MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--To intensify environmental protection here, the Green Ummah Initiative, in partnership with the city government of Marawi and the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), conducted a seminar on climate change and environmental stewardship from an Islamic perspective.
Anchored on the theme "Greening our Communities: Practical Solutions to Climate Change from Islamic Teachings," the event aimed to raise awareness among Muslims about the impacts of climate change on the environment and humanity, explore Islamic teachings on environmental protection and sustainability, and provide practical strategies for individuals and communities to address the environmental issues.
Green Ummah Initiative President and MILG-Marawi City Director Masbud Gaima II said his organization conducted the seminar focusing on the environment, taking into consideration the El Niño phenomenon and the environmental disasters affecting the citizenry.
He emphasized that since Muslims predominate in the city, it would only be appropriate to also get an Islamic perspective on the aforementioned issues.
Gaima said they invited barangay officials to join their seminar since, in basic governance, they implement various relevant laws on the ground, such as the solid waste management program and other environmental management projects.
Additionally, the Ulamas (religious leaders) were also present to encourage them, being the influential personalities in a Muslim society, to incorporate environmental matters in their advocacy and awareness campaigns.
Moreover, there were also youths, recognizing that they would be the most impacted as heirs of the environmental problems if they were not resolved.
Gaima saw their seminar as relevant to the current situation of the city, especially since residents are not conscious of the segregation of waste materials and protecting the environment.
As such, he hoped that through their seminar, an output or policy would be crafted that could be implemented in communities.
He also looked forward to the same endeavor being adopted by other stakeholders.
"This will increase the awareness ng mga tao na (of the people for whom) we have to wake up and take action, as otherwise, there will be disasters to come. Definitely, disasters will come," said Gaima.
Green Ummah Initiative Vice President Professor Gaphor Panimbang detailed that they plan to let their organization work and come up with a list of activities. Panimbang said they intend to delve into educational programs by partnering with schools.
Meanwhile, Mayor Majul Gandamra expressed his immense happiness that the seminar was held to help address environmental concerns by making them relatable to the Muslim populace.
"People truly need to know what climate change and environmental degradation have been doing to us. Even more so, they need to take actions as Muslims to deal with the causes and effects," he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
