It was a holiday here in Cebu City last February 24. No work and no classes for our children. So we decided to drive north of Cebu and visit our friend who works at Rise and Rebuild International Foundation. We have visited the place twice years ago. But we love the place and their mission, so we wanted to go again and again. The place is a vegetable farm.
We shared our former visits to our neighbors who are also our friends. This time my husband invited them to come with us, which they immediately agreed. We initially agreed to leave at 6 in the morning, but unfortunately, we were not able to go as planned. We woke up late. 😂
We left at 9 AM. Rise and Rebuild Cebu Garden Site is located in Barangay Ampongol, Cebu. It is a two-hour drive from our home. Our neighbor has their vehicle so we travelled in convoy. It was their first time to travel that far from the city and they were amazed to see the sights on our way. We were not in a hurry to arrive at our destination, so we took our time driving and stopped for pee breaks and bought food to eat along the way.
We reached the farm at Noon. Just in time for lunch. Our friend prepared lunch for us. While waiting for the food to be ready, we relaxed a bit and enjoyed the aesthetic view of the garden. The place has been developed since our last visit. They have a snack bar, an Admin building, a home for the Project Site director, and many more. We were in awe as we watched and viewed the entire place.
The Cebu garden site is 9 hectares. Now they have a new hydroponic facility. Producing a variety of lettuce that is being sold commercially. Aside from the free fresh produce they provide the community, they now have the business side. The lettuce was not there on our previous visits. I am amazed how the foundation has evolved. I am grateful for the Founder for having this vision of helping the poor families in my country. The foundation also has other sites in Leyte and Tarlac. Helping Filipino families in these mentioned areas.
Then it was time for lunch! We had Chicken Adobo, Tinolang Manok and Salad (fresh from the garden)! We had a sumptuous meal with great company and a magnificent view!
After lunch, our friend took us for a little tour around the farm. He showed us around, including a refreshing drink of Buko (young coconut) juice fresh from the tree.
We checked the nursery.
And a peek on the Hydroponic farm.
We learned a lot of things about hydroponics. The do's and don'ts and the days or months of harvest. Amazing how farming has evolved and the technology development.
We wished we could stay longer but then it was time to go. We need not stay there long because they also have work to do, not just entertain us. So we said our goodbyes. Everyone in the photo is our long-time friends way back when we were single.
You know, another great thing about this visit, we went home with free fresh veggies and lettuce!! Wow! Isn't that amazing! Happy and grateful as we drove back to Cebu City.
Here's a summary video of our trip:
In conclusion...
Our visit was a breather from the city noise. We have lived in the city for our entire family life. Our children seldom got the chance to visit places like this. So when time allows, we grab it and let them enjoy nature.
It is good to know that there are people who have generous hearts and have the vision to help the less fortunate communities such as those who cannot feed their families nutritious meals. I am grateful for these people who share their resources to end malnutrition, especially to children.
Thank you for reaching this far and being with us in this visit.
Until next time!
xoxo,
Met ❤️
If you want to know more about Rise and Rebuild Foundation and what they do, you can watch the video below:
Rise and Rebuild Foundation
Below is an overview on how the foundation started. Source
"The Rise and Rebuild Foundation is committed to aiding the poor and the malnourished in the Philippine Islands. The initial program began with the building of communal bathrooms after the devastating Typhoon Hian in November of 2013. While we continue to build bathrooms, The Rise and Rebuild Foundation focuses on the nutrition of malnourished children, from birth through secondary school. We also drill potable water wells, build nutrition centers from the bricks made at our brick making facilities, and operate our garden centers. The establishment of large gardens provide free vegetables for the nutrition centers as well as needed employment for people from local villages."
"The need for aid in the Philippines is overwhelming. The Rise and Rebuild Foundation is able to enrich and bless the lives of many because of the generous donations of supportive friends." Source