MANILA, Philippines - A patch of land that once served as a jeepney terminal and a dumpsite behind the UP campus is now a showcase of how people, through sheer will power and cooperation, can create paradise out of wasteland.
The SINAG Eco-Center at the corner of Ventura Street and Katipunan Ave-nue was recently inaugurated, attended and blessed by no less than Ateneo de Manila University president Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, SJ.
The inauguration was led by the moving force behind its completion and fulfillment, Cravings Group founder and president, Susana “Annie” Pascual-Guerrero.
The SINAG Eco-Center was built through the support and determination of Annie and the co-founder of SINAG (Simulan Nating Gumawa) Foundation, Floy Aguenza.
Besides the building where the livelihood activities of Super Manangs and the Pansol Recycler’s Club Livelihood Projects (another initiative of Annie) members are held, a bright patch of green provides color to the place (the property is part of the MWSS compound).
There are vegetable plots that employ organic farming techniques, a composting site, reusable and recyclable materials area, and even a small apiary or bee farm that is slowly gaining attraction among visitors.
Annie recalled how she and the organizers of SINAG surpassed various obstacles as they moved to build the place.
“It was an uphill battle for us, because some people do not care or choose to ignore what we are doing. Still, we need to continue educating them, that acts that are good for our environment will translate to long-term benefits for us,”she said.
On her part, she helps the Eco-Center become sustainable by buying vegetables from the garden, which are used in the kitchens of her chain of restaurants, and handicrafts which were ordered by Cravings and its affiliates.
For more information and training, contact the Culinary Education Foundation at 426-4840 to 41 local 203. Or SMS and send e-mail to the following: rachelflorentino@ymail.com (0949-8209133), iriscapitulo@yahoo.com (0927-7333582), or cefmanila@yahoo.com.ph.