Love not only inspires us to take care of our property but also encourages us to consider the broader environmental impact. It motivates us to assume the role of stewards, ensuring that we only take what we need while providing ample opportunities for future generations.
This February, we explore the transformative power of love in the context of property – focusing our affection for nature. In this article, we delve into how the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm, commonly known as SVD Farm, is leading the way.
The Common Good
The concept of the common good encompasses shared values and aspirations that benefit society as a whole. It emphasizes collective responsibility for safeguarding our resources and recognizes that the pursuit of property should not compromise the planet’s well-being.
One such call comes from an Encyclical issued by Pope Francis in 2015 entitled “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.” This encyclical on climate change and inequality emphasizes the importance of caring for the natural environment and all individuals.
SVD Farm
“The SVD Farm is a living example of what Pope Francis envisions in Laudato Si”. It is a place where faith, farming, food, and family meet, where people can reconnect with the land and grow in their understanding of what it means to care for our common home,” writes Fr. Samuel N. Agcaracar, Rector of the SVD Tagaytay Community, and Executive Director of the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm Foundation, Inc. in the preface of his book: We are all Farmers: The Story of The SVD Laudato Si’ Farm.
Conceived in 2020, the project is a tangible manifestation of the SVD Tagaytay Community’s response to the challenges and opportunities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a response to the call of the congregational leadership of the Society to become less reliant on external funding and to generate revenue for the operation of the SVD seminary while simultaneously supporting their programs for the poor, needy, and marginalized in Tagaytay City.
More importantly, it was a response to the challenge posed by the Holy Father in his encyclical to embody their mission by highlighting their commitment to justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. As Fr. Sam aptly noted, “Through this project, we aspire to foster ecological consciousness among our farmers, the local community, and visitors to the site.”
Working on the pillars of sustainability, the SVD Farm, as evident in its current and expansive developments, embodies this vision through its ecological stewardship practices, social justice initiatives, and integral ecology approach.
Ecological Stewardship: The SVD Farm implements environmentally friendly farming practices, including organic farming. These sustainability measures encompass composting, rainwater harvesting, and solar power utilization.
By adopting these practices, the farm reduces its reliance on hazardous chemicals and synthetic pesticides, and adheres to the natural contour of sloped areas, thereby minimizing erosion and conserving water. This results in the production of nutritious, locally grown vegetables and fruits. Furthermore, the farm raises livestock such as chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and pigs, which are fed a vegetarian diet derived from farm waste. The manure of these animals is then composted to enhance the farm’s closed-loop system. In addition, about 70 percent of the power supply is provided through solar energy.
Social Justice: The Farm actively engages with the SVD Tagaytay Community and guests, training volunteers to lead their communities in caring for our shared environment. It provides opportunities and supports local livelihoods.
Conceived to generate livelihoods for the farmers and local community affected by the economic slowdown during the pandemic, the trainings have sustained the families and fostered a connection between the people and the earth, and among themselves. Beyond employment, the farm hosts seminars and tours to foster knowledge sharing while promoting environmental advocacy.
Integral Ecology: The SVD Laudato Si’ Farm integrates pious practices into its operations, fostering a profound connection between humanity and its Creator. It also recognizes the interconnectedness of all living beings, considering the environmental, social, and economic implications of its practices.
Through its fourfold services of Faith, Farming, Food, and Family, the SVD Farm provides spaces for prayer, reflection, retreats, and integrates sustainable farming practices to deliver food produce and farm-to-table food. These services support the community and co-missionaries while emphasizing environmental preservation. Beyond its ecological role, the Farm serves as a model for individuals seeking solace in spirituality while advocating for sustainable agriculture and ecology. As Fr. Sam so eloquently puts it, the Farm is a “community in mission,” offering “opportunities to look at our faith and our mission in the context of the ecological crisis today.”
After four years, what was once a piece of land, Fr. Sam retorts, “has become an intersection of faith and ecology and a living testament to our shared responsibility of “care for our common home”.
We need to think about what’s best for everyone and the environment. When we do that, we can build a more sustainable and fair society for everyone.
Let us help one another in building our common home. Come, visit and support the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm, beside the Pink Sisters’ Convent, Arnoldius Road, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City.
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