Leaving 2013 Behind: Gardening and Building Community For 2014 and Beyond

Recently, there has been a successful harvest from the last seeds we planted. For a few days we enjoyed the produce so much and again as what we desire, we were lucky to have some surplus for giving. And so we shared some of those vegetables to the neighbors, especially to those who volunteered, at the same time while successfully demonstrating the possibility and advantage of having a sharing garden and building a community. Though it’s too little to be proud of since we only planted few, it was enough to show that we can actualize our vision and that they can do it as well if only given a chance. It is also very motivating to reflect on those past few months because of the new experiences and the things that we’ve learned from gardening and inter-personal dynamics along with it. As a person assigned with this responsibility I realized that we really have to be firm and clear on our ideas and expectations so that miscommunications can be avoided in the end; and so that others will also be encouraged to work for this vision. But also to have a healthy dynamics and group relationship, sometimes you also need to be flexible and tolerant so that others can express their ideas and feelings for the sake of freedom. Though I am saying this, I also admit that I wasn’t able to demonstrate a good quality of a so called “leader”. To be honest, sometimes in this project, I admit to be inconsistent. But one thing I’m sure about is the fact that this project is still my most priority; that everything I do still concerns the future of this project. I want to emphasize this to the people, who are also very helpful in the process; the few who shared their time and energy and still want to help the projects.

Last time on our last post we told you about the challenges we are having especially the small conflict with the former “caretaker” of the area and possible threat of losing the garden. Well, we successfully managed some of those and still continue using the space. Because of this we also discovered that in every year there is something that will turn out that needs to be fixed. These are the issues that you need to sort out as you carry the seed of your vision of a community and plant them in the present. Instead of being down and hopeless about it, we somehow appreciate it because we know that trials like these usually make you stronger if you learn to handle and “dance” with it. So in the long run, this will help us face another test in the future that is waiting in the path taken by BHSG. Thanks that the former caretaker of the area did not do any attempt to push us away or anything that might bring us discontent or cause inequity. Although we can coexist with him and tolerate some of his weird views and behavior, seeing his heedless attitude towards the garden or the soil is very discouraging. As part of our vision we want to encourage and support the people who really care about gardening and community matters, but it is really very disappointing that after all those times I spent explainingto him everything about the project, and how non-organicways of gardening/farming harm our health and destroy the soil, he still doesn’t have even the slightest desire to stop using these chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It is sad that there is really something that prevents him from grasping the sounder picture of things. I appreciate his gardening passion and skills but I just couldn’t understand why he cannot see the serious threat of using these chemicals. 

Another thing that makes me sad isthe fact that he doesn’t care about the vision of BHSG and even sometimes hostile to it, thoughwithout showing it or making it obvious.I am not 100% sure of this but what bothersme is how unsupportive he was towards everything we care about.And sometimes in a subtle manner, he expresses words that suggest something against the project. To give you some historical background, he gardened on those area years before for personaland profit goal but later on, he abandoned it since it was open and different animals can easily enter and eat everything. So it was overgrown with grasses and was abandoned for almost 10 years and nearby residents from the subdivision didn’t know what to do with it; some even throw their garbagewastes on that area and nobody cares or pays attention about it. Until we found the area and determined to spend some amount to build fences and use it for a garden project, people saw that it was possible to make use of that lot.So later he decided to usurp some part of the area again and do his way without minding the impact of it. We totally don’t want to kick him out of that area, in fact before, we would love to have him as an ally of the project but it seems very difficult to do it because of some unknown factors that block him from the “connection”. 

