Sensitivity to Nature springs from cardinal’s simplicity

WHEN THE book “Philippine Native Trees 101” was being prepared for publication by Green Convergence and Hortica Filipina, the unanimous choice to write the “Foreword” was Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle.  His simplicity as a person and as a prelate is a trait that has led him to “treading lightly on the Earth,”  thus protecting the integrity of God’s creation.  His eloquence and folksy style convey his message clearly and effectively. Testifying  to his ecological paradigm and his interest in promoting care for the environment, he readily gave his manuscript the day right after the request was relayed to him by Beth dela Fuente and Tita de Villa.

Monsignor Tagle has now been elevated to the College of Cardinals.  It is a recognition of his lifework dedicated to the betterment of society and deepening Christian faith.  His call for everyone to care for the Earth should now ring louder.  One of these calls is the preservation of our God-given blessings, including our native trees.

In the “Foreword”, Cardinal Tagle says: “These past decades we have seen natural disasters hitting various parts of the world. As shocking as the frequency of these occurrences is the magnitude of the concomitant destruction of human lives, neighborhoods, sources of livelihood and dreams. But the fright we have experienced has also led to soul-searching, a review of lifestyle and a renewed understanding of creation. From the ruins, hope has risen. This book is one such sign of hope.

“God’s wisdom is seen in the diversity of creatures.  Such diversity contributes to the intricate ‘networking’ of all that exist in order to sustain life. In the Christian vision, the diversity of creatures is also reflected in the diversity of cultures. It is interesting to note that some species are present only in some localities, blending with local climate, soil and ‘culture.’ How great is God’s wisdom! But how tragic it is when local species are neglected to the point of disappearance. This book is a song of praise to God for the native trees in the Philippines and a plea to Filipinos to cultivate them and our

culture as well.”

Here’s to Cardinal Tagle and our native trees, all 3,600 of them!

—Angelina P. Galang president, Green Convergence for safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy 16 Marymount, La Vista, Quezon City