Celebrating the Success of the Green S.W.I.T.C.H. Activities in Busol Watershed, Baguio City!

As a testament to its commitment to sustainable practices and conservation efforts, the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management embarks on a transformative journey through its Extension and Community Outreach Services program. This program aims to strengthen the Green S.W.I.T.C.H. program by fostering collaboration with various SIHTM organizations, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be involved and make a difference. In light of the unwavering commitment to making a change and creating a positive impact for a greener and more sustainable future, the school organized a tree planting activity in support of the Green S.W.I.T.C.H. program, which advocates a "sustainable way of innovating and transforming a happy community." 

On October 21, 2023, a significant milestone was reached as 350 seedlings of pine trees at Busol Watershed, Benguet, were successfully planted as part of the first batch of green switch activities. This activity was possibly made by the combined efforts of a supportive and dedicated total of 74 mentors of the champions, officers, and members from different SIHTM organizations, such as The Travel Club, SIHTM Student Body, International Foreign Language Organization (IFLO), Student Bartenders' Organization (SBO), and the Association of Student Restaurateurs (ASR) which exemplifies the power of collective action, a spirit of unity, and shared purpose and vision that define the true heart of a champions' community. Additionally, with the invaluable support of one of the government offices in Baguio City, none other than the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) significantly contributed to bringing the vision of a greener future into reality. 

The day commenced with meticulous planning and organization, with participants gathering in front of Prime Hotel, where four jeepneys awaited to transport them to the tree planting site. Departing promptly at 8:30 AM, the convoy made its way to Busol Watershed, a haven of biodiversity nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Baguio City. With guidance from faculty members and advisors, students accessed seedlings from the Busol greenhouse, each member receiving four saplings in preparation for transplantation. Adhering to prescribed guidelines for sustainable planting practices, participants diligently cultivated their assigned plots, ensuring optimal conditions for the growth of the newly introduced saplings. Students planted a total of 350 seedlings as part of the first batch of SIHTM Green S.W.I.T.C.H. activities. 

Upon completion of the tree-planting activities, expressions of gratitude and camaraderie filled the air as faculty members commended students for their unwavering dedication to environmental conservation. Returning to the University of Baguio by midday, participants logged out on the AB floor, marking the conclusion of a day characterized by purposeful action and environmental advocacy. As students dispersed, the legacy of their collective efforts lingered, serving as a beacon of hope for future generations and a testament to the transformative potential of community-led initiatives in safeguarding our planet's precious ecosystems. 

In reflecting on the Green S.W.I.T.C.H. activities at Busol Watershed, Baguio City, several invaluable learnings emerge. Firstly, the power of collaboration and collective action cannot be overstated. By bringing together multiple student organizations and faculty members, we witnessed the exponential impact that can be achieved when individuals unite toward a common goal. Secondly, the importance of proactive communication and coordination with relevant authorities became apparent, as administrative challenges momentarily tested our resolve but were swiftly overcome through transparency and clarification. Additionally, the experience reinforced the significance of environmental stewardship and the role that each individual plays in nurturing and protecting our natural habitats. 

As we look to the future, these learnings serve as guiding principles, inspiring continued commitment to sustainable practices and community-driven initiatives aimed at preserving our planet for generations to come. 

What we plant in the present, we will surely have in the future. With a catchy “Let’s Do Green S.W.I.T.C.H.”, this program made it possible for everyone to engage with sustainable and fun endeavors that would teach us how to make a difference in the world. Indeed, the Green S.W.I.T.C.H program teaches us that we must first lay a solid foundation for ourselves if we are to grow and engage with programs that enhance our awareness of the things that can contribute to our development. 

Furthermore, with a simple positive action made by each of the students and mentors, we made a bigger impact that can change our planet for the better. This widens our horizons and increases our knowledge of the importance of investing our energy into making and improving our future. A future where we can harvest the actions we take and a future where we can share hope with everyone. If we can make a tiny seed grow, we can make our tiny dreams bigger and higher, despite the rain, the sunshine, and even the darkness. 

He who plants a tree, plants a hope. - Lucy Larcom