News—SVD Farm launches first-ever Laudato Si' Seminar; managers discuss sustainability, climate change during first day
Tagaytay City—The SVD Laudato Si' Farm conducted the first day of its first-ever Laudato Si' Seminar last May 22, 2024, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to promote sustainable knowledge and practices. The second day of the seminar was held on May 24, 2024.
Held at the St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo, the two-day seminar was part of the SVD Farm's celebration of Laudato Si' Week and aims to deepen the community's understanding of environmental stewardship.
During the first day of the seminar, the participants learned about Laudato Si’ and climate change.
The seminar was facilitated by three members of the SVD Farm’s management team who have just finished their participation in the Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer (LS-CET) program of the Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST), which they underwent during the previous three months.
Before this seminar, the SVD Farm had been conducting Laudato Si’ discussions during orientations and farm tours, but this event is the first time that the institution has conducted formal educational activity to help its stakeholders learn more about Laudato Si’.
Participants of the first day of the seminar included a diverse group from the SVD Farm community, comprising management team representatives, farmers, and servers. Delegates from the SVD Tagaytay Community, interns from the OBB Institute of Learning Inc., and participants from other organizations also attended.
***
The first day of the Laudato Si' Seminar began at 2:00 PM with an opening prayer, featuring a video of the "Canticle of the Sun" performed by the priests of the SVD Tagaytay Community. This was followed by welcome remarks from the SVD Farm management team, emphasizing the significance of Laudato Si’ Week,
Mr. Juan Miguel Tolentino, Corporate Communications Department Head, facilitated the first session of the day titled "Laudato Si' 101." He provided a comprehensive introduction to Laudato Si’. He discussed how the 1224 prayer "Canticle of the Sun" by St. Francis of Assisi inspired the 2015 encyclical "Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home" by Pope Francis, which in turn inspired the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm five years later.
During the session, Mr. Tolentino discussed the encyclical’s messages and themes, in particular how Laudato Si’ acts as an intersection of theology, ecology, and technology. The session delved into the concept of "our common home," emphasizing the broader implications of caring for the Earth, and discussed the term "pakialam", which connotes a deep sense of responsibility and concern in Filipino culture, as a more profound definition of “care.”
Mr. Tolentino also summarized each chapter of Laudato Si', highlighting its intersection of theology, ecology, and technology. He explained the vision and mission of the SVD Farm, guided by its four dimensions—faith, farming, food, and family—and explored the institution’s six pillars of sustainability—(sustainable farming, sustainable energy, sustainable water, sustainable livelihood, sustainable knowledge, sustainable lifestyle).
After the discussion, Mr. Tolentino led the participants in a “Laudato Si’ Prayer.” In this activity, one after another, the participants the prayer prompt: “Praise be to You, Lord, for …”, saying the things in God’s creation for which they wanted to give praise to God.
After the prayer, Mr. Tolentino facilitated a sharing activity, during which the attendees reflected about and shared their ecological conversion stories. Finally, participants made personal commitments to live out the teachings of Laudato Si', creating and sharing their respective "Laudato Si' promises."
***
After a short break, Ms. Joylene Leynes, Head of Operations Management Department, and Ms. Karen Peji, Head of Sales & Marketing Department, led the next session titled "Climate Change 101."
Ms. Leynes and Ms. Peji focused on the pressing issue of climate change, which Pope Francis has described as a serious ecological crisis backed by “very strong scientific consensus.”
The discussion covered the Earth's interconnected systems, the greenhouse effect, and basic concepts like the water cycle, greenhouse gases, and global warming. This discussion was guided by the work of the OML Center’s “KLIMAALAM” initiative.
During the discussion, Ms. Leynes and Ms. Peji explained the significant climate effects that result from climate change. These effects, such as extreme weather events, particularly affect the Philippines.
The session also clarified the differences between weather and climate and discussed phenomena like El Niño and La Niña. A powerful quote from Pope Francis, "The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all," concluded the discussion.
***
The day's activities wrapped up with a closing message and a prayer-dance to the accompaniment of the Laudato Si’ song.
In the facilitators’ closing message, they shared their inspiration from St. Thérèse of Lisieux who said, ““Nothing is small in the eyes of God; do all that you do with love.” This underscored the idea that even small actions can make a significant impact in the fight against climate change.
Attendees shared that they considered the first day of the Laudato Si' Seminar to be a success, sharing how it helped them foster a deeper understanding of Laudato Si' and of climate change.
***
Read about the second day of the Laudato Si' Seminar, May 24, 2024, through the link below.
***
For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org