 

More to the challenge we are currently facing is the developing patterns visible which is similar to this kind of attitude and behavior we are noticing in one of our new volunteers. I mean we don’t want to look at him as an outsider, and we don’t see it as a totally negative issue but instead as a test on our strength and stability. What we noticed is that somehow he cannot really appreciate the value of sharing in a community or in a garden. He cannot see that there is still a choice; that through gardening and re-building a community, we still can start living the sustainable way.And with this, surviving without making much money is not only possible but also necessary. It has already been lived by countless people in the intentional communities all over the globe, transforming the unsustainable industrial paradigm into an ecological paradise of compassion and mutual support in the social, emotional,and psychological aspect.We have a respect for his enthusiasm and skills and we consider him as a very important ally but it didn’t dawn on us that he doesn’t want to support the vision. Until he personally said this, we thought that he volunteered to join the project because he understands and want to support this vision but unfortunately he is being consumed by pessimism and unconsciously trapped in his judgmental attitude that is sometimes driven by his lack of information, christian prejudice, and religious dogma. In addition, it was also disheartening to know that he sold some of the harvest to the neighbors without informing the group. Though we are not totally against selling the produce,especially if it is really necessary to keep things running or to sustain the project, but selling them for personal reason is I think not a healthy sign. It contradicts the vision and principle of SG because for us,this kind of “mindset” is one of the reasons that contribute to the current social and ecological crises we are facing today. But despite of this we still don’t want to exclude him on the project as long as he will support the vision.In fact, we appreciate that he put so much time on the garden and was very helpful to the physical effort. I clearly explained this to him emphasizing that he is still welcome to join the planning and other meetings if he is willing to work with us again. 

While we are dealing with thesekinds of challenges, I believe westill need to constantly show to the people that what we are doing will really help them. Wemust show them that they are stillwelcome to join the process because we value them as a person who also needs safe food, healthy community, and empowerment to take in charge of his life and his future. It is tough, playing these roles without much knowledge, skills, and actual support from any “experienced” community organizers. Thinking about possible negative outcomes that might cause big obstacles is overwhelming, especially when you feel small in numbers. But knowing that you stand in the right way, doing the things that help others and offer sustainable alternatives, you’ll feel vindicated by the concrete reasons and visions you have for the future of your community.I think the advantage of this is that we willhave an opportunity to grow and learn by dealing with minor conflicts and clashes.I think it is normal that sometimes you’ll find people who want to join but doesn’t care much about important issues related to your project; let alone community, food, health, and ecological matters.We now realized that it is normal that some people cannot easily see the connection of this project to the global social and ecological situation especially in the aspect of food, environment, and well-being of the people. But I think by constantly working on these factors and sincerely showing them the bridge that connects these issues,you can prove to them that what you stand for is not only doable but also very easy if you work together in a community.

As for now we still want to continue gardening the area as long as it is still possible. Currently, we already have some plans and in fact, started to clear some parts of the area for the next planting. In addition, my friends already planted the next seeds. Though the soil is still poor, somehow it was now clear that we still can get something from it as long as we constantly fertilize and water them. And concerning this as well, we still have some compost and some more cow dungs to use. By January, we planned to fix the fence, cultivate more beds, and start planting more. By this time also we will start doing the related programs. Again we will organize discussions, film viewings, exhibits, and workshops related to gardening, social sustainability, and community building all throughout the year. We are very glad that there were people who donated money to keep us going even though it is clear that we are just taking a small step. In response to this kindness, we will do our best to help others by constantly showing them these alternatives and choices through this venture. I believe that by doing these things, we can have more opportunity to advance the vision of a sustainable, healthy, and compassionate community.  

ACTIONS, CAMPAIGNS, OBSTACLES, AND TRANSITION

It is so inspiring to learn how hundreds of community initiatives and experiments for social and environmental sustainability are being carried out today by many people and activists around the world. It is important to learn not only about this, but also about the many projects that support and advance people’s rights and humane and ethical development, meaning not oppressive and destructive to humans and nature. I think working or being involved with this can be very empowering knowing your every step is an important phase not only for your personal growth but also for others as well. Having initiatives like this is the most visible and realistic of all ideals we have. For decades, successful partnership of honest NGO’s and sincere individuals/community, committed to actualize the project and see it’s ‘fruit’ all through the years, thrived and spread through many generations. Alliances like these serve as a model community or program for the people to explore many possibilities of acting in many choices (unlike in the mainstream that is very limited to voting, paying taxes and dealing with petty crimes) for the things essential to our individual and collective well-being. Some examples here are community gardens, CSA’s, low-cost housing, alternative energy, natural housing, permaculture farms/sites, free schools, community centers, etc. Anyway, here are some interesting websites to look if you want to learn about some of the projects that I'm telling here.

