Walking past the unobstructed pathway, the resonance of the leaves beneath me responded to my curious yet delicate footsteps – a relaxing hymn of nature’s tranquility. Looking around me, grasses adorned with fallen, flushed gumamela flowers come to my sight as the serene breeze greeted me. Closing my eyes, I savored this newly discovered haven I have just unearthed.

In this place, I feel at ease.

In this place, I feel peace.

“Welcome to the Center for Ecozoic Living and Learning.”

At first glance, C.E.L.L. (Center for Ecozoic Living and Learning) gave me the impression of a blossoming, hidden sanctuary away from the bustling, brash city full of distractions and commotion. As soon as we arrived at the site, we were welcomed by the vast diversity of plants surrounding us – almost, as if, instilling calm to its visitors. Afterwards, we were ushered inside an elevated, traditional Filipino hut which was conveniently spacious for our comfort (as we were quite a lot in number). Our guide, Kuya Beni, attempted to break the ice within the visitors through his wit and jokes. He oriented us and gave a brief introduction regarding the history of the site. In addition, we were also enlightened ecozoic way of life and the inspiration behind it.

The Brief View of C.E.L.L.'s Extensive Gardens

Center for Ecozoic Living and Learning or C.E.L.L. is a non-government organization and eco-spirituality center founded in 1998 by Father Thomas Berry. It is located in Silang, Cavite and its primary objective is for the restoration of the planet earth. Thus, they coined the word ecozoic which is derived from the Greek word Oikos which means household or home, Zo meaning life, and Ic meaning period or era. Thus, ecozoic is defined as a home that is full of life in a given period of time. It is a state of the earth where everyone has life – where every living creature is nurtured and protected, free from crisis and conflict of our harsh reality. Through incorporating the concept of ecozoic learning, they creatively were able to narrate the New Story of Creation through means of a meaningful program. As described in their website, they aim to propagate the New Story of Creation as a means of alerting the human to the current ecological and social crisis which would lead to a new direction – a new lifestyle and a fresh mindset. In connection, they also introduced the concept of ecozoic living. Ecozoic living is a planning design that ensures all forms of life have a place to live.

Patterned after their mission, they also held a ritual of the different elements of the earth; namely, wind, water, earth and fire. Some props were passed around to represent each element; thus making an impact on each individual. We were instructed to face different directions in uttering a sincere prayer for each aspect or element. In integration with their advocacy of ecozoic living, they gave a basic introduction of permaculture. Some aspects which are brought to light are organic farming, preserving biodiversity, native architecture, renewable energy and zero waste management – a clear indication of their fervent passion in being stewards of the environment. Through these ways, we were able to widen our perspective in incorporating other feasible and “green” acts in saving the environment. Another primary objective of ecozoic living is also to use organic resources free of synthetic chemicals which would promote care for the earth and nurturing the environment.

Orientation on the Basic Introduction to Permaculture

After our orientation, we were then led to outside of our hut – to the vast, productive gardens and farms C.E.L.L. held pride in. To our immediate view was another distinctively smaller hut, which had a long pipe seeping through its ceiling. A series of wooden, makeshift bamboo benches connected to the hut circled the pipe in the middle. Apparently, this area was deemed as the biodigester which recycled our unwanted human waste. All the resources were earthed below the biodigester, in a septic tank connected to different pipes from various sources or areas of C.E.L.L. Renato, our facilitator, described the flow and the function of the biodigester as a whole. He then proceeded to demonstrate how methane gas is released from the pipes as human waste (the prime fuel) was ingested into the biodigester. Fire sparked from the pipe as he turned, as we sat in awe and appreciation of the process. It was also mentioned how the fire or gas produced by the biodigester was ultimately used for productive purposes - like cooking, heating, and other uses. This affirmed C.E.L.L.’s advocacy and mission regarding ecozoic living, through their environmental practices and processes.

The Biodigester: Where the "Magic" of Renewable Energy Happens

Another environmental practice within C.E.L.L. was their meticulous recycling methods, which were evidently shown in one area of the site. In this site, our very much reusable past household items which are thrown away are recycled in here, and often repaired or turned into much beneficial materials. The proceeds from their methods went to public schools nearby. In this area, it was evident that their passion for the environment and in living up to their mission remained as potent and strong in comparison with the other areas of the site.

From Trashes to Treasures: Materials Recovery Facility

Now, we turn to ask ourselves: what now? As a new generation, our role has inevitably become heavier a responsibility than those of the older generations – that, as a whole, we use all of these advancements in our society to become harbingers of hope. In our technological age today, we depend so much on technology in doing our tasks for us that we forget the true essence of everything we do in life. We should not resort to technology in running our lives; however, we should utilize this technology in bringing inspiration to others, and in making this world a better and greener place.

We live in a world with drastically diminishing ice caps, extremities in our weather, rising sea levels, decreasing biodiversities and affected species within our environment. Come to think of it, only one cause comes to our mind when we ponder upon the current situation of the environment – humans themselves. What's worse is the mere fact that we know and are aware of the environment, yet we remain ignorant. Our position today, in our world of advancements in technology, is to mend the wounds of the earth, the very wounds we inflicted, using our vast and ever-advancing knowledge of technology and new innovations. 

Our actions should always cohere with our words - in whatever we pledge or promise to, let us always ensure that we commit to it. Since our generation today tends to plan more and vow to do different promises for the environment, we often forget to do more or actually act. Let us never forget to always act accordingly with our words, and to always be in one with our environment. Together, we are to instill a sustainable future not only for us, but also for the future generations to come. Through environmental methods of recycling, vermicomposting, using renewable energy and maintaining a zero waste management lifestyle, we are able to fulfill our words in ultimately saving our planet.

This scarred earth, full of our inflicted wounds, is in need of mending.

And we are the only ones who can heal it.