“Via Crucis sa Ilog Angat 2025” promotes environmental justice, highlighting the need to protect the Angat River and global glaciers. The event blends spiritual reflection with ecological advocacy to raise awareness and inspire action. (Photo credits: [above] Emmanuel Van Rowe Clemente and [below] Carl Aldrick Layug )
The 2025 Via Crucis sa Ilog Angat, held in Bulacan on March 21, 2025, aims to promote environmental justice by raising awareness about protecting the Angat River and global glaciers.
The event, organized by La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP), combines spiritual reflection with ecological advocacy, encouraging participants to pray, reflect, and take action for environmental conservation.
Fr. Peter Collin Castillo Crisostomo, parochial vicar of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Isidro Labrador in Pulilan, Bulacan, has reminded the public that envy can drive people to exploit nature without realizing its destructive impact.
He warned that many remain indifferent to nature’s retaliation until disasters like storms strike, emphasizing that the world is humanity’s only home, urging everyone to love and protect it.
“In this season of Lent, it is good to ask how we can get rid of our envy. Through charity,” the priest added while reiterating the importance of charity and environmental stewardship.
He encouraged the participants to continue advocating for kindness and ecological conservation, recognizing nature as a gift from God. They are reminded to protect the environment, appreciate their blessings, and express gratitude by caring for the world as an act of love and responsibility.
Meanwhile, LCUP president Sr. Niceta M. Vargas, OSA, PhD together with the fishermen of Calumpit and the whole LCUP community has been actively engaged in environmental initiatives to protect and nurture the Ilog Angat.
According to Vargas, over the past three years since the “Via Crucis sa Ilog” began, the fish population in the river has tripled, demonstrating the profound impact of dedicated care and sustainable practices.
These strides not only benefit local biodiversity but also significantly support the livelihood of the fishermen.
She added that the LCUP’s environmental endeavors extend beyond ecological improvement, fostering stronger bonds between the community and the environment they depend on.
As part of its commitment to stewardship, LCUP has integrated meaningful traditions like the “Via Crucis” into its environmental programs, underscoring the spiritual and cultural dimension of its mission.
“By strengthening social conscience and raising awareness, the institution continues to lead a winning, toxic-free initiative that inspires others to take action for Mother Earth,” Vargas cited.
“Via Crucis sa Ilog” is an annual Lenten tradition along the Angat River in Bulacan, initiated by LCUP in 2006. It combines spiritual reflection with environmental advocacy, seeking forgiveness for ecological harm, offering prayers, and releasing tilapia fingerlings to restore the river’s ecosystem. (Yen Ocampo)