THE TRANSITION NETWORK 

http://www.transitionnetwork.org

NAVDANYA MOVEMENT

http://www.navdanya.org

GRASSROOTS INTERNATIONAL

http://www.grassrootsonline.org

As part of the SG vision, we are trying to connect globally especially to those who are doing these kinds of project in order to: further possibilities of communal transition, expand the horizon of our place in the global natural system, increase the chance or opportunity of getting financial support, help others get more perspectives regarding organic gardening, community initiatives, and environmental sustainability, encourage more volunteers and promote the vision to a wider arena, strengthen the capacity by getting more allies in combating global scarcity and socio-political crises, learn many different methods of organic gardening, alternative energy, and community improvement, and help establish a global community that will dismantle the concept of national borders. So up to this moment, our group is still looking for ways to continue the social center/community library project as we see that it is one of the most effective ways to connect to people. In addition, as we still don’t have a final area suited for long-term community gardening project so what we are doing basically is preparing ourselves and learning many different aspects regarding these initiatives. Again, aside from teaching ourselves, we also educate others about important issues such as food, land, community, human rights, and other things related to our vision.

Speaking of food, one of our programs is to spread awareness and start a campaign against GMO and the companies that perpetrate this kind of hazardous biotech invention. One of the most popular of this is Monsanto, the giant transnational biotech company that is undeniably responsible for many atrocities happening around the world since almost the beginning of industrial revolution. This company is one of the biggest producers of chemicals (such as Round Up, etc.) and other synthetic pesticides that destroyed many farm lands around the world. Not only this, Monsanto also helped in the production of DDT and other poisonous pesticides used in the war on Vietnam in the 60’s. Up to now, with their bio-engineering, genetic experiments and political influence, Monsanto is still ruthlessly committing ecological and biological terrorism all over the globe. The company that is rampantly abusing farmers and perpetuating violence against nature is also the company that is influencing policies and laws regarding agriculture and food production. To give you more ideas and options on how to help, please check these links:

  

MONSANTO'S HISTORY

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsanto

OR THIS:

http://www.gmwatch.org/gm-firms/10595-monsanto-a-history

CAMPAIGNS:

MILLIONS AGAINST MONSATO

http://www.organicconsumers.org/monsanto/

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS:

http://www.organicconsumers.org/monsanto/materials.cfm

OCCUPY MONSANTO

http://occupy-monsanto.com/

COMMUNITY LIBRARY AND INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS

 So as a response to this problem, our group is committed to initiate public awareness about this issue. We produced informational videos, posters, and text in local dialects. Every now and then, we organize film screening, discussions and leafleting regarding this issue because we strongly believe that it is very important to educate the public first about this ‘crisis’ for them to take action sincerely. Last May in this year, we organized a public demonstration against Monsanto and GMO and although there were not so many people who participated, it was a successful action in terms of spreading public awareness.  

In connection to this campaign, we are also currently doing a school to school awareness exhibition. In this, we exhibit posters and artworks that depict issues about GMO/biotech, health, organic gardening, natural lifestyle, and community actions. This month-long school to school program is entitled: Sustainable Social Paradigm: Organic Gardening, Natural Health, and Intentional Communities. Along with photo exhibition, we do film screening and discussion to educate the students and teachers about these matters. As a result, we got connected to the teachers that are also into these kinds of interest and plan to work together in the future. As part of their ‘Sustainable School’ initiative, they want to incorporate some of their strategies to our programs since they are closely related.    

ABOUT THE GARDEN...

Regarding our garden, we will put here some photos we’ve taken some months ago. Obviously, sharing garden here in Bread Homes is almost coming to an end since there is not enough community support and the land in the area is very poor. As you can see, we can plant some things but it doesn’t produce enough that is at least fair to the effort we are giving. The solution is to find another area especially permanent so that it will be assuring for all the people who want to get involved. 

Anyway, thanks to our new friend Clarke, he sometimes helps us in our projects and it is quite inspiring to learn about his visions and ideals too. We enjoy being with his company so much since he is one of the few people here in Bread Homes that think about things essential to community. 

