The Office of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the College Ignatian Formation Program and National Service Training Program Department, conducted a National Situationer Update on May 2, 2025, at the Arrupe Convention Hall. The talk highlighted the theme, “From Awareness to Action: Sustainable Lifestyles for Climate Resilience,” in support of Ateneo de Naga University’s Laudato Si Initiative. 

The event drew over 400 members of student organizations and students enrolled in CIFP and NSTP classes. 

The resource speaker, Ryan Anthony M. Bestre holds a Master of Climate Change and International Development at the University of East Anglia in UK as a Chevening Scholar, and currently serves as Climate Change Officer at the Asian Development Bank. 

In his talk, Bestre provided an overview of the current climate crisis, the frequency and intensity of typhoons, prolonged and more intense droughts and dry spells, sea level rise, coral bleaching, and surge of vector-borne diseases. He also discussed mitigation and adaptation strategies, while also identifying barriers to climate action and sustainability. 

Bestre challenged the student leaders to be part of the solutions by embracing an eco-friendly lifestyles. He offered practical ways students can take, such as reducing food waste, trying composting, growing food, adopting a zero-waste lifestyle, reducing energy use and conserving resources, restoring ecosystems, making one’s voice heard, and demanding climate justice. 

The NatSit forms part of OSA’s Ateneo Leadership Development Program for students, which seeks to deepen the students and organizations’ social awareness and inspire proactive engagement in societal issues, like climate change. This year’s NatSit was held within the week-long Student Organizations’ Festival (Orgs Fest).

Written by: Rodolfo SB. Virtus Jr.