Luntiang Pilipinas Party-list on Wednesday urged Filipinos to mark Earth Month by committing to work for the “ecological rebirth” of the country in light of the environmental degradation suffered by the countey over the past decades.
“Earth Month is as good a time as any to take a hard look at the harm we have done to our environment,” said Luntiang Pilipinas Party-list first nominee Michael Ubac.
“But if the human race has proven anything, it is that while we are not infallible, we are capable of recognizing the errors of our ways, and of taking action to right our wrongs. It is not too late; we all just need to collectively commit to the rebirth and renewal of our planet,” stressed the former journalist.
“It is not too late; we all just need to collectively commit to the rebirth and renewal of our planet.”
Ubac urged Filipinos to heed “Laudato Si,” the encyclical of Pope Francis on the environment which encourages people to thoughtfully consider the best information that science has to offer on the condition of our natural environment, and exhorts leaders in business and politics to address challenging problems such as climate change.
“Laudato Si recognizes the inseparable bond between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, respect of human rights and peace,” explained Ubac.
The groundbreaking encyclical also speaks of the interconnectedness of all creation and emphasizes the worth of every creature, added Ubac.
“Regardless of one’s views on faith, caring for the environment ultimately means being responsible for our fellow brothers and sisters.”
“Regardless of one’s views on faith, caring for the environment ultimately means being responsible for our fellow brothers and sisters.”
The University of the Philippines and Harvard University alumnus said Laudato Si also “challenges all of us to assess our consumption habits and activities vis-a-vis their impact on the environment.”
“We cannot and must not be indifferent to the destruction of our environment often caused by our irresponsible and selfish behavior, and our acts of contrition should involve adopting policies and behaviors that will repair and reverse the damage to our world.”
