Tamontaka, Maguindanao – The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Tamontaka, Maguindanao has been one of the most visited places when it comes to family gatherings and meet-ups. It showcases variety of animals like crocodiles, ostrich, wild pigs, deer, monkeys, snakes, and different birds like eagles, love birds, the most entertaining bird mynah, and more.
Fr. Marciano Andres, OMI, the director of the Grotto is the one who manages the place and is still making some improvements for the people to visit and enjoy. Fr. Andres is fond with nature as he facilitates and encourages people to visit the Grotto.
The income of the Grotto is the main resources in which the salaries of its employees depend. The income from the entrance fees is also the means to which the animals are being fed regularly. Generating resources from the entrance fees and a little income from the Grotto canteen were severely affected due to the impact of the pandemic.
Since the time of pandemic, there were very few people who would visit the place. At times, there were days when there is no income and that impacted the need for salaries for the employees. Suffering from the loss of income, at some point, Fr. Andres even decided to give up some animals for there was a lack of food to feed them. Thanks to some generous people, the loss was at least lessened. Donations poured from different individuals, families, and friends as the news broke out that the Grotto is out of resources.
Sustainability Programs
Facing the pandemic was no easy. The Grotto has to think of other means in order to continue its mission and services. That was the time Fr. Andres thought of creating new ways to generate income for the Grotto.
With some extra money from the donations, the Grotto was developed and some renovations were initiated. New cages for the animals were built. To maximize the resources, the Grotto made use of the old materials available to suspend the expenses.
Some used irons and metals were used in building new cages for the birds, monkeys, and deer. It was not an easy decision, though. While the resources were limited, the Grotto has to make the place more accessible, clean and presentable so that people will be encouraged to visit the place.
That somehow made some impression from the people who visit the place. The renovations and other new services have somehow entertained some people to visit and enjoy the place. Little by little, people started to visit the place while observing the basic protocols implemented by the local government. But with the huge expenses for the salaries, maintenance and food for the animals, the income is still not enough.
Fr. Andres then introduced the selling of plants. With his employees, Fr. Andres focused on replanting variety of plants from his own garden. He started selling herbal and decorative plants to increase the income of the grotto.
Many people have already purchased some plants from his garden. People would come and buy which somehow helped in the grotto expenses. He also started selling furniture products from the old tables and chairs and transformed them into a unique and well-crafted antiques.
Although some amenities were not yet available, the Grotto remains open for all people to enjoy and visit. Future renovations will be made such as “tilapia” and “hito” pond to double the amenities of the place and for the people to experience a once in a lifetime fun and relaxation.
Grotto continues to sell plants and old furniture products for those who are willing. Nevertheless, the grotto is still in need of donations either in cash or in kinds. To those who wants to support the grotto, you can visit the place and look for Fr. Marciano Andres, OMI or any of his employees.
Comments
Post a Comment