The Bacolod-Dumaguete Adventure: Tracing our Roots from the Visayas Heritage

The Grade 7 batch picture in front of The Ruins in Talisay, Negros Occidental

One of the highlights of being a Grade 7 student is joining the Visayas Learning Walkabout (VLC). VLC has been part of the Grade 7 curriculum for five years now. This year, the goals of the walkabout are: to showcase the best of Filipino culture through the various industries and places of interest in Visayas, to allow the students to have greater ownership of their identity as Filipinos and their role as contributors in raising up their nation, and to train the students to be independent and responsible.

 This year is extra special because the Grade 7 students went to two of the most notable cities in Visayas, namely Bacolod and Dumaguete, and had the opportunity to watch Rizal Atbp., a theatrical play and musical written by Max Ligot.

With the most engaging and passionate tour guide ever, Mr. Ramon Holifeña

Last October 24-28, the students were ushered to the glorious history and culture of our country as they explore the historical houses in Bacolod. One of these is the Ramon Hofileña‘s heritage house which preserves the art and culture of Silay. Ramon Hofileña, the owner and the tour guide shared interesting stories and insights about his astonishing collections, from the miniature Japan doll to the tektites and to his marvelous paintings, all of which are gems to behold. Another historical treasure that the students visited is The Ruins, a 903 square meter mansion built in the early 1900’s by the sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson for his wife. Inside it are the finest pieces of furniture, chinawares, and decorative items from Asia and Europe. It was, however, burnt by the guerilla fighters in the Philippines to prevent the Japanese from utilizing it as headquarters. Upon learning the story of this magnificent structure, one of the students wittily remarked that The Ruins is after all not ruined because its reason for being will be etched in the hearts of thousands of people who gaze upon it with awe.

From the majestic heritage houses and historical mansions in Bacolod, the students interacted with the two passionate farmers Mr. Rene Vendiola, more fondly known as Tatay Ete and Mr. Moises Sycip. Tatay Ete’s love for the soil paved the way for the preservation of endangered plants and trees at Liptong Woodland, a manmade forest in Bacong, Negros Oriental. With a one hectare farm, he was able to grow various trees, thick and slender, some with tiny leaves and some even bigger than plates. With his big heart for the native trees, he was able to save many critically endangered plant species.

Farmer Moises, on the other hand, is a caring farmer who does not merely think of his own profit but more so of the well-being of the farmers. Despite his health problems, his love for farming propelled him to find ways to uplift the condition of the farmers. With his compassionate heart, he thought of crop diversification by allowing the farmers to plant not only sugarcanes but cacao and mangoes as well. He also allowed for the establishment of a salt farm and bangus industry. With these, the farmers were able to augment their income and at the same time were able to enrich themselves through new farming methods and technology.

 In addition to the majestic structures they saw and the people they met, the students also enjoyed the delectable Visayan food such as chicken inasal, batchoy, piaya, and the rich cacao drink. Indeed, VLC provided the students significant insights to reflect upon as they continue to deepen their roots as Filipinos and eventually find their calling and be contributors who will give great pride to their community and their country.

 Here are some of their insights:

 “ The most important lesson I learned from the life of Farmer Moises Sycip is to have a solutionarian spirit. He provided a solution that will not only benefit himself but all the farmers as well.”-Renz Gutierrez

“After seeing the haciendas and the mansions, I started to think about the life of both the rich and the poor. It is sad to know that there are many Filipinos who are rich and educated but they use their riches and knowledge only for themselves. I will always remember to serve the community in my own way either through film making or the study of biology.”        –Kristina Biscocho

 “I consider Ramon Hofilena a hero in his own way because he showed tremendous courage in fighting for the old houses of Negros.” –Gwen May Dela Cruz

 “Tatay Ete is a good model for all of us because he cared for the environment and took the initiative of saving our trees.” – Daniel Boydon

 “In life, we should look more at the brighter side rather than the darker side. Even thought there’s a storm, we should not dwell on it. We should always aim to do our best.”                       –Cindy Manalo