The SVD Laudato Si' Farm has inspired many individuals to join it in its commitment to community, education, and sustainable living.
Meet Josette Anne Bayot, a student from the SVD ALS (Alternative Learning System) Center and a volunteer at the SVD Farm’s Oies Kitchen. In this feature, may we be inspired by her story.
At the time of publication, Josette Anne is a grade 10 student at the SVD ALS Center, the education apostolate of the Divine Word Seminary Tagaytay (DWST), in particular the Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Foundation, Inc. (AJCMFI). (The SVD ALS Center helps out-of-school youth and adult (OSYA) learners like Josette Anne who have stopped attending formal school due to hardships or challenges faced in life and are now of age and can no longer attend formal schools.)
Josette Anne's journey with SVD ALS and to the SVD Farm has not been without its challenges. Like many, her life presented hurdles such as a difficult pregnancy. However, her story took a different turn when she encountered Ms. Jessica Jamolin, the Learning Facilitator for the SVD ALS Center, who extended a lifeline during a moment of crisis.
Despite family problems that emerged during the first week of school, Josette Anne's spirit remained unyielding. "Surrendering is not an option," she declared, choosing to return to her studies and rise above the difficulties. This decision, though not without its hardships, eventually became the foundation of her personal and educational journey.
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Her first encounter with the SVD Farm left a lasting impression. During the bamboo-planting activity at the SVD Farm last May 20, 2023, in honor of San Isidro Labrador, Josette Anne encountered the Farm for the first time. “Hindi po ako makapaniwala na makakabuhay ako ng halaman!” said Josette Anne, despite not having a “green thumb.”
During the tree-planting initiative, Josette Anne marveled at the Farm's eco-friendly ethos. She shared that she was initially shy, but later became more confident in herself under the mentorship of Ms. Joy Leynes, SVD Farm Operations Manager, who she would work with during her volunteer work at the Farm.
Her initial self-doubts, rooted in past experiences of shyness and bullying, began to dissipate. She recalled her high school days when her attempts at gardening often ended in disappointment. The Farm, however, breathed new life into her volunteerism.
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Josette Anne's volunteerism at the SVD Farm began with an earnest desire to contribute and develop her skills. As a dishwasher at the SVD Farm’s Oies Kitchen, she demonstrated a readiness for learning, constantly seeking ways to coordinate with the Farm's managers and employees. This spirit of inquiry and a proactive attitude led her to engage with the Farm's activities—whether on weekends or during school breaks, Josette Anne was always ready to lend a hand.
For an SVD ALS student like Josette Anne, volunteering held a profound significance. It went beyond the altruistic gesture; it was a chance to contribute, learn, and progress. According to her, her experiences at the Farm transformed her not only as a volunteer but also as a person. The diverse community provided an ideal platform to cultivate essential life skills—communication, problem-solving, and camaraderie.
During her time as a volunteer, Josette Anne also forged an unexpected friendship with farmer Tatay Enzo, despite her initial plan of maintaining distance from others. According to her, she not only found her footing at the Farm but also reclaimed her self-assurance. “Kaya ko palang makipag-kaibigan,” she said.
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Josette Anne talked about the gracious relationship between the SVD ALS program and the SVD Tagaytay Community—whenever the SVD ALS Center needed assistance, the seminary responded swiftly, and Josette Anne believed in the importance of reciprocity. She shared that she believed that her volunteer work at the Farm is her way of helping the same community which helped her and continues to help her.
As Josette Anne reflected on her journey, she offered a message to potential volunteers—a heartfelt plea to embrace the happiness and fulfillment that volunteering at the Farm brings. She emphasized that just as the Farm started small, the impact of individual efforts accumulates to create something meaningful and profound. Her story is a testament to this truth—a reminder that each person's contribution, no matter how modest, can shape the landscape of positive change.
“Sa simpleng pagtulong sa SVD Farm, natuto ka pa, naging masaya ka pa! Naging masaya ako sa na-experience ko dito. Hindi ninyo mararanasan ang saya na maibibigay sa inyo ng Farm kung hindi ninyo susubukan … I enjoyed my time here. It was a great boost for my self-esteem. … Nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa kanila, sa lahat ng makukulit na mga kaibigan na nakilala ko dito. … Long live the SVD Farm! Sana po ay magtagal pa ito,” Josette Anne shared.
Josette Anne's journey epitomizes the essence of the SVD Farm—a place where the spirit of volunteerism not only cultivates lush landscapes but also nurtures the human spirit. As the Farm continues to evolve and inspire, Josette Anne's story serves as an enduring reminder that through selfless service and a heart open to God's grace, we can cultivate not only the land but also the depths of our souls.
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For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org.