SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: PERSONAL REFLECTION

Sustainable development is defined as the development that meets the needs of

the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs.1
The interactions within the society with utmost regard to the environment and
sensitivity to its culture, purposely for economic growth, is what sustainable development
advocates. It is a concept that deals with the current demand of the society and
anticipates the needs of the future generations. It is likewise a concept that emphasizes
the "inter-generational responsibility" and "inter-generational justice."
In the landmark case of Oposa vs. Factoran (G.R. No. 101083 July 30, 1993)2, the
Supreme Court cited that while the right to a balanced and healthful ecology is to be found
under the Declaration of Principles and State Policies and not under the Bill of Rights, it
does not follow that it is less important than any of the civil and political rights enumerated
in the latter. It means that it is the right of an individual to be born and live in an
ecologically-balanced environment.
All the above rights necessarily define self- preservation and self- perpetuation the
inherent and are assumed to be existing from the inception of mankind. The
institutionalization of sustainable development is a way of preserving the environment and
protecting the rights of those unborn generations to a sound ecological balance.
Educating the community on the importance of sustainable development will be the key
factor in achieving its purpose. By letting everybody realize how valuable the environment
is, all will be doing its share not only to protect his own rights but also to preserve the
environment for the benefit of the future generations.
Keeping them motivated to give due respect and importance to the environment
along with the economic gains from the natural resources it hosts, will drive them to
support the sustainable development programs of the government. Furthermore, seeing

1 https://en.unesco.org/themes/education-sustainable-development/what-is-esd/sd.retrieved on 06 June
2019.
2
https://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1993/jul1993/gr_101083_1993.html. Retrieved on 06 June 2019.
the government genuine concern towards the protection, conservation and preservation
of the environment, people’s cooperation will pour and boost the efforts.
Hence, supporting the attainment of the sustainable development goals assures
mankind of a sound ecological balance and not a parched environment incapable of
sustaining life.