Bread Homes Volunteer Action Day and Ecological Camping

Last August 8, Organic Minds organized a community gathering and volunteer day to get help from volunteers and friends. It was also a great opportunity to evaluate some of our projects. It was also a half-day event of book and poster covering, film viewing and musical performances. Participants contributed to the event and brought food for everybody. It was a great day since many of our friends came to enjoy the day and share different things. On August 31, together with other members of CGINET (Common Ground Initiative Network), we helped organized an ecological awareness camp some kilometers away from the city. 

With almost fifty participants, students and out-of-school youth, the event ran smoothly for two days full of meaningful workshops and discussions about the various projects of the network including the Sharing Garden, KU Free School, Food Freedom, Organic Minds Community Library and others. Not only about the projects but it was also a perfect opportunity to educate the community (mostly youth that are protecting the Davao City watershed area in Tawan-tawan, Calinan) about other important issues related to the environmental and social problems we all are facing. 

That area is the only community who refused to use the non-organic method of farming since companies like DOLE entered this area. It was amazing to learn about the effort that this community does to protect their environment and also the ideas some of the young children has regarding the situation of their natural habitat. 

During the evening of that camp, we exchanged presentations that made the night very exciting and unforgettable. Some performed their traditional dances and their own musical compositions that tell about living and working for the natural world. On the second day, they brought us to the nearby river where we enjoyed swimming and hiking. As a result also, we exchanged contacts to plan the next actions.  

So to update you about the garden again, we are very sad to tell you that there is a very serious problem right now. First is that the former caretaker of the area wants to use half of the area again (after we installed fences!) and has burned huge part of the garden as his method of getting rid of the grasses. Before that, he sprayed Round Up without our consent; he did this during our camping activity so we obviously didn’t have the chance to say no. This man is known in the community of Bread Village as a greedy and selfish idiot who sometimes harvest other people’s fruits. When we arrived from the camping, we were surprised and disappointed with the news. 

After few days, he burned the area and now, he doesn’t want us to plant on that area anymore! As we are having an argument, he threatened me stay off of that part or else he will hurt me. To prevent things from getting worst, I left him screaming in frustration and anger. As what we’ve thought before, this will be very problematic since we don’t have a tangible support from other people and also from the owners. 

We used to send them (the owners) emails and updates about the project but up to now we don’t get any response that would at least encourage us to continue using that area. Well, as for Organic Minds, this will not stop us from continuing our plans since we can do this in other area. Hopefully next year, we can finally get a financial support that would enable us to get a permanent land so that this dream of having a successful community garden project will happen. 

Sharing Garden and the Last Election

Some few critical people say it is normal for “Filipinos” to choose the easy way or result to what they do. I mean the expression they call “easy money”, or being paid instantly for their service. For decades of hardship and political trauma, people have been attuned into the notion of instant ease and pleasure against poverty and destitution that they are facing no matter what this may take. So last month we had an election and many people participated. There were several news about cheating, serious technical errors, and of course, violence. There were also ridiculous, stupid, and devious political ads about many different lying and power hungry candidates that will do anything just to mislead the voters and win their trust. There were also actual killings for the sake of holding the power and the key to the government budgets and political projects. The state was always in action and the Media made sure that the masses will be captivated and deceived by this spectacle and illusion of "nation-ness and social democracy".

Please check these sites for more info:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/408153/seven-dead-in-philippine-election-day-violence

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/05/07/939222/election-violence-35-killed-so-far

 Yes it was dirty, the tricks, the whole dynamics of the election. Unknown to many, there were several cases of abuse and exploitation happening all over the country. Despite their hard life, most people are not interested to know what is happening. I was once asked by a neighbor who am I going to vote. I answered him without hesitation that I don’t want to vote and I don’t have a plan to participate in that stupid circus. I explained to him my views about the subject and have him agreed to my opinions about these candidates and the system in general. I also told him that those are the reasons why I don’t want to ask help from the government or any politician for this project. It’s because many times people suggested to me that if I ask the local government for support, they will help me make the SG successful. So as what I usually answer, I say no I don’t want to let them use me or take advantage to the SG for their own sake. He appreciated the fact that I don’t want to sell out, and we continued to express our views without offending each other that might create another obstacle to SG. I then concluded that perhaps the neighbor’s attitude towards the project has the same patterns with their attitude towards politics or election in particular.

