Global Goals in the Care of our Common Home: A Catholic Response
Over 200 faculty and students from the nine member-countries of the Association of the Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASEACCU) –Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand – arrived in Baguio City, Philippines to participate in the 29th ASEACCU Annual Conference from 21-25 August 2023.
Within the conference week, participants shared their knowledge, wisdom, and experiences anchored on the theme, “Global Goals in the Care of Our Common Home: A Catholic Response”. The said conference formally commenced on 22 August 2023.
SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, welcomed the international guests and delegates of the 29th ASEACCU International Conference with profound gratitude affirming the shared goal to work towards the care of our common home specifically the mission to pursue the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si. “We shall live out the call of Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si. Our right to the environment shall be founded on the realization that we, humans, are part of the environment,” he remarked.
In the same vein, keynote speaker, Prof. Francois Mabille, General Secretary of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), emphasized the importance of international dialogue and cooperation in these pressing times. “The shared voices of universities lead us to Pope Francis’s Laudato Si. With IFCU as a place of dialogue and encounter, the emphasis on the shared responsibilities of specific challenges our countries face concerns our common humanity. Therefore, we must collectively care for our common home,” he said.
The second day of the ASEACCU Annual Conference was highlighted by a series of lectures and student activities within the context of the UN SDGs. With the topic on Climate Emergency, Mr. Rodne R. Galicha, a Filipino environmentalist, the Executive Director of the Living Laudato Si Philippines, and National Convener of Aksyon Klima Pilipinas, shed light on the urgency of addressing the Climate Emergency and work towards societal change. She also discussed the importance of environmental awareness, the capacity to cope and adapt, as well as the possible consequences of our actions toward nature.
Additionally, Architect Donna Tabangin, the City Planning and Development Officer of Baguio City, initiated a thought provoking discussion on the UN SDGs in the local setting of Baguio City. “New world problems require new world solutions,” she said, stressing that there should be new ways of solving challenges through the path of innovation and creativity. She also shed light on concerns such as carrying capacity, managing population density, adapting to climate change, and shifting to looking at things differently to pursue sustainable development goals.
After the plenary sessions, ASEACCU student-participants actively engaged in three collaborative tasks that tapped into their leadership skills as they embarked on activities anchored on the UN SDGs facilitated by the SLU Center for Counseling and Wellness (CCW) and held at the Bishop Carlito Cenzon Sports Center. “How can we hold the future when we cannot hold the present,” this was among the stirring statements that student delegates expressed as they presented their final outputs on their chosen SDG.
Among the vital components of the conference include an exposure site visit to a partner-community of Saint Louis University’s Community Extensions and Outreach Programs (SLU-CEOPO) – the Banangan Women’s Association in Sitio Suyoc, Sablan, Benguet.
In line with the UN SDGs No. 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals), the said partnership is geared towards enhancing the community through diversified ube-based food products.
Meanwhile, in the spirit of ‘Binnadang’, the Cordilleran term for bayanihan or community solidarity, the ASEACCU delegates joined the Banangan women and the other locals in traditional dances that became a celebration of cultures united in the goal of caring for the common home.
The third day of the 29th ASEACCU Annual Conference stressed university social responsibility, networks of solidarity, commitment to environment, and institutional rankings. Delegates took part in a series of lectures and student activities that were anchored on the talks by esteemed speakers from the international community.
In bringing the Catholic universities together, Dr. Montserrat Alom, the Director of the International Centre for Research and Decision Support or CIRAD, focused her discussion on social responsibility in line with “The Newman Framework”. This framework follows the principles and values in line with Catholic practices and consists of 160 indicators and criteria that are divided into four main fields: Governance, Social Practices, Environmental Protection Efforts, and Consistency.
Fr. Stephen Rothlin, SJ, Director of Macau Institute Ricci, involved participants in developing societal engagement. Furthermore, he introduced the challenge beyond the year 2020 about a new economic paradigm—the concept of Fratelli Tutti, which visualizes society as a “polyhedron.” This philosophy invites everyone to contribute to the rebirth of the universal aspiration of fraternity.
With a goal to instill environmental consciousness and the message of Laudato Si among the student-delegates, “The Pope, the Environmental Crisis and Frontline Leaders | The Letter: Laudato Si” was viewed at Fr. Francis Gevers Hall.
Prior to the film viewing, Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan, O. S. B., Rector-President of San Beda University, shared his insights about the film as an “invitation for all of us to act.” He further elaborated that the environmental problem is also a social problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
The Diocese of San Carlos has declared a Climate Emergency through the pastoral letter of Most Rev. Gerard A. Alminaza, Bishop of San Carlos Philippines for Laudato Si Week 2024. He showed how the country is currently dealing with destructive fossil gas power plants which can highly affect the people and the environment.
