Saving the environment

IMAGES or pictures of garbage everywhere are common postings in social media these days. If the numbers of likes or shares are our basis, we can say that many Filipinos are ecologically conscious.

Unfortunately, it is one thing to like or share in Facebook and it is essentially different to be truly concerned. Call it online activism or social media advocacy, the point is all of these cannot and should not replace concrete measures that save the environment.

Our Constitution says it clearly: to live in a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the harmony and rhythm of nature is a right. Sadly, this provision in the Declaration of Principles and State Policies is not only verbose but also mysterious. It is like an ancient prayer that sounds powerful but – come to think of it – does not really mean anything.

Do we lack environmental advocacies? At the risk of oversimplification, I would say “no.” A number of individuals, groups, and social movements have been promoting activities and programs for the environment. In fact, Philippine jurisprudence is known for its radical defense of nature. In 1993, the Supreme Court in Oposa v. Factoran ruled in favor of inter-generational justice. Activist-lawyers are even fighting for the juridical standing of dolphins and whales in environmental cases.

There is no need to elaborate that schools have been teaching environmental awareness to pupils and students. Companies have been, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, organizing and promoting ecological activities: tree planting, coastal clean up, and garbage segregation. So what do we lack? Where is the gap and what is it that we have failed to do?

In 2015, Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si’. It’s an encyclical that focuses on the environment. An important assertion of the document can be summarized this way: any environmental advocacy would not succeed if not coupled with a genuine critique of the economic