 I mean maybe they want easy things for the garden as well. In elections, even though people knew how bullshit and corrupt the politicians are, and they already have distrust on these people, they still allow themselves to be bought. They still work for these people during election season and this is a very sad picture of how indifferent or pathetic they are. First, they allow these people to rule over them by accepting the authority and they help these politicians to get into the power again to exploit them more. In many parts of the country, politics is known to be the greatest feast of corruption. For so many years this type of people are looting and exploiting the resources to a great extent. Voters or ordinary citizens are drowning in poverty while politicians get richer and richer. From “Barangay” to the National level, millions of pesos are being stolen every year for various stupid reasons and excuses they call “government projects” but in reality nothing is really happening except for more favors to businesses and rich people. In some other parts of the country, sad to say, people get paid for giving the votes of their whole family. I heard some candidates pay 10,000Php just get the whole family vote. Some even uses fake money to deceive and riff the voters off. 

Here in Davao, I heard that sometimes some politicians pay 250Php for a rally and then make a list of these people perhaps to make sure that those participants who accepted the amount will vote for them. I couldn’t tell more but all I can say is that it’s quite unusual for a decent person or politician to do these kinds of things. But as you can see the pattern, this is another manifestation of “easy money mentality”. For some of these people, it is a natural thing to do to “take back what’s been stolen” from them. It is a common expectation that these politicians will steal from the people anyway, why don’t accept that money or sell their votes?

Living in the Library

In this community where we live only few people read books and only few show some interest to the library project. Having many books seems absurd and useless since there’s not much borrower so sometimes we organize gigs and different kinds of gathering just to promote the books, spread reading culture, or just simply invite more visitors. I still remember the excitement we had before when we were just collecting those books or starting the community library project; it was totally electrifying and wonderful. Our categories are consist of diverse issues ranging from sociology, history, philosophy, ecology and radical environmentalism, positive psychology, spirituality and transcendence, esoteric studies and religion, science and technology, race, gender, politics and many fiction and poetry collection. These issues are overwhelming but we strive our ways to make everything balance, cultivate our self-reflection, and maintain the mental and spiritual health. So in the midst of all chaos, anxiety, confusion, insecurities and alienation we pursued to have this vision actualized. Being in a place where intellectual stimulation is valued and can be easily practiced, where the past, the present, and the future meets, and where all aspects of humanity and life is being analyzed and being defined, reasons and inspirations are constantly flowing and spreading. In the heart of a lazy and apathetic society where gambling and other nonsensical matters are more important than knowledge and creativity, we decided to form a book club, organized book swaps and Really Really Free Market, semi-book fest, poetry readings, and library parties. Through this we’ve met many people, made a lot of friends, and lost many books (but we don’t look at it as loss). But living here is not only about being a self-styled librarian, we are also struggling with many different ideals, old or new, that are counter-intuitive and provocative to the norms that brought us up in our individual homes. 

Living collectively is not easy especially when you’re not ready to leave those comfort zones inside your head. There would be too much pressure, various sensitivities that you need to consider. Patriarchy, authoritarianism, sexism, consent, consensus, physical and mental space, individual differences and choices, etc. Trying to be politically correct all the time is impossible and perhaps a ridiculous action, but perpetuating the patterns of oppression is not cool either. So we walk the talk, practice what we preach, dismantle the role, shatter the myth, rotate the tasks, resist oppression internally, fight the powers “inside the house”, do the revolution, and disobey the law. Meaning we deconstruct important issues such as nuclear family setting, female role and the power of male gender, conflict and resolution, bullying, dishonesty, etc. and tried to be sensitive, inclusive, responsive, productive and effective. We politicized ourselves and practice the best things we prefer and maintain the existence of “revolution” or just simply “change” and tried to live harmoniously. So here boys wash clothes and dishes, cook food, clean the kitchen, and water the plants. 

