La Mesa, situated in Quezon City, is the only major watershed in Metro Manila and that is where we get most of our water for our baths,  drinking water, and other modes of consumption. There, we potted soil in biodegradable plastic bags, planted germinants, and overall, had a memorable experience. As seen in the images above, within the time span of several years, they could grow to several meters high. As an advocate for the environment and since that?s where my passion lies in, I chose to spend my Saturday morning here. Clearly, I have learned a lot even in the span of a few hours (excluding travel times) and soon, I plan to spread such knowledge in my everyday life to achieve a more concrete, long-lasting impact on our world.

An overarching goal set to us was to plant at least 25 germinants per person and pot as many plastic bags with soil as possible. One interesting benefit we had was the amount of germinants (shown above in the pot) which is different from a seedling and a sapling with seedling being just sprouted and sapling over one foot. Due to the extensive amount of time given to us, we all met that desired goal. Another goal, though not directly announced to us was and was easily achieved to learn more about our natural environment and the process in which trees grow. And of course, to have fun. Overall, it was a very successful trip.

Expanding more on La Mesa Watershed and what it does, the target of decreasing carbon emissions from the city and increasing the amount of natural environment through planting is the main goal. Surely, such goals are viable as through the gathering of volunteers (many who are interested in such causes due to the plentiful amount of them including from Saturday Service Trips organized by our school and service partners), planting germinants are both simple and easy to manage. In planting more and more trees, this goal can even be exceeded upon and create more change for the better.

Personally, my commitment to serve others, especially the environment, in this case, has grown exponentially. Knowledge in relation to experience is really the basis of such feelings, and as mentioned above, the various facts but also the surroundings I was in proved as evidence. As I grow up and our earth deteriorates in terms of natural resources and cleanliness of the environment, I must take the initiative. Another fact I learned was that in order to cancel out all the negative impact I create in this world including carbon emissions, I would have to plant at least 200 in my lifetime. This would be a lifetime goal and as I am already halfway there at 14 years of age, I will strive to exceed such expectations.

To anyone who loves the beauty of nature and making change for the better to preserve such beauty, this sort of environment would be the ideal place to visit. Not only does one get a hands on experience of service work especially in regards to the environment, but the seed of curiosity can sprout to a tree filled with the fruit of passion. From there, only you can determine how to push that even further. The options are limitless and so is the imagination.