Work Immersionists from Agusan del Sur National Science High School. Marnel P. Monte is 3rd from right.
The Foundation for the Development of Agusanons, Inc. (FDAI) hosted the work immersion of Grade 12 Students of two High Schools in the Province of Agusan del Sur, namely: Agusan del Sur Science High School, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur and Maharlika High School, Maharlika, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
The work immersionits stayed at Hygeia IntegraMeds Center, one of several projects of FDAI. Printed below is the reflection of one immersionist, Marnel P. Monte of Agusan del Sur National Science High School. The piece shows how important and relevant the experiences of work immersionists at Hygeia.
It was on December 3, 2017 when I, together with my 15 batchmates, were assigned at Hygeia IntegraMeds Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur for our work immersion, which is one of the course requirements for graduation. I was so happy when I saw my name as one of the chosen students to spend eight (8) Fridays at Hygeia IntegraMeds Center. For I knew that in Hygeia, I would learn many necessary things that would be of great help not only for my future career but also for my everyday living.
The first time I visited Hygeia IntegraMeds Center was during our SciKamp 2017. I was so much pleased with the ambiance of the place and the way the staff welcomed our school. They really welcomed us with open arms. I was so amazed by the number of medicinal herbs and the products that were presented to us.
For every Friday that I spent at Hygeia Integrameds, I could say that it was one of the most productive Fridays that I’ve has every week. These were the fridays where I learned the process of formulating organic pesticides and fertilizers, namely Fish Amino Acid (FAA), Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ), Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ), and Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN). I was so fascinated by these products for they were made from organic materials.
We cannot deny that synthetic products were the trend for farmers since it was like a shortcut for killing the invading pests that decrease crop’s production. But on the other hand, we cannot also rebuff that these synthetic products are the roots of a number of diseases that kill hundreds of people every day and harm our environment.
Agriculture has been a major livelihood in the places in Mindanao especially Agusan del Sur. Farming is the primary source of income in most of the people living in the area. But in today’s time, farmers who are following the synthetic way of farming are increasing which contributes to some negative effects in the soil composition and others. Learning the process in making organic pesticides/fertilizers was a great treasure for me as it is the key to decrease harm that is caused by toxic chemicals used in modern farming.
Staying in Hygeia also gave me many opportunities. First was to know the process in making organic pesticides and fertilizers that was a great help for the conduct of my research, which is also a requirement for my graduation. Since I was also making organic pesticide in my study, learning about the process, its application, and its composition is a huge help. Because now, I have thoroughly understood how organic pesticide works.
Second was knowing medicinal herbs and their uses. I never thought that the plants I see as decorations and weeds in our backyard can cure illnesses. I only heard the names of some medicinal plants but I haven’t seen them personally. Hygeia gave me the opportunity to study and see them.
Third, aside from the healthy way of living and the preservation of the traditional planting of crops, we were also thought about the most important thing a human being must possess – values. In Hygeia, they don’t just focus in organic farming and cultivating medicinal herbs. They also advocate for the protection of children and women who are very vulnerable and need utmost protection a community could give.
A child is one of the most important members of a society. They are the society’s most valuable treasures. Since, in the future, they will be the one to continue the culture, take care of Mother Nature, and make their own legacies. Hence, it is very important to know what are the rights of children as well as how to protect them from abusers.
We discussed about gender equality, protection of the rights of children, and values. They were significant topics for us since some of us are still considered children. Safe touch, confusing touch, and other kinds of touch were introduced to us; which are very important knowledge we must possess. These things would really be a great help for us to shield ourselves as well as the children in our community.
Aside from the interesting topics and activities that were prepared, everything became more exciting because of our interaction with the Agricultural Training Institutes (ATI) scholars from the different parts of Caraga Region who would stay at Hygeia for six (6) months to study organic farming. It was so fun interacting with them because they speak different dialects and possess different culture. Having a conversation with them is like having a tour around Caraga.
Above all this, I would like to thank Dr. Rex T. Linao for granting our request to do our immersion in Hygeia and for taking good care of us while we spend our Fridays there. It was a great privilege to learn, interact, and witness the organic way of living.
To Kuya Eli, thank you for sharing us your time and your efforts in teaching us about the process and the significance of organic pesticides and fertilizers. It was also a privilege hearing your inspirational journey all around the Philippines.
To Ate Paula and Ate April, thank you for educating us about values and how we can protect ourselves as well as the children and women in our society.
To all the staff of Hygeia IntegraMeds Center, thank you for being so accommodating. Everything I learned throughout my stay in Hygeia will be one of my treasures.
Thank you and God speed!