EARTH WARRIORS TAKE AN OATH TO INTEGRITY, LOVE AND A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

This is my increasing realization: The base of all successful developments is a non-negotiable commitment to values. It is the consciousness of the group that determines success. Along this line, Earth Warrior Training is a necessary component in all community projects I get involved in. Without that, when the projects start making money, community members start fighting. In the process, some people pocket money on the sly.

We have made many mistakes — all of them grounds for learning. The most vital of which is a comittment to values, which is not a onetime event. An Earth Warrior Training is symbolic and a good start. Consciousness formation needs constant mentoring — it needs to be in the system of operations. We have learned this the hard way. Jen Santos, head of Bantay Kalikasan, has come up with an Earth Warrior Recollection, which is part of the Earth Warrior Training, in the same way that we have retreats. When I visited Lobo, Batangas, it showed. The community was all smiles. It was clear to them that this is not just about the money, it’s about working together. What was important to me is that they were happy.

What is Earth Warrior Training? It’s a two-day — preferably a three-day, two-night — event — where there is team building, planning, and River of Life segment where they draw their lives, connect it to the current project, and then share their hearts with the group. Invariably, tears roll as they open up what had been shelved aside for years just to keep on going.

The culmination is a “knighting” — in the line of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In this event, we use an arnis, to make it more Filipino. There are the elders, the mayor, or whoever dignitary is concerned with the locality, myself. With them kneeling on one knee, we recite this as we tap their shoulders with the arnis: “Nang may karangalan at katapatan, maging

isang ganap na Earth Warrior.” (With honor and with courage, be an Earth Warrior.)

Since that is the culmination of military drills and exercises where we usually have military and police personnel supervising the drills, it infuses in them the feeling of being warriors for the environment. View this video of the River Warrior Training for the Pasig River: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mdX04 8Z61B8&feature=youtu.be. It was done by someone who had done work for BBC. It is this attitude and energy that makes the projects successful. In many projects, they earn millions from six months onwards. And it is done with integrity.

We have come up with a scheme of Ipasa Ang Pagasa — so that it’s not just about the money, it’s also about inclusivity. As the projects move forward, they share and pass them on, and widen the economic zone. All in the name of love.

This is the link of the Pipe game: https://www.facebook. com/GinaLopezPH/videos/1999528120074170/which is the team learning how to work together and come up with creative ideas on how to get all the balls in one bucket in record time. At the end of each game, there is processing — as they hone in on the qualities that were the reason for the victory, or qualities which should be developed as the team progresses. Learning in this way is so much more fun and meaningful than in a lecture format. This is games, fun — and learning.

The planning in the afternoon is critical because they need to own the project. They need to feel it is theirs, so then they give it their all.

This is the commitment cross at Kinatarcan where they have to figure out creative ways to move from point A to B.

My experience in these trainings is there’s an openness and blooming of enthusiasm. They lead lives of “bread and butter” scenarios. Rarely do they have opportunities where they are mandated to play! It is so amusing to watch them play dodge ball, frisbee, relay. The cultural programs in the evenings are also a revelation where they have to come up with dramas, songs, dances that have a message.

These games were all made for us by Val Palou, a close family friend. Her number is 0920-9062840. If you are interested in learning, you can also call up Sarah at 0917-878 0499. We would be more than willing to share with you what has worked for us.

Since the Earth Warrior Training is in reality an education of sorts, I would like to share a discussion on education I had with my son a few nights ago.

They are thoughts worth mulling over. He feels that the current education is like a factory, where students are mandated to follow, regurgitate information. Grades or letters are not measurements of knowledge. But rather of performance. One may have a deep understanding of the subject matter — not being present during a “test,”you end up getting low grades because of a system thing.

That the education system does not value risks. One may take on a project — take a risk — but the fact of that risk is not valued. Even if one learns from the mistake, no risk taking is encouraged. It’s better to take the traditional rote method — and in that way get a high grade. Our education system does not encourage passion, but rather the following of rules.

The most beautiful thing he told me which I resonate with is that data and information are given, but empathy is not taught. That what the education system teaches is bookish knowledge when actually it is the wisdom of the heart that has premier value. In my experience, without empathy, all knowledge lacks dimension and impact. It is empathy that leads to expansion and ideas that make a difference. I therefore encourage scenarios wherein the knowledge being learned has to be implemented with heart in a certain area.

Seeing and feeling in this way is healthy — because that is how society moves forward. When we accept the status quo it can never be productive. It’s the wisdom of the heart. The heart can feel there is something better out there, that what is is not enough.

The Earth Warrior Training is all about the heart. It’s about discipline. It’s about opening. It’s about feeling the power of the group. It’s about a commitment to values. In the end, after the knighting, an oath is taken.

Raising their right hand, they say, “Ako, ________, ay nanunumpa sa integridad, sa pagmamahal, sa pag-aalaga ng kalikasan — at sa malusog na pamumuhay. Ginagawa ko ito mula sa puso, punong-puno ng pag-asa, para sa Diyos, para sa bayan at para sa magandang kinabukasan, para sa lahat. So help me God.” (I take an oath to integrity, to love, to the care of the environment, and to a healthy lifestyle. I do this full of hope in my heart for God, for country — and for a brighter future for all.)

Beautiful, no? Hope — when hope is there, all good things can happen. Invariably, the training ends on a high note. Infusing our youth with a similar passion is key. Together with the knowledge that we impart — instilling a passion to make a difference, an awareness that knowledge, if there is no commitment to values, is just not worth it. That the duty is knowledge used not only to benefit oneself but also to benefit the world around us. Repeatedly, I ask the management of academic instutions to get their students involved in community projects where they can exercise out-of-the-box scenarios in architecture, community development business, engineering in chosen communities —where people’s lives benefit. Not just as a communiity engagement activity, but as path of the education process. Education coupled with will and heart is the way to go.

We have this life. We make a difference. We live in joy and meaning. I can be reached at hellogina@gworld.ph.