First and foremost, we’re happy for this interview about your advocacy, the promotion and implementation of the principles of Laudato Si’! Can you tell us briefly what this is all about?

Laudato Si’, an encyclical written by Pope Francis, was released on May 24, 2015. The easiest to read of all encyclicals, it is addressed not only to Catholics, but also to all people of goodwill. It begins with a review of the several aspects of our environmental crisis and continues with “some principles drawn from the Judaeo-Christian tradition which can render our commitment to the environment more coherent.”

The symptoms, as well as the deepest causes of the present ecological situation, are discussed and proposals are put forward for dialogue and action which would involve each of us as individuals, and also affect international policy.

Lastly, it indicates inspired guidelines for human development to be found in the treasure of Christian spiritual experience.

We see your passion in promoting the protection of our “common home.” Can you share with us the “spark” that ignited all this?

Back in elementary, I had the opportunity to spend my summers with a priest in Siquijor. I spent my time reading Church documents – the Bible, catechisms, encyclicals, Church history, lives of the saints etc. Through these readings, I was impressed by how God loves us so much that he provided us with a garden, a beautiful “common home” at the beginning of Creation, and now, as stewards, we are called to “cultivate and care” for the earth (Gen 2:15). Sadly, we have collectively destroyed nature to the point of threatening the survival of man himself.

The spark within me grew into a flame when I met the Focolare Movement. Living its communitarian spirituality, one cannot just turn a blind eye when it is clear that environmental destruction has caused so much suffering to our brothers and sisters, especially those who are marginalized around the world.

You are a banker and an ecological “activist.” How do you espouse these two?

Actually, being both, in a way, one strengthens the other. In our company, we want to make the best happen to our clients. We want them to be ready today so as to be ready for tomorrow. That is why we continuously conduct financial literacy talks that emphasize the value of saving and investing. Once people get into this habit, we can somehow decrease mindless consumption which is one of the drivers of environmental destruction. Another benefit is that people will be more financially resilient in the face of new climate realities and extreme weather conditions.

And what is good is that people value the opinions of bankers, even in matters outside of banking. That is why I find it easier to influence other people to support environmental activities.

There is a saying that goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” How far have you gone with your advocacy? Can you share a concrete initiative that is making a visible mark in the community where you are?

While I have been carrying out my personal projects for the environment – maintaining trees and gardens, minimizing consumption, practicing the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) –since my early years, my community involvement in environmental projects started in 2011 when my company encouraged the employees to give back to the community by implementing a sustainable project.

Thus, BPI Bayan was born. It started with a simple coastal clean-up but has already branched out into other activities such as mangrove propagation and planting; reef dome (artificial reef) construction, deployment and monitoring; urban tree planting; zero waste initiatives; and, financial literacy and environmental stewardship campaigns. What is great about this project is that it truly reflects “panag-ambit para sa malungtarong ugma,” a communion of resources, talent and time from stakeholders to bring about a sustainable future.

Moving a notch higher, I co-founded Kahugpungan Para sa Kinabuhi ug Kinaiyahan, Inc.[1] (also known as Kinaiyahan) together with the core group of BPI Bayan. Currently, the NGO brings together through fora the different people and organizations working on environmental projects and who advocate specific environment-related issues. Out of these opportunities to dialogue came a unified stand on different environmental issues of our community.

One of the biggest environmental issues in the Philippines is waste management. Our seas, rivers and even our lands are filled with waste. How does this affect you and your community?

Seeing the waste washed up on the beach near our house and how mini dumpsites have sprung up in the neighborhood, not to mention how much one particular barangay in our city suffered because all the city’s waste was dumped there, at first broke my heart, and I, too, initially blamed my neighbors for their lack of discipline and choice of traditional politicians, as well as the government for not being pro-active enough in managing the garbage problem.

However, I was also challenged to better understand the problem and learn about “new” sustainable ways to at least minimize the negative effects. Out of this desire to properly manage our garbage came the Zero Waste Cities Project – Dumaguete wherein concerned individuals and organizations worked with barangays for a waste management system faithful to the mandate in Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000). This project has encouraged the emergence of zero waste businesses and has slowly changed the way existing businesses deliver their products, from too much dependence on disposables to the promotion of reusables.

And you are not alone in this! Your wife is also very much involved in environmental awareness advocacy. How do you reconcile your family concerns with your social commitment?

During our wedding reception, we declared that we would work not only for the betterment of our immediate families, but also for that of society. I think that set the tone for our married life. It paved the way for easier understanding between us during those times when it seemed that more time, resources, or energy had been spent on our advocacy.

As much as possible, we both attend various environmental activities. However, whenever this is not possible, because of the need to attend also to the needs of our family, one of us goes to represent the other.

And so that our children may also understand and emulate us, we tried our best to apply at home whatever we ask of the others as a contribution to healing the earth. Thus, we bring reusable containers when we go shopping in the market, operate a composting facility in our yard, plant trees in the neighborhood, etc. Our children use metal straws and reusable water bottles when they go to school. They have been taught the value of saving.

Whenever their schedules allow, we also bring the children to our meetings and activities to deepen their understanding, hoping they too will commit themselves to protecting our common home.

We followed your adventure recently and saw how firm you are in your commitment to face the great challenges that come your way. Where do you find the strength to persevere?

I find mine in my Catholic faith. I always believe that advocacy projects, to be sustainable, should be spiritually grounded. The popes have likewise exhorted us to combine our faith with activism. Given that God has been leading me along this path, how can I say that I love God in my fellowmen without doing anything for them?

Many environmental advocates have spoken, others continue to speak about “climate emergency.” And yet, we seem to be at a standstill, seeing the continued degradation of our environment. Do you have a word you wish to convey to our readers?

Caring for our common home is not an exclusive concern of environmentalists. Through our faith, we are all called to be stewards of creation, with an obligation to “cultivate and care” for the earth. Against the backdrop of a climate crisis, the result of our collective sin against God and His creation, I ask each and everyone to make reparations by doing concrete actions like being mindful of our consumption and living a zero-waste lifestyle; participating in activities that help the earth regenerate; and, promoting a culture of sharing and transparency.

Interview by Romeo Pelayo Vital

[1] Translation: Coalition for Life and Nature, Inc.