Discovering our common home: Kinder Ateneans visit La Mesa Ecopark

Knock, knock! We’re the AGS Kinder boys and girls. May we come in?

With listening ears, voices full of curiosity and joy, and eyes filled with wonder and awe, the Ateneo de Manila Kindergarten boys and girls conducted their educational field trip at La Mesa Ecopark in two batches: March 13, 2026 for the morning sections, and March 17, 2026 for the afternoon sections.

Responding to Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home and in line with the fourth quarter theme on Community, the Ateneo Grade School (AGS) Kinder students explored the home of hundreds of animals in one of the last remaining forests in Metro Manila. Located in Quezon City, La Mesa Ecopark is a rehabilitated public park currently managed by the Manila Water Foundation. Its vast greenery provides clean air as it serves as one of the lungs of Metro Manila and forms part of the La Mesa Watershed, which helps supply water to millions of residents in the metropolis.

House Rules 

To begin their journey, the students were oriented by Ms. Bess Par from the Manila Water Foundation. Aside from bringing their Go bags, teachers, students, and their adult companions were also reminded of safety procedures during emergencies, including the “duck, cover, and hold” protocol.

They also met foresters - community helpers who serve as educators and caretakers of the park. These foresters facilitated age-appropriate activities that allowed the young stewards to learn through hands-on experiences and shared moments with their adult companions: (1) Soil and Seed Bagging, (2) Forest Walk, (3) Meet the Butterflies, (4) Art in the Park, (5) Nature Walk, and (6) Heart for the Park.
 

Nature’s Playground

During the Soil and Seed Bagging activity, the Kinder students, together with their adult companions, scooped soil and planted Kupang tree seedlings. It was a simple yet meaningful reminder that caring for our common home begins with small acts, like planting a tiny seedling that may one day grow into part of a thriving forest.

For their Forest Walk, the students learned more about trees and were shown real acacia seeds, which they were able to hold and feel, giving them a closer look at how life in the forest begins. They also discovered other trees in the area, such as the majestic Narra and Kupang trees, deepening their appreciation for the richness of the forest.

At the viewing deck, they also had the opportunity to see the La Mesa Reservoir, helping them understand how the forest plays an important role in providing water for the community.

In another activity, they came face to face with butterflies, a gentle nod to the well-known story of a caterpillar’s journey to becoming a butterfly. Much like the caterpillar’s transformation, the experience reminded the children of the beauty of growth and becoming part of a larger community. It was a meaningful reminder that no matter how small we may be, each of us plays a role in building and caring for our shared home.

Their Art in the Park activity was a peaceful reconnection with nature. Fallen leaves, crayons, and a child’s playful imagination became their tools for creativity. Seated under the shade of trees, with rustling leaves as their background music, the students created art that reflected how nature itself can inspire creativity.

And what is a Kinder class without a good story? The students sat and listened to “Maite Mushroom and the Spectacular Sponge” - a story about how nature works together like a giant sponge, holding water, nurturing life, and caring for the community around it.

Staying true to Ateneo’s learning design, a reflection question invited the heart to answer through action: What can you do to take care of the environment? The Kinder students drew their promises on tiny leaves - small pledges that reflected their commitment to care for the forest and the home we all share.

The forest welcomed everyone and offered more than we had hoped for - lifelong learning through shared experiences. It also gave the visitors the chance to share a meal together while enjoying the simple gifts that only nature can offer. This educational field trip to La Mesa Eco Park is proof that a home built on love, care, and commitment is a place that gives back a hundredfold.