The Philippines, being an archipelago, is prone to climate-induced disasters brought about by sea level rise, storm surges, prolonged droughts, and flash floods, among others. We are known to be the second among the countries with the greatest exposure to disaster risks worldwide. We are at the doorstep of all the major threats of climate change which causes irreversible damage to agriculture, marine resources and the entire biosphere. (CBCP, 2019).
Moreover, the integral role of the youth is highlighted as we are now in a climate emergency and the future is at stake– affecting the life of the present and future generations. In response, through the CBCP Pastoral Letter for 2019 Year of the Youth, the CBCP recognized that the youth are “beloved, gifted, and empowered.” As beloved, gifted, and empowered, they are called to serve the least, last, and the lost.
In addition, the Blue Knights Ready Reserved Unit as stated in the Implementing Guidelines and Procedures, aims to provide a trained, motivated and organized manpower reserve that can be tapped by the State for disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), civic welfare, literacy, national emergency, environmental protection and other similar endeavors in the service of the nation.
The Eco Champ 2019 will be an avenue to capacitate and empower reservists to serve our nation through environmental protection. It is high time to conduct this activity as this is a response to (1) the vulnerability of the Philippines in terms of Climate Change (2) response in being beloved, gifted, and empowered, and (3) response to the mandate of the CHEd to Republic Act No. 9163. Thus, we will empower Blue Knight Reservists as Eco Champs through holistic (mind-heart-hand) approach, hoping to let them respond to the calling of Pope Francis to care for our common home and Ateneo de Davao University’s mission, to contribute and serve Mindanao.
II. OBJECTIVES
• To deepen the knowledge of Laudato Si focusing into the context (ideal, reality, and gap) of PH environmental challenges, vulnerable sectors, and what is ought to be done;
• To appreciate the beauty of nature through field visits, exposures, and spiritual encounters; and
• To come up with an action plan that will be a response to the call of being an Eco Champ
III. ELIGIBILITY
-Ateneans who graduated NSTP are all eligible to join.
-Only 20 selected applicants wll be able to be part of the Eco Champ 2019
IV. VENUES
Day 1 (9am) – Day 2 (12nn): Loleng’s Mountain Resort
Day 2 (12nn-6pm): Exposure sites
Day 2 (6-7:30pm): Wyn Ward Diner
Day 2 (8pm-10pm): 2/F Mig Pro Conference Room, CCFC
Day 2 sleeping area (2 options):
If no rain: @ Laudato Si’ Garden w/ tents (provided by Ecoteneo and participants; can be from AOSF- tents may be used for the DRRM Camp
If there’s rain: @ AdDU Classrooms
Day 3 (8am-3pm): 8/F Media Room, Xavier Hall, CCFC
V. REQUIREMENTS
-Passion, dedication, commitment, and love for service in becoming a champion for environmental stewardship
VI. INCENTIVES
-An all-expense paid 3-day intensive camp with inspiring panel of speakers, meet new friends, extend your networks, exposure sites, camping series, project management workshop, an encounter with an Eco Champ, and project pitching and seed funding.
