MAKING THE BIBLE KNOWN

Every living thing needs water in order to thrive. Like the sun and the air we enjoy, water is a blessing from the Lord for the good of all creation.

However, having access to clean water is becoming more and more of a challenge in light of the pressing environmental challenges in our country and around the world. Is there something we can do in response to these problems?

A Gathering With a Cause

On October 1, 2026, the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) took part in an ecumenical liturgical service organized by the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on Ecumenical Affairs, and the Pangasinan and Central Luzon Ecumenical Assembly.

PBS Deputy General Secretary for Ministry Operations Mr. Marfeal Santiago; Sales, Marketing, and Distribution Manager Mr. Jeric Quiñones; and Scripture Distribution Officer Mr. Juin Cornel were present for this part of the local celebration of this year’s Season of Creation.

First established in 1989, the Season of Creation is an ecumenical celebration that calls on Christians from around the world to pray, reflect, and take steps to care for God’s creation. The Season of Creation has since changed into a month-long celebration that takes place every year, from September 1 to October 4.

As a member of the United Bible Societies (UBS), the Philippine Bible Society has committed to the same priorities affirmed by the global fellowship in 2023. One of these priorities is creation care, and PBS recognizes how Scripture speaks of man’s responsibility to take care of God’s creation and honor him with this act of stewardship.

Many Voices, One Hope

That afternoon, representatives from different churches and communities came, including leaders such as Rev. Josephine Victoria, Bishop Dr. Elorde Sambat, Fr. Oscar Roque, and NCCP General Secretary Ms. Minnie Anne Mata-Calub. The main Scripture passage chosen for the celebration, Ezekiel 47:1–12, presented a picture of the Temple with a river flowing from it, bringing life wherever it goes.

After the singing of hymns, Scripture reading, and greetings; Program Assistant of the NCCP Program Unit in Faith, Witness and Service Mr. Jonathan Sta. Rosa gave an input regarding the Pax Silica initiative. 

Afterwards, Ptr. John Mark Miraflor, Administrative Pastor of UCCP Cabanatuan City, delivered a message that touched on the importance of water as well as the role of the God’s people in creation care:

“Kung may lugar na tigang, dalhin natin ang pag-asa. Kung may taong nawawalan ng pag-asa, dalhin natin ang malasakit. Kung may komunidad na inaapi, dalhin natin ang pakikiisa. Kung may kalikasang sinisira, dalhin natin ang pangangalaga…

“Sapagkat ang Season of Creation ay hindi lamang panahon ng pag-uusap tungkol sa kalikasan; ito ay panahon ng pagbabago ng puso, panahon ng pakikiisa, panahon ng pagkilos, panahon upang maunawaan natin na ang pangangalaga sa sangnilikha ay bahagi ng ating pananampalataya.”

During the service, Apung Petronila Capiz-Muñoz, Aeta chieftain of Sitio Sapang Kawayan in Capas, Tarlac, also spoke about the experiences and struggles of her community:

“Ang pangarap po namin ay lupa at kagubatan namin. Dahil, taon-taon po, ginagawa naming mga katutubo ang aming kultura at tradisyon.”

“Kaya po ako, isang babae lang, [at] matanda na. Pero, sa aking paninindigan, wala po akong takot… Ang aking sandata, ang pananalig ko, sa ating Diyos na Maykapal. Sabi ko, ‘Hindi niya ako pababayaan.’ Dahil ang ating pinagtatanggol ay [ang] buong puso ng ating kanuno-nunoan—ang aming salinlahi.”

At one point, attendees were asked to come forward with some water they collected beforehand from natural sources. They took turns pouring water into a baptismal font—an act done in praise and thanksgiving to God, who is the very Source of all physical and spiritual water.

Ms. Mary Grace Manalo, one of the attendees of the ecumenical liturgical service, spoke about the importance of caring for God’s creation:

“‘Pag pinabayaan po [natin ang kalikasan, ang] unang-unang masasaktan ay ang Diyos. Dahil nilikha po Niya tayo para alagaan ang mga bagay na nakikita po natin. Halimbawa, mga puno po, mga lupa, mga tubig, hayop—mahalaga po yan… ‘Yan po ang kasama nating nilikha ng Diyos.”

Taking Steps Towards Creation Care

As we face another El Niño event, the need to take care of God’s creation becomes more apparent than ever. More than just stocking up on drinking water, let us come together in sincere prayer and ask God what he would have us do to care for his creation, wherever we are.

In all that we do, may we remember that our hope is in the God who holds all things in his hands. It is he who gave us life, and it is he who will guide our efforts to do his will.

“There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows.

“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.”

– Ezekiel 47:9, 12, New Living Translation

May God’s Word be our constant guide as we carry out our responsibility as stewards of his creation!