Kwentong Kalikasan, an advocacy project by the Association of Young Environmental Journalists and Forest Foundation Philippines, covers topics on forest conservation, indigenous narratives, biodiversity and environment through a series of intimate indoor conversations as shared by Mindanaoan.
In the first episode, young indigenous peoples and city dwellers were asked to meet and exchange talent — which highlighted the importance of forest conservation.
Reymark Puclawan of Baungon, Bukidnon uses an indigenous instrument to express his culture. Growing up, the elders taught members of the tribe how to blow the pulala (traditional bamboo flute) and create beats using kalatong (drum). His instruments are made from materials found in the forest. He urged people to look back and feel proud of who they are through music.
Also from Bukidnon, Anna Rose Achas is one of the leaders of the Anak ng Tribuang Higaonon-Talaandig Association. Dancing is the field she excels in. She performs the traditional hawk dance. She said there must be solemnity in people’s actions as she pushes for the protection of nature.
RJ Sumingsang Saway from the Talaandig Tribe of Lantapan, Bukidonon is into soil-painting and farming. For him, art is an instrument for healing. Through soil-painting, he promotes his culture and shows his people’s struggles. He also noted the need to take care of nature which gives life.
Nicolo Nathan Macoy, a student from Xavier University, does graphic design, branding, layout and illustration via digital media. For Macoy, Saway’s art is not just about him but also about the people he loves and the environment, thus setting his art apart from others.
Cagayan de Oro’s Francis Cang likes music and production. He is focused on playing the guitar which he learned on YouTube. He describes his passion as an experience of self-discovery and a form of self-expression. He views Puclawan’s flute and drum as part of their heritage and their tribe’s identity which should be cared for. He is reminded of the simplicity and beauty of indigenous music.
Cheerleader Zaira Dehing is also from Cagayan de Oro. She said cheer dance offers a sense of belongingness and purpose. While performing Acha’s hawk dance, she said she felt freedom and learned how their tribe uphold their beliefs.
In the second episode, couples and partners — Sam and Kaplan, Kaine and Katt, Kendra and Danny Jeff, Jazztine and Angela, and Junko and Q — battle against each other in a guessing game.
They had to guess whether the Squirrel Monkey, Calamian Deer, Philippine Pit Viper, Blue-Capped Kingfisher, Makahiya, Tennessee Coneflower and Philippine Jade Vine, among other species, are native to the Philippines.
They realized that there are many colorful and diverse flora and fauna native to the Philippines, encouraging them to do more for the environment.
In the third episode, survivors of the Tropical Storm Sendong read letters they wrote for their future selves.
On Dec. 16, 2011, Severe Tropical Storm Washi, locally called Typhoon Sendong, made landfall in Mindanao in the middle of the night. It caused catastrophic damage which took around 1,200 to 1,500 lives and affected over 110,000 families.
In her letter, college instructor Rechelle Barraquias said children must learn the importance of caring for the environment, throwing their trash in the right bins and planting trees.
“Help them understand the role of the forest in preventing flash floods. Let your experiences from Sendong be the guide to better care for the environment,” Barraquias said.
College student Mariz Obsina, in her letter, wrote: “I just want to remind you that I am extremely proud of you for striving very hard and not giving up. I know you are still pursuing your passion to be an advocate for the protection of our environment.”
Senior high school faculty Keith Paasa told himself not to give up despite the hardships.
“But you are a marked survivor.”
Development worker Tat Gualberto prays with all her heart that as she reads the letter, she is still working with indigenous peoples.
“I hope you still believe that protecting forests mean protecting the people from the upstream to the downstream communities,” she wrote.
“You’ve always been fascinated by the forest ecosystem; how one thing is interconnected with the other. May you recognize that you are not alone in this journey, and do your part that in the greater scheme of things, each has a crucial role to play no matter how big or small,” Gualberto added.
“We never imagined we would still be alive today. I am alive and thank heavens for all the blessings,” said senior citizen Escarlita Dalumpines. “It is the reason we live; we live because of our environment.”
