Renato M. Mancol
November 27, 2023

On November 25, 2023, the representatives from several religious communities are working together to have meaningful conversations about sustainability and climate change. Diverse religions are joining forces at University Hotel, Diliman Quezon City to shared values and collaborates practical solutions for a more sustainable environmental footprint, while acknowledging the urgent environmental concerns.

The said event was headed by the respective guests speakers namely Atty. Jojo Lacanilao, MMT Saleng Ministries Inc. Chairman of the Board, for Evangelical perspective and Venerable Miao Jing Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, Head Abbess, for Buddhist perspective guided by the moderator Jeremaine S. Sze. The dialogue attended of a diverse religious background from Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, Buddha’s Light Association, Guang Ming College, Messiah College, Asian Theological Seminary, International Graduate School of Leadership, Christ Commission Fellowship, and Penuel School of Theology.

The said event was headed by the respective guests speakers namely Atty. Jojo Lacanilao, MMT Saleng Ministries Inc. Chairman of the Board, for Evangelical perspective and Venerable Miao Jing Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, Head Abbess, for Buddhist perspective guided by the moderator Jeremaine S. Sze. photo／The Life News Agency

The program started with informative facts about the climate crisis and according to the data calculated using risk formula, Philippines is on top 1 highest disaster risk worldwide which presented by Ms. Ailene Oro a sustainability program manager, BDO Unibank Inc. while leaving a questions of “Must we change?” is what Oro expressed after sharing about the climate change in the Philippines.

During the discussion, Venerable Miao Jing expressed that the interfaith dialogue aims to build affinities and encourage cooperation in addressing the global climate crisis. “By nurturing compassion for all beings and to respect life, we can make a difference,” she said that promoting vegetarianism and the three acts of goodness, (doing good deeds, speaking good words, and thinking good thoughts) is their global commitment to mitigate the impact of climate change. On the other hand, through this platform participants shared their insights and exchange ideas of practices associated to sustainability and climate change. “Beyond personal commitments there must be a strong faith with the sense of advocacy regardless of beliefs,” is what Atty. Lacanilao shared.

The dialogue attended of a diverse religious background from Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, Buddha’s Light Association, Guang Ming College, Messiah College, Asian Theological Seminary, International Graduate School of Leadership, Christ Commission Fellowship, and Penuel School of Theology. photo／The Life News Agency

The event ended with hope of collaboration for future dialogue with social actions especially addressing environmental issues. Kevin Yao ends the program, saying that “It takes so much to listen, it takes to articulate, it takes good will,” and “Living now, work now,” he added. Making a positive change drives participants to come together, to unite and represent meaningful actions by bridging the gap of interreligious communities, behind the differences of each tradition the dialogue discovers commonality to inspire collective efforts and continue to improve the shared commitment as human’s environmental responsibility.

The event ended with hope of collaboration for future dialogue with social actions especially addressing environmental issues. photo／The Life News Agency