Faith in Action

The traditional pottery also made me appreciate how Filipino communities used natural materials and simple techniques to create objects that were useful and durable. Meanwhile, Vicente Manansala’s “Madonna of the Slums” made me reflect on how environmental and social problems can affect the everyday lives of Filipino communities. In line with this, the target community consists of schools and local communities affected by flooding during heavy rains, and this made me reflect on how flooding can disrupt people's daily lives and safety.

The issue of flooding in schools and local communities is not only caused by heavy rainfall but can also be worsened by clogged drainage systems and poor rainwater management. This issue is relevant because flooding can make roads difficult to pass, disrupt school and community activities, and cause pollution. I recognized that the problem requires more than simply removing excess water; it also requires a solution that can work with natural processes. The mangrove forest helped me understand how natural structures can slow water and help protect their surroundings. Thus, I proposed mangrove-inspired rainwater filtration gardens as a possible solution that can help manage excess rainwater and lessen the effects of flooding, showing that understanding the problem clearly can help us create a more practical and sustainable solution for the communities affected in the long run.

The Gospel reminds us that faith calls us to respond to the suffering caused by problems such as flooding and poor management systems. The struggles of communities affected by floods challenge us to recognize their dignity and to see their safety as a responsibility rooted in our care for one another and for creation. Like Jesus’ mission to bring hope to those in need, we are called to use our knowledge and resources to address environmental problems rather than simply accept them as unavoidable. This calls us to practice solidarity and responsible stewardship by supporting solutions that protect vulnerable communities and promote the common good. The proposal, a mangrove-inspired rainwater filtration garden, reminds me that true discipleship means turning faith into action by caring for creation, preparing for disasters, as well as helping build safer and more resilient communities.

As I reflect on the said social issue, I realized that responding to flooding requires more than simply finding a way to remove excess water. It requires understanding how the problem affects communities and looking for solutions that are sustainable and appropriate to their needs. My experience at the National Museum helped me see how nature and Filipino practices can provide ideas for addressing modern problems, especially through the mangrove forest and its ability to survive in waterlogged environments. This led me to propose “Rooted in Nature: A Flood-Resilient Future,” which focuses on a mangrove-inspired rainwater filtration garden that can help reduce pollutants and lessen the effects of flooding. As a STEM student, I realized that my role is not only to use technology to solve problems but also to learn from the experiences of people, as well as learning how nature responds to environmental challenges. Since this remains a proposed solution, my action at this phase is to further study its feasibility and seek the perspectives of the people who may benefit from it. Through this process, I am learning that meaningful action begins with not only researching and understanding, but also listening and having to encounter the situation before implementing a solution.

In line with my proposed solution, I realized that it is necessary to look beyond whether the rainwater filtration garden can help with flooding, as I need to consider if it is practical, sustainable, and truly helpful to the schools and local communities. With this, I can evaluate my proposal by studying how well it can manage rainwater and reduce pollutants. This connects with SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action, as well as SDG 15: Life on Land, because the proposal focuses on protecting the environment while addressing flooding.

Moreover, this also made me realize that the project should reflect Deep Love for God and Passion for God’s Mission by showing concern for people and integrity of creation. It also emphasizes that we are becoming learners with social conscience who care for others and the environment, reminding us that hope is not simply waiting for a problem to disappear but taking the initiative and doing something meaningful to address it.

As a Theresian that is critically aware of the surroundings and of current events, I realized that being a servant-leader means being willing to start the change within ourselves to make a difference, even through small actions and even if the majority are against it. Being a member of REM-Tikas has gradually shaped me to take the initiative in helping, regardless of the situation and sector, and being the one to go to the venue instead of the other way around, as we are called to be of service to others, instead of the one being served. This experience also taught me that caring for creation is also a way of caring for others, especially those whose lives are affected by flooding and environmental problems. Just like Mother Marie Louise de Meester stated, to let our hearts be like Christ's so that the whole world may find room in it, I am reminded to lead with compassion, regardless of our status and differences. Meanwhile, St. Teresa of Avila inspires me to be a seeker of truth and to not turn a blind eye to the prevailing social issues, including corruption and discrimination, and to just trust in God in everything I do. Similarly, Mother Mary trusted God’s call and decision, so I am also reminded to surrender everything and trust in God’s plan for me. With all these, I can say that my proposed mangrove-inspired rainwater filtration garden may still only be an idea, but it represents my commitment to become part of the solution and not simply remain a witness to the problem.