Unlike in most houses where often males do the decision making, ours is a place where both ideas are encouraged, valued and considered. In terms of consumption or how do we behave as consumers (this is tricky!), I can say there were many times we violated our conscience but in our day to day living in general, we tried to avoid using so much stuff or buying too much. We usually avoid buying food in plastics, in cans and other non-biodegradable wrappers. We also avoid using too much shampoo, toothpaste or soap and we don’t buy soft drinks, perfumes, deodorants, etc. We also don’t eat at Mcdonalds or Jollibee or any of those crazy stuff advertized in the TV. Again, I’m not saying we totally avoided these things but what I’m trying to explain here is that we are conscious and eager for environmental sustainability and social empowerment ans so we are trying/willing to sacrifice our addictions for the sake of a healthy and humane future. I realized to write down all these because I wanted to see the things that are essential for our collective growth; through deconstruction and comparison to wherever houses that I visited, I can identify the differences and similarities. Almost everywhere you go today, at any age, these things are very rampant and dominant. People are pathetically being conditioned to endless irresponsibility and ignorance; being indifferent is normal and there’s no room for intellectual, sincere, responsive or productive social interaction. That is why I am proud to be in this situation because in this place where we live, consciousness and sensitivity to these issues are being cultivated and improved for the collective progress and psycho-social health. 

In the past four years our life in this place was fair enough; we are happy because of so many wonderful experiences that we had here. We met many people from different parts of the world especially activists or at least people who are already conscious and politicized. We shared visions, aspirations, ideas, food, money, bed and we sing, dance, cook, swim, go to concerts, and sometimes get drunk together. We’ve learned so many important things from them that opened up new and exciting doors to life. Sometimes, some of these things spark another stories and new beginnings, driving on our motivations intensely and lifted us to a higher ground, the higher truth and realms of our spiritual journey in this sleeping society. In connection to gardening, I cannot forget the times that I shared with our volunteers. These times are more valued because most of them became our good friends, even though we only been together for a very short time. Spending three hours at the garden talking about each other’s experiences and perspectives is a great catalyst for a relationship temporarily dissolving the boundaries of time and space. We explore each other’s value while mutually teaching each other on different ways and preferences and through this, the power of communication and skills add strengths to the SG vision and dedication.

The vision and the spirit

Hello again! I want to write more about the project and beyond as I feel there are still many things to share. Though most of these thoughts are not mainly about Sharing Garden, I still think these are important because they are closely related or relevant to it. As what was planned, the project will also serve as an instrument to promote example of organic gardening and inspire actions to slowly change the current paradigm of food industry that uses chemical pesticides, genetic engineering and other harmful methods of food production. We all know that these transnational companies are the perpetrators of chemical contaminations, genetic monopoly, and modern carcinogens yet they are in charge of our global food supply. Despite of this reality, majority of the people in Davao City are unaware and still dependent to their system of agriculture and food. 

The Volunteers

I received a letter from a friend about the volunteer aspect of their project. It seems the same everywhere in the world; it is not easy to motivate people. Sure there are many reasons for lack of volunteers and every gardening project has its unique situation, but for sure in the context of Davao, economic and family reason are some of those. But even though it is very minimal, it is still worth appreciating and mentioning here; those wonderful times, no matter how short, that we had experienced gardening with interesting people from other parts of the Philippines and also from Europe and the US. We’ve learned many different important things about community actions and their culture; most of them are already exposed to different alternative or intentional community in their place that is why they are more familiar to projects like SG. Compare to them, most people in Davao (or perhaps the whole Philippines) needs to be heavily educated and oriented towards these “alternative ideas” first before they’ll have the motivation to work for these matters. As what I also see as normal, is the people’s inability to clearly comprehend unfamiliar information especially when it’s related to their cultural, psychological, environmental, and economic aspect. Most people I see are contented and dependent to the economic model that is being imposed to them by the same institutions that created these crises on food and other social services. In the issue of technology, computer familiarization is not a priority especially to folks in the middle age and because of this they cannot gain essential information from the internet regarding community initiatives and alternative lifestyles.

