ASEZ Talk Concert With the Villar Foundation of the Philippines

On November 10, the “ASEZ Talk Concert With the Villar Foundation Philippines” was held at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple, where about 560 members of ASEZ—the World Mission Society Church of God University Student Volunteer Group—from across Korea gathered. The Villar Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Las Piñas, the Philippines, dedicated to environmental protection and improving medical and well-being services for vulnerable groups. On this day, Cynthia A. Villar—former Senator of the Philippines and Executive Director of the Villar Foundation—visited the Pangyo Temple to share the knowledge and experience she has gained through diverse well-being initiatives and legislative work with the university students.

Heavenly Mother warmly welcomed Director Villar, who took part in the talk concert as a speaker for the next generation. The event began around 3 p.m. with a welcome performance by an orchestra and mixed choir, delivering messages of courage and hope through pieces such as “When You Wish Upon a Star” from the animation Pinocchio, “Let’s Save the Forests,” and “Right Now, Right Here.”

In his opening remarks, General Pastor Kim Joo-Cheol expressed his gratitude to Director Villar, saying, “The Villar Foundation’s achievements, which have demonstrated the value of sustainability through action, closely align with ASEZ’s goal of empowering university students to take the lead in changing the world.” He added, “I hope today becomes an opportunity for our members to gain deeper and broader perspectives on sustainability by learning from the foundation’s experience and insights.”

Director Villar delivered a detailed lecture based on her extensive experience not only in preserving and restoring the Philippine environment but also in improving the quality of life and raising the environmental awareness of local residents. These achievements were made through a wide range of efforts, including environmental campaigns, projects, and legislative initiatives. She emphasized that protecting the environment means caring for both the earth and the people who live on it, stressing that “we should not focus too heavily on one side.” Her message underscored the importance of planning and implementing multifaceted activities that safeguard the environment while ensuring that local communities can lead healthy and stable lives. In response to questions from ASEZ members about collaboration with local communities, Director Villar offered practical advice and even proposed opportunities for partnership with ASEZ.

ASEZ members then introduced their climate action initiatives, including the “Earth Recovery Project” and the “Zero Plastic 2040” campaign, which are being carried out not only in the Philippines but around the world. They highlighted the positive changes ASEZ has helped bring about through cooperation with civil society, international organizations, and various sectors.

On this day, Mother presented a plaque of appreciation to Executive Director Villar for her continued partnership with the Church of God and ASEZ—a partnership that has inspired the rising generation. Director Villar has long supported ASEZ’s environmental and crime-prevention forums in the Philippines and has also taken part in the Church of God’s worldwide blood drives, building a deep and lasting connection.

Ki Yoon-min, a member from Yonsei University, shared, “Through the lecture, I realized that we must consider both the environment and people together. I hope to share what I have learned with others and play a role in addressing the climate crisis and helping those who are suffering because of it.” Lim Su-jeong, a doctoral student in Climate, Environment, and Energy Studies at Sookmyung Women’s University Graduate School, said, “I was deeply impressed by the Villar Foundation’s efforts that have brought about real change across society. I look forward to the synergy that can arise from combining the expertise of experienced professionals with the passion and action of university students. I also hope to continue my research so that it can contribute to both the earth and humanity.”

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