Sablan, Benguet Fieldwork

First fieldwork, August 2011

It was the first semester of my 2nd year in college. Rainy season and yet our fieldwork in Botany 109 (Plant Taxonomy) pushed through. The location (Brgy. Bayabas, Sablan, Benguet) is just an hour-thirty from the busy streets of Baguio City. I found myself and my other group mates inside a large Public Utility Jeep. The long ride had soon started.

We had numerous large polyethylene bags, where our collected specimen will be temporarily stored. A fieldwork, for us biology majors, is an activity wherein we survey an area and take note every plant that intersected with the transect line. The length of the transect line varies according to the professor's instruction. So basically, it is data and specimen gathering, alongside with description of the place. These collected specimens will be further analyzed and processed back in our laboratories and execute a thorough research of the identity of the certain plant. I did these for four years. Amazing!

Brgy. Bayabas is not usually the place where vehicles normally pass by. It is located in the inner parts of the mountain and the trip to get back in the national road is quite long and bumpy, and rather, undeveloped. It is quite far from the city and the place is a bit lonely. Also, the road can only accommodate one vehicle at a time, and there are some instances that the road lies in a cliff; one mistake, well, you know what will happen next.

(c) Arianne Gamboa | 2011

After some time, we had collected ample amounts of specimen and we stopped by in one of the residential houses. We were surprised that the elder, who owned the house, willingly told us stories of the place. She was so accommodating that she even invited us for lunch. 

(c) Arianne Gamboa | 2011

After a hike of thirty minutes from the Bayabas Elementary School, we witnessed this breathtaking view. Although we were hungry, thirsty, and exhausted, this view made us forget what pain we were enduring at that time. We rested at a nearby shed while waiting for the 12 NN break. Shortly after, we left the beautiful view to have lunch. 

(c) Arianne Gamboa | 2011

(c) Arianne Gamboa | 2011

The locals were also very friendly and accommodating. They offered us some of their produce, such as bananas and mangoes, to bring home. Before leaving Brgy. Bayabas, we decided to purchase Pineapple wine (their primary product) from the community. As soon as we are already packing up and ready to go back, the rain started to pour. At 4 pm, we left this peaceful place.

I can feel that the community were delighted to have such visitors once in a while. I can see the children's smiles turn into frown as our vehicles march the way out of the vicinity. 

(c) Arianne Gamboa | 2011

Although the trip was quite dangerous, it is in these instances that make you think life once more. The simplicity of the locals without the need to buy extravagant things and the moist environment due to its 'foresty' appeal add up to an enviable life. 

I want to visit this place again. Not collecting specimens, but keeping up with the locals.

From Baguio City: 

Ride a jeepney or a bus that will pass through Naguilian road. Ask the driver to drop you at Sablan. From there, ask the locals where to ride a jeep or a tricycle going to Brgy. Bayabas. The trip is quite long and make sure to stuff toiletries and lots of food. There aren't any sari-sari (convenience) stores around. Once you get there, talk to the Barangay Captain. He will surely give you a tour around.