The open-access article, entitled “Climate justice beliefs related to climate action and policy support around the world,” focused on the value of climate justice beliefs “as a motive for climate action across diverse geographical contexts.” 

Participants acknowledged the influence of capitalism and colonialism on the climate crisis and how it adversely impacts poor people.

The survey found that participants from countries with higher greenhouse gas emissions and politically salient social inequality associated climate justice beliefs with policy support and various indices of climate action.

The paper can be accessed here:  

Reyes, a renowned scholar and Psychological Association of the Philippines President from 2020-2022, also teaches at the Graduate School and is an academic researcher of the Research Center for Social Sciences and Education.

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A team of aquatic biologists and microbiologists led by Asst. Prof. Reuel Bennett, Dr.rer.nat., Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, and Inst. Elfritzson Peralta, M.Sc., together with DBS academic staff Inst. Allan Gilles, M.Sc. and Inst. Eunice Aaron, M.Sc. (Marine Biology team), Inst. Justine De Leon, M.Sc. and Inst. Kenneth Xavier Sanchez, M.Sc. (Freshwater Biology team) conducted the study from August 11 to 14, 2024. The team covered 26 study sites in the watershed area, including mangrove forests, coastal areas, estuaries, streams, rivers, and a freshwater lake – Lake Danao. 

On September 17, 2024, Peralta, Assoc. Prof. Richard Thomas B. Pavia Jr., PhD, and Inst. Allan Gilles Jr., MSc presented the project’s initial results to Mayor Torres-Gomez. Also present were City Councilors Peter Rodriguez, Caren Torres Rama, Edmund Kierulf, and Bert Pades, together with officials from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Agricultural Office, and representatives from the Protected Areas Management Board.

This initiative, which underscores the strong partnership between UST scientists and their government counterparts, is a testament to their shared commitment to bring science to the community.

Academic and research staff of the UST Department of Biological Sciences conducting the water quality monitoring, biological sampling and microbiological analysis of aquatic ecosystems in Ormoc Bay and its tributaries.

The UST Team, Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez, and the City of Ormoc officials after the presentation of the team’s initial findings.

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Guinto, who teaches Science, Technology, and Society as well as Environmental Science, shared her expertise and knowledge regarding the basic concepts of climate change and the role of humans in speeding up its processes and effects. The Islamic Principles of Environmental Stewardship include: (1) Oneness with Allah, (2) Humans as Stewards, (3) Balance in Nature, and (4) Public Interest, while Muslim perceptions on climate change include: (1) that it is caused by humans, (2) it is spiritual in nature, (3) there is skepticism caused by conspiracies, (4) that priorities are focused on economic issues instead of environmental concerns, and (5) that there are regional variations in the understanding of climate change. Guinto shared the science behind these perceptions and helped clarify some misconceptions by providing science-based support to current activities toward climate change adaptations that were raised during event. 

The participation of Guinto was made possible through the invitation of Dr. Dimapuno A. Datu-Ramos, Jr. Director of the NCMF-NCR Regional Office to the UST College of Science to participate in this event. This highlights and recognizes the need for inter-religious and multi-sectoral efforts for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation in the Philippines.

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Ms. Laurence Blattmer, the Dominicans for Justice and Peace Program Coordinator, emphasized the necessity of providing educators with sufficient resources and training when she said that “Educators can inspire and empower students to become proactive global citizens by understanding the deeply intertwined nature of climate change and human rights.”

The General Promoter of Justice and Peace and Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Rev. Fr. Aniedi Okure, O.P., in his welcome remarks, emphasized the importance of humanity’s future and the instigation of awareness and the call for immediate action against climate change and its impact on human rights. He also highlighted caring for the environment and being stewards of God’s creation. “We who are alive now, we do not inherit land from our ancestors, but borrow it from the future; if you are given land, you are obliged to take care of it,” he said.

The launch featured insights from human rights advocates, climate change activists, policymakers, and academics, who all emphasized the role of educators as change agents in creating awareness on social issues such as climate change and human rights in the classroom. Attendees were also engaged in a four-day workshop that was held at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Bataan on July 16 to July 19. This workshop served as the venue for the discussion on the integration of human rights and climate change into the Matatag curriculum.

With the assistance of the SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office as represented by its Assistant Director Asst. Prof. Christian Rey D. Rimando, MSPT and the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) coordinator Genalyn G. Aquino-Arcayera, Ph.D., the trainees were able to immerse themselves during the four-day workshop as they took a deep dive into the nuances and needs that must be met in order to adhere to the conditions set by both the Matatag Curriculum and the published handbook. Teachers were able to exchange ideas and consult coordinators regarding the subject, with the creation of workable strategies that apply the material of the handbook to their teaching during interactive classes.

Initiatives such as this event are vital now more than ever as the world struggles with the combined issues of climate change and human rights. The Dominicans for Justice and Peace is enabling educators to strengthen the next generation of leaders who are prepared to take on these challenges head-on by fostering  knowledge and innovation.

