Our Common Home

The year 1886 was the first documented observation of the Chinese crested tern (Thalasseus bernsteini) bird in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the first record of the Chinese crested tern in Manila Bay was in 1905. It made a triumphant return in 2018, this time to Panabo, Davao. It was only about two weeks ago that it was yet again spotted on the coastline of Manila Bay, as reported by Rappler. With all that time in between, we could chalk up the endangered species being direly affected by poaching or illegally hunting protected animals.

In the past century alone, we can already attribute most endangered species to going extinct rapidly due to human intervention. In this regard, I deeply agree with Pope Francis’s claim that our Earth is falling into an almost irreversible degradation rate. In the same manner, he also points out that human activity is the main driver of the issue of global warming. As humans, I firmly believe that we can also make the necessary changes moving forward to help with our environmental problems.

On a personal level, one of the things I do on a daily basis is utilize available public transportation going to and from school. This incredibly helps minimize the carbon footprint I put out on Earth as I use the said transportation systems and other commuters. Often, I use sidecars, tricycles, LRT trains, jeepneys, and walking to travel to school. According to IQ Air, the Air Quality Index in Metro Manila is currently at 57 (moderate air pollution), with the main pollutant being PM2.5, which is three times the WHO annual air quality guideline value. Honestly speaking, if the government can efficiently organize our public transportation system, it would also greatly help our environment in the long run.

Consequently, De La Salle University commits to effectively upgrading and enhancing our waste management and sewage treatment systems. However, the University's garbage cans had obvious segregation indicators, but BGMO staff still had to manually sort rubbish occasionally. Garbage collection by the municipal authority would be facilitated by the color-coding of the bags used by the university. I believe that we must also be mindful of segregating our trash on our own so that this system becomes even more effective.

Concluding this, I look forward to joining organizations that support reversing environmental change in the near future. One of my targets within the year is to be absorbed into a non-profit organization or social enterprise that combats climate change and animal/habitat conservation. Once we work collectively to enjoin our efforts to change the world, then we can be part of the change we want to see in the world. 

#GoingGreen #ACMSUST

Sophia Isabel S. Cauilan

Posted February 16, 2024