“Nothing endures but change” is a quote attributed to Heraclitus. Admittedly, changes and challenges are inescapable facts of life. They can be catalysts for action or sadly, inaction, depending largely on the attitude and the strengthened resolve to confidently dare to face the unknown.
What matters is how we, as individuals, and as members of our family, institutions, nation and our home planet, anticipate and respond to them and with each other.
Climate change is one such grave global challenge that tests how humanity, now obviously in peril, can stand as one in conquering and overcoming the pervasive self-gratifying “me-first” and ecologically devastating way of life. As Lester Brown, who is described as one of the most influential persons in our millennium, pointed out in an interview, Nature will continue; it is civilization that will collapse if we do not change our ways.
The carbon-emitting lifestyle so largely dependent on fossil fuels and the anthropocentric world-view that humans are supreme to Nature have to go if we are to save our planet.
We are already feeling the effects of climate change. Scientists and advocates have pointed out for decades that others would have more share of the suffering than some. Filipinos are among the most affected, our country being the third most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. But, political authorities are in denial. Rare is the political leader who leans on science for life-impacting decisions. The best response is, and should have been to ensure that the elements of life, ecosystems and biodiversity are protected and nourished. We cannot possibly exist without them.
Yet, our Executive Branch is an outstandingly consistent laggard in the implementation of our environmental and climate-related laws, for reasons we can only surmise. Despite the philosophy of “daang matuwid,” the Aquino administration is hard-pressed to explain why it is still prioritizing clearly unsustainable projects such as mining, coal operations and reclamation, despite increased incidence of typhoons, landslides, flooding and the consequent deaths, damages and displacements of and tremendous burden to our people.
The civil servants in the executive agencies should perhaps take a long hard look at the infographics that Malacañang shared in its website, entitled “AFTER PDAF: What the Government Will Do after Abolishing the Priority Development Assistance Fund” in this link: https://www.gov.ph/2013/08/23/after-pdaf-what-the-government-will-do-after-abolishing-the-pork-barrel-infographic/
Among the cited reasons for the abuse in the system are the culture of transactionalism, a bureaucracy co-opted and coerced, lack of transparency in the system and a passive and disengaged citizenry. These are the same factors contributing to the rapid deterioration of our environment , quality of life and the continuing violations of our fundamental rights to life, livelihood, health and a healthful and balanced ecology and the right to access information and participate in making decisions.
Clearly, the most viable path lies in building the capacity of our people to engage vigorously in the affairs of our community and society. We need more empowered citizenry in our midst, if we are to succeed in eradicating the ills of society and in facing a highly challenging tomorrow.
Nurturing a can-do spirit among the constituents, especially our youth and children, is essential and by itself, a challenge. But, it has to be done, as apathy is clearly a virus that is best eradicated. The values of patience, perseverance, respect, compassion, courage, openness, willingness to learn, and responsibility are sterling qualities that need to be nurtured in our citizens. Families perform a most important role in sowing these valuable seeds before the kids become adults. It is important likewise that we respect the honor and dignity of each child as an individual, to bolster their self-esteem.
Academic institutions and faculty members reinforce these principles learned at home by integrating in the curriculum practical ways by which students become productive, participative and empowered. Republic Act No. 10533, known as the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013” declares as a public policy that “the State shall establish, maintain and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people, the country and society-at-large.”
Not many are aware that legal education in the Philippines under R.A. 7662, the Legal Education Reform Act of 1993, seeks to produce lawyers who are not only competent but are also champions in promoting justice and societal reforms. Among the goals are:
(1) To prepare students for the practice of law;
(2) To increase awareness among members of the legal profession of the needs of the poor, deprived and oppressed sectors of society;
(3) To train persons for leadership;
(4) To contribute towards the promotion and advancement of justice and the improvement of its administration, the legal system and legal institutions in the light of historical and contemporary development of the law in the Philippines and in other countries.
The successive citizenry engagement in rallies against the pork barrel and the various activities and forums on issues ranging from the environment to the independence of the judiciary, attended by distinguished speakers and participants and spearheaded by students in the past weeks leave a lasting impression in the minds of many that perhaps the can-do spirit towards reforms is now firmly embedded among our young citizens.
Watch out.