IN THE last decade, people have abused nature so much to the extent of maximal degradation. Various bodies of water—especially our seas and oceans—are facing the bigger brunt of this abuse.
Day by day, the threats to marine biodiversity multiply and plastic waste is among the many factors that contribute to pollution.
In celebration of the “Laudato Si” week, the Archdiocese of Cebu, Cebu Lions Club and Sacred Heart of Jesus, among other organizations, partnered with BE Resort Mactan in arranging an underwater cleanup drive on May 24, 2022.
The goal of the drive was to eradicate the plastic waste and other rubbish afflicting the reefs and sea bed fronting BE Resort Mactan.
Fr. Murphy Sarsonas from the Archdiocese of Cebu shared that it is the call of the Universal Church to take care of the environment. In the month of May, the Universal Church is celebrating the commemoration of “Laudato Si,” Pope Francis’ second encyclical letter that critiques consumerism and laments environmental degradation and global warming. From May 22 to 29, the Catholic Church will be conducting environmental initiatives and projects that will highlight the importance of collectively taking care of nature. One of the projects they have conducted is the underwater cleanup drive.
The environmental problem we face today is very encompassing, states Fr. Sarsonas. The easiest solution we can abide by is raising individual awareness partnered with an effective institutional approach. He also highlights the significant role of education in renewing the face of the earth. Educating the masses about the harmful effects of plastics on the environment is also another solution next to the collective action of preventing further destruction of our earth due to plastic waste.
The Archdiocese of Cebu plans to hold this event annually along with other projects that will make certain of the gradual regeneration of our environment.