Forum marks Season of Creation, speakers call for caring for our common home

By Tere Esmeralda-Medina

A decade after the launch of the encyclical, Laudato Si’, the annual Season of Creation was opened by a forum at the Arrupe Convention Hall of the Ateneo de Naga University last Sept 1, entitled “Laudato Si’ after 10 years: Anong ginibo ta?”

In her keynote address, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, laid out the City’s plan for improving its ecological state and urban resilience. According to her, the ecological vision for Naga is deeply rooted in resilience building, public engagement and environmental stewardship.

From addressing critical flood risks to integrating sustainable urban design, her approach combines practical infrastructure upgrades with transparent governance, aimed at crafting a truly livable and sustainable Naga.

Moreover, Robredo has institutionalized the “2028 Finish Lines” -a developmental roadmap striving for inclusive, sustainable growth over the next three years, centering on creating a cleaner, greener and more climate-resilient Naga through coordinated and integrated planning.

Other speakers were Fr. Erwin Bismonte, Assistant Director of Caritas Caceres and Joanaviva Plopenio, Officer-in-charge of Ateneo’s Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research.

Bismonte discussed the national initiatives that Caritas Caceres participates in. He also highlighted the need for collaboration in caring for our common home. “Uplifting people and communities are most essential in the Church’s response to the cry of the poor,” he said.

Plopenio shared Ateneo’s projects in response to Laudato Si’. The school’s programs tie seamlessly into the Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preferences (Caring for Our Common Home) and the Laudato Si’ Action Platform goals, making Ateneo de Naga not just a local leader in sustainability, but a participant in the global Catholic movement for ecological conversion.

The Season of Creation is observed from September 1 until October 4, feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.