The General Education program at the Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC) hosted the Ethics Conference 2025 with the theme “Environmental Justice” on October 30, 2025, at the FCIC Audio Visual Room (AVR). The event featured Dr. Gerry D. Imbong, a distinguished faculty member from the Visayas State University (VSU), as the keynote speaker.
GE 8 – Ethics students from BS Information Technology (BSIT), BS Criminology, and BS Business Administration/Office Administration (BSBA/OA) under Mr. Ronan Dupal Esperanza organized and participated in the conference. They aimed to deepen their understanding of the ethical and social dimensions of environmental justice and to strengthen their commitment to protecting both humanity and the environment.
Sr. M. Annette Escasinas, OSF – Vice President for Academics, Dr. Ma. Victoria Gonzaga – Dean of the Graduate School, Ms. Marlyn Liagao – GE Courses Coordinator, and Sr. M. Eileen Lovete, OSF – Theology Instructor joined the event. Three visiting guests from Visayas State University (VSU) also attended, enriching the academic and reflective atmosphere.
In his keynote address, Dr. Imbong discussed the urgent realities of climate change, the climate crisis, and climate injustice. He explained that while people often dismiss environmental issues as minor concerns, these problems cause severe and lasting harm to communities and ecosystems. He emphasized that marginalized and vulnerable groups, who contribute the least to environmental degradation, suffer the most from its consequences, affecting their health, livelihoods, and overall well-being.
Students engaged actively in the session, sharing their reflections and insights on environmental ethics and responsibility. Their participation reflected a growing sense of awareness and moral duty toward environmental care.
As School Ambassador 2025, I found the conference deeply meaningful and transformative. It reshaped my perspective on environmental justice, showing that achieving it requires fairness, compassion, and collective action. I realized that protecting the environment also means protecting people, especially the marginalized and vulnerable, whose voices are often unheard. This experience reminded me that caring for creation is both a moral and Franciscan responsibility rooted in continuous advocacy and compassion for a sustainable future.
Dr. Imbong also underscored the need for unity, effort, and commitment in addressing global environmental issues. He encouraged everyone to act together with a shared purpose to overcome challenges and ensure that no one is left behind.
The conference ended with a renewed call for accountability, solidarity, and compassion, embodying the FCIC Core Values of Integrity in Excellence, Peace and Justice, and Commitment to Service. It affirmed that environmental justice is not a choice but a shared moral responsibility for the common good and the care of creation.
By Aldred Mones, School Ambassador 2025 – College of Criminal Justice
