Environmental stewardship focus of USJR conference

CEBU, Philippines -    Social awareness and concern for concurrent ecological degradation through self faith clarification and stewardship was the key discussion point in the two-day environmental stewardship conference at the University of San Jose-Recoletos- Basak Campus.

In a speech, Bro. Jaazeal Jakosalem, OAR reminded the attendees to accept an innate responsibility of being stewards of the environment. He said that being a part of God’s creation, man has an important responsibility as a sensible being to protect and preserve the system which he is part of through the “actualization of their faith.”

Jakosalem challenged all sectors in the community to find their “relationship with nature,” and, in the process, realize that they are part of a slowly degrading ecosystem brought by the irreversible effects of the past.

He said that for years, man has unconsciously opted for the “destruction of life” through careless acts for industrial development.

Jakosalem said environmental stewardship is “a challenge for people and communities,” but the same needs the support of government. He said man should have “a collective attitude towards the needs of nature” through “education integration.”

Myke Magalong, a self-confessed “environment empathizer” echoed Jakosalem’s message.

He said man should “accept” being part of the system and not just simply sympathizing with what is happening to the environment. This can be done by changing one’s mindset, Magalong said, considering that man possesses the ability to think.

Still, he said man should not consider himself as superior over the environment, but instead should recognize that without natural resources, he will simply cease to exist.

Jakosalem and Magalong are two of 10 thrust workers of “The Climate Project” (TCP) in the Philippines, which was started by former US Vice-President Al Gore.

Other members of the group include Public Attorney’s Office Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta, Rev. Fr. Manny Bolilia of USJ-R, Rodne Galicha, Shiela Castillo-Tiangco and Noel Verdote.

The Climate Project represents a global force consisting of specially trained climate advocates dedicated in educating people on the urgency of the climate crisis at a grassroots level.

With nine official branches and advocates in more than 50 countries, Gore’s program supports more than 3,000 diverse and dedicated volunteers, all personally trained by him.

TCP is also planning to conduct national road show to advocate awareness of the current situation of the environment within the year.

Just last year, USJR launched the Win On Waste or WOW program. It advocates stewardship thorough campus greening, conservation, waste segregation, recovery and integrating environmental awareness to all academic curriculums. 

Through the program, graduating students get to be exposed to “green” seminars to inculcate the idea of protecting the environment in preparation for the real world.

TCP advocate Fr. Bolilia, told The FREEMAN that though very behind, he still believes it is never too late to show care for the environment. He hopes that the program can breed a new generation of concerned and eco-loving citizens. —(FREEMAN)