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?There is no greater gift to the universe than the power of love.?
? The Secret
If feelings of love, compassion and respect for our family are extended to the community and the rest of the world, then our journey in this beautiful planet will be more meaningful.
We are thankful for the shining examples set by the women and men in our era who shower the world with their boundless capacity to love. The world is much better because of individuals and institutions that have helped shape lives and improve the quality of our existence. We can learn so much from them. In my list are:
Dr. Jane Goodall for compassion to animals and inspiration to the children; Oprah Winfrey for empowering women; Nelson Mandela for humility, courage and strength; Barack Obama for making people believe in themselves; Al Gore for putting climate crisis in the consciousness of women and men; Dr. James Hansen for the persistence in putting science in the political agenda; MC Mehta, Tony Oposa and Ben Cabrido as dynamic movers and shakers par excellence; Jesse Robredo for accountable, participatory and transparent leadership; the Philippine Supreme Court for saving democracy; environmentalists and civil society for the persistence in helping transform society; the youth for their idealism and vigor; and media as the powerful voice in exacting public accountability.
Year 2008 was another challenging year for environmental advocacy. There were more good times definitely.
Uplifting developments include the Supreme Court?s (SC) creation of the green courts, the recent Manila Bay ruling and, of course, the SC giving due course to the two cases filed involving the oil drilling in Tañon Strait Protected Seascape.
There is also a stronger civil society movement in the protection and conservation of resources and good governance. Kudos to the UP Seal Net Team, which is doing its share in uplifting lives in the community, and also to the Commission on Human Rights and the Save Tañon Strait Citizens Movement, for helping and inspiring the marginalized sectors in our country.
Before 2008 ends, I am sharing with you my wish list for the New Year:
A ? air that is fresh and unpolluted; accountability of government; air shed board for Metro Cebu and in the Philippines.
B ? biodiversity-rich countries with political leaders conscious of the grave responsibility to protect and conserve resources.
C ? citizenry actively engaged in governance.
D ? dolphins and whales are protected at Tañon Strait Protected Seascape.
E ? ethical and excellent service delivery from public servants.
F ? fisherfolk are protected in their traditional fishing grounds, as well as the farmers in their farms; forests lines are finally delineated and protected.
G ? green economy starts to flourish; greenies by the millions; good environmental governance.
H ? human rights education for the military, the police, the people and the leaders; happy and more secure years ahead for all.
I ? inter-connectedness of people with each other and with nature.
J ? jettison piles of used papers and bring to recycling centers.
K ? knowledge about the planet and governance is shared with the multitude.
L ? leadership in fighting global warming coming from government, civil society and business.
M ? more Robredos, Padacas, Piangs and Panlilios in local governance; moratorium on coal.
N ? no-nonsense implementation of environmental laws.
O ? offshore oil drilling will be a thing of the past.
P ? plastic-free environment for all; partnership by all stakeholders; PEACE.
Q ? quality of life we all deserve ? one that is in harmony with nature.
R ? rule of law for this much-loved and ?resource cursed? country, with politicians bowing to the law?s majesty; pervasive respect and compassion for humans and other-than-humans.
S ? sustainability is integrated in the operations, programs, policies and projects of the public and private sectors; scientists being listened to by the political leaders.
T ? time to enjoy the garden and nature each day.
U ? universities leading the way for students to embrace nature and lessen ecological footprint.
V ? violence-free Cebu, country and the world.
W ? water resources that are fresh, pure and abundant; waste reduction mindset; wind power and renewable sources of energy; walking the talk among leaders and citizens.
X ? x-ray vision for the electorates so that they can see through the selfish agenda of some political leaders.
Y ? yield a plenty from sustainable fisheries and agriculture.
Z ? zero waste in homes, offices and communities.
A sustainable 2009 to everyone!
