What if the best classroom was found in nature? In this episode of Good and Green, Chit Juan sits down with Sara Francesca Soliven-De Guzman, President of O.B. Montessori Center and steward of Preziosa Farms, to share how a school campsite evolved into a 16-hectare destination for experiential learning, regenerative agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Sara explains how hands-on experiences—from harvesting vegetables and caring for animals to planting native trees—help children and families develop a deeper appreciation for nature while inspiring future generations to live more sustainably.

GUEST BIO:

Sara Francesca Soliven-De Guzman is the President of O.B. Montessori Center and the steward of Preziosa Farms, a 16-hectare educational farm in Alfonso, Cavite. Building on her mother Dr. Preciosa Soliven's vision, she has transformed the farm into a destination for experiential learning, regenerative agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Through camping programs, farm experiences, native tree conservation, and sustainable design, Sara continues to inspire children, families, and communities to develop a deeper appreciation for nature and responsible living.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How Preziosa Farms grew from a school campsite into an educational farm.
• Why hands-on experiences help children connect with nature.
• How regenerative agriculture and native tree conservation support sustainability.
• Designing a farm that balances education, hospitality, and environmental stewardship.
• Simple ways families can reconnect with nature and inspire future environmental advocates.

QUOTES:

• In my family, we don't do things just abruptly. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman
• You don't just cut the trees. They are like elements. They also have life. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman
• I would advocate for parents to start bringing their kids to farms or rural areas around the country. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman
• We're happy because we're able to inspire people and share what we know, what we can do to teach them more about nature. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman
• We have a total of 5,000 kilos of vegetables harvested each year. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman
• Be inspired by experiencing nature. We need to activate our wonder and awe towards loving Mother Earth. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Sara Soliven-De Guzman:

• Preziosa Farms on IG
• Preziosa Farms on FB
• Preziosa Farms Website

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Subscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.