First Laudato Si’ Congress Set in Nabaoy, Malay, Aklan

MALAY, AKLAN — The Diocese of Kalibo Ministry of Ecology will hold its First Laudato Si’ Congress on September 4, 2026, at Nabaoy, Malay, Aklan, bringing together church groups, students, community members, environmental advocates and partner organizations for a day dedicated to protecting the environment and caring for the “common home.”
Carrying the theme “Celebrating Creation, Protecting Our Common Home,” the congress will feature a series of environmental, ecological and faith-based activities from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The morning program will begin with a Mass of Creation at the bank of the Nabaoy River, followed by a tree-planting activity involving Boy Scouts, students, the local community, the Ministry of Ecology, the Local Government Unit, Partnership for Clean Air and other partner organizations.
A community photo and lunch will follow, along with an opening program featuring remarks from the Nabaoy Elementary School principal, a welcome message from a representative of the Ministry of Ecology, and a Laudato Si’ reflection from Rev. Fr. Jayvee, chair of the Diocese of Kalibo Ministry of Ecology.
The afternoon session will focus on environmental and scientific discussions, including soil biodiversity and its role in a changing climate, environmental service initiatives, sustainable livelihood and community resilience, the geology of the Nabaoy watershed and the Boracay Peninsula, and the St. Vincent Ferrerian Theory of Natural Supposition and Nature Conservation.
Speakers and resource persons will include Ms. Angeline Templenuevo of the Philippine Women’s University and a soil biodiversity advocate, a representative of the Peace Corps, Dr. Resureccion Sadaba, and other invited presenters and seminarians.
The congress will conclude with a Reflection and Commitment to Creation, followed by the Laudato Si’ Commitment and Closing Ceremony, which will include the reading of the Nabaoy Laudato Si’ Commitment and a closing message from a representative of the Diocese of Kalibo Ministry of Ecology.
The event is being organized in partnership with the Aklan State University-Makato Campus, Nabaoy Elementary School, Partnership for Clean Air, and environmental, scientific, academic and community partners.
Organizers emphasized the call to “Care for our common home today, for a better tomorrow,” encouraging participants to translate environmental awareness and faith into concrete actions for conservation and community resilience.
The First Laudato Si’ Congress seeks to strengthen collaboration among faith communities, schools, government, environmental groups and local communities in promoting ecological responsibility and inspiring collective action for future generations.