The Philippines is seeing a growing momentum for recognizing the Rights of Nature (RoN) movement, with SNAF joining other advocates in pushing for its legal recognition in the country. The RoNPh General Assembly was recently held from March 21-23, 2023, at the Manrissa Retreat House in Banawe, Quezon City, and saw the participation of representatives from various organizations and sectors, including Executive Director of Santo Niño Augustinian Development Foundation, Inc. (SNAF) and Chair of the Commission of Justice and Peace of the Augustinian Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu – Philippines, Fr. John Ion C. Miranda, OSA.
The RoN concept recognizes that nature has inherent rights and values that need protection and preservation. It transcends traditional conservation efforts that focus on the sustainable use of natural resources and acknowledges that nature has its own right to exist, thrive, and evolve.