IN RESPONSE TO the “profound call of the Church,” San Beda University (SBU) launched itself as a Laudato Si’ institution, grounded on Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical, which aims for the protection of the planet and integral ecology of all creation, last October 4.
The University Rector-President, Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma A. Maranan, OSB, said that “In line with our shared aspiration of becoming a Laudato Si’ University – a beacon of environmental stewardship, social justice, and sustainable practices – understanding and embracing the teachings of Laudato Si’ is paramount.” SBU is the first Laudato Si’ University in the Archdiocese of Manila and took its visible step toward “caring for our common home” in its opening activities.
Ribbon Cutting
SBU Administrators, led by Rev. Fr. Maranan, led the opening ceremony and the ribbon cutting rites at the University Main Gate. The Rector-President was accompanied by Ms. Elvira Yap Go, President of Anak TV Philippines and the Ambassador to the Vatican City Gravissimum Educationis Foundation and Global Compact Education, and Mr. Rodney Galichia, Executive Director of the Living Laudato Si’ Philippines.
Laudato Si’ Walk
Following the opening ceremony, a “Laudato Si’ Walk,” which is a parade for the ‘Care of Creation’ around Mendiola Street was conducted. According to Prof. Marvin Reyes, Ph.D., College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Prefect of Student Activities, the walk was a symbol of the “ready Red School” embodying and responding to the needs and call of the Vatican through Pope Francis. “We are here to answer the need of the environment, the call to protect the environment and nature,” emphasized Dr. Reyes.
Tableau Presentation
Representing sustainable practices such as recycling materials, students from the Integrated Basic Education Department (IBED)-Senior High School (SHS), who were divided by committees, modeled their own costumes made out of reusable materials in a tableau presentation. The students likewise struck different poses with their environmental placards along the University Driveway.
Eucharistic Celebration
The opening activities culminated with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Rector-President himself.
“We continue our collective commitment to fostering a sustainable and environmentally conscious university community,” said Fr. Maranan in his message as he invited all members of the Bedan community to reflect on their respective roles as stewards of God’s creation. Given SBU is officially a Laudato Si University, Dr. Reyes confirmed that Bedans should not just expect more environmental activities in the near future, but also the incorporation of Laudato Si’ (“Praised be”) in the educational curriculum and subjects of the University.
Main Program
Two inspirational messages were then given afterwards. Mr. Galicha delivered the first speech which mentioned SBU as the first University in Manila to become a Laudato Si University. “We need to act!” he said while urging the Bedan community to take action in responding to the depleting environmental health. Second was Ms. Go who stressed the need for solidarity and unity in taking initiative. She further exclaimed that “If we are not united, it all goes to nothing because no one is taking initiative.” Furthermore, she came down the stage to ask the audience, from professors to students, on how they could contribute to the environment in their own simple ways.
Once again, Rev. Fr. Maranan came up after Ms. Go’s speech and gave the audience the meaning behind the carefully crafted logo of Laudato Si. He derived the logo’s explanation from the Bible book of John which said, “I am the vine, and ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit,” pertaining to the tree with outstretched branches on the logo. This was followed by the pledge of commitment and presentation of the Laudato Si logo by Moises Gregorio of the Senior High School, who explained more on the meaning behind the logo.
After the program, an awarding ceremony was conducted for the winners of the tableau presentation during the Laudato Walk in Mendiola. The contestants were students from levels 11 to 12.