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With the theme “Harnessing synergy towards sustainability”, the forum included an overview of historical milestones of UST’s Energy Management System (EnMS), a discussion of the guideline format of the working manual and tools, and a presentation of ongoing and new initiatives for saving energy within the campus including POWERWISE (person-oriented energy savings campaign) and Luntiang Tomasino.

Engr. Oliver Gagarin, author of the UST Sustainable Energy Management Systems Manual, introduced GRT-76, which refers to “Go! Renewable Time” and the solar power harvest from 7 AM to 6 PM on selected building rooftops via the installation of solar panels.

As of 2024, solar panel installation has begun on top of the Albertus Magnus building, with the Fathers’ Residence compound, the UST Hospital Pope John Paul II Building, and the St. Raymund de Peñafort Building to follow next year. Steady work is planned for an eventual in-campus, independent, and renewable power supply through GRT-76.

Engr. Gagarin shared that “small appliances” drew the highest load consumption. He also cautioned against the “phantom load” or any electronics that remain plugged into the university power supply that still uses electricity or “standby power” even when turned off.

This year, the USTH Clinical Division, the Main Building, and the Benavides Building had the most energy savings among the 27 EACs, while the USTH St. John Paul II Building, the Quadricentennial Pavilion, and the Frassati Building consumed the most power. The unprecedented recent heat index was also a contributing cause to the power consumption of the structures.

Assistant to the Rector for Information and Communications Technology Asst. Prof. Jerralyn Padua discussed how to help each energy accounting center (EAC) identify saving and conservation measures through the working manual and tools, namely, the operational guide, process map, work instruction, log sheet, and calculation sheet.

She also presented ongoing plans for an Energy Online Dashboard that can predict and visualize energy consumption among the 27 EACs, which is planned to be incorporated into the official portal dashboard.

This University initiative aligns with SDG 7 which calls for affordable and clean energy. The programs and activities discussed in the Energy Forum underscores the University’s goal to achieve energy efficiency (SDG 7.3) among all energy accounting centers.

In attendance were academic and administrative officials, academic staff, and support staff. The opening remarks were delivered by USTH Director for Administration Prof. Analin E. Porto, DEM, while UST Office for Grants, Endowments and Partnerships in Higher Education Director Rev. Fr. Maximo Gatela, O.P. gave the closing remarks.

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Ancheta, a researcher and advocate of zero waste gave engaging lectures to Taiwanese students on solid waste management in the ASEAN context using Philippine cities which have been the loci of her research projects in partnership with environmental NGOs such as the Mother Earth Foundation and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA).

This partnership is in line with the current standing Memorandum of Agreement of international academic partnership between UST and NCCU. 

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Themed “Cultivating Global Citizenship within the Framework of Caring for Creation,” the hybrid event heard speakers from the Dominican University Ibadan, Nigeria; University of Fribourg, Switzerland; and University of Santo Tomas, Manila.

Prof. Joel C. Sagut, Ph.D., the Director of UST’s Center for Theology, Religious Studies, and Ethics, delivered a talk that focused on the “unique place of the human person in God’s creation.” In his presentation, Sagut states that man’s God-given “position of authority, royal mission, and priesthood entails a heavy responsibility of serving and working for those entrusted to (his) care.”

Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, Ph.D. dealt with the topic of integral ecology citing research findings from the UST College of Science where he serves as Dean. “Man was given the faculties to care for creation,” Papa said, “and those faculties need harnessing for communities to live the Church’s call for integral ecology,” he added.

Prof. Dr. Helmut Zander from the University of Fribourg underscores the realities in finding a solution to the problems surrounding our environment. He concludes that the most we can do is to increase our perception of the ecological crisis we are facing. Zander cited realizing ways globalization affects countries like Nigeria, Switzerland, and the Philippines with unique beliefs, traditions, and socio-cultural contexts. Reducing such complexities is a clear goal, but reducing complexities necessitates acknowledgment and acceptance, he concluded.

Speaking on “Ecological Challenges: Intersectionality of Plastics and Climate Change,” Prof. Arlen Ancheta, Ph.D. of the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters and the Research Center for Social Science and Education showed ways by which plastic has compromised the natural environment and human health. Ancheta urges creative, critical, and holistic thinking so that communities can identify opportunities and develop strategies to address the abusive use of plastic as well as the impacts of climate change. 

Dominican Friar Hans Ulrich Steymans from the University of Fribourg presented the writings of Catholic eco-theologians advocating care for creation, including Sean McDonagh, SCC, and Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF. Biblical studies on the environment were also cited like the works of Norman C. Habel and Niels Henrik Gregersen.

Dominican Friar Fr. Dokun Oyeshola from the University of Ibadan in his talk titled, “Effects of Corruption and Addressing Climate Change in Nigeria,” discussed the effects of corruption as it halts mitigation measures to address climate change. He also called upon the Church to work vigorously to impact on the morality of global politics. “The Church must work vigorously in upholding the planet’s heritage as a gift to all human beings,” he emphasized.

