ALABEL, Sarangani (February 17, 2014) - They are a pool of young people of different personalities. They are mountaineers, but what made them different from the others is having the right heart.
About three or four years ago, they started their trek in the mountains of Sarangani. Team BUNDOL (Backpackers United for the Defense of Life) as they call themselves could have just climbed and be fulfilled. However, as they hike, they saw and felt that there’s more into what they are just doing. According to the leader of the team, Ariel Lalisan, who teaches high school, one thing they are advocating is to promote the eco-tourism of the province. Then, it goes with teaching others on protecting the resources.
This is why team BUNDOL has organized activities related with preserving the environment and its natural resources, such as tree growing and clean up drives. These led the communities to think not just for themselves but for the whole of Sarangani and for the country. Sarangani is well-known for its beauty.
“Noong minsang umakyat kami, nakita naming ang kalagayan ng mga eskwelahan, naglalakad ang mga bata ng kilu-kilometro pero pagdating sa paaralan, wala silang halos magamit na libro at iba pang kagamitan,” Lalisan said.
This has brought them to scout for partners in various organizations in private and in government to provide them with books and other materials for their organized community events.
Just last year, team members decided to join in TAYO or Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in the Philippines. Sure enough, they have attracted the attention of the judges, including its partner, the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI). Team BUNDOL was the Coke Barkada Awardee.
Sarangans, officials and the employees of the provincial Capitol recognized their efforts as they were presented by Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon during a regular assembly.
“These are young people who proved that they can do something more that is expected and be good models to other youth. We should be really proud of them,” Solon said.
The award did not mean the end of their trek, but this has motivated the team to reach higher peaks, help communities and to teach every Sarangan the value of what God has given us.
Gov. Solon and Lalisan agreed to continue with the partnership, because the present programs and priorities of the provincial government and Team BUNDOL’s goals go well together.
“We have been supporting the endeavors of the team, and we continue to support them now and in the future,” Solon added.
This coming March, CCFPI will visit the team in Sarangani and will go to different communities with BUNDOL.
TAYO, CCFPI and the National Youth Commission continue to seek for inspiring stories all around the country. This is held every year to encourage other youth to be involved and be active partners in nation-building. This is what they recognized in the hearts of these young people in Sarangani. (Charito Ansagay/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)
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