The ABS-CBN Foundation recently welcomed another group of participants to its Journey of the Heart (JOH) program, a simple yet immersive, curated tour designed to help Filipinos rediscover their roots while learning from communities that protect our environment.
This year’s immersion took place in Lobo, Batangas, a coastal town along the Verde Island Passage, known for its rich marine biodiversity and strong community stewardship. A family of three California-based sisters, along with their teens and young children, turned their regular Philippine visit into a meaningful experience of learning, giving back, and reconnecting with their Filipino heritage.
Joining them was long-time ABS-CBN Foundation supporter Noriel P. Adricula, who took part in Journey of the Heart to immerse himself in the Foundation’s local initiatives and deeper understanding of how its environmental and livelihood programs support communities.
The family spent several days engaging with coastal communities, gaining firsthand insight into environmental protection and community development. Their experience was especially meaningful because some of the children had previously joined the Foundation’s EcoCamp, which inspired them to return as a full family eager to reconnect with the Philippines and learn together.
Journey of the Heart is a curated tour designed to highlight and integrate two core arms of the Foundation: Galing Pamayanan (the livelihood and community development arm) and Bantay Kalikasan (the environmental arm). Through this experience, participants learn how environmental conservation and community livelihood go hand in hand.
During their Journey of the Heart experience, the group joined residents in activities such as:
- Citizen science work, including coral reef and mangrove monitoring
- Learning about solid waste management and proper waste practices
- Participating in eco-friendly techniques shared by community partners
- Preparing and distributing school supply kits for children in the area
- Understanding community efforts in sustainable livelihoods and caring for the environment
- Joining the Earth Warrior Games, a friendly set of activities that celebrates teamwork, joy, and bayanihan
These community-led activities allowed the family to experience the beauty of Lobo, Batangas while gaining a deeper understanding of the everyday realities of coastal communities and the continuous efforts being made to protect the environment that sustains them.
“I love supporting my children’s love for the ocean and animals, and I wanted something rooted in Filipino wisdom. Being born and raised in the Philippines, I wanted them to learn and immerse themselves in it, too. That’s why this trip meant so much to us. The Philippines is truly one of the best places in the world to study marine life,” said Rizza Rawcliffe.
“The trip opened our eyes to so many new things. Seeing the coral reefs up close made us realize how important it is to protect them. We want to help others understand why the Verde Island Passage matters and be mindful of how we affect the environment,” shared Hoops and Winter Rawcliffe.
The ABS-CBN Foundation hopes that Journey of the Heart will continue to inspire families around the world to reconnect with the Philippines in ways that are meaningful, educational, and rooted in compassion. Through experiences like this, participants gain a deeper understanding of the country’s natural resources, the communities that depend on them, and the importance of caring for our shared home.
This Journey of the Heart experience was made possible through the support of: Olo-olo Seaside Workers Association (OSWA), Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan sa Brgy. Lagadlarin (SMMPKBL), Bantay Dagat, the Local Government Unit of Lobo, and the Lagadlarin Olo-Olo Elementary School in Lobo, Batangas.