Bishop Alminaza drew attention to Verde Island in Batangas City, which is currently in need of protection against the destructive plans from the government. He also concluded his presentation with his lecture about the new normal “Eco Solidarity” — a movement focused on phasing out fossil fuels and the “7 Acts of Love” which are about management, conservation and consumption.
Mr. Quintin Pastrana, President of WEnergy Power Pilipinas, in his discussion on renewable energy as a response to the UN SDG No. 13 (Climate Action), proudly cited the action taken by SLU in saving its 70% power through renewable energy. He further emphasized that initiatives like this are a great example for other Catholic universities to follow.
In his lecture, Mr. Pastrana focused on how renewable energy and Laudato Si come together in actions of influencing an impact towards sustainability. The call for the response for renewable energy is a translation to the 4Ds (Decarbonization, Decentralization, Digitalization and Deregulation) of energy transition towards zero-carbon.
Asst. Prof. Nestor R. Ong, MSIE, PIE, ASEAN Engineer, and the Deputy Director of the Office of QS/THE (Times Higher Education) Rankings of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Philippines shed light on the process involved when applying for THE Impact Rankings. He also emphasized that the integration of SDGs includes remodeling the curriculum with special stress on futuristic courses as well as implementing a service-learning-based curriculum.
In her presentation, “Adopting the UN Sustainable Development Goals in a Small Liberal Arts University,” Ms. Karen Arano Tagularo, Senior Lecturer of the Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macau shared experiences and key learnings at USJ in adopting the SDG goals.
Dr. Stephenie O. Busbus, Chair of the Institutional Reputation and Effectiveness Committee of SLU, also gave her presentation focused on “The Sustainable Development Agenda in Catholic Universities: Benchmarking with Rankings and Ratings Systems” that centered on how SLU navigated ranking applications by establishing the institutional processes and directions based on the University’s Strategic Directions.
Finally, Ms. Mei Mei Lim, the Director of Consultancy, THE gave her presentation on “THE Times Higher Education Impact Rankings” with three agenda: the UN SDGs and the THE Impact Rankings; students, sustainability, and study choices; and sustainability in action universities and governments.
The ASEACCU member-institutions then signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on the eve of 24 August 2023. These MoU similarly signify the commitment to cooperate on joint activities as a proactive Catholic response to the global goals in the care of our common home.
Among the signatories for the MoU with SLU through University President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM include Dr. Lucia Lin, President of Providence University (PU); Rev. Prof. Stephen Morgan, Rector of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macau; and Rev. Fr. Philipus Tule, SVD, Rector of Widya Mandira Catholic University (WMCU)
An MoU and an Agreement for Student Exchange were signed between the Catholic University of Korea, represented by Prof. Joonsuk Kim, the Dean of International Affairs and USJ Macau through Rev. Prof Morgan
Further, a Memorandum of Agreement for Student Exchange Programs between Ateneo De Davao University and USJ Macau was signed by Ms. Rikka Paula Comaingking, Process Coordinator at the Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao Office and Rev. Prof. Morgan. Finally, an MoU between De La Salle University-Dasmarinas and USJ Macau was signed by Bro. Francisco de la Rosa VI FSC and Rev. Prof. Morgan
Rounding off Day 3 of the 29th ASEACCU Annual Conference was the Students Night filled with various presentations which fostered friendships beyond diversity. This was among the activities of the Conference which instilled the principles of raising awareness, strengthening Catholic values and pursuing collaborative actions toward Sustainable Development Goals to young individuals.
Wrapping up the series of lectures during the 29th ASEACCU Conference, Assoc. Prof. Richard Colledge, Interim Dean of Theology and Philosophy of Australian Catholic University and Ms. Jacqui Remond, Lecturer of School of Theology and a Laudatory Is Consultant presented their lectures focused on integral ecology or the interconnected understanding of and approach to global challenges. This is in consonance with the encyclical of Pope Francis, Laudato Si, which has espoused that political, social, economic, and environmental problems must be addressed in an integrated and holistic manner.
Completing the ASEACCU delegates’ final day, they experienced being one with nature as they toured and relished the sites and sights at Mount Costa In Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet and Mirador Heritage and Eco-Spirituality Park in Mirador Hill, Baguio City.
In addition, collaborative initiatives were formalized through the ASEACCU Executive Board Meeting at the SLU Alejandro Roces Boardroom and the ASEACCU General Assembly, attended by the presidents, rectors, and representatives of ASEACCU Member-Institutions.
Bringing a close to the 29th ASEACCU International Conference, Rev. Fr. Stephen Morgan, Rector of USJ Macau announced that in 2024, the 30th ASEACCU Conference will be hosted by the Australian Catholic University in Sydney, Australia, of which SLU will be attending. Further, the 31st Assembly will be held in Providence University in Taiwan.
The 29th ASEACCU International Conference has indeed been a testament to the unity in purpose and diversity in approach, emphasizing that the care of our common home is not a solitary endeavor but a harmonious chorus of mindful actions.
