A PUBLIC forum dubbed as “Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor” was held at the Fr. Albert Gansewinkel Hall-University of San Carlos main campus last Oct. 21.
Organized by Pagtambayayong Foundation Inc. under its MISEREOR advocacy, the forum, with 105 participants, was intended for the launching of a one million signature campaign from Philippines to Paris in support of the Global Catholic Climate Movement launched by Pope Francis during his visit in the Philippines in 2014.
Fr. Dionisio Miranda, USC president, in his welcome address, pointed out the need for talks on how to solve environmental degradation and climate change.
The signature campaign came at a critical time as from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 leaders of various nations will converge in Paris for the 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference (Conference of Paris 21).
Participating nations are expected to adopt a legally binding and universal agreement to cut down on carbon emissions and keep global warming below 2°C.
Melvin Purzuelo, Aksyon Klima Pilipinas steering committee and Green Forum Western Visayas Inc. coordinator, presented a scientific view in understanding climate change, especially on the impact of carbon emissions.
It was followed by Sanlakas Cebu secretary general Theody Navea who raised his concern on the effects of coal plants to the environment.
Earth stewards
Bro. Jaazeal Jakosalem of the University of San Jose-Recoletos reiterated the message of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines for the community to serve as stewards of the earth.
“There is a need for us towards environmental education and the need for ecological faith by taking an action for a green community through planting trees, composting, recycling, reusing and conserving water and electricity,” said Jakosalem during his presentation.
Jakosalem also facilitated a workshop for the participants, who were grouped into six, to come up with action plans.
Fr. Tito Soquiño of the Sto. Niño de Cebu Agustinian Social Development Foundation Inc. expressed his spiritual insights in relation to Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si (Praise Be To You)” in his closing remarks, and used his experience from the Sea Knights-an environmental scuba diving group he is also joining.