Academic institutions in Bacolod joined the Diocese of Bacolod in building a common platform for environmental action, bringing together school leaders, educators and church representatives around shared commitments to ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, environmental education and community engagement.
The gathering marked a broader effort to strengthen cooperation among the Diocese and academic institutions in responding to environmental challenges through coordinated programs rather than isolated institutional initiatives.
Most Rev. Louie P. Galbines, D.D., bishop of Bacolod, underscored the importance of collective action, saying meaningful environmental work requires institutions to recognize their interdependence.
“I need you, you need me, we need one another for this project,” Galbines said.
He described the initiative as an important first step toward developing a more coordinated and impactful response to the environmental crisis.
“This is the very first step that we plan together — how we can work together so that our response is also impactful,” he said.
Galbines also emphasized that environmental responsibility should be rooted in genuine commitment and not depend on public recognition.
“When you are committed, you do what you have to do, whether people are seeing us or not,” he said.
The partnership provides a framework for participating institutions to collaborate on environmental education, research, ecological restoration, biodiversity protection, capacity-building, community activities and experiential learning.
It also encourages schools to connect their academic and institutional programs with environmental initiatives that can extend beyond their campuses and into communities.
For students and faculty members, the collaboration may open opportunities to participate in research, tree-growing and ecological restoration activities, environmental campaigns, seminars, training and community-based projects.
The initiative also places emphasis on protecting native biodiversity, particularly through the planting, protection and long-term survival of endemic and indigenous tree species suited to local ecological conditions.
The partnership draws from the ecological teachings of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home and Laudate Deum, highlighting ecological conversion, responsible stewardship and shared accountability in caring for creation.
Galbines urged the participating institutions to allow environmental concern to extend beyond the boundaries of their respective organizations.
“Caring is not just for us here, but we have to care beyond the corridors of the environment where we are in,” he said.
The Diocese and participating schools are expected to develop specific programs and work plans, share expertise and resources, document outcomes and identify opportunities for research, technical assistance and resource mobilization.
The initiative also recognizes the importance of communities, government agencies, civil society groups and other development partners in sustaining environmental programs.
Galbines said the presence of school leaders at the gathering reflected the willingness of academic institutions to work together with the Diocese toward a common ecological mission.
“I hope we continue to join our hearts to serve our people together,” he said.