News—"The Word is sustainability. … God created the world for us to be sustained," says SVD Farm exec director Fr. Sam Agcaracar, SVD, in National Bible Month message
Tagaytay City—Rev. Fr. Samuel "Sam" Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Laudato Si' Farm and Rector of the SVD Tagaytay Community, was featured as one of the resource speakers for the Philippine Bible Society's National Bible Month 2024: Creation Care Workshop last January 27, 2024.
In his message, Fr, San shared insights on Biblical principles related to caring for the Earth and emphasized the crucial importance of sustainability in a world facing environmental challenges.
Fr. Sam shared his vision of the SVD Farm as a response to the urgent need for environmental advocacy, challenging the church and the government to take action. Reflecting on his personal childhood experiences from Claveria, Cagayan, a town usually affected by flooding, he emphasized the devastating consequences of environmental degradation and urged everyone to address the issue collectively.
Despite initial challenges, Fr. Sam said that the SVD Farm flourished with the help of donations and the dedication of the priests and seminarians of the SVD Tagaytay Community who embraced the role of farmers.
The SVD Farm, according to Fr. Sam, is guided by three dimensions—faith, farming, and food. He also highlighted the SVD Farm's ability to bring together individuals from various cultures, faiths, and backgrounds, creating a space for unity and collaboration in caring for the environment.
The SVD Farm also operates on six areas of sustainability, said Fr. Sam. These areas include sustainable farming, sustainable energy, sustainable water, sustainable livelihood, sustainable knowledge, and sustainable lifestyle. He highlighted the role of these sustainability efforts in promoting a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature and agriculture.
As an advocate for the environment, Fr. Sam stressed the importance of sustainability, stating, "The word ‘sustainability’ is a difficult principle. God created the world for us to be sustained." He called for a collective effort to combat the compromise of sustainability caused by those who exploit the Earth's resources for personal gain.
““What happened? The sense of sustainability has been compromised. (There are) capitalists who benefit from the beauty of creation at the expense of the majority. This project for me is not just a way to earn finance for the SVD Tagaytay Community, but is instead an advocacy to challenge the Church and the government, to do something about the environment,” said Fr. Sam.
Fr. Sam's message resonates as a call to action, not only for the success of the SVD Farm but as a call to prioritize environmental conservation.
Fr. Sam also expressed his hope that when young people, including students from different institutions, visit the SVD Farm, “they would realize that nature, that agriculture, that farming is the source of life.”
The SVD Farm, operating as a hub for ecotourism and sustainable practices, invites visitors to witness and be inspired by a concrete example of creation care. The project, built on partnership and generosity, stands as a beacon of truth and inspiration for a world grappling with environmental threats.
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For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org