I was able to know about Haribon summer of 2008 when I attended a convention in Dumaguete City. They were distributing some info materials and I had the chance to talk to

one of the staff. I was interested in joining their group but forgot why it took me three years to finally sign up.

I was a biology student then. Now, I work as a college professor at Bicol University and Haribon’s core values are in line with what I teach. It was a good decision that I did join. Aside from really contributing to the restoration of our natural resources, I get to interact with like-minded people, people who really practice what they preach.

Because I don’t visit the city that often, the only way I contact Haribon is through email and text messages. This coming 2013, however, I plan to invite them to our school and our adopted community for a joint project. Some sort of a caravan among the youth and our community clienteles and a “tree-parenting” activity.

Part of my advocacy which I believe Haribon can fully support is the conservation of forest ecosystems and the dynamic role of water in the ultimate survival of species in the country.

Next year is the International Year of Water Cooperation, as declared by the United Nations, and this could be a great partnership. More than that, it will be a great opportunity to expand the membership of Haribon to young people who have the positive dynamism for the environment especially in the region where the threats to ecosystems are left unnoticed.

Not being physically present in Haribon activities does not equate to not contributing to the group’s advocacies. Being a teacher has its perks, so to speak, because of the influence you have to a large group of people.

When I teach, I make sure that a culture of conservation and preservation are encapsulated and pinned down among the students especially in my environmental science classes. Just as Haribon is doing its best to make the Philippines greener, I, too, am doing my best to make the country’s next leaders develop their greener self, not just thumbs.

(Jonathan Jaime G. Guerrero is a professor at Bicol University College of Science. He teaches biology and environmental science subjects. He is a member of youth and professional organizations such as the National Association of UNESCO Clubs of the Philippines, Inc, Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines and the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. He has a baccalaureate degree in Biology (BS Biology) and a master’s degree in Environmental Science (MS Environmental Science). He is currently the Extension Coordinator of the BU College of Science and serves as the adviser of the student council. He has been a member of Haribon since April 2012.)