“Alam ko ‘yang plantsa na ‘yan—yung de paa at gumugulong.”
“I know that iron—it’s an old type where we use our feet, and it rolls.” (referring to an old iron commonly used in the Philippines).
This was an unexpected response from fourth-grader Aldrin Carlos Uy during a recent community trip, which came after a probe question from one of the tour guides.
Designed to immerse students in activities that blend academics with real-world applications, Montessori de Sagrada Familia, Inc. (MDSF) recently sent its Grade 4 pupils on an exploratory field trip to Pulong Kabwayan (PK), an agricultural and ecotourism zone in Pulilan, Bulacan.
The August trip was part of their integrated performance tasks for the first semester, focusing on agricultural methods deeply rooted in historical and sustainable practices.
The farm’s current head Mr. Andrew Alto de Guzman offered the students a glimpse into the past while informing their understanding of the present, explaining that PK is a fully functioning farm protected by the De Guzman family to ensure that future generations of Filipinos could still see the lush green rice fields.
“As we reconnect to the past, we are remembering memories and reconnecting to our identity as Filipinos,” De Guzman said.
The pupils engaged in hands-on learning experiences, exploring topics such as organic fertilizers, and their importance, applying scientific processes to solve everyday problems like food waste disposal, creating art that reflects cultural identity, promoting community cleanliness, and practicing stewardship of natural resources.
Luzviminda Maglalang, one of the instructors in the area, highlighted the trip’s environmental focus.
“Our nature is our Earth, and our Earth has an illness. We make a concerted effort to teach children how to contribute to healing our planet. We all have a responsibility for our environment,” she said.
The trip also featured activities that captivated the students, including a carabao kneeling demonstration, duck feeding, rice pounding, an artifact museum exhibit, a lecture on organic fertilizers, and creative yet cultural art sessions.
“Culture and art should be continuously taught to the younger generations so they know how to express their ideas,” said invited artist Rex Tatlonghari.
“Whenever Filipinos need to express their thoughts, we can turn to art, like drawing,” Tatlonghari added.
Led by De Guzman, the students also toured an 86-year-old ancestral house, which they admired during the museum visit.
By: Hannah Beatrice Robes
Photos taken by: Ericaviel Maureese Isaac and Megan Edrea Ladao