JASPARC ++

This year’s theme of Sustainable Development + JASPARC + Earth Hour = lovely timing. The perfect alignment of these three events is perhaps the reason why I’ve been so determined to go beyond the pledge CISV Philippines made during that splendid lantern-lit Earth Hour.

Patrick Co, an adult Filipino CISV member working for WWF, stressed on the redesigned Earth Hour logo: 60+— the plus sign stands for what we can do to live a sustainable lifestyle beyond Earth Hour. Because in reality, the amount of energy and resources saved during that one hour by even a hundred countries is miniscule compared to that which we have spent frivolously over the past years. I understand now that Earth Hour merely serves as a symbol: a strong reminder for everybody that positive change can only take place if we can incorporate our sustainable actions into our lifestyle. For these actions are not the goals themselves but the means to a greener, more peaceful world.

During JASPARC, I learned that when it comes to Sustainable Development, progressing on the personal level is just as important as striving to preserve the environment. Such being the case, I have posted on my study wall a list of seemingly insignificant actions I can take to spark positive change. The nice thing about this list is that it’s not “exclusively CISV”— I am just challenging myself to be a better me, which will have its own pleasant consequences on this world.


Among these resolutions are: to use a pail and dipper to bathe, to finish my food, to wash my own dishes, to bid my nightlight good bye (this is proving to be the most challenging), to cordially greet fellow joggers, to say thank you more often, to perform more random acts of kindness, and to stop complaining.
With the proper mindset, the difference I’ll be making can reach just as far as the flying lanterns have gone ☺

- Mickey Agoncillo
Manila, Philippines