From Habit, to Hobby, to Ministry 🌿
I remember, my mom used to tell me, “Ipunin mo yung pinagbanlawan para ipambuhos sa banyo,” and “Itago mo ‘yang plastic kasi ang ganda, baka magamit pa.”
When I was growing up, I developed the habit of collecting, and finding other purpose for disposable materials instead of just throwing them away. When I joined MC in 2001, I was reaffirmed that what my mom taught me were of great importance. They are very similar with the advocacies espoused by Miriam College – reduce, reuse, recycle.
Thanks to Tita Donna R. and Tita Louie P. who inspired me to be a guardian of the environment, this habit became my second nature. For the many years I have moderated the Earth Savers Club in the Grade School, I found it fun and fulfilling especially when students get to learn the value of integrity of creation. Earth saving has become a hobby more than a topic that I have to instill in my students.
To my colleagues in the Grade School unit, I became known to be “the one who collects disposable containers.” Plastic cups turn into pots for some cuttings and seeds from plants we see in MCGS, like the calachuchi and other flowers, talisay, guavas and even santol. Of course, I ask permission and get only what has fallen to the ground.
Anyway, all of these plants can now be seen in my beautiful garden in Cabanatuan, where I plan to spend my retirement. I also share seedlings with friends and colleagues. (By the way, I have 4 snake plants and 4 bamboo plants ready for replanting. If you share the same passion, email me and you can get some plants for free… Hurry, it’s a limited offer only.)
This is now my ministry – to make my little patch of the earth a more beautiful place than I found it. Shouldn’t it be yours too?
– Grade School Faculty, Earth Savers Club Moderator
