by Ricky Jimenez
In the days of old when knighthood evoked images of chivalry, as in the defense of a damsel in distress, the Faith, and the Holy Land, today knighthood takes on a new perspective: to work in defense of human life and the rest of God’s creation.
Catholic gentlemen admitted to the Knights of Columbus have taken a pledge to serve the church, family, council, community, and youth, and the latest addition: pro-life, a respect for the unborn baby, and by extension, for the rest of the created world.
Regional Secretary Sir Knight Reynaldo C. Trinidad, whose authority covers the archdiocese of Davao, the dioceses of Digos, Tagum (and Compostela province) and Mati (DADITAMA), said the soft spot for human life and the environment lies in the Knights’ orientation that mankind was made in the image of God, imbued with intellect and free will, whose body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit, and mandated to care for, protect and heal the Earth.
Thus, beyond their elegant bearing during floral offerings on national day celebrations (Rizal Day, National Heroes Day, Independence Day, and Araw ng Kagitingan/Fall of Bataan) while in their honor guard regalia (with sash and sword, plumed chapeau, white dinner jacket and white gloves, and colorful cape), Knights (in the fourth degree) and others (first to third degrees) take their role as stewards of creation to the hilt.
The largest pro-environment project undertaken todate is “Operation Kontra Baha” in the last quarter of 2009, which planted 55,000 malibago (a mangrove specie) seedlings along the banks of the Davao and Talomo rivers.
Initiating the project was Sir Knight Gregorio R. Sarmiento of Council 9573, Catalunan Grande, who mobilized about 20 councils located near the riverbanks. Giving their full support were contingents from local barangay units led by their respective barangay captains, the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, Liga ng mga Barangay, Disaster Assistance and Relief Operations, DENR 11, DA 11 and students from several participating schools.
Mindanao State Deputy, Sir Knight Sofronio R. Cruz, a Dabawenyo, encouraged the integration of environmentalism into the usual service programs, if feasible, to serve as “show window” in the districts and councils.
Senior Knights in Council 9328, Dumoy, showed their green thumb by raising high value commercial crops (honeydew and pechay) inside a 210-sq. mtr. green house requested from the regional DA 11 office, put up within the Dacoville subdivision, using composted materials, an environment-friendly practise.
Council 9196, Talomo, under Sir Knight Jessie Mar Y. Culaste, Dumoy barangay captain, has been winning major city-wide awards for his “Gulayan sa Barangay” project along the highway. Average daily income from the sale of safe and healthy vegetables is P200.00.
In Digos, Bishop Guillermo Afable has officiated at a tree-planting activity in his diocese with the help of local KC officers, including visiting Sir Knight Fidel Blantucas, area manager of the KC Fraternal Assistance of the Philippines Inc (KCFAPI), the Order’s insurance arm in the region.
To the kights, it is in environmentalism that they can find expression in God’s love for creation and the biblical mandate to care for, protect and heal the earth.
This writer, a charter Grand Knight of Council 13815, Baliok and now of Council 9328, Dumoy, is an environment advocate. In a personal level, this is a form of apostolate, a means to put into practice the core values inculcated to members during their admission in closed ceremonies: charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Having said enough, we say: “Vivat Jesu!” (email me: rjrjrajimenez@gmail.com)
