Caritas Philippines actively participated in the Southeast Asia Climate Response Framework Workshop supported by Caritas Australia to develop a multi-country climate action program for Southeast Asia. Held in Cambodia from July 8-11, 2024, the event brought together organizations from Cambodia, Indonesia, Timor Leste, and the Philippines.
Building on each country’s existing climate action framework, the workshop focused on creating a collaborative regional program to address climate change in Southeast Asia. Caritas Philippines, represented by Executive Director Fr. Tito Caluag and Ecology Program Head Ms. Jing Rey Henderson, played a key role in shaping the program framework and identifying shared strategic actions.
The workshop emphasized the importance of the Laudato Si encyclical in guiding the regional program, highlighting the need for a holistic approach integrating faith-based values with practical environmental stewardship.
Representatives from the four countries collaborated to develop a framework aimed at strengthening: Individuals, communities, and institutions, Ecosystems, Partnerships, and Policies.
This collective effort seeks to contribute to the well-being of both people and the planet. The framework is set to be launched in October during the 2024 Season of Creation Celebration.
Caritas Philippines’ involvement in this workshop underscores its commitment to working with regional partners to combat climate change. The developed framework will serve as a roadmap for future collaborative efforts to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development across Southeast Asia.