Response to Climate Change

(Editor’s Note: Speech of Hon. Lilian Quimpo Tirol on the opening program of the 62nd Foundation Day of Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo)

Hon. Tirol receiving Plaque of Appreciation after her speech from NVC president, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo and Dr. Reinalda I. Magdaluyo, Dean, Graduate School and College of Education.

Hon. Lilian Q. Tirol

Greetings! Our President, my brother, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, the different College Deans and Dept. Heads, NVC Faculty, NVC King and Queen of Hearts, dear students, ladies and gentlemen…

Once again, our beloved institution, the Northwestern Visayan Colleges is celebrating its birthday, the college foundation day, we traditionally call "NVC College Festival". This is the time to give thanks to our God Almighty for all the blessings bestowed upon our 62-year old NVC, and to all of us, NVCnians. This is the time to be proud of all the successes that our school and all NVCnians have attained. This is the time to renew our commitment to our missions and visions, and our commitment to our community and the world.

This year’s theme: "The NVC Responding to the Challenge of Climate Change", speaks of roles and contributions in the protection of our environment. Mother Earth is growing old, is becoming fragile, and needs a lot of caring. Let us work hand in hand, in protecting her. This is our commitment. Through environmental awareness, we hope to leave for the future generation a better world to live in. We, not only celebrate our foundation day, we actually work and do something, in our own little ways to help preserve the environment.

For many years now, we have always been part of the development of the multi awarded mangrove project, the Bakhawan Eco Park. Our students, including foreign students have contributed their shares by planting trees and by making the Eco Park beautiful. We can, therefore, proudly say, we did our share. Let us continue doing this, and be proud of it.

Let us do more. Let us support projects and programs related to the conservation of the environment. For example, the proper disposal of garbage; not to cut trees or use wood for fire. Instead, use other biomass; not to burn leaves but instead process them into fertilizers, and a lot more that each and everyone of us can actually do. If all of us do small things, taken together, these could add up to become big ones.

The NVC is a venue for educating our people of the perils of degradation of the environment. Let us be the models so that when you, students, go home to your homes, you will be passing it on to your brothers, sisters, mother, father, neighbors.
Our community needs each and everyone of you with this commitment.

As your public servant, I promise to do my share not only in the Education of our youth, but also in this commitment for the preservation of the environment.

As your public servant, I will work for the partnership of public and private initiatives for a better Aklan. Yes, I shall be extending the volume of our scholarship programs for the poor and deserving students. NVC, through the years, have produced thousands of graduates who have enjoyed scholarships and discounts. I will be there for you and your families so that you will enjoy affordable but good quality education. I will be there to place the importance of education as the basic core of development.
In addition, I will be there to encourage and help assist programs and projects related to the preservation of the environment.

Let us make our NVC community stronger as ever. I extend my warmest congratulation to all those who have contributed in the success of this year’s NVC College Festival.

Mabuhay NVC, more power! /MP