BIHIYA WARRIORS COMPLETED A THREE-DAY SUMMER WORKSHOP WITH GOODLAND’S MAMBACAYAO YOUTH BRANCH, CENTERED AROUND THE THEME “ILA-ILAHA ANG BIHIYA”.
DAY 1
Over the past month, the Bihiya Warriors dedicated themselves to preparing for this workshop, and it proved to be worth every effort. The three-day program was packed with activities and meaningful interactions. Moreover, this workshop also provided an opportunity for the girls to share the hard work and efforts they have been undertaking in their land, including mapping the watershed, identifying plant and tree species, and learning more about their own culture and oral histories by interviewing the older people of Bihiya.
On the first day, the members of the Mambacayao Youth Branch, young people from the watershed area, along with two students from CTU taking their bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and who gracious enough to accept our invitation, arrived greeted with warm smiles and a handmade garland made out of local materials (Coconut leaves). The day kicked off with a friendly introduction, allowing everyone to get to know each other better. The workshop’s first activity, “Ila-ilahon ang Kaugalingon,” proved to be a fun ice-breaker experience. As participants compared themselves to elements of nature, they gained new insights into their own identities and their interconnectedness with the world around them. Some of the participants likened themselves to flowers, fruits, and natural landscape formations. The day drew to a close with documentary showing and the participants left the day feeling inspired and excited for the upcoming two days of the workshop.
The Bihiya Warriors is a group of young people residing in Bihiya (Sitio 37), barangay Atop-atop. The name “Bihiya” has been passed down by their ancestors, symbolizing the significance of their settlement in the heart of Bantayan Island, where the island’s deepest well is located. “Together with Goodland and our fellow youth volunteers, we strive to create a powerful collective voice that advocates for the protection of our environment, the sustainable management of our resources, and the preservation of our identity. We stand united in our commitment to building a brighter, greener future for all, guided by the belief that our actions today will shape the world we inherit tomorrow.”
DAY 2: ROOTS AND ROUTES
On the second day of the Bihiya Warriors Summer Workshop, the participants embarked on the main activity for the day which is called “Roots and Routes”, an educational hike through the forests and farming households in the watershed area. The group set out to explore the connection between the environment and the people who inhabit it. Guided by members of the Bihiya Warriors, the morning commenced with meditation and stretching in preparation for the day ahead. Lunch followed and they were ready for the next activity. The participants joined in a fun activity to show how watersheds work in nature. They were given crumpled paper, markers, pens, and a spray bottle. They were told to crumple the paper and draw on it with colors and symbols. Each crumpled paper showed something special about the environment – like forests, fields, towns, and water. Using the markers and pens, they drew trees, houses, and rivers on the paper.
They used the spray bottle to pretend it was raining, gently misting the crumpled paper. As the drops fell, they joined together, making tiny streams that flowed through the paper’s folds and formed small rivers in the pool. At that moment, the group got the idea of how watersheds work. They saw how the land’s shape guides water, collecting it from different places and leading it to the center – the pool. Just like in nature, this showed how important watersheds are – they gather and share water.
This activity was like a special picture that showed how everything in the environment – like forests, fields, houses, and water – is connected. It taught them that everything needs to be in balance, and watersheds help make that happen.
During the hike, the participants also had the opportunity to visit some homes of local residents in the area. They also got to experience the abundance of fruit-bearing trees that grew wild in Bihiya.
The initial phase of the walk led to the Bihiya cave which is home to some unidentified local trees from the area. Additionally, the group also delved into the traditional agricultural practices that have sustained the community for ages. The bukid, or farmland, served not only as a source of nourishment but also as a living testament to ancestral farming methods that harmonize with the land.
Continuing along the hike’s path, a remarkable sight emerged – the “Basyaw.” These natural stone formations served as catchments for water during the rainy season. For the Bihiya Warriors and their neighboring friends, the “Basyaw” held a deep nostalgic value from their childhood. While the formations provided a source of water for grazing cows, they also transformed into a playful mini pool during other periods. The culmination of the hiking experience was marked by an activity called “Deep Into Nature.” This segment served as a grounding exercise, encouraging participants to heighten their sensory awareness. They were guided to close their eyes and, in doing so, open themselves to their surroundings. The rustling of leaves in the breeze, the melodious songs of birds echoing through the air, and the caress of the wind against their skin became more vivid. This exercise facilitated a profound connection to the natural world, allowing the participants to momentarily detach from their usual perceptions and fully immerse themselves in the present moment. In this way, the “Deep Into Nature” activity was a symbolic embodiment of the entire educational walk’s purpose – to foster a deeper connection between individuals and the environment that sustains them. By encouraging participants to listen, feel, and be fully present in the moment, the activity served as a poignant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between humans and their surroundings.
This packed but fulfilling day presented a rich opportunity for the island youth to connect with their counterparts from the watershed. Despite originating from diverse backgrounds and growing up in distinct surroundings, this educational walk served as a medium for these separate groups to discover mutual understanding and create relationships that went beyond their variations.
DAY 3: EXPLORING TABAY AND SHARING CULTURE
On the concluding day of the Bihiya Warriors Summer Workshop, participants embarked on a day that further deepened their understanding of the watershed area’s significance and the lives of those who call it home. This last day of the summer camp was dedicated to connecting with local households, appreciating the heart of the area, and immersing themselves in the cultural tapestry woven by its inhabitants. The day commenced with a sense of curiosity and anticipation as the Bihiya Warriors, armed with the insights they had gathered over the course of their stay, shared the outcomes of their interview to the youth of Mambacayao Dako. These interviews captured moments of triumph and challenges overcome, weaving together a vibrant narrative of the community’s collective memory. Elder residents shared stories of their youth, offering a glimpse into how the landscape has transformed, and how the community has adapted and thrived amidst changes. The oral histories, passed down through generations, painted a vivid picture of the struggles, triumphs, and values that have been handed down as an enduring legacy. From tales of shared joys during festivals to accounts of overcoming adversities brought about by environmental shifts, these interviews wove a tapestry of stories that showcased the interconnectedness of the people and their surroundings.
Through these conversations, the community’s history came alive, showcasing the resilience, values, and experiences that had shaped the area’s identity over time. The participants set out to explore the lives of people living around the watershed area. Visiting these households provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the close relationship between the environment and the community. The residents generously welcomed the participants, sharing stories and insights about their daily lives, their connection to the land, and the challenges they face. They had the privilege of meeting Lola Siting, a local resident. Lola Siting shared her heart and soul through her original songs that resonated with life’s joys, struggles, and the love she had for her children. One of the highlights of the day was the visit to “Tabay,” the very heart of the area. This well served as a vital part of the community, providing the essential water supply to Bihiya. Here, the participants could witness the importance of water and its role in sustaining not only individual lives but the entire ecosystem. The group engaged in discussions about water conservation, local practices, and the interconnectedness of resources.
The Bihiya Warriors Summer Workshop concluded with a closing ceremony that celebrated the newfound friendships, the knowledge gained, and the commitments made to protect the environment. Participants shared their program experiences, reflecting on the impact the summer camp had on them. They sang songs and shared laughter. Following this heartwarming gathering was a fun game wherein participants showcased their ability to identify indigenous trees, showing what they learned during their hikes.
As we bid farewell to this memorable journey, we recognize that it’s not just an end but a new beginning. The legacy of this workshop extends beyond its closing ceremony, thriving within the participants, the Bihiya Warriors, and the entire community. It is a testament to the power of collective action, understanding, and advocacy in our ongoing commitment to protect and cherish the environment. The seeds planted during this camp will continue to grow, fostering a brighter, more sustainable future for all.