BAGUIO HAS always been known for its cool weather. Tourists flock to the city as one the prime vacation spots in the Philippines during the summer.
Unfortunately, times have changed and the seasons have been known to enter earlier or later than usual. Climate change has essentially thrown a wrench into the vacation plans of both tourists and residents alike. But climate change is not just about tourism, it concerns the survival of the whole world.
It becomes more of a problem when the populace is not as informed when it comes to making critical choices that help to preserve the environment. It becomes even more problematic when the youth, being the hope of the future yet being unaware, continue to employ habits that further degrade the environment. The first step in environmental sustainability begins with knowing. We must know which practices harm the environment and which practices can help protect it.
In this regard, the Saint Louis University School of Law in coordination with the Discipuli Legis Universitatis Sancti Aloysii (DLUSA) has launched an environmental week to serve as an information campaign for the youth and interested civic communities. From July 12 to 16, there will a series of lectures, documentaries, and exhibits regarding climate change and biodiversity.
The Opening ceremonies will be held on July 12, 2010 at the Saint Louis University Silang Lobby from 9:30 - 12:00. There will be a ribbon cutting to be undertaken by Baguio city mayor, Hon. Mauricio Domogan and the school of law dean Atty. Ceasar Oracion. The program will then feature performances by the different organizations of Saint Louis University and a series of environmental poetry by Ubbog Young Cordillera Writers. There will be a number of exhibits on climate change at the lobby as well.
The environmental week will also feature a photo exhibit contest open to all students of Saint Louis University. Interested applicants must submit an 8" by 11" unedited photograph along with the corresponding title/caption on or before July 9, 2010 to the DLUSA office or the Office of the school of Law. The theme of the contest would be "Climate Change and Biodiversity." Photo entries shall be exhibited in the SLU Gonzaga gym from July 12 to July 16, 2010. Winners and prizes shall be announced and awarded on July 16, 2010 during the closing ceremonies at the SLU Silang Lobby.
There will be a number of lectures throughout the week as well to be held at the Gonzaga building Moot Court. Atty. Leticia O. Clemente will be lecturing on Baguio city initiatives towards eco efficiency on July 13, 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Sr. Rebecca R. Ortega will be lecturing on Consciousness and Climate: Confluence of Two Living Systems on July 14, 9:30 - 12:00 AM. Bro. Atam Prakash will be lecturing about Obedience to Natural Law: transforming waste into best on July 15, 9:30 - 12:00 PM. Councilor Perlita Rondez will be lecturing about the Burnham Park Master Development Plan: A Focus on Green Architecture on July 15, 2:00 - 4:00 PM.
For the duration of the week other exhibits and booths will be present at the Gonzaga building gym featuring different presentations regarding the environment. An information campaign may be a small step, but knowing is always the first step towards environmental protection.