The Guardians of Wawa Dam
by Odes M. Dagong
In the green valleys of Montalban, Rizal, Bernardo, and Maria, the mythical guardians of Wawa Dam, faced a new challenge. They discovered villagers thoughtlessly dumping trash into the water. They greeted the villagers warmly with “Good morning.”
Bernardo and Maria felt it was important to share with every villager that proper waste disposal is a key measure in preventing harmful chemicals and pollutants from polluting soil, water sources, and the environment. They expressed their gratitude to the community, saying, "Thank you for taking the time to learn and help us in this important task." Educating others was a crucial part of their mission to protect the dam and preserve the environment.
Surprised by the mythical guardians of Wawa Dam's unexpected presence, the villagers realized the dam's gift and their oversight. From that moment on, they promised to throw away their waste correctly. This proves Maria and Bernardo's transformative influence and the potential for positive change.
One evening, a lump appeared in the dam's wall. Maria and Bernardo repaired it under the dark sky using magic, pushing, pulling, and carrying rocks.
They estimated the area they needed to cover using square tile units as they worked. For instance, if they had a rectangular section of the wall that was 5 miles long and 3 miles wide, they calculated the area by multiplying the length by the width. Their formula was Area = length × width, 5 miles × 3 miles = 15 square tile units. This estimation helped them determine how many rocks they needed to repair the dam efficiently. After that, they weaved a belt from tall grasses to calm the wind and shield the dam from stone fragments.
Then, the old spirit threatened to stop the water from flowing through the fields. "These conditions are testing our skills," Maria shouted. They worked together and did their best to shield the dam from stone fragments.
"That field needs water," Bernardo said, pointing to a dried land area. Demonstrating their water management skills and respect for nature convinced the old spirit to sympathize with and preserve their beloved dam.
As time passed, it became clear that Bernardo and Maria were not just guardians of the dam but also the land. Every problem they overcame as guardians of Wawa Dam secured their constant commitment to environmental conservation, giving them confidence and a sense of security.
