It is certain that climate change has
been caused by human activity. This is the main premise of the recently
released 5th Assessment Report of the International Panel on Climate
Change.
And the adverse effect of climate change
is here to stay and disrupt our way of lives forever. This has been manifested
by heat waves, glacial melt, creeping desertification, rising sea levels, and
intensifying extreme weather events around the world.
The real and present danger of climate
change has spurred countries in forging an international treaty to enable the
world to cope with its impacts [adaptation] and cut down greenhouse gas
emissions to stabilize the global temperature [mitigation].
The urgency of the issue is reflected by
the continuing efforts of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines' to include climate change as a key
area of engagement.
Perhaps it would interest the brethren
to know that in fact, a small group of Masons and their relations are leading
the Philippine delegation in negotiating an international agreement in the
arena of climate change adaptation.
Usec. Segfredo “Kuya Fred” Serrano of
the Department of Agriculture, a Past Master of Makiling Lodge No. 72, is the
lead negotiator of what is known today as Team Adaptation of the Philippines.
And since the 16th Conference
of Parties in Cancun, the author and Dir. Alicia “Ate Alice” Ilaga whose
husband is a Kuya based in Canada has been assisting Kuya Fred in negotiating
one text after in the war for adaptation.
Ate Dinah Umengan whose husband is a
member of the Rafael Palma Lodge No. 147 also helps Team Adaptation from time
to time, as well as Bangkok-based Dinah Fuestina whose father and brothers are
Kuyangs too.
Outside the negotiations, Kuya Milo
Tanchuling and Kuya Eman both of Rafael Palma Lodge ramp up the pressure for
developed countries to deliver their commitment in supporting developing
countries like the Philippines adapt to the adverse effects of climate
change. Malou Tabios whose father is a kuya is also on hand from time to time.
In the negotiations for reducing emissions
from deforestation and forest degradation, Dr. Rowena Boquiren whose father is a
kuya is also actively engaged.
And many eyebrows were raised on hearing
Kuya Fred address his underlings as “Kuya” and “Ate” when they are in fact
younger than him and considering that he is the boss of the team.
Team Adaptation has been doing well in
the negotiations and recognized by other parties as a solid team that delivers.
And this can be attributed by the
strings of Masonry that not only bound them tightly as a family more than just
a team.
In 2015 in Paris, a new international treaty
on climate change is expected to be agreed upon by the world.
Should that day come, it would be a good
feeling to think that the Craft has contributed in making the world a safer
place through a small family of Masons.
First published in the July-September issue of "The Craftsman".
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