We welcome the advent of the Christmas season with events that remind us of our commitment to care for Mother Earth. Last weekend, a media summit on Climate Change prepared a country strategy for the December summit in Copenhagen. The latter may not be able to arrive at a legally binding treaty, but consensus on priority issues is at least expected. Likewise, the G 77 countries hope that world leaders will be able to make firm commitments on assistance to developing countries which are in need of technologies and capacity building for climate change mitigation and adaptation. The media must continually remind the public about the urgency to act now – on policy and action programs not only on the environment but also on related problems of population, migration, and governance. These issues must be addressed in present advocacy, if we expect positive changes in climate change adaptation.

If you are thinking of suitable presents for the holidays, here are some ideas. Liongoren Gallery in its exhibit this week features noted visual artists. Paintings are always appreciated, and it will give you an opportunity to assist typhoon victims as well. EcoWaste Coalition, encourages use of eco-friendly packaging – gifts wrapped or contained in our native bayong or baskets woven from native plant material; tote bags, cheesecloth or recycled materials such as juice packs and fabric scraps. These products are also welcome anytime, Christmas or any day of the year: malagkit or glutinous rice, brown sugar, tablea or pure cocoa blocks, queso de bola, noodles like bihon or sotanghon, macaroni or condiments, home-cooked specialties, fruits, potted plants, books, and school or office supplies. Manufacturers of school supplies should be encouraged to explore more creative use of indigenous and biodegradable materials.

We must read labels of goods, especially those intended for children. Some toys contain lead, a neurotoxic that affects both adults and children. Exposure to even small amounts of lead can cause children to become inattentive, hyperactive, and irritable. Those with greater lead levels may have problems with reading and learning and suffer from delayed growth and hearing loss. Both the Departments of Health and Trade and Industry are urged to hold regular testing of toys and similar items, and disseminate information on those that should not be sold in the market. For a New Year resolution, we urge everybody to begin monitoring one’s carbon footprint – at least weekly or often enough. If 10 million Filipinos are able to reduce their energy consumption, using less plastic, gas, and electricity, or by simplifying our lifestyle, think of how this would contribute to carbon reduction.

Norma Liongoren reminds us that the exhibit on November 26-December 9, “Unos at Banaag” at her Cubao gallery, is aimed at strengthening awareness-building and action on the environment. Among the 49 artists are National Artist Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Nestor Vinluan, Fred Liongoren, and Julie Lluch. Together with Pangasinan artists, the exhibit will be shown again on December 12 at the newly constructed Liongoren Gallery in Tapuac, Dagupan City. Proceeds will go to Operation Blessing’s fund for medical missions and livelihood workshops for severely affected communities in the province. The exhibit honors the memory of the late Odette Alcantara, a passionate advocate for the environment and arts and culture.

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We mourn the passing of Architect Serafin Aquino and condole with Fiona and her brothers and sisters. A noted environment planner, Serafin “Boy” had made invaluable contribution to the urban planning of Metro Manila and Tagaytay. My e-mail is florangel.braid@gmail.com.