BY: JUJU MANUBAG-EMPUERTO
CEBU CITY, July 1 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) culminated its Environment Month's celebration at SM City, Cebu on June 30, said DENR-7 Information Officer Dr. Eddie Llamedo.
Llamedo said some 13 companies and non-government organizations (NGOs) including four mining firms and a local government unit (LGU) were among the awardees of the environment and natural resources (ENR) awards.
DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said "the environment and natural resources or ENR award is given to those companies and institutions who have shown or manifested an exemplary contribution and stewardship in implementing the state’s initiatives and programs for environmental protection and conservation.”
Leading this year’s awardee is Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. for being the department’s active partner in biodiversity research wildlife protection and conservation, particularly in the research studies of the endangered species such as Cebu Cinnamon Tree, Cebu Flowerpecker and Black Shama within the Central Protected Landscape.
He added that the awarding was held at the SM City Activity Center and was led by Montejo with Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) 7 Regional Director William Cuñado and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 Regional Director Loreto Alburo with the four regional technical directors, namely, Emma Melana, Al Orolfo, Wilfredo Lee, and Eduardo Inting.
“We deeply recognize the ‘big’ roles of our partners and collaborators in achieving our mandate and programs through sustained and meaningful support and cooperation with them,” said Montejo.
For exemplary contribution to the environment, the awardees were Energy Development Corporation, CP Kelco Philippines Inc., Taiyo Yuden Inc. Philippines, and Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
Cited also were mining companies like Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC), Apo Cement Corporation and APO Land and Quarry Corporation, Philippine Mining Service Corporation-Bohol Plant and Bohol Limestone Corporation, and Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Incorporation and Solid Earth Development Corporation, according to Llamedo.
CCC, a subsidiary of Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation, was also acknowledged for rehabilitating about over 375 hectares of mining impact areas in Toledo City with around 8.75 hectares within an alienable and disposable area.
Adding to the list of awardees is the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation and Foundation University in Dumaguete City.
Likewise, the municipality of Candijay, Bohol was also presented an award for producing over a thousand patents which comprises the 25 percent accomplishment of the entire province in 2013 for patent issuance, said Llamedo.
Certificates of recognition were also given to the seven exhibitors that participated in the eight-day ‘enviro-xhibit’ from June 23 to June 30.
Saint Theresa’s College and Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry were commended for the ‘2nd run for the rivers’ event.
Montejo stressed that DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje reaffirmed their pledge to sustain their commitment to work in partnership with all sectors and give priority attention to the fight against conditions or situations that threaten the sustainable development of the people. (rmn/jsme/PIA-Cebu/DENR-7)