Delegates learn more about socio-economic and environmental realities through the NYD Runs. Analyn Perucho / CBCPNews
ZAMBOANGA City – As part of the national youth day celebration, young people were recently challenged to give serious thought about the environment and its future, in an activity called NYD Run on Nov. 8.
“If we are suffering right now, is [it also] suffering that we are going to pass on to the next generation?” asked Diane Sol, a pilgrim from the Diocese of Boac, sharing her insights after joining one of the NYD Runs on the third day of the youth event, “Agila’ Lipad na: A Laudato Si talk.”
In an interview, Sol also said that “this generation has the biggest responsibility in preserving the environment” because natural resources and ecology have to be preserved for the future generations
“If we will not take care of our environment then who will take care of it?” she added.
Thousands of pilgrims joined NYD Runs in various immersion sites, learning more about different topics like peace, fitness, liturgy, relationships, economy, and politics.
According to organizers, the said activity aims to help the youth understand prevailing socio-economic issues and realities in Philippine society.
As speaker in one the talks, former Department of Energy and Natural Resources secretary Gina Lopez reminded the pilgrims about the power of dreams.
“If you think small, you’ll dream small and you will be small. Are you small? No! Because God is inside of you, God is with you.” she said.
Lopez then challenged the youth to make a stand for the environment while staying “rooted in love.”
“Love is the foundation of economic growth,” she noted.
Some 2,052 delegates from all over the Philippines converged in this city for NYD 2017 from Nov. 6 to 10. Angel Memorando/CBCPNews
