Idealism in practice

What did I achieve during my summer vacation? I joined nongovernment organizations fighting for various causes.

I officially became part of the World Youth Alliance. I signed the WYA charter that promotes “human dignity” because I believe that we must value it above all else. I am one with the group in ending discrimination of all kinds and in fighting for human rights.

I signed up with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). I had earlier been involved in an educational project in a public elementary school advocating the value of animals and why we should care for them. Because of PAWS, I have become closer to cats and dogs.

I took part in the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. I joined the Philippine Atheists and Agnostics Society in marching to the Commission on Human Rights to demand an end to discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals (LGBT). As in US President Barack Obama’s reasoning, I believe the LGBT community should be given the “privilege of personhood.”

I became an environmental activist through Greenpeace Philippines. I am a tree-hugger. I believe that we should care for Mother Earth. I was part of the March for Sustainable Agriculture in its campaign against genetically modified organisms (GMOs). We’re not against science but we insist that unless proven safe, GMOs should not be propagated.

I am now also campaigning for better rivers. I facilitated a 3-day “Water Patrol” workshop where we compared the dirtiest rivers with the cleanest rivers and drew appropriate conclusions. Lastly, I was involved in the climate campaign during the Clean Energy Meet at the Asian Development Bank. We came dressed as “coal demons” to protest the use of dirty coal. I was half-naked in a highly populated public area but I did not mind being described as peculiar, weird, or eccentric. All I ever think about is my goal. I believe it is in being weird that one becomes outstanding. It is in deviating from the status quo that one becomes prominent. If I have to be embarrassed to change the world, I’ll do it. If I have to be half-naked to stop the use of dirty coal, then by all means it shall be done.

My belief that the environment should be protected stems from Heidegger’s idea that we are one with the universe, with nature. You cannot destroy nature for it is you!

This piece is about activism and idealism in practice. I want to campaign for a better world with happy animals, a better environment, and equal rights for all human beings.

Ralph T. Sy Siong Kiao, 21, is a philosophy student at Philippine Christian University in Manila.