The summer of 18

BENCHWARMER
Ramon S. Dacawi

BAGUIO CITY -- Eighteen students, mostly incoming college freshmen, thought they’d be assigned to offices under the city’s 30-day summer youth employment program. Instead, they found themselves doing manual labor, particularly weeding to establish a fire lane and then, when the rains came, caring for pine seedlings. Before the end of their work, they wrote of scars, encounters with snakes and how menial work for the environment came to what Canadian writer May Sarton calls a “sacrament of the ordinary”. Here’s their story:

When the first day of work came under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), we were expecting to be assigned in offices, particularly the Public Information Office at City Hall. We ended up in the mountains of Busol. We were all disappointed at first, but we had no choice. – Novy Galletes, 16.

I wanted to be assigned in the office. I even talked to my friend in the tourism office so that he could ensure me a spot. But we were told we’d be working at Busol (watershed). – Zacariah Vergara. 15.

Well, that was April 25, the first day of our summer job. We were 18, and only three were boys. We became a family that laughed and cried together. We were also friends with the guards in the watershed. Last May 5, we celebrated the birthday of Narie Lyn Hapa with pinikpikan; a celebration that made her never forget, as it was the first time someone made the effort to mark her birthday. – Weldy Martinez,16.

“I was overwhelmed with the effort of my friends. It was the very first time that I had a celebration which I would treasure for life. I was very blessed. – Narie Lyn Hapa, 16.

I thought that by “watershed”, we’d be able to see how water collected from the roots of the trees was cleansed. I was even expecting to see a lake, but was dismayed. It was depressing, but on the way up, I saw a tiny pine tree, just the size of my index finger, looking so defenseless and fragile. Pine trees are very sensitive, we were told.. We were told to be very careful, lest we step on baby trees called wildlings. From that day on, we realized how important our work was. – Audrey Mae Dumaguing, 16.

The third day was one of the most memorable in Busol. I accidentally cut my ring finger. The scar that this incident left on me will be treasured. – Clarence San Sebastian, 15.

Working under the sun for 15 days was so exhausting and painful to the body, but those endeavors helped us to construct a fuel break or fire line. The remaining days of our work was in the clonal nursery complex where seedlings are coming from. At first, I thought our work would be easier – repiling, potting and weeding. – Krizellda Flores,16.

We were glad to leave the watershed, though, honestly we sort of missed that place. The nursery complex was indeed an awesome place. We never really thought that it would be that amazing. – Julie Mariano, 15.

In Pacdal, most of us enjoyed because of the food and bonding that enabled us to become a team of workers. Our supervisors were friendly but strict. – Alberline Fernandez.

We still accomplished the things we needed to do. What made me thankful is though we weren’t really biological sisters and brothers, we still gave each other what a family has

What I’ve accomplished is not just work for salary but developed friendship through our working together – Belinda Endrano,16.

Everyday was Christmas day with all those food on the table. We pulled out weeds, dug the soil, watered the plants and saw several snakes, and even captured one. – Sheila Mae Manna-od,16.

We met here Mr. Nestor de Guzman, Paps for short. He is kind, patient, lovable, humble, helpful and everything. We love him like a father. –Geraldine Dulag, 17.

The supervisor we thought was a terror is really an angel-in-disguise. His people I thought were awkward to be with turned out to be of goodwill, opening memorable experience to be treasured. – Florence Raiza Gonzales, 16.

I can’t deny that I learned and experienced many things there, such as how to take care of plants. – Immanuel Andrew Wallang, 16.

After all the hardships under the flaming sun, the 18 workers remained till the last day. No one quit, and that’s what we are, the 18 summer survivors. – Jamilette Garwageo, 16.

I saw transformation in my life after this 30-day journey together with my co-workers. I learned the value of friendship, cooperation and independence. I learned that nature is part of our family. But most important, I learned to thank God our creator, for the beauty and symmetry of creation. I believe that this experience will lead me to become a good steward of God’s creation – Sheilden Grail Domilies, 16.

Making through the hardships we spent so much time together, we didn’t notice or realize time passing by. A month has passed and we will go our different ways. Time will come when I’ll think over everything – the memories we’ve made, the food we’ve shared and the friendship that I will always cherish throughout my life. – Giezel Faith Dongail, 16.

I had fun working at the Regional Clonal Nursery. I learned how to plant trees and how they should be cared. It was my first time to work for a government office at PIO and DENR. I’m looking forward to working again under the SPERS program at the nursery. – Ashel del Rosario, 17.

Postscript: Three of the teen-agers are now in senior high school while the rest are college freshmen who look forward to another summer weeding in the forest and potting in the nursery under the city’s Eco-walk environmental program for children. While studying, one of them will serve in Eco-walk, thanks to a handshake by city mayor Mauricio Domogan and Fr. Jessie Hechanova, the president of St. Louis University ( e-mail:mondaxbench@yahoo.com for comments).