the Leyte mudslides, to international news network describing degraded forests in Asia and hurricanes in the United States. Alongside such news, are those about development such as new buildings and subdivisions to rise in Manila.

Rivers have been dammed, forests cleared away and mountains leveled in our quest to excessively mold the environment to our needs. Countless species of flora and fauna have been wiped from the face of the planet never to be seen again. Vast areas of once lush vegetation have been turned to dust; while some regions of our planet continue to be poisoned by smokes from factories. From the young generation’s point of view, the continuous degradation of our natural resources is a plunder of our future and survival.

Almost a year after typhoon Frank, I have been selected to be one of the representatives of our school to participate in the 7th Youth for the Environment Summer (YES) Camp organized by the Department of Education (DepED) in Baguio. I could not contain my excitement knowing that almost every other student I know have always dreamt of going to Baguio. It’s a place of peace and harmony and a paradise above mountains. The program of the camp skipped all the touristic activities like strawberry-picking, or taking a photo with indigineous groups in parks. For us YES campers, our purpose of being in Baguio meant more. Joining this camp meant that as young people, we own up to our responsibility as stewards of God’s creations.

This year’s YES Camp’s theme, 1-2-TREE-for-LIFE, was very timely, and gave importance and spotlight on our native trees— and the need to plant them back to serve as a lasting initiative for the environment. Historically, our municipality Sta. Barbara was once called Katmon— a tree that is usually planted as ornamental and shade tree in gardens and along the streets.� But the saddest part is that, today only one Katmon remains in our town and probably after two or three years it will also die if it continues to be disregarded. I could never imagine our town not having any Katmon trees for it is part of our identity. Similarly, can you imagine the Philippines without our indigenous trees like Yakal or Bagtikan?

It was at the peak of summer but it was raining hard when we arrived in Baguio. Probably, we were just reminded of the alarming realities brought by climate change. I immediately recognized familiar faces that I have met in last year’s YES! Camp—the cameramen, the hosts, the organizers and other participants. But the nostalgia of last year’s camp scattered into pieces as this year’s camp opened a new chapter of my quest of becoming a stronger environmental hero.

During the different lectures, discussions, course activities and night events, I was there. I battled against the temptation to sleep in, so that I will not miss all the eloquent speakers and lecturers DepED had invited. I conditioned myself to focus on acquiring knowledge about the environment rather than take breaks to buy strawberry ice cream and eat other Baguio delicacies. I participated in contests like the Debate and Kabataang Bayani, multiple camp courses and enjoyed the performances of brilliant celebrities like Nanette Inventor and Sam Concepcion.

This camp challenged me to do a lot more for the environment. I need to inspire others to join me in this advocacy. I have to plant not only one but more trees and protect threatened wildlife species. I have to participate and do what I can in teaching how to “clean up” the mess we have created in our planet and act towards greater and greener changes.

It was indeed a wonderful experience. I was able to learn new things and lessons for life. I have a deepened appreciation for the beauty of our planet and greater knowledge to do what I can to care of it. Earth itself is full of arts— and I am but a bud compared to the hardwork of environmental workers and leaders, parents and teachers who dedicate themselves in making a difference. I did not win any of the competitions and this taught me to be humble and bow down to the reality of life that people sometimes fail. It also taught me that certificates and trophies are not proofs that you are an environmental advocate. As long as you know that you are an environmental advocate, you truly are indeed.