By DONNA RABANG PETA
www.nordis.net

VIGAN CITY—Church people in Ilocos urged local candidates to include environmental protection in their political agendas during a May 6 gathering in this city.

Organized by the Ilocos Region Ecumenical Council (IREC), the event emphasized the religious sector’s role in promoting ecological concerns and integrating them into local and national policies.

“We are calling on ourselves and our brethren to take action and seek every opportunity to reflect and to concretize the action that we say,” said Joengie Enricoso, who heads the United Church of Christ in the Philippines’ Laity and Local Church Development Ministry, Justice, Peace, and Human Rights Program.

He said that in the upcoming elections, the religious community must “accompany the people on their journey towards a better future, both during the election and beyond.

“The church is called to engage actively in the politics of change,” he added.

Pastor Jolean Benila of IREC said they hope to encourage Christian voters to view their role in the elections “through a spiritual lens” and recognize that “environmental issues are not just political but deeply moral concerns.”

“As stewards of God’s creation, the Church in the Philippines has a crucial role to play in advocating for the protection of the environment and ensuring sustainability… Yet, many voters may not realize how closely these issues are tied to their faith and their role in shaping a more sustainable and just society,” Benila said.

The participants expressed support for the Ilocos People’s Environmental Agenda. The platform calls for a moratorium on destructive development projects, protection for environmental defenders, and a socially just, equitable, and human rights-based transition to a clean energy economy.

Launched in San Fernando City, La Union on April 27, the agenda promotes community-led conservation, increased investment in waste management, support for sustainable food systems, expanded climate education, and accountability measures. #nordis.net