Some factors for uninvolved-ment and the cultural comparison

Perhaps another factor underlying these reasons is their lack of economic stability. I can understand that at the moment it is hard for other people to face the challenges of change and responsibility. But in spite of this, I am personally not hopeless that this project will succeed! Perhaps our effort was not enough in terms of educating and motivating people and so we were not effective in attracting more volunteers. As far as I can remember, we tried to reach as many people as we can from all over Davao and even sometimes pushed ourselves to the limit, doing every ways to encourage volunteers. Another visible factor is the “cultural differences” between us and other locals. What bothers me is the fact that people are afraid of new things; they are not yet ready to leave their “comfort zone” and they also don’t want to think that they might be wrong in some of their deeds and ideations. They sometimes justify it through their economic excuses. It’s normal that as long as people are secure economically or when they have the certainty on such projects or initiatives, as what they always consider “job”, they will surely join and help. To explain my statement earlier, I know that most of you will agree that cultural exposure is also very important because it brings strong impact to people or a person. So for example, just because those volunteers we had from other countries are have long been exposed to activism, community resistance, squats, social centers, etc., we don’t need to explain to them everything anymore. Again compare to them, local volunteers or neighbors sometimes have the difficulty seeing the connection of this project to the global sociopolitical and environmental situation or crises that we are facing. I remember one time when one of the trusted pastors of the community asked me “what’s the connection of SG to the problems regarding corporate monopoly and exploitation on food and agriculture, and also to the looming crises on energy especially on oil”. I explained to him everything as if I didn't give him a brochure at the beginning of this project. But I also thought it’s because he didn't know what was happening and doesn't have options other than mainstream information.   

The revolution (and the economics) of everyday life

As social activists we are doing projects and little things to initiate actions and inspire people. No matter how poor we are in an economic sense, we still strive to give service in our own small ways. This is part of our resistance. We value the fact that we are contributing a positive impact to people no matter how little these contributions are. Since we have the capacity and ability to actualize ideas or programs that could promote social awareness and alternatives to the usual ways available in the mainstream market and culture, we will do our best to continue this service. For several years we’ve been helping other groups here in Davao promoting and pushing issues that are currently necessary to address various problems in the society, political and cultural. And for all these years, as what usually happens to many sincere activists working for social upliftment and equality, we’ve never become rich or at least economically well off. Having this, I never had any regrets or shame regarding my personal economic assets or financial status. We don’t get salary or allowance except for the rental support to our house, which is also another kind of project, a community library and social center, and we even use our personal money for some of our projects and activities but we still love to do these things. In good luck we always manage to beat our insecurities and alienation in this society where happiness equates to money and commerce. 

Just to share to you, some of the things/activities we do in SG project are sometimes financed personally. Like the composting for example, 50Php a week is not an easy financial obligation if you don’t have a regular job. If you total it for the whole year it will cost 2,400Php, it’s not that big but it’s quite an amount of money. And for the 50php we can only gather five to six sacks of banana peel. Each delivery cost 20 to 30php, and compare to buying ready-made compost at the mall, which we can get for a hundred peso per 2 kilos, so it makes sense and fairly practical. I can’t really tell how much we can save but it’s quite easy to comprehend why it’s more practical. But when I think of how much money I can save for a month (200php), I still doubt the rationality of this idea so that is why my plan for now is to do the composting in the area close to the source of the materials so that we don’t need to spend this amount for the transfer. All I need to do is bring the wheelbarrow and pick the banana peel and other materials and bring them to the compound near the banana shop or market. Hopefully the owner of the compound will allow us to do that. But on the other hand, I would still love to continue using the area for the compost materials nearby such as cow and goat manures and other organic materials available from the nearby houses and in addition, we still love to do basic gardening in the area. Speaking of economic alternatives, me and my partner is planning to organize a show that will raise at least small funds for the library. This will also help advance the SG project since this library serves as foundation for all the plans we have for SG, and this is where we do our education programs regarding the project. So hopefully this coming month of July, we can invite bands and do the show. Another option is to do busking, this is the most easy way I think gather money for SG. Aside from this, we will also have our third exhibit promoting the SG related issues and other matters related to health, organic farming/gardening, alternative energy and intentional community at the High School nearby (Bernardo National High School). This will happen on July as well.