LEGAZPI CITY—Albay pushed its already acclaimed climate change drive and responded to Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si” by adding five new items in its weekly flag-raising ceremonies to promote awareness on the urgency of global action on the climate change.
Following the issuance of the pope second encyclical, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda ordered the inclusion of five new items in the flag-raising ceremonies in various government offices and schools in the province.
Salceda recommended the praying the an Oratio Imperata before raising the national colors, followed by the “Albay Forever Hymn,” the National Anthem and Pledge of Loyalty, the “I am an Albayano” oath, the reading of the “Climate Change Adaptation Pledge of Commitment” and the “Ten Commandments for Sustainable Development.”
Salceda said the items will help make people aware of the “urgency of global action on climate change and environmental protection and the need for raising the consciousness of our people, based on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si encyclical, and in the critical climate negotiations in November in Paris.”
The prayer Oratio Imperata, was written in 2008 by Albay Bishop Lucilo Quiambao at the behest of the Albay provincial government, when it launched its pioneering program on Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
The prayer’s original text has with its a handwritten note by Bishop Quiambao for Gov. Salceda. Oratio Imperata is now a popular invocation around the country, believed to be a powerful prayer to ward off typhoons and disasters.
It is also aired by radio and television stations in its English or Pilipino versions, especially when there are weather disturbances.
Singing the Albay Forever Hymn and reciting I am an Albayano are both mandated by ordinances passed by the Albay provincial board. Both contain nuggets of wisdom about love for the environment and the need for its protection.
The CCA Pledge of Commitment and the Ten Commandments for Sustainable Development—adapted from the Earthsavers’ version—were both crafted by Albay in Action on Climate Change in 2008.
Salceda’s memorandum also suggests inviting speakers during flag raising rites who will deliver short messages focused on love of country and community and the rule of law, CCA-DRR, and environmental protection, education and social protection.
A handbook on these concerns will shortly be prepared and distributed by the Albay Provincial Education Department for the guidance of institutions in the province. It will include English versions of Oratio Imperata, Albay Forever, “Albayano Ako” and “I am an Albayano.
Albay’s pioneering CCA and DRR programs have earned awards from both national and international institutions including three Gawad Kalasag Awards and a Hall of Fame niche for
DRR/CCA from the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council.
The United Nations has declared Albay as its global model in climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR), and Salceda as its spokesman and Senior Global Champion.