Habang tumatagal,gumugulo ang bilangan

As summer temperatures continued to rise in the city, 56 students took in the refreshing breeze of Mt. Apo in the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corporation’s (PNOC-EDC) Energy Camp 2007.

More than halfway up Mt. Apo is the PNOC’s Mindanao Geothermal Production Field. Geothermal electricity is one of the most environment-friendly forms of electricity because its only by-product is steam, unlike the harmful fumes and greenhouse gases emitted from burning fossil fuels like coal and oil. Geothermal energy is also an efficient means of energy production because it is renewable—holes are drilled into the earth’s crust to tap into its heat through very hot water and steam. The hot water is channeled through pipes to the power plant where the steam turns a turbine-generator to produce electricity. The steam emitted from the process adds to the formation of clouds in the natural water cycle, produces rain which seeps into the soil, and the process is repeated. Unfortunately, geothermal energy accounts for only around 20 percent of the Philippines’ energy consumption and, at the moment, using fossil fuel is still more economically practical.

But PNOC-EDC still strives to find better, more nature-friendly ways to produce energy, and are currently exploring the possibilities of wind power. “The Philippines has a lot of potential,” says Jun Dumlao, PNOC-EDC’s Corporate Community Supervisor. Because of its rich resources, the Philippines is ideal for hydropower and wind power, and since it is in the ring of fire, it is one of the few sites that enable the production of geothermal power.

PNOC-EDC also cares for the environment by planting a lot of trees on its reservations, which enables the soil to seep rainwater faster. Two years ago, they adopted a Philippine eagle housed in the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao, aptly named Geothermica. They also donated two electric posts to the Eagle Center so that eagles being trained for release will learn to avoid electric posts once they are set free. PNOC-EDC also looks out for the locals in the area through livelihood programs like flower arrangement and selling of produce through the Farmer’s Association, scholarship funds and, of course, the Energy Camp.

PNOC-EDC’s Energy Camp is the pet project of its president, Paul Aquino. It began in 2004 when the company received a low score in a community relations survey. Knowing that a good PR program starts with the children of the community, the Energy Camp was held for the children of employees. The next camp included the PNOC-EDC’s scholars as a means of rewarding them for their hard work and good grades.

“When we started four years ago, we did not know that it would be this big,” the organizers say of the camp which is now held yearly on all of the PNOC-EDC’s geothermal production fields across the country. “We cannot stop the program because they look forward to it every year.”

Attending the Energy Camp 2007 in the Mindanao Geothermal Production Field are incoming fourth year high school scholars of PNOC-EDC’s Mt. Apo Foundation and children of employees from Dumaguete and Negros. With only 56 slots available, equally divided between girls and boys, the participants of the camp are carefully selected and are mostly at the top of their class, with an average of 90 and above. The lucky participants are provided with everything they need for the ten-day camp—from board and lodging to food to clothes, toiletries and bags.

Everyday activities at the camp include cooking their own breakfast and doing laundry. They have basic martial arts classes every morning, and ballroom dancing every night, so that by the end of camp, they had mastered their taekwondo routines and were dancing like pros as well.

“I was able to make a lot of new friends, conquer my fears, learn new and interesting skills that I’ve always wanted, and push my body to the limit,” says camper Mary Hazel Saloma on the different activities she and the other campers were offered during the camp.

The campers were able to enjoy the facilities of the production field during their stay. They went swimming, horseback riding, and biking. The participants learned to work as a team through sports such as volleyball, basketball, badminton, and bowling. Aside from physical activities, they were also given lessons on dining etiquette, map reading, and knot tying.

“Every year,” the organizers say,” “activities are added to make the camp more fun and effective.” This year marks the introduction of livelihood activities. At the end of the camp the participants proudly displayed their handmade candles, soap, and beaded ID straps.

In line with PNOC-EDC’s belief in caring for the environment, the campers were given a special tour and lecture on the geothermal plant. They also watched educational videos and went on a nature trek to increase their appreciation for the earth. The campers did their part in helping the environment by planting trees on the reservation. “I also learned that nature is the strength of life,” confirms camper Menas Dominique S. Pesebre, who came all the way from Northern Negros for the camp.

Their final test came on the last day when they took part in the Energy Camp’s version of the Amazing Race. In the competition, campers had to apply all of the skills they learned during the camp. The participants raced through the 701-hectare reservation—rappelling, swimming, solving puzzles, passing through the “eat all you can” station (which some declared to be the hardest task in the race), bracing themselves for the v-traverse and slide for life, and conquering the obstacle course—all the while singing at the top of their lungs and smiling for the cameras. As the lively bunch completed the tasks, it seemed as though these campers were generating more energy than the power plant itself!

“When I first came here, I did not expect that all the days would be so exciting,” Myrah Joy Ono confides.”“I really enjoyed all the activities like rappelling and ascending, the slide for life, performing all the challenges in the obstacle course, soap and candle making, and horseback riding... I’m so glad to be here to experience them all.”   

The camp ended with the culmination rite. Here, the campers showed off the skills they had acquired during their stay. Guests, headed by Engr. Ellsworth Lucero, Mindanao Geothermal Production Field resident manager, watched as the students performed taekwon-do and then moved smoothly into their ballroom dance number. A group of campers from Southern Negros presented a short skit about their experience in the Energy Camp. Their story starts out with a group of strangers who set out on a journey to the campsite in Mt. Apo. There they have different activities and, through these, form friendships.

“We had to give up our usual summer activities,” narrated their group leader, “but everything was worth it because we learned a lot. We cooperated with each other, we experienced breath taking activities, and most of all, we met new friends.”

As they ended with the camp tradition of singing”“It Hurts to Say Goodbye,” many shed tears. They then gathered around a bonfire, another camp tradition, and each was given a chance to speak.”“Don’t give up, strive to do your best,” one of the campers encouraged her friends. “Treasure the moments that we have,” urged another. “Stop crying,” said one boy, trying to comfort his fellow campers.”“We will meet again one day.”

All of the campers thanked their facilitators, lead by the camp commander Crom Victoria. All of the facilitators are employees of PNOC-EDC who volunteer to lead the Energy Camp each year. It is obvious that this camp goes beyond mere Corporate Social Responsibility as the facilitators truly care for and guide their young charges. Many become mentors and role models to the campers. As one participant puts it, “If it were not for them, we would not have experienced these great things.”

But the facilitators return the sentiment: “If it was not for the campers, there would be no Energy Camp.” All of the campers agree that this is one experience that they will never forget. “This camp taught me the essence of independence, the importance of friendship, and the fruits of love,” says Pesebre.

“I used to think my life was boring,” she adds, “but this past week of discipline and fun has given me the determination to change all that. Being young is indeed fun!”

In front of the area where they planted their seedlings is a sign that says,”“Alone I can tend a garden. Together we can nurture paradise.” Through the camp, these kids have definitely started to nurture their own piece of paradise.