Alumni in sustainability come home for “Our Blue Roots” celebration hosted by the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability

Last April 13 the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability (AIS) hosted “Our Blue Roots”, an event held to celebrate Ateneo Alumni in different fields of sustainability, to encourage care and support amongst the professional sustainability community, and to circle back to the shared mission of Laudato Si’. The event also serves as the culmination of AIS’ 10 year anniversary celebration. 

Over 120 Alumni, now working in different sectors of sustainability – from corporate, science, public service, and nonprofit – attended the event held at the 5th floor of the Rizal Library and online via Zoom.

The event started off early in the morning, where participants were guided through a Nature and Sustainability Walk; the walk is a staple of the Campus Sustainability program in partnership with The Ateneo Wild, where facilitators provide a guided tour through the university, highlighting the campus biodiversity. The walk aims to foster appreciation for the natural environment through environmental education.

On their way up to the venue, guests were guided through the “Our Wild Campus: The Ateneo Wild Exhibit”. The exhibit is a collaboration between the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability and The Ateneo Wild, and is a collection of original illustrations by visual artist and alumna Patria “Iya” Regalario. The collection features the campus’ lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), wildflowers, resident birds, and native trees. The same illustrations can be found in The Ateneo Wild coloring books. Works are available for purchase until the end of the exhibit on 17 May, 2024.

After registration, guests were welcomed by hosts, Ms. Jean Meir Jardaleza Mijares, and Mr. Daniel C. Ratilla, the Program Manager and Program Officer for the Climate Disaster Resilience program under AIS.  

The hosts introduced Dr. Leland De La Cruz, who delivered opening remarks, followed with a short message from the current president of the Ateneo, Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ. Fr. Yap reminds the audience of our shared mission to the environment under Laudato Si’, and entrusts the audience to continue on this mission in their own professional endeavors. 

The event was also a celebration of the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability’s own journey as the environmental hub of the university. Dr. Ma. Assunta “Achoot”  Cuyegkeng, took to the podium to trace back AIS’ early beginnings, more than 10 years ago. 

AIS’ director, Dr. C. Kendra Gotangco Gonzales, joined by the Program Manager for the Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Emmanuel D. Delocado, and the Program Manager for Campus Sustainability,  Ms. Abigail Favis, took their seats on-stage to talk about their sustainability journey in AIS, how their work is evolving and expanding, and what is next for the organization. 

To speak more about the growing relevance of sustainability, they turned the floor over to esteemed alumni: Mr. Rafael Dionisio, the founder of MAD Travel (Make a Difference), Ms. Jenica Dizon-Mountford, Country Director for Waves for Water Philippines, and Mr. Frances Ian Agatep, Senior Environmental Management Specialist for the Quezon City government. The panel of alumni talk about their life and career after graduating, their non-linear paths to sustainability, working with communities, and taking on the challenges of sustainability. 

The audience had a chance to participate in the panel discussion through a live survey conducted on Menti. Participants were also encouraged to share their ideas for a more sustainable world on the advocacy board, patterned on the One Big Hive citizen design workshop. 

Last but not least, artist Iya Regalario took center stage to introduce and officially launch the Our Wild Campus exhibit by unveiling the centerpiece of the collection aptly named “Our Wild Campus”. She spoke briefly about her beginnings as an artist whilst working for AIS, and the experience of collaborating with scientists to accurately communicate the beauty of nature. 

Episodes from the “Blue Roots: Green Paths” series, featuring notable guests and alumni: Shawntel Nieto, Dr. Janice Lao, Trin Custodio, Dr. Robert Siy Jr., and Nonong Velasco, were screened as participants had lunch. The video provides a snapshot of the guests’ journey into the field of sustainability, the challenges ahead, and what keeps them going. In retelling their stories, AIS hopes to inspire students, aspiring professionals, and all those interested in environmental advocacy to begin on their path to sustainability. Click on the captions to watch the episodes.

Participants took the rest of the afternoon to meet old friends, colleagues, and mentors, and foster new connections in the sustainability network.

The Ateneo Institute of Sustainability shares their hope that as the sustainability advocacy and movement branches outward, Alumni remember to come back to their shared mission, and blue roots.