Prof. Ivo Wallimann-Heimer from the University of Fribourg finally discussed “Injustice in Renewable Energy Transmission” where he outlined the challenges posed by government-sponsored moves towards renewable energy generation and consumption. On community participation, the scholar favored substantial equality where individuals are given access to education, information, and a fair share of economic resources. On the decision-making end, however, Wallimann-Heimer suggested that all those affected by environmental risks must be involved in making meaningful decisions.

The Saliksikan and Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi, O.P. Lecture Series were jointly conceived as a platform for intellectual discussions on themes affecting the human person’s integral development.

This year’s event coincided with the “Symposium on Global Catholicism: Ecology and Climate Change” organized by CoMIF or the Collaboration of Manila, Ibadan, and Fribourg. 

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Moreover, the event is part of the ongoing collaboration among the Faculty of Theology of the University of Fribourg (Fribourg, Switzerland)under the chairmanship of Prof. Helmut Zander for Comparative History of Religions and Interreligious Dialogue, the Dominican University (Ibadan, Nigeria), and the University of Santo Tomas (Manila, Philippines). The collaboration is dubbed as CoMIF (Collaboration among Manila, Ibadan and Fribourg) and will host the afternoon Symposium/Workshop on ‘Ecology and Climate Change.’

Interested scholars, faculty members and students are invited to register through or the QR code provided on the poster. Updates related to this event will be released through the Facebook page of UST Institute of Religion ().

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In his remarks, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation fr. Jannel N. Abogado, O.P. expressed delight at the formalization of the agreement at a time when UST’s research and instruction initiatives complement the efforts for climate change mitigation. Fr. Abogado cited, too, the famous encyclical Laudato Sí of Pope Francis and shared how in UST, spirituality and stewardship guide efforts to ensure that future generations can enjoy a “blissful life” on our planet.

The Rector also stated that as inhabitants, not owners, of the Earth, we are bound by an urgent need to care for the environment. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fighting climate change and helping the government by lending the University’s academic and research expertise.

Meanwhile, Sec. Borje underscored the importance of both sustainability and climate justice and equity, which the Climate Change Commission is promoting. He expressed enthusiasm at partnering with UST for its “vibrant research activities” that can open a lot of avenues for further collaboration. Though informally, Thomasians have been engaging with the Climate Change Commission and supporting its activities in the past, and the six-year agreement puts a framework to further collaboration.

The agreement, which aims to leverage UST’s research initiatives at the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences and the DOST-TOMASInno Innovation Center Technology Business Incubator, paves the way for closer collaboration between UST, one of Asia’s top universities, at the national government. The agreement aims to “align efforts for building resiliency at the local level,” opening avenues for the UST Simbahayan Community Development Office and the Research Center for Social Sciences and Education to also join. The projects will find locus not just in the Manila campus’s Thomas Aquinas Research Complex, but also in the UST Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center of the UST Santa Rosa Extension Campus.

The expected outputs of the cooperation are joint research and policy development initiatives that will help advance environmental preservation. Joint academic and research activities aimed at capacity-building will also be undertaken, beginning with the November 2023 Climate Change Week celebration.

Among UST’s initiatives toward environmental preservation are the conduct of basic and applied science studies on biodiversity and aquaculture, as well as advocacy campaigns against environmental degradation in areas like the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and Dumaguete, where reclamation has been threatening coastal life.

Joining Sec. Borje were CCC Deputy Executive Director Atty. Rommel Antonio O. Cuenca, Strategic Partnership Division Chief Alexis D. Lapiz, Legal Services Division Atty. Carlos M. Borja, Jr., and Chief of Staff Rhea Ckristine Sy. Meanwhile, UST officials included the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, fr. Jannel N. Abogado, O.P., DTPS, Asst. to the Rector for UST Sta. Rosa Philipina A. Marcelo, PhD, UST Sta. Rosa Executive Assistant Siegfred V. Prado, College of Science Dean Rey Donne S. Papa, PhD, Research Center for Social Sciences and Education Director Jeremaiah M. Opiniano, PhD, TOMASINNO Center Manager Raymond Marquez and Assistant Manager Celso Noel Aban, and Simbahayan Community Development Office Director Froilan A. Alipao.

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Prince Nur-Hakeem N. Buisan won first place for his poster entitled “Core vs. Edge Differentiation of Myxomycetes Community Assemblages in a Secondary Growth Experimental Forest in Southern Mindanao, Philippines.” This study is under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Nikki Heherson A. Dagamac, Dr. rer. nat. Buisan’s paper attempted to contribute to the otherwise limited literature on the “understanding of the dynamic influences of such factors on microorganisms” and “variations in forest disturbance gradients.” The moist chamber technique was used in the study site, Cotabato province.

Meanwhile, Ervinna M. Cruz won second place for the poster entitled: “Growth-Promoting and Protective Potential of Fungal Root Endophytes Associated with a Pioneer Grass in a Lahar-Affected Area,” which was supervised by Prof. Thomas Edison E. dela Cruz, Dr. rer. nat., FPAM. The study proved the ability of the “isolated fungal endophytes to protect the plant host against pathogens.” The fungal endophytes were sourced from the roots of Saccharum spontaneum L., a pioneering grass species in a lahar-strewn environment.

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