LaKBay ni Juan, now meaning “Lakbay para sa Kalikasan, Bayanihan at Kabuhayan” (A Journey for the Environment, Community Solidarity, and Sustainable Livelihoods), originally stood for “Lakbay para sa Kalikasan, para sa Bayan ni Juan” (A Journey for the Environment, for the Filipino Community). As the organization expanded its programs and partnerships, its name evolved to reflect a broader mission that integrates environmental stewardship, community volunteerism, and sustainable livelihoods. Established in 2021 through the vision and leadership of Dr. Rowena Dohilio Resurreccion,LPT, EnP in partnership with the Parish of San Juan Bautista, Silang, Cavite, LaKBay ni Juan was founded as a faith-based environmental and community development organization inspired by the Catholic Church’s call to care for creation and serve communities.

 Guided by the belief that lasting environmental change is achieved through faith, active citizenship, and collaboration, the organization began mobilizing volunteers through large-scale tree-planting initiatives, including its pioneering activity along East-West Road in Litlit, Silang, Cavite, in partnership with the National Police College, where approximately 300 volunteers planted fruit-bearing and native tree species to support watershed protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. Building on this success, the organization expanded its reforestation efforts through the Parish Ministry for Nature under the Divine Mercy Community, with support from the Knights of Columbus, engaging more than 150 volunteers in planting Norfolk Island pine seedlings and later mobilizing another 200 volunteers for reforestation activities near Cabag Cave in collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection, the local government, and other civic partners.

 Recognizing that environmental conservation must be reinforced through education and community participation, LaKBay ni Juan broadened its initiatives to include Brigada Eskwela school clean-up drives, the establishment of school vegetable gardens, and environmental education campaigns promoting Zero Waste Management, biodiversity conservation, ecological spirituality, climate change adaptation, and sustainable living. These programs reached schools, barangays, parish communities, and diocesan gatherings, including participants throughout the Vicariate of Candelaria and across the Diocese’s 92 parishes.

 In 2023, the organization transferred its primary operations to the Parish of Our Lady of Candelaria in Silang, where it strengthened community partnerships by organizing regular clean-up drives, establishing the “Gulayan ni Juan sa Calvary” community garden, and collaborating with institutions such as the Philippine Christian University and the Society of the Divine Word to promote environmental leadership and sustainability. Reforestation efforts continued to expand through partnerships with the Laguna Lake Development Authority, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Infant Jesus Academy, scouting organizations, and community volunteers, resulting in the planting of hundreds of additional trees in Sabutan and the donation of seedlings to partner parishes.

 As the organization matured, it strengthened its institutional capacity by joining the Municipality of Silang Civil Society Organization Network, launching the “Waste-Free Beginnings” campaign to promote responsible waste management, and securing an environmental grant from the EcoWaste Coalition to acquire waste segregation and composting equipment for community-based solid waste management initiatives. Today, LaKBay ni Juan continues to build strategic partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, faith-based organizations, civil society groups, and local communities while expanding its work into river rehabilitation, climate resilience, livelihood development, community enterprise, youth leadership, cooperative development, and environmental education.

 Through transparent governance, active volunteerism, and collaborative action, the organization has established itself as a trusted community partner committed to creating healthier ecosystems, empowered communities, and sustainable livelihoods. With the support of donors and development partners, LaKBay ni Juan seeks to scale its proven community-based environmental programs, strengthen local capacities, and deliver lasting social, environmental, and economic impact for present and future generations.