AIS conducts eco-anxiety workshop for ASHS faculty

In a world riddled with environmental issues and sociopolitical turmoil, there is both a recognition of the urgent need for collective action towards caring for our common home and an examination of our fears, anxieties, and the possibility of hope. 

On 21 May 2025, the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability (AIS) conducted an Eco-Anxiety Workshop for the faculty and staff of the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS). The workshop entitled “Ka-likha-san: Connecting with nature through art and creativity” was moderated by Expressive Arts Facilitators from The Arts and Health Institute PH (TAHI), led by Isa Garcia, Jen Horn, and Angel Illana. Conducted as part of AIS’s Laudato Si’ Week 2025: Raising Hope, the workshop was designed to give the participants a space to process and reflect on their climate-related fears and worries through art, writing, and movement.

The event commenced with a meaningful introduction by Ms Chris Lacdao, the Program Head for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the AIS and then faculty member of the ASHS. Ms Lacdao shared insights on the intersection of integral ecology, art, and education through her experiences as a Creative Writing teacher and a sustainability leader. 

Afterwards, the Expressive Arts Facilitators from TAHI initiated a fun self-introduction exercise. Each facilitator announced their name and affiliations, followed by a distinct and repeated bodily movement meant to emulate their spirit animal. The participants were all smiles as the facilitators swayed their bodies and jiggled their arms in mimicry of an elephant, an otter, or a tiger, among others. The room was filled with energy as the participants also took turns introducing themselves with a motion emulating their own spirit animals.

The second part of the workshop activated the participants’ creative juices, as they turned air-dry clays into a natural element that is close to their hearts. Colorful creations ranging from a plain rock to the rare axolotl were carefully crafted by the ASHS faculty and staff during this session. Then, the participants were urged to reflect and write a message to their chosen creation. 

The workshop concluded with a processing session, where the participants shared their insights within their small groups. A couple of eager faculty members also imparted their reflections of hope and inspiration to the larger assembly.