Awareness, A Wake-up Call

by Marie Mandario, I PT, UST

Last Saturday, UNIV 2014 was held at the University of Asia and the Pacific. I was very lucky to be one of the delegates who have witnessed these female students from different universities showcase their papers and videos about the theme this year which is “Cosmos: The Ecology of the Person and His Environment”. This forum not only tackles about environmental awareness but also its effect on us and our relationship with others. It was indeed a very educational event and how I wish I could bring my friends with me next time.

Our world keeps on changing, innovating. It is inevitable because of the constant demand for convenience and modernization. But along with these developments are conscious and unconscious hazards for the part of the man and the environment. Sadly, these are oftentimes neglected. I, myself, admit that sometimes I am being selfish with the environment, not thinking that even in just wasting paper or food I already contributed to the decreasing social and environmental awareness. The event is such a wakeup call to me, a reminder that I also have a part in protecting the environment which is complementary with the welfare of others.

This reminds me of the topic we have discussed in our Theology 2: Church and Sacraments. My professor keeps on telling us we should go back to the basics. By basic he means that we should live in simplicity and in relation to others. Let us take a break from those far and unfathomable concepts. Through respecting the environment, we can already show our passion for others. Modernization should not be a hindrance for us to keep our responsibilities with the environment which is where you, I, and we live but rather be a way to satisfy the needs of one another.

Through the presentations I realized that doing good things to others does not necessarily require big events or projects. It can be done through numerous simple ways like being aware and doing something out of this awareness. I acknowledge the presenters and Engr. Berba for sharing their experiences, ideas, and visions. It is indeed a great opportunity to reflect and learn at the same time. Thanks to UNIV  2014!