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Letran Manila has partnered with ACEN, the renewable energy arm of Ayala Corporation, through a ceremonial contract signing on October 1 at SC Auditorium. Photo Courtesy: Augusto Urbano II.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran took a step towards sustainability with the ceremonial signing of a renewable energy contract with Ayala Corporation's ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (ACEN Res), yesterday, Oct.1 in the SC Auditorium.
The day began with a Mass of St. Therese, led by Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, OP, SThL-MA, Rector and President of Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The mass served as a spiritual invocation for the institution’s commitment to caring for the environment, inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church on the protection of creation.
Rev. Fr. Jose Martin Sibug, O.P., Executive Vice President of Letran, delivered a speech emphasizing the institution's commitment to environmental sustainability and its alignment with Catholic values.
“By uniting in prayer and action, we are taking meaningful steps towards the protection of our common home,” he stated, reaffirming Letran’s dedication to reducing its carbon emissions to zero.
In her remarks, Ann Gabrielle Joseph, Senior Account Manager at ACEN Res, provided an informative overview of the current state of climate change, noting that global temperatures have risen by 1°C since the 1980s due to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gasses.
She further elaborated on the environmental impacts of traditional power generation methods, noting that coal, oil, and natural gas plants are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. By switching to renewable energy, Letran will achieve its goal of zero emissions on campus.
In his closing remarks, Fr. Sibug underscored the critical nature of the transition to green energy, comparing the effects of climate change to an illness afflicting the planet.
“Our planet is running a fever, and the disruptions we are witnessing are symptoms of a deeper crisis,” he said.
Fr. Sibug also elaborated on the Green Energy Option Program, which forms part of Letran's broader initiative to lead by example in the fight against climate change.
The event culminated with the signing of the renewable energy contract between Letran and ACEN Res. Followed by the uncovering of the ceremonial seal, symbolizing the formal commitment of the institution to a future powered entirely by clean energy.
This partnership not only reduces Letran’s environmental impact but also aligns the institution with the Philippines’ national goals for sustainability and renewable energy development.