Will the Future Generation Thank Us?
“Ang mga batang ngayon lang isinilang
may hangin pa kayang matitikman?
May mga puno pa kaya silang aakyatin?
May mga ilog pa kayang lalanguyan?”
These haunting questions from the 1978 song Masdan Mo ang Kapaligiran by ASIN invite us to ask ourselves: what kind of world are we leaving for future generations?
That same concern echoed during the Creation Care Forum held on June 30, 2025, organized by the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) in partnership with the Christians in Conservation Philippines, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) Creation Care Commission, and Asian Theological Seminary.
In her opening message, PBS General Secretary Mrs. Esperanza “Perry” Cartera gave a challenge to the participants from different churches and Christian denominations:
“In this forum, we will not just sit. As we listen to our speakers, we have to figure out in our minds what we can do to care for our creation and how we are going to pass it on to our church members and to our communities.”
The theme of the forum was “Pagdiriwang ng Buhay” (Celebration of Life), highlighting the beauty of the Philippines—its natural resources, unique wildlife, and diverse ecosystems—and encouraging a greater appreciation for these gifts that make our country distinctive. It also invited participants to learn and reflect on how we can take part in caring for the creation that God has entrusted to us.
The first speaker was Dr. Carmela Española, wildlife biologist, associate professor at the University of the Philippines, and Vice Chair of Christians in Conservation Philippines. She talked about the rich biodiversity of the Philippines, with a large part of her presentation featuring photographs of Philippine wildlife. She presented animals and plants found only in our country—one reason the Philippines is considered one of the world’s megadiverse countries.
However, Dr. Española also emphasized that the Philippines is considered a biodiversity hotspot. This means that our natural wealth is under serious threat due to harmful human activities such as deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, and illegal wildlife trade. These actions lead to the loss of species and worsen climate change.
But there’s still hope.
Dr. Española encouraged everyone to start with small but meaningful actions: planting trees, reducing plastic use, composting food waste, protecting wildlife habitats, reporting illegal activities such as wildlife trade to the authorities, and teaching others to care. She reminded the audience that even simple acts, when done together, can create a big impact.
The second speaker was Pastor Noli Mendoza, assistant professor at the Asian Theological Seminary and head of the PCEC Creation Care Commission, with a talk entitled “Singing Creation’s Praise: Biodiversity and Creation Care in the Psalms.” Worship, he shared, is more than singing or praying, but also caring for the Lord’s creation. Focusing on Psalm 104 as the scripture text, Ptr. Noli expounded on how all creatures are connected and how everything depends on God for life. He also illustrated how creation follows God-ordained rhythms like seasons, day and night, and the balance of nature, which we must honor for the world to thrive.
Ptr. Noli reminded everyone that environmental care is both a moral and spiritual responsibility. By protecting nature, we join God in His work of sustaining and renewing life. And as part of creation, not above it, we are called to live as good stewards, not exploiters, of the world God entrusted to us.
The forum gathered 250 participants from different towns and cities, representing various churches and Christian backgrounds. Many shared how the event inspired them to take action. One of them, Eicelle Dela Cruz, a student from Bethel Bible College of the Assemblies of God, said:
“We have to be a steward na hindi natin sisirain [ang creation], kundi we will maintain its beauty na ipinagkatiwala sa atin ng Panginoon.”
He also shared how simple habits like throwing trash properly and using fewer disposables can go a long way:
“It builds a bigger impact kapag nagawa natin in small details.”
For Teacher Annaliza Roque, a Values Education teacher, the forum gave her a fresh perspective on Psalm 104, which she often reads with her students.
“Although sinasabi ko na ito sa mga estudyante ko, pero [naisip ko] kanina na bigyan ko ulit yun ng emphasis sa klase, lalo sa topic namin na pangangalaga sa kalikasan.”
The event also stirred creativity in Teacher Annaliza, inspiring her to write a song about taking care of God’s creation—something PBS had also been planning. As part of its ongoing advocacy, PBS will soon release a Creation Care song.
Another participant, Sister Evangeline Gamazon from the Diocese of Malolos Biblical Apostolate, shared,
“[Isa po sa mga] narinig ko [sa second speaker] ay: Plant, Preserve, Protest. Pero dadagdagan ko po ‘yun ng Prayer kasi napakahalaga po na connected tayo sa Diyos [para] may lakas tayo na lumaban at gumawa [para sa Kanya.]”
The participants were later grouped by location for a brainstorming session. They exchanged ideas for taking care of God’s creation and came up with plans they hope to bring to their local churches and communities. Some of their ideas included:
organizing workshops and seminars on environmental awareness
planting trees
promoting waste segregation and recycling
creating art from recycled materials
encouraging the use of eco-bags
starting gardens in their church grounds
Others suggested simple yet meaningful actions like:
conserving water and electricity
joining cleanup drives
teaching children at an early age about caring for creation
including creation care in church preaching and prayers
using social media to spread awareness
practicing personal discipline
supporting leaders who advocate for the environment
As the forum ended, the message remained clear: caring for creation is part of our faith. It’s not just about reading the Bible but about living it, even through how we treat nature.
Mrs. Laura Valledo, PBS General Secretary Designate, affirmed this in her closing remarks:
“Totoo po na ang ating pag-care sa creation ni God, ito po ay form of worship.”
And as the song “Masdan mo ang Kapaligiran” reminds us:
“Lahat ng bagay na narito sa lupa, biyayang galing sa Diyos… Ingatan natin at ‘wag nang sirain pa.”
Let’s do our part, so that the children born today will still be able to see, hear, enjoy, and experience the beauty and richness of God’s creation. May His creation never become just a story from the past or a lesson in books, but something alive and real for generations to come. Together, with the grace of the Lord, we can make that happen.
MAKING THE BIBLE KNOWN
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