Climate Change = Lifestyle Change

How do we respond to climate change? Passive and annoyingly indifferent? Or proactively concerned? By this time, our answers become ever more relevant as climate change has shown its adverse consequences and effects on the lives of many. 

As repeatedly declared, "the time to act is now!" 

Fine. But in what way should we act? Alone? I am not even a David to fight the Goliaths of today. 

While it is understandable for a person to be overwhelmed with what is happening around him, it is not a reason not to act and do something. 

It is important to realize that this is one aspect in the life of a person where his singular effort can actually make a difference.

If one were to change his lifestyle and others would do the same then it is like lighting a candle and joining others who are doing the same. The result is an astounding illumination of what was once enveloped in total darkness. 

We are aware by this time of what climate change is and how our it has drastically changed the way we think. We also know what global warming is and how it has substantially contributed to climate change.

The indiscriminate and irresponsible use and abuse of the earth's resources have created a culture of greed, materialism and indifference. This did not fit well to any well meaning person's dreams and aspirations. 

There are five wise things one can do to effect a lifestyle change in relation with climate change :

1. Choose Wisely. Whether it be a pair of socks or a house, the principle of choosing is the same - get only what you need. You may want something but you do not need it. You may need it but you really do not want it. More often than not, if you have chosen something which you do not need and want, then it'll surely go to waste or you may not be happy about it after all. So the secret - get only what you need that will make you happy.

2. Use Wisely. One may have the best things in life. But if that person doesn't know what it means to use them with care or uses it other than for the purpose it may be intended, then it'll soon wear off or may soon be broken. So, if you can merely press it with your finger, don't use a hammer. If it's a table, don't sit on it. If it's a chair, don't stand on it. If it's a bed, don't jump on it. 

3. Save Wisely. Have you been told to "save for a rainy day?" Literally. If it is raining we prefer to stay indoors and when there is a typhoon, we need to stay home. When that happens, what we have at home would be what we can have. But what if there is nothing? Just to imagine such a situation is already difficult. What more in reality. So saving is used here in many ways - save money, save resources and save lives. Set aside not only money but your resources. You'll  never know when you'll find a need for them.

4. Recycle Wisely. Old items may continue to be useful. Others may still be fit for something else other than the original purpose for which they are made. A good example is the use of old tires in lieu of damage corals. Be creative. You'll not only save the environment but Dave on resources and money too.

5. Dispose Wisely. Segregate. This is now basic. Biodegradable trash must separated from non-biodegradable items. Solid wastes must be managed well so as not to aggravate the already alarming state of our environment. It has been proven that among the major causes of flood or diseases l is the improper disposal of garbage. They clog and pollute the waterways, rivers etc. Be concerned by knowing your duty to yourself, family, community, country and to the environment. 

Be grateful to God for the blessings you have right now and the opportunity to make a difference. You are not alone. 

A Clarion Call for Solidarity

To my Sisters and Brothers in Alpha Phi Omega:

         Let me start by quoting what our late Bro. Jesse Robredo has said about leadership, to wit:

“The most important ingredient of leadership is character. Most of the proficiencies can be learned, but what's inside you is something that's difficult to change.”  

         A month and again 2 weeks prior to the 2010 Presidential Elections, Bro. Jesse and I talked about the presidential candidacy of the then Senator and now President Noynoy Aquino. We tackled, not the political side of the candidacy but the advocacy that is being sought to be supported. There was a discussion about good governance and integrity. On Election Day, the people have spoken. We all want change and reforms. We want better lives and a clean government.

        When Bro. Jesse was appointed Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, I’ve had the privilege of supporting his programs at the DILG, and this opportunity was given me by the National Liga ng mga Barangay as its then legal counsel. I've seen him work, talk and move around, and we had text exchanges. He would always offer the APO handshake in public and other government functions. He has exemplified integrity in his words and actions. He was straightforward and definitely a statesman and a people’s man.

         True to his words, what was inside him was difficult to change for he has the leadership with a strong character. His being a cabinet official, holding key positions with enormous powers and so much responsibilities, never changed him. He remained the friendly and approachable Bro. Jesse, an action man and a true friend.

          There was an APO in him that called our attention. When we made a courtesy call on him, and handed him an APO pin, if only that pin was big enough to embrace it, he might have done so. Among those present at his office were some past National Presidents and past national officers, he talked of leadership and service. He was exemplifying the APO principles and ideals. 

         As I look around the people at the final services held at Malacañang before his remains were brought home to Naga City, I could see in the eyes of everyone the sorrow that permeated through, and I could hear in the countless conversations the words like “sayang”, “magaling sana na presidente”, “down to earth”, “mabait na ama”, etcetera. All were referring to Bro. Jesse. I know somehow, among those present, there are fellow APO in attendance, and just like me, in the midst of grief, I was proud to be an APO, because Bro. Jesse who is being honored by no less the President of the Philippines, and all other high government officials also present, is an APO, who in his lifetime, conducted himself as what an APO should be.

         There is always a reason why some people would go ahead of those who still remain in this world. Bro. Jesse may no longer be with us, but the principles he stood for and the legacy he has given us with, have so much rippling and cascading effect upon us all. Because of him, he made us prouder as members of APO. 

         Bro. Jesse wasn't alone. There are countless other sisters and brothers, who may have passed away, but still, their memories are with us, and their good turns and deeds are still being talked about and emulated. We salute all of them. They have made history for Alpha Phi Omega.

         As for us who are living, pretty much alive indeed and enjoying what life has to offer, we can do so many such good turns, and good deeds. Together, we can, not only make a difference, but also and more significantly, transform and not merely reform a rotten system into something that is transparent and which exudes integrity. 

         As we commemorate the 89th Year Founding Anniversary of Alpha Phi Omega, let pause, reflect and pray – be thankful to Our Supreme and Divine God and Creator, and plead for discernment and guidance as well as strength and determination - to move on, move forward and move upward to the peak of Leadership with Integrity, Sincere Friendship and Genuine Service. More than ever, let us firmly grasp the hands of each other as a family in Alpha Phi Omega, and make our circle stronger.

         May we always be!