COMMEMORATING NINE years since the publication of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ encyclical, the Ateneo community launched its annual Talakayang Alay sa Bayan (TALAB) events from October 14 to 30, centering on the theme, “Integral Ecology: Caring for Our Common Home.”

Council of Organizations of the Ateneo – Manila (COA-M) President Kayla Manlapaz stated that this year’s TALAB aims to inspire the Ateneo community to pursue action-based decisions that better protect the Earth.

Additionally, Assistant Vice President for Social and Environmental Engagement for Development and Sustainability (SEEDS) Leland Dela Cruz, PhD explained that this year’s iteration focuses “on the Cry of the Earth,” which is one of the two aspects of Laudato Si’.

Preparing for TALAB

As early as May 20, the TALAB Core Team—composed of the SEEDS, COA-M, and the Sanggunian—already began with their coordination efforts. Manlapaz shared that the core team finalized six trips and 113 events, which include talks, film screenings, and workshops. Notably, the number saw an increase from last year’s set of activities, which only featured two external trips and 77 total events, according to Manlapaz.

She added that this year, the Henry Lee Irwin Theatre was used as a TALAB event venue for the first time since the return of onsite classes. Moreover, the enlistment period was also extended to a full week, compared to last year’s one night, to guarantee a smoother registration process.

In finalizing the theme, Dela Cruz mentioned that the commemoration of the Laudato Si’ release will span for two years. He noted that the Cry of the Poor—the other aspect of the encyclical—will be focused next year in celebration of its 10th anniversary, as well as the 50th year of the Office for Social Concern and Involvement and the University’s Tulong Dunong program.

Reaching Laudato Si’

Sanggunian President Lean Rosendo stressed that this year’s TALAB aims to show the Ateneo community how integral ecology can affect an individual’s daily practices, in line with the Ateneo’s goal of becoming a Laudato Si’ University.

“Through [this year’s TALAB] events, integral ecology can be discussed in the Filipino context. […] There could be integral ecology in [issues about] feminism, fisher folks, farmers, AI, technology, and innovation,” Rosendo in a mix of English and Filipino.

Manlapaz added that while TALAB usually focuses on leadership roles and nation-building initiatives, this year’s events intend to showcase “actionable and clear” activities that promote climate action. 

As such, she encouraged the Ateneo community to build a more accepting home not only for themselves, but also for those beyond the University, emphasizing that all communities ultimately share one common Earth.

With the two-week event, Dela Cruz also expressed his hope for students to not just form ideas about sustainability, but also advocate for various environmental advocacies.