THE Cebu Archdiocese will push the preservation of the environment in its 1st Cebu Archdiocesan Convention on Climate Emergency to be held this Friday, Jan. 31, to Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020.
The convention will highlight five advocacies, namely, solid waste management, sustainable water, renewable energy, marine conservation and community resilience in the perspective of faith.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said in a press conference Wednesday, Jan. 29, the preservation of the image of the Sto. Niño for almost 500 years is a validation that Cebuanos are great preservers. The Sto. Niño was given as a baptismal gift to Queen Juana in 1521 when the Spaniards arrived. Queen Juana was the wife of King Humabon, ruler of Cebu when Ferdinand Magellan arrived.
Cebu will mark 500 years of the event next year.
“For today, let me invite you to reflect on a very important point which is actually part of our being a Cebuano, because this is held in Cebu and this will focus on what I consider as like an elaboration of the statement I said during my homily that devotees of the Sto. Niño take care of the environment or are concerned with the care of the environment,” Palma said.
The environment is no different, Palma said, for it is also a gift given to humankind.
“A gift truly becomes a gift when it is shared. The moment we forget to share is the moment that we begin to abuse. The moment we think that this gift is just for me then we become selfish and we hoard, then we destroy, many times we forget,” Palma added.
Thus, the environment should be treated the same so that future generations can still enjoy it and make use of it, he said. “We think about the baby, we think of the Sto. Niño, then we should be mindful of the child or of the children who are our today and our tomorrow,” Palma added.
Five entities partnered with the Archdiocese of Cebu for the five different advocacies. Each entity was represented during the press conference.
The Bionutrient Waste Management represented by business development director Emma Ramas takes charge of the advocacy and concerns about solid waste management.
Socorro Atega, Cebu United for Sustainable Water executive director, will guide in addressing water security and in achieving sustainability.
Orlado Alparce, WeGen vice president for sales, will help in harnessing renewable energy.
Mar Guidote, Oceana director for external and internal relations, will center on marine ecosystem conservation.
Community resilience during disasters will be the focus of Paula Godofreda Hernandez, Pagtambayayong Foundation Inc. executive director. (RGT)