NAGA CITY — Prominent personalities and resource persons on environment and climate change will spearhead the lineup of speakers during the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change at Fernando Hall of the Ateneo de Naga University here, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on November 14, Friday next week.
According to an invitation signed by Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J. of Cagayan de Oro Diocese, co-convenor of Climate Change Congress of the Philippines, and Bishop Efraim M. Tendero, D.D., national director of Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, key leaders of different faith-based groups will converge and assess the progress of the intervention strategies and action plans of different faith-based communities in promoting Climate Change consciousness.
In addition, they said, “we want to intensity our engagement in environmental issues related to Agriculture, Water and Food Security, Appropriate Transportation, Safe Power Generation, and Disaster Risk Reduction and rehabilitation.”
Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat will give the welcome remarks.
Among the speakers are Archbishop Ledesma himself who will give the rationale of the dialogue and speak on “Mobilizing Faith-Based Communities to Address the Perils of Climate Change.”
Former Sen. Heherson T. Alvarez, co-convenor and Commissioner of Climate Change Commission (CCC) will discuss “The Quest for Climate Justice.”
Dr. Esteban C. Godilano, resident scientist of Climate Change Congress of the Philippines (CCCP), will tackle the issue on “Impacts of Climate Change in the Bicol River Basin.
DENR Bicol Regional Director Gilbert C. Gonzales, on the other hand, will give his share by tackling the topic, “Addressing the Challenges: Naga Climate and DRR Programs.”
The speakers’ speeches and presentations will accordingly be followed by an open forum, to be capped by the dialogue’s synthesis and action points.
The workshop proper will take place after lunch, to be followed by workshop reporting and plenary discussions, drafting of declarations and conference resolutions, and the formation of coordinating committee.
Former Sen. AminaRasul-Bernardo, co-convenor and President of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), will give the closing remarks.
It has been higlighted by the convenors that since time immemorial we have enjoyed the earth’s natural resources, which have sustained the beauty of our habitat and nourished our lives. “But the recent natural disasters in our country underscore the need for a concerted action to protect and sustain our natural resources at all costs,” the convenors stressed.