By Aspirant Ralph Cydon Suriaga

       DB Formation Center, Lawaan, Talisay City, The Philippines, 20 June 2021 -- Laudato Si', an encyclical letter on the care for our common home by Pope Francis, was released in 2015. It discussed the need to address contemporary environmental challenges and our response to these urgent concerns. Last June 3-5, 2021, the Aspirants, with their Formators at Don Bosco Formation Center Lawaan, Talisay City, Cebu, had an activity in response to the Holy Father’s call in Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu. We stayed at Don Bosco House of Peace to clean and beautify the place. We planted plants and flowers of every kind as well as innovating to come up with simple yet colorful mini-gardens. We were able to put into practice our creativity and use of imagination in landscaping as we enthusiastically tilled the soil and adorned the area with plants.

       The next day, we climbed the Osmeña Peak, which was a fantastic experience for all of us. It took us roughly 4 to 5 kilometers of hiking while picking up pieces of plastic that were at the side of the road. The hike was challenging, but it was fruitful, meaningful, and an opportunity as well to bond.

       The whole experience allowed us to appreciate Mother Earth's beauty and made us all realize that a simple act of cleaning up, planting, and improving the beauty and order of a place can go a long way towards preserving and maintaining our common home. The world is, without a doubt, our home, and we must keep it for the present generation and for those who will come after us.

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