Our beloved Public Schools District Supervisor Dr. Leane B. Boston, together with School Principal Mr. Elvis M. Nacional and other dedicated school heads gathered at Burgos Central School eagerly awaiting transportation to sitio Cabicalan, barangay Papallasen. Despite the heavy rainfall, their spirits remained undeterred as they anticipated an inspiring and educational experience. The purpose of the trip was to tour Don Islao Farm and farmhouse Balay Grande, the impressive vegetable gardens, and witness the astonishing 7,500 fruit-bearing dragon fruit cacti. The journey promised both valuable insights and a memorable road trip amidst the beautiful scenery.
The journey itself became an adventure as they traversed the rain-soaked roads. The scenic countryside views, although slightly obscured by the rain, added an enchanting touch to the trip. Laughter and camaraderie filled the vehicle, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among the school heads. The group saw from a distance the sprawling vegetable gardens showcasing the farm’s dedication to organic and sustainable farming practices. The sight was a testament to the possibilities of integrating ecological principles into educational settings, inspiring the school heads to explore similar initiatives within their schools.
A highlight of the tour was witnessing the remarkable sight of 7,500 fruit-bearing dragon fruit cacti. The sheer scale and abundance of these plants left the school heads in awe. Recently, the candidates who vied for the beauty title of Saniata ti Burgos visited Don Islao Farm without knowing perhaps that there is a connection between Burgos, Ilocos Norte which has the same name as their own town, and the word Saniata which both refers to dragon fruit and jewels as per social media post of Don Islao Farmhouse that also explained the economic and environmental benefits of cultivating dragon fruits. The Burgos School Heads eagerly absorbed this knowledge, envisioning the potential for implementing similar projects in their respective schools.
Don Islao Farm is not only known for its impressive vegetable gardens and dragonfruit posts but also for its commitment to preserving native trees. Nestled within the farm’s sprawling landscape are various species of indigenous trees, carefully preserved to maintain the farm’s ecological balance. The school heads had the opportunity to learn about the importance of these trees in promoting biodiversity and sustaining the local ecosystem. It served as a valuable lesson in environmental conservation, inspiring them to advocate for the preservation of native trees within their own school campuses.
Adjacent to the native trees area, the school heads discovered a shooting range. The presence of this facility sparked conversations about the importance of safety and security within educational institutions. The school heads contemplated ways to incorporate safety training and emergency preparedness programs within their own schools to ensure the well-being of their students and staff.
As the group explored further, they stumbled upon a proposed campsite within Don Islao Farm. The campsite showcased the farm’s potential to offer outdoor educational experiences for students. The school heads envisioned the campsite as an ideal setting for team-building activities, environmental education programs, and leadership development workshops. The prospect of organizing such immersive experiences in Don Islao Farm generated excitement and ideas for future educational initiatives.
Adding an adventurous touch to the visit, the school heads were given the opportunity to ‘ride’ all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the farm. They envisioned thrilling rides through muddy paths and winding trails, taking in the farm’s scenic beauty from a unique perspective. The ATV ‘experience’ will provide an adrenaline rush but also will highlight the importance of experiential learning and fostering a sense of adventure within the educational environment.
One of the highlights of the visit was the chance to witness the swimming pool within Don Islao Farm. The school heads admired the well-maintained pool area, which showcased the farm’s dedication to providing recreational spaces that promote relaxation and leisure. The swimming pool served as a reminder of the importance of creating a well-rounded educational environment that supports the physical and mental well-being of students and staff.
Another remarkable discovery made by the group of school heads during their visit to Don Islao Farm was the presence of stunning “Haring Ibon” fine art prints. These magnificent artworks showcased the farm’s commitment to promoting the preservation and appreciation of Philippine Eagle. The school heads marveled at the intricate details and vibrant colors of the paintings, each capturing the beauty and diversity of the country’s avian species.
School Principal Mr. Elvis M. Nacional got to take a picture of the painting of the iconic image “Ang Banog” which has won many international prizes and recognitions, graced the cover of the historic book “All the Birds of the World”, and sold to help raise funds for conservation initiatives, to name some of its achievements. These framed prints served as a powerful medium to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving the country’s unique flora and fauna. The school heads were inspired by the art and photography, recognizing the potential for integrating such visual representations of nature within their own educational curricula. They discussed the significance of connecting students to the natural world, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship, and promoting the preservation of wildlife habitats.
The Haring Ibon frames also sparked conversations about the role of art and creativity in education. The school heads acknowledged the power of artistic expression in conveying messages, evoking emotions, and facilitating deeper understanding of environmental issues. They contemplated ways to incorporate art and photography into their schools’ programs, encouraging students to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature through various artistic mediums.
The journey to Don Islao Farm amidst the ominous weather proved to be an unforgettable experience for the group of school heads. Despite the rain, their spirits remained high as they were inspired by insights on leadership and innovation in education. The sight of the abundant dragon fruit plants and vegetable gardens further fueled their enthusiasm for sustainable practices within their schools. The native trees, presence of the Haring Ibon frames added another layer of inspiration and appreciation for the natural world. The paintings and photographs served as visual representations of the farm’s commitment to preserving Philippine wildlife and raised awareness about the need for environmental conservation. Moreover, the school heads envisioned the farm’s function hall as a potential venue for hosting seminars, workshops, and community engagements.
As they bid farewell to Don Islao Farm and embarked on the return journey, the school heads carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to effect positive change in their educational institutions. The road trip, the breathtaking scenery, and the invaluable knowledge gained from this inspiring experience would forever remain etched in their memories, serving as a catalyst for future growth and transformation in their schools.