Growing Green Terrain of UMak

“Dapat magkaroon tayo ng personal realization. Nandoon na talaga tayo sa punto na ultimo tayong mga tao mawawala na rin tulad ng mga endangered species, dahil sila rin ‘yung mga unang naapektuhan sa pagbabago ng klima.” — Mr. Niño Faustino, Center for Community Extension and Development and Certified Laudato Si’ Environmental Trainer

Climate change stands as one of the most pressing challenges of the modern age, transcending the limits of human intervention. As inhabitants of the Earth, humans continually adapt and evolve in response to the changing environment. In alignment with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the 10-point agenda by the President of the University of Makati (UMak), the university’s certified Laudato Si’ Environmental Trainers actively promote the principles and practices outlined in Laudato Si’.

Published in May 2015, Pope Francis released an encyclical—an official document passed down to all the church bishops—that explores the intricate relationship between God, humanity, and the Earth. Laudato Si’ is an encyclical addressed to every living person on this planet, urging collective responsibility for our common home. The title, derived from Italian, translates to “praise be to you” in English.

Laudato Si’ plays a crucial role in the growth of nations worldwide and is an integral part of the global movement led by various environmental organizations. In the 2022 Laudato Si’ Action Platform Annual Report, the Philippines is listed among the countries with the highest participation in Asia. The Laudato Si’ Movement Pilipinas and CBCP National Laudato Si’ Program (CBCP-NLSP), along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, are actively engaging Catholics and Filipinos in a grassroots effort to live out the message of the encyclical. Numerous other groups in the country, including school organizations, are also promoting and advocating for this global call to care for our common home. These organizations held conferences, green initiatives, awareness campaigns, and other activities to strengthen the message of Laudato Si’ and inspire action toward environmental stewardship.

GREAT BRAVE STEWARDS OF UMAK

Save the Earth with Accountability, Resilience, Dignity, and Sustainability, mainly known as S.T.E.W.A.R.D.S, is an action platform involving the participation of the UMak community. The role of our environmental trainers is to propagate the vigorous measures of S.T.EW.A.R.D.S that aim to transform the students’ attitude to be more responsive in climate change adaptation, especially to student leaders. “Gusto sana namin bawat student organization, magkaron sila rin ng kanilang mga plataporma for environment,” Mr. Niño Faustino said as he emphasized the crucial role of student leaders in the university.

This initiative, a collaboration between the Don Bosco School of Theology and the University of Makati, is unique among local universities, as UMak is the only institution invited to participate in this Laudato Si’ Environmental Scholarship Program. Additional scholars are expected to join the program in the near future. UMak Laudato Si’ trainers work diligently to collaborate with others and enhance the well-being of its community. Students can look forward to partnerships with organizations like Plastic Bank Philippines, a social enterprise that teaches plastic waste processing, and Green Antz Builders. It also promotes skills training in areas such as hydroponics, bio charring, composting, utilization of solar energies, and other technologies that may help students adapt to climate change.

On November 11, the University of Makati embraced the holiday season with a renewed sense of hope. The University President, along with the Management Committee, each planted a Kamagong tree, accompanied by the ceremonial lighting of the iconic Acacia Tree, a symbol of UMak’s enduring history. This event ties into the broader vision of the S.T.E.W.A.R.D.S action platform of promoting Laudato Si’ practices within the university.

Laudato Si’ trainers firmly believe that the S.T.EW.A.R.D.S Action Platform is achievable as long as the norms and culture of being accountable, resilient, dignified, and sustained are accepted by UMak students, faculty members, and student leaders.

ARE YOU A GUARDIAN OF THE WORLD?

According to belief, humanity was the final creation of God before He rested. A profound takeaway from the seminar is this: had humans been created first, they would have been responsible for bringing forth light, landscapes, and life itself. Instead, humans were made last, inheriting a world meticulously prepared for them—complete with light, nourishment, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. It is now their duty to protect and preserve these gifts. If they fail in this mission, how can they expect future generations to experience the gifts that God has bestowed upon humankind?

During the recent Laudato Si’ eco-awareness seminar on climate change adaptation at UMak HPSB, the story of Cain and Abel—the first two sons of Adam and Eve—was vividly brought to light. After Cain committed the grave act of murdering Abel, God questioned him about his brother’s whereabouts, to which Cain retorted, “I know not; am I my brother’s keeper?”

Does the UMak community consider itself a keeper of this world? Every student, professor, and staff member contributes significantly to the positive development of our shared environment. As stewards of this university, it is our responsibility to take steps and inspire change within our communities. As Mr. Faustino stated, “Ang pokus talaga dito ay mga kabataan kasi ‘pag kayo ang kumilos dito, kayo rin ang magmamana nitong mundo na ito,” by embracing this mindset, they can foster a deeper commitment to sustainability and inspire others to join in this essential mission.

A closer look at the encyclical Laudato Si’ reveals that it goes beyond the boundaries of religions. It is, instead, a universal call to action for all humanity. Climate change poses a significant threat to future generations, and Laudato Si’ encapsulates the responsibilities shared by humans as stewards of the Earth. Recognize that safeguarding the planet is not merely a religious obligation but a collective effort to ensure that generations to come can thrive in a world that is not only habitable but flourishing. The time to act is now.

 

Written by: Cheska Eniego