After 10 incredible years, 427 trips, and 10,653 participants, our one-of-a-kind Sea Adventure School is back—stronger and more inspiring than ever!
This year marks an exciting new chapter as we relaunch our floating classroom, the Sea Adventure School (SAS), after six months of restoration and reinforcement of the boat. SAS provides students and educators with hands-on experiences in marine conservation. The Sea Adventure School has opened young minds to the ocean’s wonders for over a decade, fostering a deep appreciation for its fragile ecosystems.
But the Sea Adventure School is not just about exploring marine life—it’s about inspiring action.
A New and Improved Vessel
Our dedicated boat crew worked tirelessly throughout six months of intense renovation to rebuild our floating classroom, ensuring its long-term sustainability. The vessel underwent significant improvements, replacing wooden parts with durable fiberglass, making it sturdier and more resilient against the elements.
Thank you, Kuya Eric, Kuya Rexon, Kuya Joerben, and our boat captain, Kuya Allan, for their dedication and craftsmanship in restoring the Sea Adventure School, which has carried thousands of young learners toward environmental awareness. Your hard work has ensured that future generations will continue to benefit from this unique educational journey.
Stronger Partnerships for Greater Impact
This year, we’re also thrilled to announce a new agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd), paving the way for smoother, more structured trips. This partnership will enable us to reach even more students, particularly those who may never have had the chance to experience the ocean firsthand. By integrating the Sea Adventure School into the formal education system, we’re expanding our reach and deepening the impact of environmental education.
The waves are calling, and the next chapter of the Sea Adventure School begins now! Join us for an unforgettable floating classroom experience, as shared by Kuya Jason, our EACY Program Coordinator.
Pawikan and Sustainability: Lessons from the Coral Garden
They say the ocean teaches patience, resilience, and connection. That day, as we spotted not one but two pawikan (sea turtles) gliding effortlessly through the coral reef, I realized something profound: their survival depends on the health of their habitat, just as our future depends on the choices and alliances we make today.
“Hey, look! A pawikan!”
“It’s over here!”
“Come check it out!”
I called out excitedly to Ate Teena, Ate Grace, and Ma’am Lucia, who were snorkeling nearby. These three were among the adventurous souls on this trip, ready to immerse themselves in the Coral Garden’s breathtaking underwater world.
- Ate Teena is the Project Coordinator for Stairway’s Cyber Safe Schools Project (CSP).
- Ate Grace is the Program and Operations Manager for the Stairway Manila Office.
- Ma’am Lucia is an Education Program Supervisor with the Schools Governance and Operations Division/Learner Rights Protection Office Focal of the Schools Division Office (SDO), Navotas City.
It was the first of three Sea Adventure School trips I joined that week. CSP organized it, inviting 53 participants, mostly teachers from Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas, who attended.
Navigating the Waters
Many participants were from Metro Manila, an urban jungle far from the sea. While some confidently explored the reef, others hesitated, sticking close to the shallow, sandy areas. It was clear that, for many, this was an entirely new and intimidating experience.
But Ate Grace, Ate Teena, and Ma’am Lucia were different. They were eager to see the pawikan up close and swam quickly toward me with the current on their side.
Ma’am Lucia was the first to arrive. At first, she couldn’t see the sea turtle—it was nestled among the coral, perfectly blending into its surroundings. But with some guidance, she finally spotted it. The joy and excitement on her face were unmistakable. Ate Grace and Ate Teena soon followed, and the three watched in awe.
Then, something incredible happened—a second sea turtle appeared!
This one was smaller and darker, swimming toward the larger pawikan we had observed. Two sea turtles in one day—what luck! We couldn’t wait to share the experience back on the boat.
Thankfully, Ma’am Lucia had a phone with a waterproof cover in case she spotted a turtle. Using my freediving skills, I took the phone and dove to capture a video of the two turtles.
Watch the video here: Sea Turtle
The Challenge of Swimming Back
After spending a few magical moments observing the pawikan, it was time to return to the boat. But the current had changed. What was initially a leisurely swim on the way there suddenly became a struggle. Ma’am Lucia led the way, moving steadily forward. I kept an eye on Ate Grace and Ate Teena, who were making slow progress. Ate Grace quickly accepted my help, grabbing onto me as we swam. Ate Teena, ever the fighter, insisted she could manage on her own. But as the current grew stronger, we realized teamwork was the only way forward. We formed a human chain—I led the way, Ate Grace held onto me, and Ate Teena held onto her. Inch by inch, we pushed forward.
Panting but smiling, we finally reached the shallows.
A Lesson Beyond the Ocean
This experience mirrored the challenges we face in environmental education and community work. While we celebrate our victories—like spotting a sea turtle or restoring a mangrove forest—there are always new obstacles ahead. The key is persistence, collaboration, and ensuring no one gets left behind.
Over the past 10 years, the Environmental Awareness for Children and Youth (EACY) Program has:
- Provided a floating classroom experience to over 10,000 students.
- Cleared a mangrove forest once buried under a thick layer of plastic waste.
- Engaged thousands of children and youth in environmental education and projects.
- Formed the EACY Alliance, uniting communities for marine conservation.
But that’s not the end of the story. The next challenge will be even greater.
Just as we had to fight the current to return to the boat, we must push forward against new challenges:
- Expanding the Sea Adventure School to other areas in Mindoro and beyond.
- Building stronger collaborations with government and community stakeholders.
- Strengthening solid waste management efforts.
- Addressing climate change through education and action.
- Ensuring that children and youth remain engaged despite rapid changes in leadership.
This work will not be easy, but we will push forward together like we swam back to the boat because, in the end, this is not just about sea turtles or floating classrooms. It’s about creating a sustainable future in which every child, educator, and community member plays a role in protecting our oceans.
The waves are calling—will you join us?